Coronation Street double episode review, Monday 16 December

Peter confesses to wearing a sarong on his honeymoon in Bali - a la Beckham. A curious Steve, who has picked up the loved up pair, Carla and Peter, from the airport, in his tinseled taxi, is fascinated by this revelation and tries to ascertain what, exactly, Peter was wearing underneath the sarong. Our favourite Street takes a rather bawdy tone, as Steve sings the opening bars to Swing Low Sweet Chariot. And that’s not all. Rob asks where his postcard is, but Carla tells him that they, ‘Didn’t have much time for writing, if you know what I mean.’ Yes, I think he does know what you mean, Carla.

At about the same time as Steve’s taxi rolls onto the cobbles, Kylie rolls home, looking much the worse for wear. Max thought she was still in bed, then, taking in her appearance, asks her if she’s alright. She tells him she’s been for a walk, which may be a new euphemism for having been on a bender.

She looks seriously rough and Gail is not pleased and understandably so. ‘Congratulations for remembering you have a baby to look after, ’ snipes Gail when Kylie asks where Lily is, and that’s not all. Gail rounds on Kylie for her thoughtlessness and selfishness. ‘All we get from you is anger and self-pity. And do you know what? It’s getting pretty boring!’ Take that, Kylie. Gail has a point and it does seem that David is being disproportionately punished.

Gail has had enough and she calls a meeting for six o’clock. Somewhat amusingly Kylie says, ‘Please tell me you’re emigrating.’ So, at least David can now see his children who he does seem to care about very much, while Kylie is only too ready to make use of live-in babysitter Gail.

Oh Julie! ‘My beautiful boys,’ she declares as she comes downstairs. Sean has told the factory that she won’t be at work and it is his day off so she won’t be alone. She accepts she looks awful and that that is the result of having had her ‘heart rent asunder.’ Only Julie could get away with such an expression. Later when asked if she’ll take Brian back Julie says she’s heartbroken not brain dead.

I wonder if anyone agrees with these thoughts on the Grimshaw boys. Jason seems to have matured dramatically. He seems caring, as evidenced in his behaviour towards Julie and in his bid to get the house sorted before mum Eileen returns. On the other hand, Todd seems snidey, out to cause trouble, uncooperative, happy to lead people on and unconcerned about the consequences. What did happen to this former sweet boy in that there London? Marcus clearly felt something  sinister about Todd and pointed out that Todd is a troublemaker after Todd had shown he had no compassion for his distraught Aunt Julie.
   

Just a brief glance tonight of the intriguing Kal, running, naturally, and it was pleasing to see that Nick apologized to him. Kal could, after all, play an integral part in Nick’s recovery and get a few much needed endorphins flowing through his brain. It’s been a while since Leanne has had much joy in her life and Kal could be the answer to her lacklustre and strained life. And, if I remember correctly Kal and Leanne did get on rather well.  Ooh I wonder…
    

The Power – hmmm. Gloria is no doubt revelling in her power to take Dennis’s attention away from Rita. ‘I can’t help it if I’m more exciting than her ladyship.’ Gloria accuses Rita of trying to rain on their parade and  speaks of the negative vibes that Rita is giving out. Rita’s not having that though and says, ‘Negative vibes! She’ll be wearing a kaftan next.’  Dennis tries to explain, giving credence to the adage that there is no fool like an old fool, when he tells his wife, ‘Rita, this is rock ‘n roll. You can’t just play it safe.’

Roy is taking his upcoming driving test very seriously mainly because he doesn’t want to let Hayley down. She in turn is anxious, as it is she who is putting him under pressure. What a poignant scene it was though, to watch Hayley decorating the tree knowing with absolute certainty that this will be the last time.  There’s a last time for all of us in most things, but we don’t necessarily know it is the last time.

Tina is becoming a problem to Peter and is finding any excuse to see himven making up a story about some kids messing with Carla’s car. Later, flirtation in the pub with Rob proves useful to arouse Peter’s jealousy. This has the added bonus of annoying Tracy too, though sadly she’s not there to see it. Still before she left Tracy was so rude. Quite reasonably, Tina asks her, ‘What can I get you?’ The lovely Tracy says, ‘Wine.’ The queen of the monosyllable, when asked what colour, extends her repertoire to several syllables and says, ‘Red, hurry up.’ Why would anyone, let alone Tina, serve someone so outrageously rude?  

Peter goes out for a cigarette and Tina follows. In fairness, Peter wards her off in the strongest terms. ‘I’m a disaster waiting to happen,’ he tells her, then adds he is ‘like Midas in reverse.’ He tells her to stay away for her own good. Take the sarong and run Tina.

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