Jack’s Costly Mistake

EastEnders has thrown Jack Branning into the center of one of the show’s most gripping storylines this year. The Detective Inspector, known for his stern morals, is now facing accusations from fans that he’s on the brink of turning “bent copper.” After a dramatic blunder left Zoe Slater fighting for her life, Jack’s once-straight path in the police force may now spiral into dangerous corruption.

The trouble began when Jack clashed with Ravi Gulati over Okie’s gun. Their violent struggle ended in tragedy when Zoe was accidentally shot. Instead of confessing, Jack panicked. He visited Zoe in the hospital but failed to admit to her family that he was responsible for the shooting. This silence set the stage for a dangerous cover-up.

Denise Senses the Truth

While Jack attempted to maintain control, his wife Denise Fox quickly noticed that something wasn’t right. Her probing questions made Jack squirm as he considered his next move. Things became more complicated when DS Spencer, Jack’s colleague, arrived to discuss the incident. Jack lied about his whereabouts, digging himself into an even deeper hole.

Meanwhile, Ravi seized his chance to manipulate the situation. Pulled in for police questioning, he tried to use Jack as his alibi. Jack, desperate to explain, told colleagues he had been trying to recruit Ravi as an informant. But even this half-truth wasn’t enough to untangle his growing web of lies.

A Shady Alliance with Ravi

The tension escalated when Jack agreed to dispose of the gun with Ravi. At the last second, he changed his mind, realizing just how dangerous the move could be. Yet the damage was already done. He had crossed the line from protector of the law to potential conspirator.

By the end of the episode, DS Spencer urged Jack to focus on bringing Ravi down. Jack agreed, but fans could see the writing on the wall: this was not justice. It was survival. Jack’s decision to frame Ravi for a crime they both committed set him on a darker path than ever before.

Fans React to Jack’s Shocking Choices

EastEnders fans lit up social media with theories about Jack’s future. Many believe this storyline marks the beginning of his downfall.

One viewer posted: “If Jack still has a job after this comes out – I’ll eat my hat. He’s dodged so much accountability, it’s time he paid the price.” Another added: “Oh Jack is finished, and I hate that for him.”

Others mocked the show’s blunder when it was revealed that Jack’s safe code was simply “1234.” “So Jack, an experienced DI with years on the force, uses 1234 as his password? Classic soap logic,” one fan joked.

Still, not everyone is ready to see Jack punished. Some argue that his turn toward corruption could make him one of the most compelling anti-heroes on the Square. As one fan put it: “Jack Branning becoming more evil, losing his job, and doing illegal work to provide for his family? I need to see that.”

Trouble Ahead in Walford

As if the pressure wasn’t enough, Jack is unaware that his brother Max Branning is set to return to Walford. Max’s comeback promises even more complications for Jack, who is already walking a fine line between justice and crime.

Will Jack confess to shooting Zoe, or will he double down on corruption to protect his secret? Fans will soon find out whether he can hold his family together—or if his web of lies will finally destroy him.