Michael and Gail's second attempt at a wedding has arrived, and while these are
normally happy occasions, this one is constantly referred to as something to
get through, and it makes me wonder why it's happening at all. I’m not sure how
poorly you’d need to be to miss your daughter’s big day, but Audrey claims to
be too sick which at least gives us the pleasure of a rather accurate impression
from David.
It’s not
all fun and games however as, having told Luke the truth about Andy, Steph
watches in horror as her brother attacks him in the street. She’s quick to tell shocked witness Maria that “Gavin” cheated on her, but it doesn't prevent
Luke from being dumped for his show of violence.
After hearing this news, Gail is concerned Luke will tell Maria to try justify his behaviour. She panics, and at the pleasantly predictable time of 7.59pm and mid-vows, says she's unable to go ahead with the
wedding. Surely this is as likely to give Michael’s weak heart a workout as
learning the man who he thinks is his son is an imposter, and his bride has
been hiding the death of his real son from him? In any event, the wedding goes
ahead with a rather unromantic “Let’s get this thing done” from Gail and a humorous
kiss that made everyone gurn and groan and me laugh out loud.
Andy’s speech at the reception is from the heart
and appears to constitute more of a farewell than anything as he decides to
leave the street. I loved Steph’s tearful phone call, his appearance at the apartment
door and their passionate embrace, and while for the most part their relationship throughout this story has mainly consisted of sharing suspicious looks, this scene really
showed how much they do mean to one another.
I thought Bethany Bethany Costa Brava courtesy of Nick, and David says what we are
surely all thinking; “you’d have known if you’d have been interested in anyone
but yourself.” As Corrie weddings go, it was certainly eventful, but overall, a rather damp squib.
Elsewhere, Norris
is firmly on his soap box as he claims to have made glow in the dark buttons
for the war effort (despite only being born in 1940), expresses his disdain at
Faye’s situation and mocks Jenny Bradley’s father’s death by asking if she’s
taking a tram on her day out with Jack.
While she doesn't react to Norris, her behaviour concerning the child is of increasing concern. She lets a customer at Roy's believe he’s hers, and when she learns from Sophie that the childminder has broken her leg, resigns
from her job and makes out to Kevin that she has been let go, leaving her free
to look after Jack full time. Sophie gets her dander up by asking if she’d ever
thought of having kids of her own, and Jenny’s spiky reaction leaves her and us even
more suspicious.
Another one to arouse suspicions is Sinead's friend Sam. As she prepares to leave hospital, Chesney appears concerned at their close relationship. It’s all private jokes and giggles between the pair which I found a tad rude and immature considering Chesney has been so attentive. Sinead later reveals to Sam that she isn't looking forward to going home as she can’t take the fussing. He reminds her that the first rule of being a patient is gratitude, but aside from this, his sideways glances and mocking of Chesney make me wonder if he’s as wholesome as he makes out.
Meanwhile Sharif sets his sights on Cathy’s neglected allotment.
Cathy isn’t the only one feeling affronted, as Sally stands appalled before her side wall which has been besmirched with some interesting graffiti. Sophie sees it as artwork and refuses to destroy it and while various other residents voice their theories and opinions, Sally's gratitude at it not being pornographic is a delight. Will this be the spray paint equivalent of the grotesque Manhattan
Sally’s snobbery has become one of the street’s most treasured traits and her disdain at Tyrone’s ability to handle a meeting, the likelihood of Jenny bringing Jack back “full of E numbers and fizzy pop”, her reprimanding of Tim for being "uncouth" at the wedding reception and declaration that “It’s Weatherfield not South Central LA, and I have no desire to be down with the house boys” were all a joy.
On the whole I enjoyed both of these episodes which were peppered with animated dialogue and strong characterisation, and I find myself interested to see how each of the little cliffhangers unfold.
By Emma Hynes
Twitter: @ELHynes
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