EastEnders has confirmed that Max Branning is prepared to go to extreme lengths for Linda Carter, as viewers saw him kidnap the villainous Tim Walton in Monday's episode (2 March). The dramatic development came after Max witnessed Linda struggling with the aftermath of Tim's actions against her son Johnny.
Tim had earlier set a trap for Johnny's boyfriend Callum Highway, tricking the officer into breaking into a house under the belief it was to help his imprisoned ex-husband. Tim then used the footage to blackmail Johnny into sleeping with him. Johnny later broke down and confessed to his grandmother Elaine Peacock, who informed Linda, leaving her distraught as she realised Tim had been planning something and she could have prevented it.
After Linda admitted her anguish to Max, he took matters into his own hands. The soap has not revealed Max's intentions for Tim, but given his past record – including an attempt to force Steven Beale to kill his stepmother Jane as part of a revenge scheme – violent consequences are possible. Fans were divided on the storyline, with some supporting Max's actions. "I would love to see Max give Tim a decking," one viewer wrote, while another said they were "excited to see Max proper wipe the floor with Tim."
However, others questioned the involvement of Max, who has romantic feelings for Linda. One fan suggested he should "take her to her AA meeting instead of taking matters into your own hands," while another queried his motivation and the impact on his daughter Annie. A third criticised the plot as a "cheap punt" at reuniting Max and Linda. The couple, who share a daughter, Annie, grew close after Max discovered he was a father. However, their romance stalled when Linda learned Max knew his grandson Louie was bullying her son Ollie. A flashforward to 2027 showed Max preparing for a wedding to a mystery bride, with the show teasing it could be Linda, Cindy Beale, or Chelsea Fox.
