I need to open tonight with an apology. I felt somewhat distressed at the content of this episode and on second watching (for this review) I felt little better. I suspect my antipathy will be evident in my report. Most seriously the episode ended with a hooded figure throwing red paint over the door of Speed Dahl. Much of the episode was occupied with Max being suckered into believing that Daryan was "creepy" towards Lauren (who by the way does not want Max stinking of curry after his shift ends) and that naturally Daryan and Alya stick together as "people like that (Muslims) always stick up for one another" as his "re-education" by Griff gathers pace. Max tries to argue it is not like that - but Griff has manipulative ways and a video (which we do not see), Griff also refers to the lies of mainstream media. When David tries to tackle the subject with Max he hits a brick wall. Griff offers Max money to provide social media coverage of an upcoming talk.
You remember Tyrone - the hard up, scrap metal dealing mechanic of a couple of years ago. Who a week ago had enough money to buy all the copies of the local paper? And this week has enough money to buy all the copies from the nearby bookshop and also a cardboard cutout of the late Mr Stape? Which he then stores in the outhouse - all to keep Hope from reading about her father and his evil kidnapping of Rosie and the wrong Christmas presents? And who promised his daughter that he would prevent the book being published - until Adam told him what lawyers cost? Hope takes her anger out on the outhouse door which swings open to reveal John Stape! Later Ty apologises to Nick and asks if Sam and Hope can be friends again and Nick arranges for tea for two at the Bistro with Hope revealing she has a copy of the book to read. Carla makes it clear to the factory staff that talking about John Stape at work is an absolute no-no.
Meanwhile the wheels of justice are rotating again - slowly this time and for which some unfathomable reason required a trip to London and some ill-judged comments about railways at a time when Avanti West Coast is running a reduced service - but Stu's conviction has now been formally overturned - so this is great news and yet somehow Stu looks to have the burdens of the world on his shoulders. The complication is Eliza whom he has promised Bridget he will be responsible. However she has to have her own bedroom and that means that Stu can no longer live with Yasmeen at 6 Coronation Street as there is no spare bedroom.
Esther and Mike seem such a lovely young couple don't they - church-attending, charity workers? And yet baby-fixated in a way not seen since it was R'Toyota's raison d'être! Having given the money they also work out that (silly) Billy does not yet know that Summer (madness) is having a baby. But they are worried about the legalities as you cannot have a contract about an unborn child in this country - but the lawyer has a suggestion. And the thumbscrews are out. Just put Mike as the father on the birth certificate to ensure he has parental rights. Is this a step too far for Summer? On reflection no - so long as she and Aaron stick together all will be well.
Now what harm can be done by a former arsonist reading "John Stape - A Legacy of Evil" - a book about a serial killer knowing that she has the same genes? Probably just a nightmare or two or more likely a lifetime of future derangement for the entertainment of the viewers? I am sure she will be a really well adjusted adult!
Howard has a type - Fern Lindon and now Bernie - well you can see it, can't you? Bernie wants Howard to tell the police about his ex-wife being a thieving con artist but he has some other ideas, so they share some tea and then a few drinks down t'Rovers. But little progress is made in the direction of the police station as more Dutch courage is needed before facing the might of the local plod. Eventually Shona (who appears to have taken to drinking by herself) points out Howard's intentions and Bernie calls him out on it. Later, shamefacedly Howard returns - he has been to the police after all but they are still not prepared to look for Fern. Howard has a plan.
And you remember that hooded figure redecorating "Speed Dahl"? You all thought it was Max didn't you? No it was an upright member of the local constabulary, Geoffrey Nugent.
I realise that I am probably in a minority of one; I was happy to hear that Spider would return. However I am not sure that demonising the police force like this is "entertainment" as the Corrie powers have not yet seen fit to explain his "journey" and it is going to take some believing how he went from the rain forests of Peru with Aunty Emily to the Weatherfield back streets and criminal damage. Sorry but this is seriously wrong. We have done racist problems several times since the arrival of the Bailey family and I think it is too soon to go there again. Alongside that I am unhappy at Summer having yet another story. Where is the gentle character stuff? Ease off the gas and rebalance please.
Written by Owen Lloyd-Fox and John Kerr. Directed by Emma Lindley.
Kosmo
