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Tuesday 28 March 2017

An unlikely pairing - and where is Erica?

In Preston's Petals we have Tracy Barlow and Mary Taylor, working side by side, daily. And how surprisingly well it works. Interestingly, neither Mary nor Tracy have in any way altered themselves in order to accommodate the other. Tracy is her usual impatient, petulant self, her own needs at the centre of her own universe with the expectation that the same centre should apply to everyone else. As Ken said, 'I don't think I've met anyone as self-obsessed as you.' He lays on a thick  further layer. ' You tried to sell your own child. I know you killed someone in cold blood.' All shockingly true. On a kind of lighter note, when Luke was trying to escape the concert by saying he had to work, Tracy said, 'Don't lie to me because I'm better at it than you are.' Well, at least she has self-knowledge...

As for Mary, well, she remains the same. Except to say that since her son was found she seems altogether lighter somehow, breezier perhaps. She also conveys to all who watch her, an inner strength and a more philosophical approach to life. Maybe it's the flowers, too - the stunning beauty of nature surrounding her, rather than the force of nature that is Tracy Barlow.

The way in which they get on is, to my mind, one of the real strengths of our favourite soap. Seeing people in ordinary everyday situations, such as work, provides for both writers and viewers, excellent opportunities for conversation, observations and humour. As with Norris and Rita in the Kabin, we are presented with great opportunities to see how characters react and interact with each other, the ways in which they clash, their foibles, prejudices and preferences. In short, the stuff that keeps us watching.

But, whereon earth is Erica? I think I'm right in saying that the last time she was seen was when she was standing with Sally in solidarity with the other women, against the sexism of the builders.

Last night we glimpsed Dev, having his foot trodden on by Luke who was jetting off to find the missing Amy Dev was at the concert, presumably to support his twins' efforts. But, there was no Erica present. Are she and Dev still an item?  Again, I may be wrong and will certainly be corrected if I am, but wouldn't Erica have made the effort to come to the concert? Getting on well with Dev's children must be a priority.

With Eileen away and Deirdre sadly no longer with us, surely Liz needs someone in whom to confide. I can barely remember the last time we saw Liz and Erica together and yet Erica was introduced as one of Liz's best friends. So why is she not around?

My fear is that she may no longer be on the cobbles. Will she be allowed to just fade away? I sincerely hope not. Erica should remain on the cobbles. She has great potential but since her introduction as Liz's best friend and her surprise pregnancy with Nick's baby, she hasn't really been employed as well as she might.

I find her an interesting character and would love to know more of her back story. What was her life in Spain like?  What is her relationship with her mother like? Her brother? Past lovers, husbands?  How great it would be  to know! So please bring her back with her unique mix of characteristics:  down to earth, kind, witty, positive , willing to laugh, loyalty and her refusal to take any  prisoners.

Erica's scenes with Mary brought out the best in them both. Those scenes were simultaneously entertaining, touching and brilliantly executed by 2 excellent actors. Take note TPTB.  

Ruth Owen, twitter: @Ruth1722




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12 comments:

popcorn said...

Thanks for this, Ruth. I hope TPTB are reading this. I miss Erica too - such an interesting character, straight-forward, and yet with so many layers.

Flo said...

I've wondered this myself, and was relieved to see her helping Sally and Rita, but she's MIA again now. I wish they would quit bringing characters into the story if they aren't going to put them to use, and she could have a very interesting storyline.

Cobblestone said...

Don't worry. Erica is around next week as part of Kevin's money woes storyline.

Ruth owen said...

Excellent news! Many thanks Cobblestone.

Newfy Pearl said...

I hope they do not let her slip away....I still think of Claudia from time to time...that was a gem for sure. I loved how she pushed Audrey's buttons. Something to spice up her life aside from her family. lol

abbyk said...

Erica has had next to nothing to do since she arrived but I like her. She's got spunk. We need to see more of her and Liz, way more interesting than watching fail as a stepmom or as half of a zero chemistry relationship. If I ruled the world, Erica's mom would die and leave her enough money to buy Steve's half of the Rovers. Or maybe 40% so Liz could be in charge. She'd be great behind the bar, Liz would get more gal pal time (I'll bet she'd play well with Sean, too), and Peter would stay away from the evil booze. Win win win.

Maricha said...

That would be ideal. Her talents are wasted with Dev's kids.

Humpty Dumpty said...

Great idea, abbyk

Ruth owen said...

Brilliant plan Abbyk!

Derelict Cucumberpatch said...

Yes, I think that's a good idea too. Liz and Erica would be a great double act.

M.R. Willow said...

Oooh, another yes vote from me too, abbyk! Erica has shown some interesting qualities and could easily become a long-time favourite. Not everybody has to be nasty. brash or a law-breaker to be interesting. She seems to be a bit of a free spirit and a woman with her own mind. Could be smart for the big-wigs at the show to not keep her quietly on the shelf so much.

Laura said...

I really liked Mary and Erica's scenes together. It would be nice to see Erica with a proper storyline - leaving Dev and buying the Rovers to run it with Liz would be a good one.

It would also be nice to see her pop in the florist's to chat with Mary. The additional interaction between Tracy and Erica would be interesting to watch, I'm sure!

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