Saturday 1 December 2012
Corrie Episodes I Remember - Bet's relationship woes
Continuing with my occasional series remembering and commenting on episodes from the past 52 years, here is a look back another episode from times gone by. I will provide a brief synopsis of the episode, explain why I have chosen it and then give details on my favourite scene and best performance (in my humble opinion). Now, remember when Bet Lynch had hooked up with Len Fairclough? It certainly had Rita and Blanche talking back in 1975...
Bet and Len - episode first broadcast 31 March 1975
What Happened
This episode deals with two ongoing storylines that took centre stage in 1975 - the nuptials of Deirdre Hunt and the love life of Len Fairclough. Len, as we all know had an on/off relationship with Rita until they finally wed in 1977. However, never one to rest on his laurels, our Len also managed a fling with barmaid extraordinaire, Elizabeth Theresa Lynch. A Street wedding is also being planned, that of Deirdre Hunt and Billy Walker, much to the chagrin of Billy's mother, the regal Annie, Queen of the Rovers Return. The episode also ends with more bad news in store for Bet, regarding the son she gave away years before.
Why I have chosen this episode
This episode is a prime example of Coronation Street at it's best. It is full of rich dialogue, believable characters, stories and situations and allows proper development without relying on cheap stunts that detract from the performances. It is also a reminder of how powerful, two handed scenes used to dominate the show, often lasting several minutes, while always managing to hold the attention of the viewers'. The scenarios are familiar, namely Bet left alone, disappointed by yet another man. However the scenes are expertly played and showed Bet off stage, as it were, away from her performance behind the bar. It is also interesting to see what might have been if Deirdre and Billy had married after all, rather than Ray Langton stepping in after Billy vanished. I would have relished more scenes between Annie and Blanche! Also, keep your eyes peeled for a pre-Norris turn from Malcolm Hebden!
Favourite scene
A brilliant, quietly played scene between Bet and Len which goes on for nearly five minutes. This is Bet without make up, showing her true feelings and summing up where she is in life and what she wants. None of the pantomime like performances that would creep in later on. You could truly empathise with her character here - Len could provide all that she is looking for in life but he is in it for everything but commitment. Bet doesn't break down, there are no histrionics. The scene ends with a fade to black as Len leaves Bet alone in her bedsit.
Best performance
It has to be Julie Goodyear as Bet. She was always great in the lighthearted bantering scenes with the Rovers regulars however here she proves what a good actress she could be. Despite the back street glamour and sharp one-liners, she was really a lonely soul who always wanted better, knowing it wouldn't happen. She is terrific in these scenes.
Favourite Lines
Bet: "If all tomorrows are like all todays you can keep 'em."
Bet: "When you've been with someone and it's all warm and close, and then they go...and you're just on your own again."
Rita: "I sometimes think I'd have been better off getting wed at eighteen to a big strapping lad and having half a dozen kids."
Emily: "I had a friend who did that."
Rita: "Is she happy?"
Emily: "No."
Do you remember these episodes when they were first broadcast? How do you think they compare to today's Coronation Street?
Follow the Coronation Street Blog on Twitter and Facebook
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
You might also like...
-
Here are the major storylines for the week ahead on Coronation Street, all wrapped up nicely in 50 words or less. Monday 29 April to Friday ...
-
Friday 26th April 2024 CARLA TELLS ROY THE TRUTH ABOUT THE LIE In his cell, Roy confides in the prison officer that new evidence has come to...
-
Wednesday 24th April 2024 TOYAH’S SECRET IS REVEALED Nick desperately tries to keep the peace between Leanne and Toyah. When Joel asks Leann...
-
Why do you think Bobby was so suspicious of Roy in the beginning? It was that thing of Bobby being new to the street and outwardly Roy has...
-
Monday 22nd April 2024 TOYAH SEES RED ON THE REC Leanne facetimes Rowan to tell him about Toyah’s negativity towards the Institute and Rowan...
-
Apologies for absence last Friday - I was off to Bari on Saturday and ran out of time. Tonight in Weatherfield Nick looks continually perpl...
-
So first of all, the week starts with Paul appearing on Amy's radio show. How does that all go for him? Yes, that's quite an inte...
-
Our seapenguin was wondering about a definitive recipe for Betty's Hotpot. There are a few recipes around the internet for it but this ...
-
Whilst I am sure the team at ITV Studios are keen to deliver excellent drama I do wonder at the moment if someone has twisted the quality d...
-
Friday 19th April 2024 DANIEL HANDS MAX A SMOKING GUN Bethany does her best to persuade Daniel to put thoughts of Lauren to the back of his ...
2 comments:
It leads into a great episode which contains Julie Goodyear's best ever performance as Bet. This is a good episode too but the next episode should have been on the 1975 Network DVD in its place IMO.
Thanks - I've never seen the episode that follows this one. I must try and track it down
Post a Comment