Flaming Nora recently blogged about five characters she could do without. So, inspired by her great idea, I decided to blog about five characters I would like to see more of and would love to hear what you think.
Firstly, I would make a plea for Steph to appear more frequently and for longer. Lately all we've seen of her is when she is working in the bistro. True, she does get the occasional one liner but an actress of her calibre could do so much more. She is, as she demonstrated in the 'pictures on the internet' story, a skilled performer and she could easily carry a weighty storyline. Beautiful, talented, with an excellent ability to deliver a comedic touch, this girl is seriously under-used.
Secondly, Steph's brother Luke - currently in a relationship with Maria. It may just be my opinion but I wonder if others are less than convinced by Maria and Luke. I wonder too why Luke, who is a decent, handsome and intelligent young man is content to languish in a back street garage as Kevin and Tyrone's underling. Does he have ambitions? Might he want to open his own garage at some point in the future or even turn his capable hand to something else either car related or not? He doesn't seem to lack confidence and nor does his younger sister Steph, for that matter. Perhaps they could go into business together? Perhaps they could take advantage of government business incentive loans.
Third on my list is the jewel of a character who is Craig. What a joy he is and what a long-suffering son to his somewhat less intelligent mum, Beth. After having been ditched by Caitlin, it would have been interesting to hear more of his thoughts and feelings about this. He did seem keen on her. He need some mates, other boys his age. It would be an opportunity to show young people in a favourable light, intent on various projects or working over their summer holidays, perhaps in preparation for gaining a university place. I believe that Craig is studying for A levels, but it would be good to learn some specifics and to see his interests in the world developing. A Gap Year maybe? Whatever it is, let's be knowing.
I would like to see more of Beth, but a calmer. more thoughtful side where she becomes a more rounded person and not just typecast as a figure of fun, as she is so often portrayed. To see her in serious conversation with the son whose initial she wears round her neck, would potentially be an excellent scene. How might Beth react to his ambitions and the possibility that he might leave home before long? It occurs to me to consider whether or not Kirk might hold her back. In fairness to Kirk though, he does convey show emotional intelligence and it would be hard to find a fairer more compassionate man on the cobbles than Kirk, even though his intellect will not set the world alight.
And finally, my fifth choice is Mary. Yes, it's true she did have some storylines to get her teeth into fairly recently, but now, armed with her award for best comedy actor in the soaps, it would be more than a welcome decision, in my book, to use her more. I sense that Mary and Gemma similarly divide opinion, but I can see those two developing a friendship of sorts...
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Taking it one step further, I'd like to see the return of friendship group stories which have been overtaken by family sagas. It's meant that if a character doesn't belong to a dynasty, they don't get seen. Here are my choices:
ReplyDeleteSharif, Norris, Roy
Tim, Freddie, Mary
Craig, Faye, Bethany
Beth, Maria, Gemma
Erica, Audrey, Yasmeen
I'd like to see more of Audrey (always) and have Yasmeen's character develop finally. So agree that those two together would work. and while I've warmed to Erica I wouldn't put her with those two, as they're way too old for her. She's only just turned 50, and is young at heart. But now that they've got her with Dev they are going to struggle to keep her interaction with the other characters going.
DeleteI agree with both the blog and Humpty Dumpty's comments but would like to add Norris who hasn't been seen too much since Emily left.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting bored of the same families mainly the Platts dominating storylines when there are more interesting characters like the five mentioned above who are rarely showcased in storylines,
It would be good to see Audrey have some stories away from her family. And I don't mean with Ken! Would also like to see more of Erica. If and when Emily returns,it would be nice to see her do something other than be exasperated by Norris,and going to the Rovers with Rita.
ReplyDeleteOoh yes Erica 70s Street Fan! She is also under used and has shown just how good she can be.
ReplyDeleteWhere is Faye? She and Craig had a lovely friendship, why isn't she supporting him in his heartbreak? Mind you, seeing Bethany chatting to Craig a few weeks back was surprising but rather nice. I'd like to see more of Steph and I hope once Andy returns we'll see them in a proper storyline. I liked him too but if they don't use them, they'll be gone.
ReplyDeleteI'd just like to see more of anyone other than the Platts all the blooming time.
ReplyDeleteI like the Platts. However I agree with above. This week has been completely bursting at the seams with Sarah's tantrums and David's stupid attitude in front of the police. I hope we see more of Andy and Steph and please corrie give Sally and Tim a decent story, one that doesn't involve breaking up! More Mary, Erica, Beth and Kirk please!
ReplyDeleteDon't agree with more of Beth and Mary.
ReplyDeleteI like both characters but they are too one-dimensional to carry off additional storylines. Leave them as they are.