So, lying rapist Frank Foster was found not guilty and walked free. Boo, hiss. This verdict in the end was hardly a great surprise - the Peter-Carla affair unmasking in court had been a leading plot device building towards that end.
But the weasel-faced wrong' un is, even so, to get his comeuppance. It has, of course, been announced by Coronation Street bosses that the character is to be murdered - with no doubt a Who Killed JR/Mr Burns/Dirty Den style mystery of who will be motivated enough to dispatch him.
Carla, Peter, Sally (on whom he is due to cheat) Kevin, maybe even his creepy, overprotective mother who used to be in Duty Free will no doubt be prime suspects. I don't think the character of psychotic smoothie Frank ever really fitted into the street terribly well - no offence to actor Andrew Lancel who has been fine in the role - so no great loss.
Elsewhere, the Man from U.N.C.L.E, sorry Milton, decided that down-at-heel greasy spoon Roy's Rolls had the extremely unlikely potential to be become a railway- themed chain called, ahem, in a dreadful pun Beef Encounter (after 1940s classic love story film Brief Encounter, set in and around a railway station, get it, etc). Milton felt it could be "bigger than McDonalds" as he flashed his snazzy animated computer graphic projection. Roy seemed unimpressed, even when Milton slyly mentioned to rail-obsessed Roy that staff "could dress like train drivers". Roy's deadpan reply: "I'm sorry, I have to clear the fridge out". Somehow I think McDonalds need not look to its laurels, especially as the slightly doddery, cravated Milton - who hardly looks like the kind of guy who is a computer whizz - is only in the show for another two weeks. Still, a nice bit of light relief among the doom and gloom.
Among other lighter moments, Steve McDonald made sure cuckoo in the nest estranged bride Tracy was out of the house to hire builder Owen to divide the house in two so he didn't have to encounter her smug face over the cornflakes each morning - somehow that marital reconciliation isn't going to happen, Tracy.
Dozy couple Rosie and Jason's amorous encounter in his builder's van ended up in them rear ending a parked car - which was a blessing in disguise for aspiring model Rosie as to her delight it was due to end up as a story in the Weatherfield Gazette, as deluded Rosie gabbled: "Jason, I'm a celebrity - everything I do is news.". Must be a very slow news day indeed in Weatherfield. The character of Rosie is due to depart the Street soon so watch this space.
And Peter - I'm hoping now his relationship with Carla is legit we won't have to see that scary tattooed topless torso again in bedroom scenes - attempted to justify his new love to disapproving dad Ken, who, like all of us, retains a soft spot for poor, wronged Leanne. "I love Carla, I wish I didn't but I do," Peter sighed. Now the thrill of forbidden fruit has gone from his and Carla's relationship, however, will it stand the test of time - and will viewers care? At least they can swap their matching Goth black wardrobes when they get bored.
But the weasel-faced wrong' un is, even so, to get his comeuppance. It has, of course, been announced by Coronation Street bosses that the character is to be murdered - with no doubt a Who Killed JR/Mr Burns/Dirty Den style mystery of who will be motivated enough to dispatch him.
Carla, Peter, Sally (on whom he is due to cheat) Kevin, maybe even his creepy, overprotective mother who used to be in Duty Free will no doubt be prime suspects. I don't think the character of psychotic smoothie Frank ever really fitted into the street terribly well - no offence to actor Andrew Lancel who has been fine in the role - so no great loss.
Elsewhere, the Man from U.N.C.L.E, sorry Milton, decided that down-at-heel greasy spoon Roy's Rolls had the extremely unlikely potential to be become a railway- themed chain called, ahem, in a dreadful pun Beef Encounter (after 1940s classic love story film Brief Encounter, set in and around a railway station, get it, etc). Milton felt it could be "bigger than McDonalds" as he flashed his snazzy animated computer graphic projection. Roy seemed unimpressed, even when Milton slyly mentioned to rail-obsessed Roy that staff "could dress like train drivers". Roy's deadpan reply: "I'm sorry, I have to clear the fridge out". Somehow I think McDonalds need not look to its laurels, especially as the slightly doddery, cravated Milton - who hardly looks like the kind of guy who is a computer whizz - is only in the show for another two weeks. Still, a nice bit of light relief among the doom and gloom.
Among other lighter moments, Steve McDonald made sure cuckoo in the nest estranged bride Tracy was out of the house to hire builder Owen to divide the house in two so he didn't have to encounter her smug face over the cornflakes each morning - somehow that marital reconciliation isn't going to happen, Tracy.
Dozy couple Rosie and Jason's amorous encounter in his builder's van ended up in them rear ending a parked car - which was a blessing in disguise for aspiring model Rosie as to her delight it was due to end up as a story in the Weatherfield Gazette, as deluded Rosie gabbled: "Jason, I'm a celebrity - everything I do is news.". Must be a very slow news day indeed in Weatherfield. The character of Rosie is due to depart the Street soon so watch this space.
And Peter - I'm hoping now his relationship with Carla is legit we won't have to see that scary tattooed topless torso again in bedroom scenes - attempted to justify his new love to disapproving dad Ken, who, like all of us, retains a soft spot for poor, wronged Leanne. "I love Carla, I wish I didn't but I do," Peter sighed. Now the thrill of forbidden fruit has gone from his and Carla's relationship, however, will it stand the test of time - and will viewers care? At least they can swap their matching Goth black wardrobes when they get bored.
Great review; agree with nearly all of it. I think Frank could have been more menacing (and believable) if played by another actor. What was all the hype about two endings, and then we get leaks about future story lines? Yes, I know the viewing figures were up but this viewer feels patronised. Did they think we couldn't work it out for ourselves? Why don't they give us the story lines and we'll make our own dialogue up? Let's hope the whodunnit is a bit more enthralling.
ReplyDeleteRosie is past her sell by date. Her character has become embarassing to watch. I feel for the actess though, as they could have done a lot more with her, other than make her a moronic bimbo with nothing more to aspire to than a celebritante with orange make-up and Norma Desmond eyebrows.
ReplyDeleteMeat Encounter was a brilliant touch.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Kathryn.
ReplyDeleteI think it was 'beef encounter'. Hilarious.
I didn't like the verdict one bit. I suppose they are going to draw this out and Carla will eventually be vindicated in the eyes of those people who think she's making it up.
Will make for good watching in the future, although it wasn't nice to watch this one.
Another good write-up, kathrynS!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was a nasty outcome at Weatherfield Court. Loved the sign at the front of the official looking building, btw. I think there might be some realism to it. I've read that police, lawyers & the judiciary in the UK have been educated so as to dispel the myth that women who dress or act a certain way are not dismissed as having invited rape, or lie about it. Unfortunately, the public have not, and women's groups are asking for that, since they comprise the juries.
Thanks goodness for the funny side of The Street. Especially enjoyed Steve's brilliant idea, and how he went about it. Even getting Tracy to meet him, then standing her up! Yay! More of this please!