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
All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License
15 comments:
If it's your daughter's sixth big day, there might not be quite as much urgency about not missing it.
What are E numbers?
Food additives that make some children hyper.
David's Audrey was brilliant, the funniest bit in a very long time. It seemed as if Maria and Gail were taken aback by how on target he was. I really wish they'd loosen the reins and let that snarky wit shine through more often.
The more I see Sarah and in particular, Bethany, the more I dislike them. I do hope they aren't going to be permanent fixtures!
PS Oh and that was a particularly nasty thing for Norris to say to Jenny - horrible little man!
One odd thing about this pair of episodes. I know there are no rules, but when there is a major event, isn't the final scene usually one with the event's principle characters? It should have been Gail and Michaels day, so finishg with them would have wrapped it up. Instead we had Kevin Websters gang and the new childcarer. I guess the marriage isn't a big deal, does anyone know the state of Les Dennis' contract?
Ugh...Bethany. Please just make her go away. What a horrible pointless character.
abbyk,Since this is Gail's sixth wedding with no dramatic reveal,perhaps that why the writers chose to end the episode with Kevin and co instead?
I think if the truth was revealed about 'Gavin' [a missed opportunity in my opinion.]then I think we would've seen Gail and Michael end the episode.Mind you given the number of times the Platts closed out episodes recently,it was nice seeing someone else for a change.
Michael's little speech was cringeworthy with all the fake tears. He really has been turned into a total idiot. What a shame. Now kind hearted Luke has turned into a fist wealding bozo. Why do everone on soaps call their sister "sis". I have never heard it in "real" life.
David's metabolism must run about 100 times faster than normal human beings. First of all his bruises appeared five minutes after apparently getting thumped by Callum, then the next day he was moving around without so much as a wince.
Although a bit forced, I still enjoyed the scenes where the neighbours stood around Banksy-lite, as if they were at a posh gallery, offering different interpretations of its meaning. The part I didn't buy was when Sophie professed total ignorance when her mum said she would have liked it better if the artist had done a Cezanne or Monet. Has working in the Corner Shop killed so many brain cells she can't remember what she learned in high school?
I quite like that Michael is emotional. It makes a nice change from all those stiff upper lips.
I think the reason characters use terms like 'sis', 'bro', and other titles that sometimes seem to go clunk in the night is so that newer viewers can learn the relationships. It's a standard thing in long time shows like this.
I loved David's 'Audrey' even though it went on a fraction too long. It rather confirm what I suspect, ie that the actors are enjoying the Platt storyline more than the viewers. Intrigued by Tvor's comment that new viewers will be able to work out who's related to who. I wish Michelle would greet little Liam with 'How's my little nephew?' as she seems to have forgotten the family connection.
I could happily watch half an hour of David Platt being wonderfully snarky and Audrey Roberts wittering on about nothing in particular. The rest of that family are a nightmare.
Also love the pairing of Tracey and Tony.....and I never thought I'd love Traceyluv.
PS...missing Eva like mad ~ she's a darling.
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