Most of the soap operas always use the Christmas special to kill huge quantities of their characters. So they have trams coming off their rails, or cars slamming into each other or burning buildings. It's a general clean-out.

Julian Fellowes’ quote humorously critiques a common tactic used in soap operas: the dramatic use of Christmas specials to kill off a large number of characters. Fellowes points out that these specials often serve as a “clean-out”, where producers take the opportunity to kill off characters in sensational ways, such as trams coming off their rails, cars crashing, or buildings burning down. This moment is meant to create a shocking or memorable event that will keep the audience hooked and engaged during the holiday season.

The reference to the Christmas special is significant because it highlights how these festive episodes are often used as a way to inject drama and excitement into the show. While Christmas is typically a time for celebration, these soap operas take advantage of the season’s emotional weight to deliver extreme and often over-the-top storylines. The idea is that the holiday setting provides the perfect backdrop for high-stakes, action-packed events that leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Fellowes’ mention of the “general clean-out” also suggests that these events are more than just plot twists; they are a way for soap operas to refresh their storylines and characters. Killing off characters, often unexpectedly, allows producers to introduce new storylines, characters, and drama in the new year. It’s a way of clearing the slate, so to speak, to ensure that the show remains dynamic and doesn’t become stagnant with repetitive plots.

Ultimately, Fellowes’ quote offers a playful critique of the way soap operas often use the Christmas special as a device for dramatic storytelling. By highlighting the extreme events that often take place during these episodes, he underscores how these shows embrace melodrama and shock value to keep viewers coming back for more, especially during the holiday season.