Llifon wanted to know whether Rita and Dennis ever really worked as a couple. I have to agree that though I loved the characters individually and I did like seeing them get together at first, in the long run, they were not an equal couple. It didn't really have anything to do with Rita being the one that supported them financially. There was no reason for all that business to do with Dennis having to rely on her for money. He's of pensionable age so why wouldn't he have a bit of money of his own?
It became clear over time, that she really was taking him for granted. Perhaps just looking for someone as a companion in her final years? Dennis has always been a bit of a lad. Llifon mentioned that he saw Rita and Dennis as friends and I would agree with that, as well. If it hadn't been for Lewis being in the picture or colouring Audrey's recent past with heartbreak, I could have seen him with her as a great couple. Rita may have been a rival to Elsie, Dennis' mother, back in the day but enough time has past that I never saw that as a barrier to this couple but their chemistry as lovers didn't gel.
Rita was dragging Dennis down. Dennis returned on a downswing in his life but he still had that bounce and love for life and adventure, a scheme or two, and a cheeky joke. Rita isn't the going concern she used to be and, as most women at her age, you wouldn't expect her to be. She's settled, she's comfortable and she wanted company. The opportunity to get back into the music business was right up his alley and he proved that he was good at it. Gloria loved helping out but Rita decimated his confidence at every turn.
Dennis may love Rita but I don't think it's the same kind of passion he will have for Gloria. She really is more supportive and isn't trying to change him. They're two of a kind. It's been obvious in recent weeks. Dennis and Gloria both are still very young at heart and still looking for a life that contains the unexpected. It's what drives both of them. They may not last but by'eck they'll have a good time while it lasts.
He went from this, looking at a long, predictable life:
To this, most definitely not knowing what was around the next corner:
You can hardly blame him, can you?
Philip Lowrie and Sue Johnston were both sadly underused. Both actors sparkle on screen but can only be as good as the material they're given. It was nice to have a Tanner back on the screen with the occasional references to the past. I suppose they decided on Rita to be Dennis' wife because of the history and the temptation of having another red-headed Mrs. Tanner was too much to resist.
If Dennis ever does return, probably with his tail between his legs in defeat, he'll still be happier for the adventure. If he does come back, I hope Rita doesn't take him back and he becomes a strong character in his own right. If he doesn't come back, I'll wish him well.
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8 comments:
I think it would be cool for Gloria and Dennis to come back for a short stay. Showing that they are suited and they did make the right decision in leaving together.
Dennis returned to the street at his lowest point. It would be nice to see him blow through Weatherfield tying up loose ends and showing all that there is life after 65!
I totally agree that both Sue Johnston and Philip Lowrie were wasted. The change of producer must have been the death knell for them. Such a shame.
Phil Collinson said he had big plans for Rita and Dennis as a couple, and wasn't going to let them sit and rot. Well, he left, and that's exactly what DID happen. I'm really gutted that they axed Philip Lowrie, who is a Street legend and deserved better. Sue Johnston's character was poorly conceived and never worked. Given her amazing acting talent, that's a terrible shame. Both actors were let down badly by those behind the scenes. I hope to see Philip return down the track, but I'm not getting my hopes up...
Agree with the above comments -- both had much more potential as the characters and the actors portraying them were completely under-utilized due to poor show/story management and even poorer, incompetent storywriting. What a mean and nasty exit uncharacteristic of this show and totally unbelievable (yes, believable if something like this happened in Eastenders but not Corrie, a much gentler, funnier and classier portrayal of "ordinary" life!)
So is that the real exit for both characters. It certainly seemed like it, I agree.
But the "Soap Movers" section on Digital Spy, which usually get these things correct, gives a Spring exit for Gloria and a Summer exit for Dennis.
Or have the producers finally managed to give us a surprise exit. If so, it certainly worked.
I have to agree about Philip Lowrie and Sue Johnston's talents being underutilised.
I think they both would have shined given a chance in their new roles as a fun loving, adventurous couple.
There aren't enough senior couples on the street, ( hmm are there any)? and these two would have been quite entertaining, bringing some light-hearted moments into the show and dispelling some prejudices about older people.
What's Rita going to do now anyway?
Go back behind her counter, dispensing advise with the sweets.
I am not a fan of cold and cruel exits either, I expect more of Coronation Street.
Its not stuart blackburn who left Dennis to rot, actually Phil Collinson did it. Apart from doing a jubilee wedding, Phil gave Dennis virtually no lines for 12 months. It would be a lovely surprise if Stuart Blackburn re-hired Phillip & Sue
I hope that if Dennis does come back it is with a spring in his step and a sparkle in his eye and Not a hint of tail between the legs (too predictable and predictable Dennis is not). Rita sucked the joy from him and mocked him for daring to dream of more than life with a lollipop and bus pass.it didn't take 5 minutes before the honeymoon period fizzled in a blur of disapproval and mithering and Dennis' ham fisted attempts at pleasing herat odds with his desire to follow his dreams Smelloid
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