The actors are making it up as they go along, winging it on a minute by minute basis.
I actually think it would be better if this were true. 
right now, every story line is more or less the same and could be ended by someone simply telling someone something.
Carla and Tracy, Carla tells Nick, story over
Izzy and pain, Izzy tells Gary, problems start sorting
Anna and Phelan, Anna tells everyone what happened, Phelans power is gone.
Eva and the "Slave" girl, Eva calls the police, Slave girl is housed, safe etc.
Ches and Sinead, Ches is a bit jealous, tells Sinead, she reassure him and no problem.
But obviously no one is allowed to use common sense and would rather be blackmailed, tortured and abused etc.