Waking up in a random bed, hungover, and full of guilt Tracy's new year hasn't exactly got off to the finest start. Seeing Paula in bed next to her, Tracy has that dreaded dawn of realisation and prepares for the 'walk of shame' back home.
Meanwhile, Steve, Amy & Ken are waiting for Tracy to rise from her stupor-little realising that she isn't there. Amy then conveniently decides to head over to Paula's to take her case notes back, and narrowly avoids seeing her Mother in a state of half undress (the 'knickers on the Aga' imagery was slightly smutty for Corrie, I thought). Sneaking back home, Tracy seems to have picked up Paula's jacket in the rush - which Amy conveniently spots and what with Maria's idle gossip in the street, she's becoming ever more suspicious of her Mum's New Year's Eve whereabouts.
What are we thinking? Is this a predictable return to duplicitous behaviour for Tracy, or are you cynical enough to believe this is a slightly contrived ratings grab?
In contrast, lovebirds Maria and Gary seem to have made peace with his recent loan sharking shooting and Gary promises to turn over a new leaf. Bethany isn't as easily duped however and she decides to move out. Out of Maria' shadow, Gary is soon back on form though, harassing Sarah for the factory rent; he certainly means business. Gail suggests they move Underworld to another location but we know that won't happen. Calling a staff meeting at SPEED DAAL, the 'shareholders' (aka staff) decide to keep the factory where it is. Is it me or have we seen this set-up a million times before? I like Underworld but I feel it could it do with more than just a set makeover...
Meanwhile, Gary tells Maria they should move into their plush flat at Victoria Court instead. Will he revert to loan sharking or will his antique store pay dividends? Talking of which, Fizz is still feeling guilty about bringing a gun to the street but faces more trouble with the girls when Ruby hurts her harm at the community gardens. Is this arm injury another smoking gun for Jade?. Fizz thinks Hope is faking it but Jade promises to arrange a secret trip to the doctors.
Sorting through David's washing, Gail finds the letter requesting he attend Josh's court case. Can she persuade her son to go to the trial?
Also at the pub, Adam officially proposes to Sarah and she eagerly accepts. Gary looks miffed, to say the least. Emma also struggles with handing out the barmaid badinage (love that word) as Paula and Tracy exchange coats and frosty language. As they march out of the pub arguing, Amy corners them and their secret is soon out. Admitting her infidelity to Mary, Tracy's BFF fails to stall Steve at the pub and he heads home with the gift of a cat. Amy is disgusted by this whole sordid affair and decides to move in with Emma, while Steve remains clueless to the whole saga.
What are your thoughts on this latest drama?
If you enjoyed this review give us a follow @rybazoxo over on twitter, your self-styled 'Cobbles Connoisseur. I shall be back next Wednesday.
Happy New Year!!
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