2027: The Questions

New Year’s Day gave us a flashforward episode so packed with chaos, clues and cryptic stares that even Sharon Watts would’ve needed a stiff drink to process it. Before we catch up to that fateful night in 2027, there are some very big questions Walford needs to answer — and the episode didn’t so much hint at them as throw them at us like a Mitchell in a mood.

The first mystery hits before anyone even opens their mouth: the Queen Vic window is boarded up after a rowdy party the night before. Tracey’s been left in charge, which is already a sign of the apocalypse, and the Slaters and Zack are nowhere to be seen. Either they’re all hungover in a heap on Kat’s sofa, or they’re hiding from the repair bill. Both are equally plausible. Or maybe someone else owns the pub now?

Then there’s Max Branning, who’s somehow managed to get himself arrested for solicitation to murder without actually knowing who’s been murdered, or if anyone’s even dead. Classic Max. His pregnant mistress barely says a word, but the moment the police clock her, they suddenly decide Max can go. Either she’s connected to someone powerful, or she’s the one who set him up — and the police know more than they’re letting on. The fact she’s so quiet is suspicious in itself. Quiet people in Walford are never quiet for good reasons.

Even Max’s crockery is a clue. Everything in No.3 — the house next to the Peacock Palace — is dark. Plates, bowls, the décor, Max’s moral compass. Yet he’s drinking from a white mug. Is it his? Is it hers? Is it symbolic of Max trying to be “pure” again? Is it even their flat? Is Max trying a fresh start. If so, bless him. It won’t last.

Meanwhile, Oscar casually drops that he’s dating a Trueman, and he and Patrick are suddenly thicker than ever. Patrick seems delighted, which suggests the Trueman in question isn’t a complete disaster — a rarity in that family. And then Max waves at a man identified only in the audio description as “Mark”. No dialogue. No credits. Just a wave. Is this Mark Fowler Junior? It would make sense — Vicki’s already on the Square, and the Fowlers never return one at a time.

Jack, meanwhile, is furious with Max, but also grateful — which is very on‑brand for the Brannings. Max apparently saved baby Jimmy and baby Ethan from something, though what that something was remains a mystery. Jack’s taking care of Ethan, Penny’s missing, Denise has stormed out, and the house looks like a crime scene. Ethan’s parentage is anyone’s guess at this point, and knowing Walford, the answer will be messy.

Lauren’s text messages hint at an affair — with someone Max disapproves of. Or someone Max is involved with. The possibilities are endless and none of them are good.

Nicola, meanwhile, is limping around the Vic with an injured ankle, avoiding Chelsea like she owes her money. She’s also mysteriously baby‑free, despite being heavily pregnant in the present timeline. George asks if she’s spoken to Chelsea, and she says no — which implies a row, a betrayal, or a spectacularly bad baby‑shower incident. Chelsea, for her part, is scrubbing a stain out of a veil. Whose veil? Hers? Someone else’s?

Cindy, meanwhile, is surrounded by a bouquet. Is she the bride? It would make sense, but Cindy and flowers is never a good sign. Cindy holding anything is never a good sign. She also has form with guns, and the flashforward made sure we remembered that.

Denise is missing from her house when Patrick and Libby arrive, and the caller on her phone surprises them. Her wedding shoes are on the dining table, which is either a clue or a cry for help. Linda is getting ready for something big, though whether it’s a wedding or a reception or a fight is anyone’s guess.

A Rolls Royce appears on the Square at dawn and leaves before the chaos kicks off. Whoever was inside clearly didn’t fancy sticking around for the carnage. Sensible.

And then the real nightmare begins. Oscar and Lauren are kidnapped by a gloved figure in a white van. Max receives a text telling him to choose, and the episode ends with a gun pointed at one of his children. Someone wants Max Branning to suffer — properly suffer — and in Walford, that list of suspects is longer than the queue for a free drink in the Vic. Cindy wanting revenge for Steven? Chrissie Watts still lurking in the shadows? Someone connected to the mistress? Someone we haven’t even considered yet?

Whatever the truth is, the next twelve months are going to be a slow march towards that moment in the Vic — the boarded‑up window, the missing Slaters, the bouquet, the veil, the gun, the choice. And when we finally catch up next New Year’s Day, Walford will never be the same again.

To Be Continued…