Guest blog post by Glenn Meads who is on Twitter and LinkedIn
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Corrie has had to modernise, because if it remained quaint and cosy, then you can never expect to attract a younger audience. Also, in a world of binging on box sets, the odd bit of social realism does not go a miss. And over the years, Corrie has had some grimly realistic storylines, which have had a huge impact and means that audiences do more than sitting passively, watching with no sense of connection.
But, there is one topic that the soap has never really been that good at. Drugs. I don't know why, But every time that someone has a drug problem in Corrie, It comes across as clumsy and dare I say it, a tad boring.
We watch as the drug user self destructs, starts wearing a hoodie, hides on the red wreck, and steals from a local.
Ryan is the latest character to be affected by this and to be be honest, the drugs don't work. Michelle is hysterical, a gangster has appeared from nowhere and every one seems to know who he is, and Ryan keeps bumbling around like a pinball going back and forth and heading for zero on the scoreboard.
It doesn't help that Ryan is not a character that many feel drawn to or like. He is just represented as a fool. But, It also brings out the worst in Michelle who has morphed into Lady Macbeth meets Tiger Mum.
And, the depiction of drug dealers, ecstasy and the like feels stuck in the past. There's no place for it on the street. And it does not feel dramatic or add anything. It comes across as a campaign saying, "Don't try this, kids."
I know we now have a week of this. And, I for one am hoping Phelan nips back from the dead and finishes anyone off who screams or overacts, as I am a bit bored of this Ebenezer Goode storyline.
What do you think?
Glenn Meads
All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License
I totally agree with you. At least we should be rid of this by next weekend, given the speed at which new storylines are introduced and worked through these days. I would be quite happy to see the back of Ryan, only that would mean even more Michelle-angst. More likely that it's Ronan who meets his end. Ryan will possibly decide on a new life course. Who needs a new employee? Knicker stitcher or trainee lawyer, it doesn't matter if he's not qualified, this is Corrie!
ReplyDeleteI think that you are spot-on, Glenn.
ReplyDeleteSadly, the chap playing Ryan is not a very good actor. Ryan-the-the-previous-head was much better. And I think Ali is also very good. But please, can we lose Ryan as a character. I know it is too much to ask if we could lose his mother as well.......
Sorry - Ryan-WITH-the previous head........
ReplyDeleteIt's Red Rec. Short for Recreation Ground.
ReplyDeleteAgree - Billy's addiction storyline was just BAD. The drugs must have done some good though. For someone that fell off a cliff, he is has made a remarkable recovery. (Glad they didn't make Sean into a druggie).
ReplyDeleteRe Michelle: Sorry to learn (being in Canada) I have to watch Michelle over-act again.