If a week is a long time in politics, then it seems a lot less when it comes to dramatic development down in Weatherfield. Just seven days ago, Nick Tilsley was aghast and overjoyed at meeting his son Sam for the first time. Being a typical Platt, he’s told all of the family first, and only tonight does he decide to tell common-law wife, Leanne, about his prodigal illicit spawn, sparking a hurried introduction between the pair.
Stuck between a rock (of sorts) and a hard place, I think Nick has managed this rather well. Was he blindsided by keeping this secret from Leanne? Possibly, but the acting has been incredible, and although it’s a dark tale to tell, its been made far more believable and quite harrowing actually, by top-end acting from Ben Price and Jane Danson.
The return of Gail is also inspired and a nice dollop of some much-needed humour. I can’t wait for Gail to see Natasha again and for when she meets Sam! As these hospital scenes become more common and frequent, the humour should be cherished. I've a feeling the end of this sad storyline can't be too far away now? I doubt any money or experimental treatment is going to save Oliver, either. Tracy’s reluctance to part with the florists for the lifesaving fund may have seemed harsh (if not characteristic of the murderess) however, she is right. With that avenue exhausted, is the inevitable battle with the hospital only prolonging the little lad's pain? Although, if it’s not your biological child, I’d imagine that’s a much easier decision to make. Steve may have been absent tonight but he still has Emma on his side and with Eileen's return, I'm sure he can count on her too. However, she has problems with her own son, as prodigal Todd’s return is imminent.
That’s not a spoiler, by the way, its been all over the press!
Worried that he’s died at the hands of local gangsters, even undertaker George (who must be used to dealing with such things) seemed shocked at Eileen’s icy demeanour and death stare upon their introduction. However, she may be right to worry, if her house break-in is anything to go by! I think we can guess who that shady looking character was and he’s left his Mum a note.
Betrothed bigamously or not, I enjoyed Sally and Tim’s first marriage ceremony. The Bistro has played host to quite a few dramatic ceremonies over recent years, but I seem to remember that one as being romantic yet relatively tame. It did lead me to think that what with last week’s shock kidnap/fraud baby caper, tonight’s wedding was going to be heightened drama fuelled and with a dramatic Geoff shaped twist! Not quite though as Abi managed to swerve that possibility by locking the great magnifico in the conservatory.
An inspired move, although it wasn’t a magic box, it is just desserts for Tim’s dastardly Dad! I wish Yasmeen had seen it and I kind of wish we’d have seen the wedding ceremony but hey ho, a lot of things are missing from our lives these days, let us be thankful that Corrie isn’t one of them.
I enjoyed tonight’s doubleheader- what did you think?
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An excellent review for two excellent episodes. The blend of the drama with Oliver’s illness and the comedy with Sally and Tim’s wedding was very well done.
ReplyDeleteLots of excellent acting tonight, particularly from Sally Carman, Jane Danson and Ben Price.
Abi keeps proving why she is one of the best characters on the street. Her locking up Geoff, sacrificing her chance at being at the wedding is another reason why she is Coronation Street’s very own superhero. The Peter and Abi storyline is dragging her down and that storyline itself is very unnecessary. Have Abi more involved with Geoff’s storyline as she is a wonderful friend to Sally.
While Leanne is annoying to watch at times and she was horrible to Nick last night, it cannot be denied that Jane Danson‘s acting has been brilliant. It shouldn’t be a surprise that Leanne is lashing out considering the horrible situation she is in. It reminds of Michelle losing her baby, another great performance. While it’s easy to be angry at Leanne, it shouldn’t be forgotten that she is losing a child that she has always wanted.
The reviewer is right, Nick did managed the situation rather well. Nick did the right thing of telling Leanne after he made contact with Sam. I thought he would had told Leanne when Oliver died, on Christmas, the 60th, etc, but to tell Leanne two episodes after he met Sam is very quick for Coronation Street standards and shows a lot about Nick’s character. Ben Price has been spectacular in this storyline. Out of all the actors this year, he has stepped up the most. It goes to show that if you give certain actors on the show an opportunity they will rise to the occasion. A big surprise this year and I am much looking forward to seeing more scenes of Nick, especially with Sam who is being played by a fantastic young actor.
I too wonder how long they'll go with Olivers illness. Surely there's not much more they can do. I hope it doesn't drag on much longer because despite the amazing acting it is getting repetitive. I started a drinking game - take a shot when Leanne storms off. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was so nice to listen to Natasha’s calm quiet voice after all of Leanne’s snarling, sniping and shouting.
ReplyDeleteI think Leanne had good reason to bet hough
DeleteLike others have said, Nick handled the situation with Sam and Leanne reasonably well. How many of us thought Nick would tell Leanne about his son at Christmas, next year or even when Oliver dies? For Corrie, Nick told Leanne surprisingly very quickly. Looks like on social media, more people felt sorry for Nick yesterday since Leanne was unreasonable with him. Of course, it’s understandable considering what she is going through and she shouldn’t be viewed as a villain. She was definitely wrong about saying Nick doesn’t care about Oliver. Say what you want about him but you can’t say Nick doesn’t love Oliver, that was made clear from when Oliver was born. Nick was the one who found the German hospital after all and he was desperate to sell his business for the treatment, in fact too desperate. He has definitely been very supportive towards Leanne this year, it’s a shame that Leanne is pushing him away. I suppose you lash out to the ones who are closer to you.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous[21;01]Granted Nick may love Oliver now but that wasn't the case when he was born as he left Leanne and baby Oliver because he wouldn't accept Oliver being Steve's son.
ReplyDeleteI also don't think Nick handled the situation very well as he told his family first about Sam not Leanne because he felt she couldn't handle it and yet had no qualms meeting his son in the same flat he shares with Leanne while she's at the hospital with Oliver.
When Nick did tell Leanne about Sam it was while she was hearing the worst news a parent could hear about their child so it's understandable that Leanne who I think is suffering a breakdown would lash out at him.
Since Natasha lied to Nick once before,I wonder if Gail will insist on a DNA test to confirm that Sam is his son.
Gail can't insist on anything. She looked pretty chuffed with the idea when she was told she had another grandson.
DeleteAnonymous(21:13) If you actually watched the episodes back then, you would know that Nick left Leanne and Oliver for their sake. He realised he was being too obsessive about Oliver being Steve’s son, so he removed himself from the situation to stop making life for Leanne and Oliver so miserable. He was trying to get in contact with Leanne and had to send money to Gail to give to her which Leanne lost in a scam.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it so wrong for Nick to tell his family about Sam? Sarah is Sam’s auntie, David is Sam’s uncle (it was Sarah who told David by the way) and Gail is Sam’s grandma. There is no problem with them knowing Sam before Leanne, they are literally Sam’s family.
Nick has every right to meet his son. He doesn’t need permission from Leanne. He is Sam’s dad after all.
So you have been commenting on every blog that has something to do with Nick about how he should tell Leanne about Sam. Then when he does tell Leanne, now you’re saying it was at a bad time. GIVE ME A BREAK! That’s why Nick was hesitant to tell Leanne in the first place. He was trying to find the right time. Besides, there wasn’t any bad news yesterday about Oliver so I don’t know what the “it was while she was hearing the worst news” was all about.
Not every storyline has to have a bad guy. Leanne is not a villain and neither is Nick. If you can understand what Leanne is going through, why are you so harsh to Nick who is losing his stepson and is obviously trying to support Leanne the best way he can?
Jeanie (anon): Have always loved Ben Price's Nick! Great that he has a story line which may finally free him from the claws of the harpy Leanne. I find it hilarious to compare the lives of the Corrie street residents with the lives of those who left the street. Over the last ten years, Natasha has blossomed--going from a needy, scheming, desperate young woman, to a composed, capable, very attractive business woman. Meanwhile, poor Leanne--who thought herself the cat's meow ten years ago and who still had some money and mojo--has weathered disaster after disaster, is unemployed, and looks about 20 years older than her actual age. Just shows what Corrie street does to you! And little Sam is another great example--Nick has been fortunate to become father to this healthy, confident, gifted, trusting 10 year-old boy...a great kid raised away from the Platts. But goodness only knows what will happen to him once he has been on the show for a couple of years. The contrast between normal life and soap life is so stark!!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous[21; 58]Perhaps I'm wrong but since he found out he has a son,Nick seems to be pulling away from Leanne and Oliver,in fact the whole Platt family hasn't shown to be supportive of Leanne lately even though Gail hosted a birthday party for Oliver few months ago,they too seemed more concerned about Sam.
ReplyDeleteI still think that Nick should get a DNA test done to ensure that Sam is his son.