Our EastEnders review this week is really only about one thing. The Branning family! Because they are back, baby. Well, almost.

This week we met Oscar Branning – a bisexual mini Max as his Uncle Jack dubbed him. And, well! What a treat he is. A bit annoying, admittedly, but definitely a burst of energy, trouble and fun.

There was a lot to love about Oscar arriving on Albert Square. Here’s what we really enjoyed, in this week’s EastEnders review…

Oscar Branning in an EastEnders publicity shot
Oscar arrived and we love him already (Credit: BBC)
The Branning recap
Within about two seconds of Oscar’s return, we had a mention of Lauren and Oscar’s sister, Abi. Plus of course we had several references to their mum, Tanya.

Meanwhile, Jack came home having been away staying with his sister Suzy (who, by the way, was one of our favourite ever Brannings).

We were reminded of Abi and Lauren’s plunge from the roof of The Queen Vic, that killed poor Abi. Oscar mentioned Max sleeping with Lucy Beale (not his finest moment) AND then there was Stacey.

Stacey and Oscar came face to face in Beale’s Plaice and Oscar’s slow realisation of who Stacey was exactly, was pure EastEnders gold. We loved it.

Oscar calling Ian, Brian was also a treat! We liked the thoughtful present he bought for Jimmy, and Penny finally having something to do. We also liked the gathering storm clouds over the dangerous people Oscar had annoyed.

In fact, we liked it all so much we’re willing to ignore the oddness of Oscar and his enemies all being in East London, when they live in Exeter.

With Oscar’s return, Jack coming home and Max arriving soon, it definitely looks like the Branning family are having a resurgence, and we’re very pleased about it!

The Branning family on EastEnders

Max and Oscar are so alike! (Credit: BBC)

Amazing EastEnders casting!
Also, on a side note, can we take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of the EastEnders casting department? We already knew they were great because of the generations of fierce, blonde Mitchell women – Peggy, Ronnie, Roxy, Sam, Louise, Amy and Lexi.

We’re blown away by the similarities between Lily and Stacey. We love how much Peter is like Ian.

And now we’re impressed all over again by just how much Oscar resembles Max. It’s super clever, and we are here for it.

Will Nigel leave with Julie in EastEnders
Julie asked Nigel to come home to Scotland with her (Credit: BBC)
EastEnders review: Nigel said goodbye
Oscar wasn’t the only returnee this week. Nigel’s wife Julie arrived in Walford from Edinburgh, and she was relieved, sad and happy all at the same time to be reunited with her husband. She took him back home – absolutely the right decision for everyone – and Phil was devastated.

In typical Phil fashion he pushed everyone away who was trying to help him – Kat and Linda were given a dressing down and he refused to say goodbye to his bestie. And when he found out about Johnny and Callum, he lost it. He attacked Callum and then announced Lexi couldn’t live with him any more. Is this the start of another downward spiral for Phil?

EastEnders review: Junior talks to Cindy

Where’s Junior?
Peter has taken on the fruit and veg stall, which is pretty perfect. Except, we suddenly remembered he’s meant to be working with Junior. And then we realised we’ve not seen Junior for ages – in fact we can’t remember the last time he graced the Square. Where is he? Does Gina still live with him? Where is Anna living now she’s back? It’s all terribly confusing.

EastEnders review: Stacey looks surprised on EastEnders
Stacey got some surprising news (Credit: BBC)

EastEnders review: Stacey’s life insurance
Now, call us cynical, but never before have we heard of an insurance company so eager to cough up cash that they track down a beneficiary at home. Nor have we ever heard of an insurance company that mysteriously knows when a policy holder has died without anyone telling them.

Anyway, those whinges aside, we’re quite pleased with Stacey’s windfall, because the only thing we like better than a skint Slater, is one with money!

EastEnders review; Ravi has another job for Harry in EastEnders
We don’t like mean Ravi (Credit: BBC)
EastEnders review: Ravi’s so mean!
It’s possible we’re blinded by the muscles and the eyes, but we can’t help loving Ravi. He’s a bit hard to like at the moment though because he is being So Very Mean to Harry. And we think he might be about to drag poor Kojo into his dodgy drug dealing, too. We’re definitely not on board with that. Bring back family man Ravi. He’s much more interesting!

Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns.