Warning - the following article contains discussions that some readers could find distressing.
Welcome to Wednesday's edition of the Coronation Street Blog and tonight's episode is a one-hour special.
Normally tasked with the 7.30pm half-hour slot, tonight I am honoured to be covering episodes that are right in the middle of such an incredible week on the cobbles.
Monday night was sorrowful, morose, emotional, and incredibly real (triggering last weeks media-led spoilers). Many words have been written already, its trended on social media, and raised some important debate and discussion. A lot can be said for 'issue-led' storylines in continuing drama, but for me, this is a story that really deserves every bit of media attention possible. Aidan's death may well be fictional but 84 men a week lose their lives to suicide.
From personal experience, I can tell you that the fall out from such an event in the real life is, well, shattering. Reverbations are felt for a long time after.
So, what are the repercussions of Aidan's final act, for the Connor clan and residents of Coronation Street?.
It's the morning after the leaving party. Late arriving at the factory, the girls stand outside waiting for Aidan and Alya to turn up, the sudden appearance of Carla and Johnny causes concern.
A hungover Johnny, upon seeing the factory girls, heads over to Aidan's flat. He finds the place looking symbolically untidy yet 'boxed up'. Discovering a suicide note from Aidan, Johnny opens the bathroom door. A scene of unseen devastation is unleashed, followed by an unmistakable harrowing howl.
David seems more distant than ever as the plea hearing looms - he's fearing prison & feeling helpless. Gary wants to see him but Sarah wisely warms him 'actions have consequences' an apt quote from Sarah, this early on in the episode.
Johnny phones Carla, she rushes to Aidan's flat and finds her father behind the bathroom door. Seeing the ambulance, Roy enquiries as to what's happened. Carla's stoical reply is haunting 'He's killed himself'.
Is it still the final taboo, an act of selfishness, or a fall from an all-consuming emotional precipice?.
When the factory girls are told the news, Gina and Beth become embroiled in a heated discussion of polar opposite opinions on suicide. I'm glad Corrie chose to show this scene as conflicting attitudes on suicide are sometimes part of the stigma.
David sat in the car on his way to court, feels the sudden and devastating news engulf his psyche. Upon seeing Josh at the garage, he flees Imran's car, and the court case, on foot.
With the devastating news continuing to reverberate around the street, Gail becomes the voice of the residents and delivers an impassioned and rather haunting monologue. She echoes her own thoughts of life on the street, and Aidan and Davids all-consuming mental health issues. Her voice echoes around the street as the soundtrack to an emotional montage of scenes, a segue of sadness, as various characters are told of Aidan Connors demise.
Eva really can't cope with the reality having shared such close emotions with Aidan, just hours before his death. Sadly we also see Toyah still try to cover for her web of lies. It's now unclear as to what may become of baby Susie?.
Discovered by Shauna in the community garden, Davids finally admits Josh's rape.
The biggest reverberation of Aidan's death then, maybe that he saved the life of David in the process?. The Connors shall never be the same again, that's for sure.
An incredible hour-long episode that gave us opposing ends to two male mental health issues.
A juxtaposition that worked so well, with incredible writing from Jonathan Harvey.
It was also a brilliant team effort by everyone at Coronation Street, ITV, and the various charities that have supported the show in this storyline.
Anyway, that's me done for another week - it has been emotional!.
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You can also follow me @rybazoxo on twitter-your self-styled 'Cobbles Connoisseur'.
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4 comments:
I thought the show was very well done. Emotional but not sensational. Kudos to the whole cast and crew etc. I was really impressed and glad I watched it.
Well written Ryan. I felt the same, top drawer, essential telly and a story that needs to be told.
That was a well-written recap.
A brilliant episode. I echo what someone commented on another post, that without the stale Phelan saga the episodes have been much better recently.
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