Coronation Street double episode review, Monday August 19

So it's Paul's birthday, though he is far from happy, as he has his hearing today. Still he's tucking into his breakfast, though a great line from Sean reminds us all that a full English isn't really the fare we should have every day. 'That's what you get for the man who has everything - hardened arteries.' A possible contender for line of the week. A real eye-strain trying to see the title of the book Sean gave to Paul for his birthday, but finally success: so here it is - A Foreign Country - by Charles Cumming. It is 'a compelling tale of deceit and betrayal' - can't help wondering if that's a comment on our favourite street...

Eileen did a most unconvincing act of being happy, and of course later, after Paul had been out 'celebrating' his birthday, bringing home a large bag of fish and chips, (arteries!) he was on the  receiving end of her thoughts about her importance in his life. She points out that she was ever-considerate of Leslie, Paul's wife, and we must agree with her. Eileen's complaint centres around what she believes is the fact that Paul doesn't consider her sufficiently important to put her and her feelings first in any aspect of his life, including his job and her fears for him, and his refusal to say sorry to Lloyd. Even if he didn't think he should say sorry on a point of principle, her point is that for her sake Paul should have said sorry, knowing how much her friendship with Lloyd means to her.

Paul's birthday night out was not a success in the main, except for the chance Paul has to make his peace with Lloyd after the group of racists turn on him, largely it seems because he was getting on well with the barmaid. Lloyd tell the racist trio that he just wants to go home and they ask if he means Jamaica. Paul is right there to support Lloyd. Lloyd, naturally, has experienced this sort of bigoted idiocy before as he asks Paul, 'Do you think they're the first bunch of morons who decided I needed a kicking?'

Despite the end of the evening, at least the first part of the celebration makes for good viewing. Brian was peacock- like in his new shirt, and believed the female bus driver was giving him the eye. He tells the company that he has found the perfect woman in Julie, but Steve points out that it's a shame that Brian and Julie didn't meet earlier. This depresses Brian, so much so that he appears oblivious to the rather unpleasant atmosphere that is building. He tells the company that for his 43rd and 44th birthday his staff gave him repectively, skydiving and bungee jumping. It is Brian's lack of awareness, principally, that creates the humour.

Sally and Tim appeared very close and both were pleased that he had managed to get work from Jason thus allowing him to stay in Weatherfield. Anna cannot be expected to be delighted but nor can she expect Sally not to fight back. 'I came here for breakfast not a lecture,' says Sally but then Sally is stung with the £8.50 bill. It's hardly in the league of gambling away a lifetime's savings though.

Eva's promise to be a better sister is coming to fruition as she leaves the factory early, with Carla's permission, in order to help out at the bistro. Up pipes Gloria. 'You're like me you are, give, give, give.' A great line which surely has viewers gasping.

There was a short but convincing few minutes with Peter and Beth. Beth was saying how she knew that power did terrible things to people. It's very hard to say exactly why a short scene between two people works; it must be put down to a certain chemistry and credibility of the actors involved.   Peter again was in conversation with Michelle too, who clearly feels her position at the factory is under threat. Peter reassures her that he is not trying to oust her.

The scenes involving Craig and Karl are disturbing as they are intended to be. Craig's anguish reminds us what it's like to be 14 and to have an enormous anxiety to carry round, one which makes you feel isolated and ashamed. Superb acting here, the angst almost tangible as Craig wanders around carrying his guilt. It's obvious that his mum thinks the world of her son, but he cannot reveal to her what it is that is on his mind. Karl tries to make light of the vodka drinking, calling it a rite of passage, boy to man. We know that it is so much more than that. 

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