Relations between Coronation Street and Canada go back 62 years. From Harry Elton to Steve Tanner, through to today's Stephen Reid, even in the real world, Corrie's Canadian fan base is well known, well-loved, and well respected.
Tonight, Kev Webster risks it all by whacking a wrench through Stephen's flash car. Surely this is a culmination of the last few years rather than the past few weeks? I think Stephen’s obnoxiousness and moneyed entitlement ( not unlike Doctor Thorne) is the naked flame to Kev’s metaphorical tinderbox. He's had enough with Jack, Alfie's cot, social services visits, apprentice Aaron, and earache from Debbie, and he explodes in true Kev Webster fashion. I doubt Abi will relapse anytime soon, but nobody thought about Kev, did they? Paul calls Tyrone to the scene resulting in the police arriving too. Kev's then told he's facing criminal damage, which would put Abi’s parental rights in jeopardy. We even had a scene with Abi telling Wendy just how good things are now, which drove the point home.
Aaron’s role in all this deserved a wrenching as well, I thought. The apprentice was more worried about Summer and got mugged, off-screen, which caused Summer more worry. Is it misplaced worry? Something seems off with this young chap doesn't it? Elsewhere, the new factory P.A took a familiar grilling from Beth and her first day was just loads of brewing up. Wasn’t Rosie Webster, another brainbox, a P.A at the factory, too? All very familiar isn't it? Elsewhere, Tyrone manages to smooth things over with Stephen, explaining Kev’s pressures, but will it get Kevin out of trouble? That final scene of Stephen looking angry sat at the cop shop, said it all.
Kev’s sister, Debbie, is in similar trouble as she scrambles to get the money together for Aggie’s compo claim. Instead of resorting to literal violence, Debbie dabbled in verbal vitriol, grilling Leanne with ideas for Bistro theme nights. I doubt a few extra sold bottles of vino would raise £30k that quickly. Also at the Bistro, Audrey tells Nick she's not signing the shop lease, so Debbie won't be getting that cash either! Audrey did look out of sorts tonight but failed to mention her hospital stay to Nick or Stephen.
Meanwhile, Stu bumps into an old friend at Speed Daal and realising his friend is a bit skint, Stu buys the fella a meal, which gives him an idea for a local (not a) foodbank, also getting Roy's Rolls and Dev's chippy involved in selling discounted food. Following last week's ridiculous ransom malarkey (£24K, I'm still not over that) it was nice to see Corrie embrace today's real-world cost of living crisis. I miss Janice and Les in situations like this, maybe Ches and Gemma will be deserving recipients, instead? It did help push Stu and Yasmeen's romance along, which is blossoming, and it gave us a few lovely moments between them tonight. It was great seeing those two together, unlike our Canadian contingent, Stephen Reid, who I can't stand for some reason. I'm glad Kevin whacked his car, but will Kev live to regret it?
I am @rybazoxo self-styled cobbles connoisseur & Coronation Street superfan
All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License
