Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 11th March 7.30 & 8.30 pm

As a non-football fan, I can't be sure of when James' next match for County is, but his latest fixture is a meeting with club reps to discuss his recent public outing and the resulting press interest.

About a year ago, I attended a Coronation Street press day at ITV studios where this storyline was unveiled {read more here} and I've known about it for some time. With misogyny and homophobia rife in the so-called 'national game'. I'm really pleased that Corrie has raised this issue. It's not surprising when James is reluctant to take on the mantle of gay/black footballer and, coincidentally, he's dropped from the next match.

Roy’s 'batty' defence of Nina and the society’s prejudice of his goth niece is admirable, and Roy is right, Hayley would have done the same. Defending her honour on the down-low (typical Roy) it’s left to Carla to reveal the truth to Nina about his little white lie but all’s well that ends well and their lovely little kinship continues. Amidst all this angst, anger, resentment and distrust, it's nice to know we have Roy and Nina to lighten the load.

In sharp contrast to Roy's timid demeanour, leading alpha male Gary Windass was almost certain to punch Ali once news of Maria's infidelity was out. Is she worth holding on to though? Posh flat, huge expensive car, diamond ring, and she repays him how? By sleeping with floppy-haired GP!

Following the spiking of his drink with Diazepam by Sharon, Ali's swift recovery and kidnapping of Maria is even more ridiculous, but even I can sidestep this fact as it *spoiler alert*  precedes Ali leaving the cobbles before this week is out. I'm glad Gary got the punch in and Dr Gaddas played a blinder too! A swift suspension for the doc and sacking or Toyah - you don't mess with Dr Gaddas (or gad-arse as Evelyn calls her).

Which reminds me, we still have Geoff Metcalfe's nefarious nature, to deal with on the street. Spotting an identical spelling mistake in the bad online reviews and in the new menu, Alya points the finger at Geoff and implies he's the culprit of grammar crimes. Confronting him in front of her gran, Yasmeen's loyalties remain misguided. Feeling the heat, Geoff decides it's time Alya got out of the (Speed Daal) kitchen. Will she leave or will Geoff be pushing her?

Talking of which, Ken’s move out of number one is also gathering pace. Relinquishing ownership of Eccles the dog is shocking enough, but I cannot believe that Ken doesn't own a kindle?! Leaving the street after 60 years pales in comparison to that revelation! Joking aside, Audrey is shocked at the speed of the move, and so am I (the 60th anniversary isn't until December 9th ) so will we see Ken go now? Will he return to live there later on in the year maybe?

What did you think of Wednesday's Corrie? Let us know in the comments section below.

@rybazoxo

---

---

All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 29th Jan 7.30 & 8.30 pm

Daniel may still be weighed down by the grief from Sinead's death, but his misdemeanour with the missed measles immunisation is about to have very serious repercussions. Baby Bertie may have bounced back to health but pregnant Maria's condition rapidly deteriorates, and she's soon heading to the hospital accompanied by Dr Ali. Sadly, it's too late and she suffers a miscarriage. Ali then recognises the symptoms of measles and Maria wonders where she's caught it from.

Unaware of the imminent fallout, Daniel thanks Bethany for being by his side. Later, Daniel defends Bethany when faced with a few home truths from Beth about his friend's obvious infatuation

Talking of childcare, Paul and Billy offer respite to look after the quads, giving Gemma and Chesney some much-needed breathing space. At Victoria Gardens, Chesney feels amorous but Gemma admits to being down with baby blues and hang-ups about Bernie. I doubt she needs Freshco's photoshopping her body onto the back-end of a Weatherfield wayfarer either! Back home, Tara from Freshco's defends her marketing techniques but Gemma's fuming! Questioning the contract's validity the couple decide to visit Imran who tells them they've no chance of winning a fight with Freshco's. Chesney wants to keep the cash and carry on but Gemma's grievance seems to be cemented. Will the Frescho four campaign continue?

Meanwhile, Fiz and Ty arrange to meet with Christine to discuss Jade's access to Hope. Fiz and Ty seem to be settling back into family life now, so why involve Jade again? It can only mean more drama? I like Jade though so that's ok with me.

With  Sally still away, two-timing Tim is keeping busy with his bigamy farce. I'm guessing Charlie will either become good friends with Sally or depart via Gatwick. However, she's hiding paperwork behind the bar, so surely that's an indication of her reluctance to divorce Tim? As I said last week, I do think that Tim is showing sides of his Father's sinister personality. I've called it first, just in case I can use this blog for social media boasting in a few months. In other news, Nick gives Sarah some time off to go Wedding dress shopping. Will Adam be in a kilt for the Scottish themed big day?

Returning from the hospital Maria sees that Gary is also back and breaks the devastating news. The hothead gangster plays it cool when he finds out, even approaching Ali with a handshake to thank him for his help. Is this a truce between the warring pair? Will Charlie sign the papers, and will Bethany and Daniel remain just good friends? I think all three questions have the same answer!

What did you think to this mid-week Corrie? Let us know in the comments section.

If you enjoyed this review give us a follow @rybazoxo over on twitter, your self-styled 'Cobbles Connoisseur'

---

---

All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 9th Jan 8.30pm

As promised, here is the 2nd part of Wednesday's Coronation Street.

Lewis's female harem are in awe at the funeral, as Audrey and Claudia air their grievances, in public. No dignity nor decorum as far as Audrey and Claud are concerned.

And as far Lewis?. Well, as my Nan used to say (she reminds me of Evelyn actually) 'there's no rest for the wicked', which is apt as his coffin goes back and forth as Claudia and Audrey halt and start his journey to the fire.

Back on the street, Liz has failed to show for the mitigating meeting with the Connors. As the Connors head back to the pub, Liz suitably arrives with the police in tow, just in time for Johnny and Jenny to be arrested!

Has Claudia avoided the same fate? She professes innocence as it becomes apparent that Lewis' ladies have paid for the service. Audrey, still smarting, delivers Lewis' old clothes to Claudia, around to Number 1. Will Ken heed the warning from the warring hairdresser?

Sally's suffering also continues as the brutal results of her beating are seen on screen. Meanwhile, bullying Marcia has been put into segregation. Talking to Tim on the phone, Sally breaks down. Here's hoping some more evidence comes to light.

Back at the Rovers, Sean revels in the news of his bosses' arrests to Nick, Gail, and Audrey.

Billy also arrives for his second 'date' but Paul already has company. A 'bit of trade' it may be, but Billy isn't in the mood for games and pushes Paul away.

The police pay another visit to the street (good job the cop shop is only around the corner) as Tim is given bad news about the alleged new evidence against Duncan. Even Interpol are involved! (Muse, The National, and other alt-indie bands were unavailable... sorry).

Under interrogation, Jenny gives the police 'no comment' which can only be the beginning of another police investigation. With the crimes on the street lately, I reckon they should set up an incident room in Roy's Rolls.

Meeting Rita in The Rovers, Cathy decides to pimp out Brian as the newsagent's new assistant. I'm sure that the wage decrease (as an ex-teacher) in an unpredictable economy, won't be a problem (!).

As the Platts head back over to the pub, (all of the gang together) a tipsy Gail does little to convince David that she works for MI5, whilst Audrey calls the police on Claudia. Nick heads home and takes his little gym bag with him. It seems Nick has a different kind of laundry (or money laundering), all together.

So is Claud completely innocent after all?. Tonight's revelation poses so many questions!. Keep your eyes peeled on the Coronation Street Blog, for more fan views, news, and opinion pieces.

And that's me done for another week.

What did you think about this Wednesdays episodes?. Go on, give us your opinion!.

You can follow me @rybazoxo over on Twitter, your self-styled 'Cobbles Connoisseur'.

TARA!

---

---

All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Coronation Street double epsiode review – Monday 20 Feb

Our blogger Rachel Stevenson normally writes her fantastic Monday night episode reviews but is away on holiday. While she's been away, Coronation Street Blog reader Ryan Oxley kindly offered to step into Rachel's shoes to bring you his review of Monday night's episodes.

And so, it's over to Ryan...

The birth of a Baby, the death of a rat (Ouroborus)

Well here it is, my third and final review of the Monday night double episode while Rachel has been on holiday. Treading the cobbles of the Coronation Street Blog has been a delicious delight - like one of Betty's Hotpots.

A familiar theme, maybe a motif, threaded through tonight’s brilliant Corrie double. A maternalistic streak that favoured Leanne, Toyah, Sarah and Eva, and sadness for Michelle as ashes were scattered on one of Corrie's finest (and incredibly upsetting) storylines. Also, another unexpected death that spelt the end of an era. Greek mythology isn’t something I’d ever associate with Corrie but tonight’s double (including the tale of the giant causeway) had a mythical if not ouroborus air to it. 

Following Friday's ‘night out’ we learn that Bethany has slept with sinister Nathan and without protection. Is this insidious storyline about to reap another unplanned pregnancy? Sarah seethes upon learning the ‘truth’, and her mothering instincts are troubled in handling the situation.

Toyah’s IVF battle sees Peter borrow money from Ken to book a conveniently cancelled IVF consultation and Eva ‘loses’ track of Liam who races to the bus stop, wishing to visit his imprisoned mum. The lad is consoled by a heavily pregnant Leanne, and Little Liam’s woes continue as we learn he caused Darryl the rat to escape into the street. Leanne is still distraught at her unified sisters, and an argument explodes with Toyah, as they leave Victoria Court and head into the lift.

Steve and Michelle retreat to Anglesey, the shores of Wales, to scatter baby Ruairi’s ashes. We are treated to a beautiful location shoot, the strong winter wind and the tides in unison to the couples shattered emotions. The broken couple both stare out poignantly at the distant horizon. This could be foreshadowing for their relationship, as we already know; another McDonald baby is about to be born.  It’s worth mentioning that this was another heartfelt and understated performance from Kym Marsh and Simon Gregson. ‘Rover’ running around the beach added a subtle comedic touch. Corrie at its finest.

Back on the street and with a rat now firmly on the loose, Toyah and Leanne become stranded as the lift draws to a halt (no alarm in Victoria Court?) and Leanne’s waters inconveniently break. Hero of the hour (or of any hour in Weatherfield) Robert races to the rescue. A power cut has shut the lift off!
With Leanne’s contractions getting stronger, Weatherfield’s medical marvel Rana is also on the scene. As Peter visits the IVF appointment on his own, Toyah turns midwife, unworried and seamlessly, a newfound career perhaps for councilor come barmaid, Toyah?

As the emergency services arrive, new ‘father’ Nick races to the scene, and by now, the baby has already entered the world. In tragic comic effect, it transpires that Darryl the rat had left the world by causing the power cut, as Baby Oliver has entered it, ‘He went out with a bang’ enthused Tim, as you would with 50,000 vaults through you’. A birth that will undoubtedly cause ‘explosions’ in future episodes?

A brilliant double tonight but I’m left thinking about the death of Darryl the rat, the demise of a Coronation Street legend. Almost ouroborus, or ‘one out, one in’ as my nan would say. 

Ryan B Oxley
NEW MUSIC DJ
www.penistonefm.co.uk/listenlive
Twitter: @rybazoxo

NEW MUSIC BLOG
www.drunkonmusic.co.uk / www.facebook.com/DrunkOnMusic2
Twitter: @drunkonmusic2


Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Download our free App | Visit Corrie.net


NEW! Coronation Street Blog - the book.
A must for all Corrie fans!


Please read our advice for leaving comments on the Coronation Street Blog

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Coronation Street double episode review, Monday 13 Feb 2017

Our blogger Rachel Stevenson normally writes her fantastic Monday night episode reviews but is away on holiday for three weeks. While she's away, Coronation Street Blog reader Ryan Oxley has kindly offered to step into Rachel's shoes to bring you his review of Monday night's episodes.

And so, it's over to Ryan...

The stand out quote for me in tonight’s double was from Adam Baldwin describing the blossoming valentines that are Daniel and Sinead ‘the romance that everyone is talking about, I’m thinking black and white movies, meaningful looks’, ‘better than meaningless!’ fired back Sinead. It was an interesting response which may lay resonance later.

Over at Number 6, Yasmeen is popping pills, (amitriptyline -prescribed for MS & Stress – cheers Corrie) and it’s a suitable plot device to bring Alya and Zeedan back into sibling accord. Yasmeen is a character I am continuing to warm too; she could serve well as a Corrie ‘battleaxe’ in future.

Kev’s woes worsen at the garage as he may have to lay off his Sophie but she resigns, returns her shares and takes over Tim’s window cleaning company; a quick career turnaround. Unlike her sister Rosie, who’s gone from Modelling in Miami to hiding drugs in allotments. Suitably worried about being No.1 in Weatherfield’s drugs cartel (and prison food) Rosie unearths her woes to Adam Baldwin. Adam then proceeds to dig in the dark, in hope of raising ground, the drugs, and essential funds for his longed for litigious law firm.

Meanwhile, injured garage lackey Luke limps lustfully into a Bristol break (or brake?) with a disappointed Tracy, in search of the elusive Andy. I am convinced Phelan has ‘removed’ Andy from the cobbles but as he’s busy fitting Ken's new kitchen, it appears its business as usual for Phelan. Ken swiftly arranges a meeting with an MA tutor for a distracted Daniel, who has Sinead pleading to move in. With his knuckles scraping already, the rather effeminate intellectual Daniel appears to be showing signs of repressed masculinity. Sinead completely ignores Chesney’s warning, an equally discouraged Daniel, and moves in with her ‘Pet Virgin’ anyway. Ken meets his MA mate whom implies that Ken is looking well following his stroke and has another 20 years in him, if Ken wants them. A very subtle line which may have implications for Ken's DNR storyline, it got me thinking.

Also in The Rovers Return it’s the return of Mary (who may or may not have been in Africa with her newfound son?) and long may Mary reign. She hilariously dismays and engages a forlorn suitor of Rana and suitably perplexed, the unknown regular leaves the ladies to it. An invite for Ayla’s birthday is in the bag for Mary. 

Meanwhile, young Bethany’s social media career appears to be emerging into the next Zoella. After some poor online reviews, she’s ready to quit but with rarely seen encouragement from Sarah and a gift from sleazy Nathan, she’s ready to return to vlogging. The young girl may well be falling into a trap.

Which brings me back to Sinead, who is also falling into a trap. After being emotionally drained throughout tonight’s episodes, a heated and wronged Fiz lays into her, she wears horrible ‘tracky’ bottoms to work and exclaims of being ‘I’m upset you know’ and ‘I didn’t want any of this’.

Meaningless?... I’ve got a feeling it may well be with the ‘Pet virgin’ but we will wait and see.

Ryan B Oxley
NEW MUSIC DJ
www.penistonefm.co.uk/listenlive
Twitter: @rybazoxo

NEW MUSIC BLOG
www.drunkonmusic.co.uk / www.facebook.com/DrunkOnMusic2
Twitter: @drunkonmusic2@rybazoxo
Music blog writer @Drunkonmusic2


Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Download our free App | Visit Corrie.net


NEW! Coronation Street Blog - the book.
A must for all Corrie fans!


Please read our advice for leaving comments on the Coronation Street Blog

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Coronation Street double episode review, Monday 6 Feb 2017

Our blogger Rachel Stevenson normally writes her fantastic Monday night episode reviews but is away on holiday for three weeks. While she's away, Coronation Street Blog reader Ryan Oxley has kindly offered to step into Rachel's shoes to bring you his review of Monday night's episodes.

And so, it's over to Ryan...

 
Tonight’s episodes offered near-trysts in taxi’s & factories, drug busts and a garage ruckus!

In amongst the rather bland plot devices of flopsy bunny’s disappearing act (who is Shona?) and Seb (the pleb), we had the real high-end drama for Kevin & Anna, Rosie and Sophie, comedy from Tim & Sally and sadness for our Chez.

The return of Rosie was a real surprising delight (I am still laughing at her description of Gary as ‘Ginger Barry’). It wasn’t all delight for Kevin though as his troubles mount, will he lose the factory and his old ‘best friend’ Tyrone? A fraught relationship, tonight being worse as Kev’s daughters returned. We will talk about that in a minute.  I was also drawn to the alarmingly similar character traits of Peter and Daniel Barlow this evening. Peter moved ‘Wilma’ aka Toyah into the flat and gives her his undying love speech (outside the taxi office), Daniel serenades Sinead (in a knicker factory) with the wonderful words of Seamus Heeney and some fantastic dialogue (Mary or Roy are usually dealt this intelligent prose). Peter had earlier taken his Carla ‘lookalike’ client on a taxi ride as devious Daniel had earlier coerced Sinead into study time at the factory, both their intentions seem dubious if not morally bereft. You must feel sorry for Chez, right?

I doubt either of the Barlow boys prospective or future relations will end well. It’s worth mentioning that they are both for my corrie favourites, at present.

Young Chez is kipping on the sofa and tears fall as Sinead departs for the factory, but a burger munching comedy delight that is Gemma, embraces him and eventually its darts with larger and lime in The Rovers. Do we see these two together in future, perhaps?

The Webster girls, having returned from months (even years) in Miami, are largely untanned, although it becomes apparent that they have brought something else back with them.  It isn’t long before the soap police (plain clothed, is this a first?), arrive to ransack No. 13 and arrest Sophie and Rosie on drug charges heaping more woes on Kevin, as they are marched off to the Weatherfield CID on Class A charges.

As Rosie flashes her out of date passport picture at a now uniformed officer, both sisters appear back at home in no time (clear of charges?) but it appears our Rosie has left a bag behind in a taxi which Sally dubiously collects, I wonder what is in that?!! Those plain clothes police need to work a bit harder next time. As for Kevin?... I hope he’s better next week.

Ryan B Oxley
NEW MUSIC DJ
www.penistonefm.co.uk/listenlive
Twitter: @rybazoxo

NEW MUSIC BLOG
www.drunkonmusic.co.uk / www.facebook.com/DrunkOnMusic2
Twitter: @drunkonmusic2

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Download our free App | Visit Corrie.net


NEW! Coronation Street Blog - the book.
A must for all Corrie fans!


Please read our advice for leaving comments on the Coronation Street Blog

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Coronation Street episode review, Friday 23 December 2016

Christmas arrives early in Weatherfield as Maria’s freedom hangs in the balance, and a crew gather to celebrate the festive season with her before the court appearance which may see her jailed. Eva’s bunny boiler tendencies have taken a back seat of late. She used to see reasons to be suspicious where there were none, yet now is blind to all the signals which show Aidan has feelings for Maria. Even the news that he punched Adam defending her honour is cause for Eva to be proud rather than concerned. There appeared a stronger chance of Kirk guessing that El Greco was the name stuck to his forehead than Eva suspecting anything.

Kirk, along with Beth, Michelle and Steve, provide the comic relief as Aidan and Maria nip out of the party for a snog in the factory. He genuinely does seem to feel terrible about betraying Eva and so, eager to do the right thing, says he’ll break up with her once Maria has left for court, and then follow her there for the hearing. Far be it from me to scupper soap jeopardy, but wouldn't he be better breaking up with her in good time? What if there’s an accident on the ring road? Ooh he’ll be cutting it all very tight for my liking.

They're not alone in the factory, however, and after revealing himself to Aidan, Johnny declares himself less than pleased to have witnessed the carry on. But Aidan tells him he has no choice but to break Eva’s heart. I’m liking this approach, which is a refreshing departure from the interminable hidden affair where both parties try not to get caught and while they inevitably do, it's not before we're well and truly shot of the ducking and diving. I do wonder, however, if Maria will reward him for his decision in the event that he carries it out and she avoids jail, as while she claims to love him, she has seemed quite happy to sleep with Adam.

He nurses his black eye with the rest of the Barlows who are also having an early Christmas celebration, and it all feels nicely cosy and authentic. Peter sneaks about with a present which Tracy notes resembles a cassette and shoves it in a drawer when it’s plucked out for opening. This doesn’t go unnoticed by Nick who appears a petulant child in contrast to Peter's mature serenity. So petty is he that he revels in presenting Simon with a drone, thus dwarfing Peter’s humble and unwelcome gift. Ken, Leanne and Daniel in particular note the disappointment on Peter’s face and Nick’s smugness doesn’t endear him.

Even when Leanne tackles him for being immature, he retorts that he’s a better man and Peter’s a waste of space, leading her to send him packing. Peter continues to succeed in proving him wrong by declaring himself well past playing those games, an assertion which is clearly genuine. While he remains tight lipped on what makes him happy, he does book a hotel room on the sly for himself and a 'Miss Battersby'.

The way things are going of late, Weatherfield police may as well set up an office on the street. This time, they’re around to discuss Bethany’s disappearance with Sarah and Gary. Sarah is horrified to hear that her daughter confessed to being involved with an older man, and furious at Gary for not telling her. Gary then makes a quantum leap to presuming it’s Luke after Norris reports that he saw her upset and being comforted by him the previous night. Luke is promptly pinned to the garage wall, and Kevin breaks up his 129,132nd fight on the street. Clutching her copy of Moxy, Faye looks more than a little perturbed at what she sees.

Billy’s delighted to hear he’s gotten the job at the rehab centre, Steph receives flowers from Phelan, and Andy takes to the medical centre for relief from his headaches and is more than a little abrupt with the doctor whose suggestion of grief counselling in the wake of Michael’s death is given short shrift. Michelle’s expensive telly hits the cobbles courtesy of Tim, Craig and a flimsy box, but at least Norris was on hand with a 'told you so' and a dustpan to make them both feel better.

While we can't be sure of what lies ahead over the next few days, it doesn't feel to me like it's building up to what you'd call an 'explosive' Christmas on the cobbles, but maybe that's a nice thing.

As this is my last Corrie review before Christmas, I hope you all enjoy the celebrations, and may it be a happy and peaceful time for you all.

By Emma Hynes

www.emmahynes.net
Twitter: @ELHynes
Facebook: @EmmaHynesWrites
Instagram: emmalouhynes

Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Download our free App | Visit Corrie.net


NEW! Coronation Street Blog - the book.
A must for all Corrie fans!


Please read our advice for leaving comments on the Coronation Street Blog

All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License