Friday, 1 September 2017

Five reasons why Rita dying would make great drama


Guest blog post by Glenn Meads who is on Twitter and LinkedIn
You can read all of Glenn's guest blog posts here.
Fancy writing a guest blog post for us? All details here!  

 Poor Rita Tanner! She is one of the Street's most enduring characters. The things she has seen over the years, the comings and goings, the way she has cheated death by tram and her durability have made her one of Corrie's best loved characters. 

 For me, the way Rita 'adopts' waifs and strays makes her so loveable and likeable, that I feel like I know her. 

 But, all good things come to an end, and Rita's health has begun to deteriorate, leading to speculation that the character will join the likes of Deidre, Blanche and Jack and Vera in Corrie Heaven. This has led to a campaign to Save Rita. 

 But, won't this storyline provide fans with great drama? 

 Here's five reasons why Rita shutting shop might be good for viewers;

 1) Barbara Knox may have chosen to leave. And who can blame her? The long hours.and the fact that the character has had some amazing story lines may mean Barbara wants to retire and get some well earned rest. 

 2) Rita has been replaced any way. Poor Reet has been sidelined by the equally wonderful Mary. What used to be Rita and Norris is now Mary and Norris. So, at least Norris now has a significant other, if Rita did die?

 3) The drama would be great for the actress and viewers. Often Rita is a conduit for other people's drama. This brilliant plot development means Barbara could leave on top, showing us all why she is such a great actress. 

 4) The aftermath. Rita has taken in many strays in her time. Her death would leave them and us with a huge gap in their lives. Will they fight for her cash? Or will the loss of this 'mother' figure mean that they hit self destruct?

 5) Births, Deaths and Marriages. Soaps need all three of these to keep going. The loss of such an iconic character will be a huge blow, but it will give many actors meaty drama, and bring them back from brink. And viewers? The unending success of Long Lost Family proves we all love a good cry. 

 I love Rita Tanner and will miss her. But, I also think that Corrie needs this poignant storyline in order to move forward. What do you think?

 By Glenn Meads who is on Twitter and LinkedIn
You can read all of Glenn's guest blog posts here.
Fancy writing a guest blog post for us? All details here!   


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8 comments:

  1. Catsmom1 September 2017 at 18:04

    I agree, especially your point about Barbara Knox. She may very well be in need of retiring and getting some time all to herself. BTW, I love that jacket! The shade of blue is just perfect.

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  2. Humpty Dumpty1 September 2017 at 18:15

    This is going to sound harsh but the elderly cast are going to die sometime. They are indeed like the elders in our family and we want them around forever. But let's be grown up about this. They're soap characters and we have to let them go before the actor dies. Deirdre got a low key send-off because it would have been in terribly bad taste to do otherwise after Anne Kirkbride's death. It's really down to what Barbara Knox has agreed to but I'm guessing she wants an emotionally charged exit. That can only mean death. In the after-math, I suspect we will see articles about 'Who will be the next Rita?' I bet a pound to a penny they'll be building Michelle up to take over the mantle.

    Yes, I do think Corrie needs to move forward and embrace a new generation of senior characters. Michelle, Steve, Peter are in their forties and fifties, about the same age as the first lot of oldies in the 1960's. Older people are now much more youthful than fifty years ago but, nevertheless, Corrie is about to welcome in a modern version of 'the oldies'.

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  3. Catsmom1 September 2017 at 18:34

    Maybe Rita's demise is the reason they decided to bring back Carla.

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  4. Rebecca1 September 2017 at 18:41

    I agree with what you've said. Whether we like it or not, maybe it is time for Rita to end her tenure at The Cabin. As much as we would all like her to quietly retire with Mavis and help run the B&B, I don't really think that's Rita's style. Barbara Knox deserves a good juicy send off that she can sink her teeth into.

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  5. Newfy Pearl1 September 2017 at 19:14

    When Michael died...did not really care.
    I cried over Kylie.
    I will cry over Rita.
    Linda Stockley...I don't get the connection with Rita and Carla?

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  6. Catsmom1 September 2017 at 19:59

    Newfy Pearl, Humpty Dumpty suggested Michele would take over the mantle of Rita, I was wondering if they're bringing back Carla for that.

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  7. Louby1 September 2017 at 21:19

    I agree with you Glenn!

    While I would enjoy some drama, I would also hope that Rita's demise is not drawn out for ages.

    I don't think that legendary characters can be replaced, but over time, we become fond of different people because their personalities are special to us.

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  8. Where's Emily??3 September 2017 at 11:30




    What a great way to go out though! The character of Rita has been a staple for Corrie fans for decades,and she's had some terrific storylines. It would be fantastic to see BK leave with a storyline that uses her skills as an actress rather than a teary wave through the back of a taxi.

    The storylines that could develop!! Who would she leave all of that cash to?

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