How soapy is it? Here's a sample story arc: Date rapist/prison escapee Sam (Louis Tamone) returns to Hollyoaks to stalk the students -- including his own brother and sister -- and plan his violent revenge. His brother, Russ (Stuart Manning), is piecing his life back together, working on his master's degree, and getting involved with new flame Sophie (Connie Powney). Meanwhile, Sophie and her sister, Mel (Cassie Powney), are busy comforting their 16-year-old brother, Justin (Chris Fountain), who may or may not be responsible for the baby expected by Becca (Ali Bastian), a married teacher with whom he's been having an affair.

And that's just the beginning. Several regular cast members have interwoven histories to keep track of, so the whole show has the feel of Melrose Place or Beverly Hills, 90210, just on a much larger scale. It's complicated and always full of surprises, giving fans a lot of deliciously convoluted lives to enjoy, but don't let the fact that the characters are teens encourage you to start bonding with your own teen over Hollyoaks. The show deals with some pretty heavy topics -- from date rape and serial murder to suicide and domestic abuse -- and the characters aren't exactly ideal models of responsible teen behavior. Many use drugs, alcohol, and sex to manipulate friends' actions and get what they want, and sexual content can be strong.