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Thursday 30 January 2014

Coronation Street episode review, Wednesday 29 January 2014

As Hayley’s funeral draws near, Roy listens dutifully as Fiz reads her list of preparations. Big emphasis has been placed on polishing his best shoes, and we recall that this was something Hayley stressed the importance of before her death. Roy evokes such pity as he tells Fiz he wants to wear his wedding suit, and obediently busies himself with newspaper, polish and brushes. The reason for Hayley’s insistence that he attend to his shoes becomes clear as Roy finds a book entitled “Memories” in the box. However, he casts it aside and begins to polish furiously, becoming increasingly angry. Rather than constituting a wonderful discovery, this book appears to have brought to the fore the painful feelings invoked by the circumstances of Hayley’s death.

When Suzie arrives to discuss the arrangements, an unravelling Roy strikes fear into Fiz that he will tell her the truth. He advises that the situation is far from normal, hints that he may not completely concur with Suzie’s image of Hayley as a selfless person, and that he is not getting to say what he wants to in the aftermath of her passing. Sensing his struggle, Suzie tells him it’s ok to be angry, that grief is incredibly complicated and she is there to listen. Roy gets angry, declaring that absolutely everything has been Hayley’s choice. 

Fiz confides in Carla about Roy’s outburst and tells her that Suzie may have deduced the truth, but that she doesn’t think they have anything to worry about. Carla acknowledges that Roy has lost the love of his life and will naturally struggle. Back at the flat, he looks in solitude at the empty seat before which sits the "Memories" book. As has been the case since Hayley’s death, the volume of outside noise from the street overwhelms the flat, acting as a metaphor for the challenges facing Roy; he can’t stop the outside world from coming in no more than he can shut off the incessant thoughts that invade his mind; he can get no peace. 

Carla and Fiz find him cooking in the cafĂ© and he offers them the "Memories" book, planning as he is to dispose of it without reading it. Worried Carla tells him she knows he nearly said something he shouldn’t have to Suzie, and tries to discourage him from doing so as he may find himself in trouble. But tormented Roy observes, “You talk as if I have something to lose.” It is as if because he had no control over any of Hayley’s choices, he is determined to exert some now as he tells them, “she doesn’t get to choose how I’m supposed to feel, not now.” While Hayley has very much planned the funeral to be a celebration of her life, Carla and Fiz are shocked to hear that Roy doesn’t intend going. “I have allowed my wife to take her own life,” he tells them, “forgive me if I’m not in the mood to celebrate.”

Still toying with Tim, a devious Sophie tries to encourage Sally to go to the newspapers about his heroics. She feels she has been subjected to a “mini-crimewave” as a result of Sophie’s volunteer work, but it doesn’t stop her working at the shelter where she tells Maddie she wants to help her. Maddie tells her the only way to help is with money. Sophie refuses to pay her, but a show of affection results in Maddie confessing that it’s not for her, but for her Mam who’s even more messed up than she is.

While Mary takes a trip to the salon to look her best for Hayley’s funeral, Sean, Jenna and Sally discuss outfits in the Rovers. They’ve been told to wear something colourful, but Sean warns Sally against sporting her hot pink leather catsuit.

Tracy succeeds in getting Amy home by bribing her for a computer game, and Steve warns her not to mess up the opportunity. He’s not the only one as Deirdre, happy to see them having fun, tells her “You can make all the excuses you like, but remember, you only get one crack at this.”


Beth offers Carla her condolences, and, having gotten her job back, tells her “Hayley was lucky to have you as a mate”. Carla points out that she was the lucky one, “we all were Beth.” Kirk is happy to hear Beth’s news but warns her not to blow it.

Dev gives the green light to Kal’s business proposal for the gym, but it’s a flashing amber for his awkward lycra-themed conversation with Stella. Kal tries to recruit gym members at the Rovers, but faces a tough audience. Sean is concerned that a kebab shop owner opening a gym is something of a conflict of interests, while Deirdre is disappointed to hear Dev “won’t be giving chilli sauce rubdowns”. We thought that spark was doused long ago, but Deirdre clearly still has a thought to spare for her old flame.

By Emma Hynes


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8 comments:

abbyk said...

Sophie could have met a pretty girl or 2 with interesting prospects who snub her lack of ambition. There is no shame in being a cashier, but by being a cashier in spite of being bright and having opportunities, Sophie chose the deadend path and that should be embarrassing. Even her idiot sister found a dream to follow. If she were working at Dev's while going to school or learning a trade, that would be different, but she isn't. Girl gone dull.

If this story is going to capture our interest, Sophie has to get beyond the lifeless shell that she has become, and Maddie better have Becky's scene stealing talent, because right now she's got nothing but dirty clothes and a horrible attitude. I don't care how bad off her family is, I have no sympathy for anyone that unpleasant.

Roy isn't making sense, but right now he shouldn't be. He's as irrational as any recently widowed spouse, but in his very Roylike way. It will be a lovely scene when he gets that book back from Fiz. Why the hell hasn't Sylvia called?

Frosty the Snowman said...

In true soap style - no matter what you have done to be dismissed from your job - leave it a few days and just ask for it back and hey presto - what is the point of these stupid sackings?

The unshaven mess of selfish self pity sitting on David's sofa in David's house uninvited and snapping at Max has Frosty seething. If he is too dangerous to be round Simon how come he can just pitch up with Max and Lilly. Not sure if he is supposed to envoke sympathy but I just despise him.

Elsie Tanner said...

Agree totally with both the above posts.

Anonymous said...

Frosty, I couldn't agree more about Nick. If it were my house, he would have been out on the street after that scene. It's not as if he has nowhere else to go.

Humpty Dumpty said...

The only good thing about Nick returning is that now it evens up the numbers. I really didn't like or find funny David and Kylie's teasing about the TV programmes. In fact, the whole clan is becoming increasingly unpleasant.

Newfy Pearl said...

Nick Tilsley - the golden boy - is a great big pain in the ***. The only good thing about him living at the Platt's house is that they get to see what Leanne has been dealing with.
I am really liking Carla these days. I hope the writers do not screw it up when she finds out about Peter. I do not want her to turn into a broody self centered lush. I want her to rise above him and the whole sordid situation with slimey Tina.

Newfy Pearl said...

And P.S. Maddie? Who the heck cares? I for one do not. I hope this leads into a storyline where she and Sophie ride off into the sunset together....that is the only good outcome as far as I am concerned. lol

Anonymous said...

Frosty as usual I agree with your comments 100%! I'm watching in Canada so I guess I'll have this to look forward to ugh! I am so sick of Leeanne's miserable face -her and Nick arguing in a restaurant full of customers. Why doesn't Nick get some proper medical help! As for Sophie's latest "romance" let me guess she'll move her into Mommy's house

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