He's an abuser. He's an abuser as much as if he was physically violent. He's emotionally beaten Fiz down until she thinks she's the bad one, she's no good and it's partly her fault. She was even willing to run away with him up until she discovered he'd kidnapped Chesney and the Hoyles and she heard him admit to murder. I have hated John Stape for a long time but it's reached new levels this week. How DARE he!!?
He dares because he's completely snapped. His guilt and desperation have driven him into madness. When he tried to snatch Hope from Maria, I think he felt that if he had the baby, Fiz would follow and she'd do what he wanted. And she nearly did, too!
He's put her in one impossible situation after another. She might have been naive and loyal but she didn't deserve this. I don't know what's going to happen on that hospital roof, but if I was Fiz, I'd be sorely tempted to push him off! Oh, I know, that would make me as bad as Stape but wouldn't it be a crime of passion or something? Temporary insanity?
Huge, massive, immense kudos to Graeme Hawley who has pulled out all the stops and then some and it's only half way through the week!
It was a real sad episode tonight, after months and months of laughing a John the friendly serial killer, I realised he lost his humanity months ago, he's lost his empathy, he's even seeminly losing his emotions. It's sad to see what the events in his life have done to him.
ReplyDeleteI also feel sorry for Fiz, because she wasnt aware this was happening to him :(
I will say - I loathe the character of John Stape. I always have, even from the beginning when he was the "mightier than thou" teacher that Sally fancied, only he fell for her daughter and cheated on Fiz. Every since then he's been on my naughty list.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Graeme Hawley has done a fantastic job as an actor. As much as I LOVE my Corrie, I can't say that the acting is ALWAYS the best (think, Kate Ford, Ben Thompson etc.) but some actors really are great!
And no - Fiz does NOT deserve this. No one deserves to be abused. Emotionally or otherwise.
I always thought John Stape was a fascinating character. Not the nicest, like when he was cheating on Fiz with Rosie, but intriguing and compelling watch. How did such a bland looking guy get Sally & Fiz to fight over him? Why would such an intelligent character do such incredibly stupid things? What might he have become had he received proper care? Graeme Hawley portrayed him perfectly, from John's bumbling insecurities and intellectual rambles to his sad break from reality. I'll miss John and look forward to seeing more of Graeme's work in the future.
ReplyDeleteGrahame Hawley's acting has been second to none and I will miss John and am sorry that he couldnt stay as just a regular character and had to be made barmy, especially when has-beens like Dev are kept on and on. But this story has just run on for far too long already,become too far fetched and I just cant wait for it to end.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Blackie Bird inasmuch as I'll miss John too and I'm very sad at the path they took him down.
ReplyDeleteI'm watching in Canada and am already sick of John Stape. I may have to take a break from the show until he is gone. I have never liked the character whatsoever.
ReplyDeleteGraeme Hawley has been just amazing, making what could be one of Corrie's most unbelievable story lines such a wonderful mix of drama, comedy, terror, emotion and pathos.
ReplyDeleteThe story is finishing at the right time. But instead of thinking 'thank God for that' as usual these days, I shall so miss the Stapewick Chronicles.
I agree with Dolly Tubb. I've loved John Stape's story - so many layers of deceit built up over such a long time have made it gripping for me.
ReplyDeleteGraeme Hawley's been fantastic: although his actions have been appalling, his motives and guilt have seemed so plausible. Wish the character didn't have to leave, but probably this was the only way out and it's been a fantastic week of entertainment!
I love Corrie but have to say as a mother that no way would I have left my baby in another room when I felt we were in danger!!! Feel Corrie didnt take mothers instinct into account with that bit of the story line!!! For Fizz to be fast asleep and not on complete guard for any tiny noise is just pushing it too far (even in soap land!!) Just wouldnt happen!!
ReplyDeletethe captives were the cleanest and fittest I have ever seen. The imposter who is pretending to be Charlotte's dad didn't need a shave, no one peed themsleves and their voices were remarkably strong existing only on one visit a day from their captor. No chaiffing of the wrists and no ill effects at all. They really need to do better these scriptwriters
ReplyDeleteJohn Stape is the reason I started watching Corrie avidly, instead of just happening to be in the room while my girlfriend was watching it. He is a brilliant character, played with such humour, and I am addicted to the question: "what can go wrong next, for John?" Killing off the character is the worst thing Corrie could do - make him go into hiding if you like, so he can come back and dig himself a little deeper from time to time, or keep him alive in jail, begging for visits from his daughter, but killing him off may kill my interest in the show.
ReplyDeleteStape is great - I hope he lives to return someday.
ReplyDelete