Two simple questions to ask: first of all, what's keeping you watching Corrie at the moment? And what's driving you mad? All long running programmes have their ups and downs, but us loyal Coronation Street viewers keep watching, clinging on to those moments that still make it so special.
What's good and what's bad in Corrie will always be hotly debated amongst Corrie fans, so I want to find out what's getting you excited and what's making your blood boil in 2014.
For me, the long, ongoing storyline involving the Windass-Armstrongs as well as the Peter/Tina fiasco are dragging Corrie down. Too many stories are allowed to roll on endlessly these days until all momentum has been lost. I miss the short, sweet comedy stories of yesteryear. They may not have been explosive or dramatic but they symbolise what is great about Corrie.
I think the Roy and Hayley storyline was beautifully written and performed and Hayley is most definitely missed. I also think the move to the new studios and set at Media City has been very well handled both on and off screen.
I also loved the short scene recently which saw Rita, Emily, Audrey and Deirdre having a drink together in the Rovers. It was a fairly brief, unimportant scene in the narrative of that episode but it highlighted two things for me. Firstly, that these four brilliant Corrie legends are still with the show after all these years and this should be celebrated.
Secondly, the scene struck me particularly because it seems so rare these days to see so many legends together, sharing scenes like that. More please.
So anyway, over to you. Let's have your Corrie positives and negatives so far in 2014.
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Great post! Ultimately, what's keeping me watching is the fact that its Corrie! As sad as it sounds and as boring and predictable as it can be, it remains my favourite soap. Not only for the humour (which now is not given in abundance as it once was - although there's not always much time in an episode for the meaningless scenes of old, as there are "more dramatic" storyline going on).
ReplyDeleteI also appreciated the scene with Emily, Rita, Audrey & Deirdre and we should have more of that. The storylines are dragged on and sometimes remind me of how eastenders DRAG storylines out beyond what they need to be, and Corrie are doing the same with the Windass and Peter/Tina/Carla storyline. It's not interesting, gripping or eventful to be honest. Quite frankly they're predictable. Ultimately, I feel a new producer is needed. Preferably female and someone who truly understands Corrie and the characters wherein. I don't feel that Stuart Blackburn is doing such a great job. Corrie won't continue being the "Nation's Number One" soap if it continues as it is. The Hayley storyline was the only one who that made Corrie win in my opinion. It needs a boost. More interesting storyline, and humour. Chances were missed when Sue Johnston was in the cast. She could have been a better character and for such a famous british actress as herself, her character had little redeeming features and isn't missed at all!
When Corrie get it right, they get it right. And with the week of 9pm episodes imminent, hopefully the soap will become more fast paced and all over better, and pick and maybe even win Best Soap at the awards next month.
Rant Over! ..
Oh Graeme! What's keeping me watching? Honestly, habit at the moment, though I'm drifting off to other things more and more. It's not the corrie I knew and loved. I'm hating the long drawn out stupid story lines, the ridiculous personality changes the unfinished stories, the very bad writing. I kind of hope corrie doesn't win the soap awards, perhaps then all those involved will pull their socks up and get back to how it should be. We know they can do it, sometimes they get it so right, but mostly they get so very wrong.
ReplyDeleteAgree with all above on lack of Corrie humour and dragged out "drama".
ReplyDeleteDowns: 1) Sawphee & Madehh.
2) Too many splitting-up couples, Nick & Leanne should have tried harder.
Ups: 1) Tim & Sally - so much comedy potential, but he's good at putting her in her place too.
2) Finally ending the ludicrous Marcus "turning straight" storyline.
I agree with most of your post, Graeme, but I don't think Hayley is missed. Apart from her exit story, we hardly saw her and Roy except maybe when Tracy was insulting them or in crowd scenes in the factory/pub. I often get the feeling tptb are trying things out and if they work, that's great and if not, that character/actor can take a hike. Why did Michelle's father turn up and promptly disappear? Mandy, Andrea, Maddie all seem pointless and it's as if the producer is hoping a spark will naturally ignite the proceedings irrespective of plot, dialogue or acting. Dennis goes off and comes back temporarily, Peter and Tina have complete personality changes and I bet the actors aren't happy with their characters' new personas. One question I'd like to ask: Is anyone in charge at Corrie? You know, really got their finger on the pulse of what's happening.
ReplyDeleteI still love the characters who simply can't go wrong because they're played by such wonderful actors: Deirdre, Roy, Sally, Rita, Emily. Young Steph is promising and I wonder if that's because she's not attached to a clan and therefore has to interact with everyone on the Street. Hate the family sagas that go on and on. Rant over. For the moment.
I take your point about Hayley, Humpty although a lack of stories for them was probably due to Julie Hesmondhalghs absence and the stupidity of the powers that be. Hayley was still a wonderful character and I miss her
DeleteI agree Pootle5, Tim and Sally are great together :)
ReplyDeleteAll great responses, and I couldn't agree more. I'm watching mainly out of habit; I would like to see more humor, some lighter story lines...I also expected more from Stuart Blackburn as he did such a great job with Emmerdale, but sadly, I don't think he really connects with the characters.
ReplyDeleteI honestly do not feel that we will ever get the old Coronation Street back because the writers are in the present and do not know about the past or even understand the morals and principles that reigned in the street of "olde". If they did then explain to me why suddenly Tina, a fairly nice young woman, turned into a really rotten person. Love should not do this to a person and if it does then that person needs to get some help immediately wouldn't you say. I feel that this story line is the worse and most upsetting story line for years. As far as the Windass Family is concerned I don't have a problem with them just glad that Phelan is out of the picture. Must say the actor did a great job with that role.
ReplyDeleteWhat I have found to be the most puzzling is how little interaction there is between various people on the street. It is, after all, a street and not a big one either so in my mind everyone should know everyone but instead we seem to have little groups of people here and there and very little mingling. What a shame really.
There's not much left to say as I agree on every point from everyone who posted above.
ReplyDeleteI continue to watch because of a long-time habit of watching.
Due to a temporary re-scheduling of CS, I've missed it more than a few times, and I've found that I really don't miss it.
I do not like the personality changes, the infidelity, the improbable circumstances, and I miss the humour and camaraderie of those who are friends with one another on the street.
I tune out when Sophie is on screen, and I absolutely do not like the Maddie/Sophie story, at all.
As much as I enjoyed the poignant story of Hayley's demise, I find I don't miss her character. I suppose there's just too much filling up the half-hour to dislike, to miss one character.
There's so much I don't like about the show these days and I too would love to see someone who really understands the characters, and what works, at the helm; it's what I'm hanging on for.
Thank you Graeme for this post, and for allowing viewers to post their feelings.
You're v welcome!
ReplyDeleteI watched Corrie on YouTube and then when ITV put the boots to that and only a few hardy people dared put the episodes up on YouTube for a nano-second, I stopped searching for it as it was found only sporadically. Haven't even put CBC Canada episodes into the PVR as the recaps and comments on this site are far more interesting. However I'm sure I will do that in the future but really I'm not that bothered by not watching the actual episodes. Agree with most of the other comments about bad writing, total unexplained personality changes, misuse of historic characters and the seemingly endless love of the producers for the character of Sophie - beyond reason that one!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you Graeme! It's those small scenes that make it for me. I read the spoilers and even though I know what's going to happen, sometimes I'm surprised by maybe a scene with Deirdre or Rita and Norris. Also, you get such wonderful dialogue and one-liners and you have to say that the writers do make a superb job.
ReplyDeleteDue to me having a Freesat recorder, I don't rush by 7.30 to watch it, as I had to do before. But I'm sitting down by 7.45 ready to go.
But I don't see myself stopping watching the show because I love and respect it too much. It's a British institution and like any British institution (like the Royal Family) it has it's ups and downs and its popularity will dwindle.
But what other show attracts 8-9 million for every episode in this increasing world of the internet and technology? Add the viewers who watch a recording and then on the ITV player and ITV2, I think the figure is nearer to 10-11 million. A major feat in this day and age.
Time to put the Nick story to bed. So tired of this one. Nick and Leanne could be an iconic couple...but no...the writers cannot have that!
ReplyDeleteSophie and Maddie...yuck!
I want to see more of Steve minus the buffoon act and Michelle downgrading him.
Why did they bring Liz back if they are not using her to full potential?
I thought that she and Deirdre would be up to some hijynx while Ken is away.
I guess I watch out of habit too, and I keep hoping that something truly intriguing will happen. Good thing I'm not holding my breath. Right now there are so many bad storylines that need to go away. Between Tarty Tina, Mad Maria, Nerdy Nick and Sadsack Sophie, it's a real downer. I've said it before and I'll say it again--we need more Deidre!!!
ReplyDeleteI watch mainly out of habit 35+
ReplyDeleteyears but I find I don't always give it my full attention. In my humble opinion there needs to be a cast shake up. Some of the seemingly pointless characters that don't seem to be going anywhere. For example: Nick how much longer do we have to endure his pinched bearded face he doesn't seem to be showing any improvement in his mental health why not proper therapy. Then we have Jenna another character in search of a storyline - could she not get some sort of trainer job at the gym instead of following Anna around at Roys. I don't want to moan on and on I do love the show just wish we would get some new, interesting characters.
Also don't get me started on Sophie and her latest squeeze. High time that girl got her own place!
" her own place" in another part of town, please" have no idea why such a seemingly unpopular character as Sophie and her dubious lovers are still around, annoying so many viewers.
ReplyDeleteFrankly I'm torn myself as to why I still watch.
Sometimes I think that I'm fortunate to have watched, and loved with a passion, a programme for 40+ years; maybe it's time I admitted soaps of today are not for me anymore, I've enjoyed the best.
Then sometimes I feel let down by Coronation Street's writers or producer.
They made it the way it is now, I resent that, as I too respect the show for the decades of excellent programming, and I want to wait it out, see if it goes back to more like what it was.
My husband, who's only recently been watching with me, saw Maria moving in for a kiss with Tyrone today ( Canada time) and said "oh gees, not Tyrone too"! and he left shaking his head.
These are real people to viewers, and this show doesn't give satisfaction anymore, it's simply not enjoyable to see people behaving so much like this and so often.
Too much misery; too little joy.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of a single character who is actually enjoying life, or even having a bit of fun occasionally.
Why do I keep watching? Because I'm a foolish optimist, hoping for a return to the Corrie that got me hooked in the first place.
I'm not watching for now. I've stopped and getting the updates from here. I couldn't stand Sophie/ Maddie any longer. This dismal story (and annoying characters) was the straw that broke the camels back on top of the Tina/Peter fiasco. It saddens me how those who are in charge are making such a hash of things and I feel everything is done for the sake of winning awards and chasing after EE down that same depressing route, in the hope of also gaining younger viewers.
ReplyDeleteThose writing for the show don't seem to know even the long standing characters or their history, which is an insult to those of us who have watched for years. There doesn't either seem to be any direction from directors allowing characters to 'go with the flow', or how it seems.
Then when I read Stuart Blackburn's "exciting" bit of news that Maddie's here to stay looks like I'll be relying on CSB updates for a long time yet!
We watch Corrie because we love it and in Frosty's household its an Institution.
ReplyDeleteI agree that we dont really miss Hailey as we dont really miss any character. Stella who???? The bringing back of Dennis again was ridiculous.
We had a long running saga with the Windarms with Phelan which was good due to the brilliant acting of Phelan the villan but now they should be rested and not go on to yet another story with Anna rejecting Owen and Izzy nicking from the collection. Would have more sympathy with her being "broke" if they werent in the Rovers boozing all the time.
Sophie and MADDAR (shouted all the flaming time) are all that is bad about Corrie for me at the moment.
Another habit viewer here I'm afraid. 40+ years.
ReplyDeleteI have often found the comedy storylines forced but you need balance
I love Deidre turning into Blanche but fear for the character once Ken returns. Interesting that with Bill Roche forced out how quickly his character is irrelevent. (Like bringing back Bet).
I have always liked Steve but hate what they have done to him. Michelle is vile, poisoness & pointless.
I have always disliked Sally but recognise she is a good character, she is at her best with Kevin although her relationship with Tim is entertaining his personality transplant is annoying.
My top hopes for the future are:
Rob & Tracy
David & Kylie
Steve (without Michelle)
I agree totally Muriel Ducks, when it comes to Steve and Michelle. Didn't work first time around and it ain't working now
ReplyDeleteAgree Frosty, Sophie and Maddie are deeply tedious and obnoxious. They need to go
ReplyDeleteI too, like most of you watch out of habit. When you spend years with characters you feel invested in their stories....at least once upon a time that was true. The cast has gotten too large and a lot of the story lines are cringe worthy.
ReplyDeleteI just find it amazing to think that there are a group of people sitting around a table discussing plots and characters and obviously applauding themselves for the current debacles of Peter/Tina and the ever sickening Sloppie/Maddehhh. I just don't get it. Stuart Blackburn is systematically ruining this show. He lacks creativity and a sense of history for this show.
I don't think I have read even 3 positive feedbacks anywhere on the internet for these storylines. Yet, he so proudly wails that Maddie is a keeper! He is delusional. Everybody hates her. But, he must have a posse of "yes" men kissing his bum to keep their jobs, telling him how brilliant his creation is ...and so she stays to ruin show after show. Sloppie & Maddehhh are know as the Fast Forward Freaks in our household. Hit that button and Voila! They're gone. It seems the personalization of Corrie Street is the way of the future.
Nothing to add about Sophie and Maddie except that I agree about disliking the characters and the storyline. Can't wait for it to be over, although I'm sure that won't be soon.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that Jenna needs to get out of the cafe and into the gym. I'm losing hope for Kal's character, but it could have been interesting to watch Kal and Jenna develop a platonic friendship, something that we don't see a lot of on Coronation Street. It's boring for storylines to be romantically driven all the time.
I'm also still waiting for Roy to get a storyline about restarting his life after Hayley. I understand that realistically that will take a while, the character needs time to mourn, but I have to look forward to his future to make it through all the slop stories we're being served right now.
I'd also like to see Todd's past in London explored. The actor playing the role is good but it seems they had no plans for him other than facilitating Marcus' departure. If that's the case they could have used some random person (for instance, Maria and Marcus' realtor could have been gay and the catalyst for their breakup) rather than bringing back a character with ties to the Street and ruining them like this.
Agree with everything. The entire Hayley storyline was some of the best drama on TV but that ended in Jan. the rest has been frankly dross - as though the producer and writers are resting on their laurels.
ReplyDeleteI had hopes for Kal and Andrea but the writers don't allow them to develop their characters other than superficially. Can the actress who plays Maddie do anything other than scowl? At least Becky in her early feral days showed spunk and spark.
I would have once argued strenuously that Corrie (or Coro as we call it in NZ) was not a real soap but I can't anymore. Shame.
PS ChiaGwen if you subscribe to unlocator or something similar, you can hide that you are outside the UK and watch the ITV player. It means sitting through ads, but then there are the Meerkats. I love the Meerkats!! Also allows you to sign up to Netflix in the US - plenty more to watch while Corrie goes through its current slump.