Coronation Street Episode Review;Wednesday 31st of August 8 pm

Whatever else happened in tonight's Corrie, I'd already seen a preview, so this review was inevitably going to be about Audrey's salon reopening!!! An icon all on its own, we've been starved of Audrey's blue-rinse brigade, since the pandemic, and Ray Crosby's failed Coronation Street buy-out. Tonight was a cause for real celebration then, and Corrie did not disappoint! I seem to write this every week now, and I always will, when they have these really big cast gatherings, post-covid. With everyone outside the re-branded salon, Roy, Ken, Rita, and the Platt’s congregated in the sunshine (I’m guessing filming was during one of those heatwaves we had) giving a ceremonial nostalgic tint to proceedings. 

A relic relaunched (minus the Renshaw twins), the old guard tells Audrey that maybe a confession about her suicide attempt, to her family, is long overdue. Inside the salon, Stephen asks Audrey about the trust fund paperwork, and Audrey's renewed vigour has given her a change of heart - she's not going to proceed with the trust fund, which refuses him the power of attorney and control of the cash. 

Thinking back to Gail's monologue in the aftermath of Aidan's suicide, and Audrey’s recent suicide attempt, that confession to her daughter, couldn’t have been any more apt, poignant, or tinged with sadness, and was undoubtedly tonight’s standout scene! Here are two actresses that have cemented their onscreen relationships for about 40 years, and it’s one of those scenes where Corrie’s TV longevity only adds to the dramatics. No hyperbole required - that was just brilliant. With the clan gathered at Number 8. Audrey reveals all to the rest of the family, promising herself a new start, sobriety, and a bog-standard will, splitting her money between them, apart from Stephen, because she still thinks he’s loaded. Later, we see Stephen buying a suit from the local charity shop. He’s clearly brassic. 

Feeling like the street’s pariah, Toyah is cheered up by a lunch invite from Peter, and the old partners catch up at Roy’s Rolls putting the world to rights. Spider’s arrival, alongside his echo-warrior friend, gives Peter some thoughts about possibly joining them at a new protest. The problem is that the target for a protest is Carla’s latest potential bigshot Underworld client. With Carla back on top form, Stephen goes berserk behind the bins, realising he’s run out of monetary business options.  

Aadi and Kelly’s rush to get (underage) married, and courting the idea of eloping to Gretna Green, takes my Corrie brain back to the 1990s when Leanne and Nick did just that. Is this a rehash of an old storyline or something a little different? Tonight, the lovesick teens cause Dev parental woes, and tears in the shop, causing Asha to confront her brother. Kelly makes Aadi see sense but he tells his Dad he’d still like to stay at Gary and Maria’s for a bit. Later, the teens email a registrar in Scotland, setting up the rushed nuptials. 

Elsewhere, Jenny and Leo’s relationship finally cracks under the weight of his dullness (sorry, but come on!) and, having been covered in poo working for Ed, he decides to take that job in Toronto. Jenny’s maturity leads the way, it’s an amicable split, and quite frankly, I can't see him being missed. 

Can he take Stephen Reid, and his terrible suit, back to Canada with him? 

A superb episode tonight. Is it me, or is the show on 100% top form right now?

Let us know in the comments! 

I am @rybazoxo self-styled cobbles connoisseur & Coronation Street superfan 

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Coronation Street Episode Review;Wednesday 22nd of June 8 pm

Remember when Kelly was persona-non-grata after Seb died, before retribution, and then we liked her again? Jacob, the county lines drug dealer, hated by all, but now Amy's comedy fodder boyfriend? It sounds familiar and especially where Max Turner is concerned. Reeling from being cornered in this internet blackmail plot, should we viewers feel sorry for the lad? It's a little bit too familiar for me to be bothered, and tonight, Max discovers that his sleazy classmates from the PRU are behind the blackmail plot. He tells them he can't give them the grand, but they humiliate him in a very public bullying submission. Max retaliates with Shona being caught in the crossfire, taking a punch on the nose. I hate to say it's a good thing, but Shona has been brilliant as part of the Platt clan these last few months, stands out in this storyline, and is perfect for keeping Max and David in line.  

 

Talking of the Platt’s (N0.1 family spot at the minute) Audrey’s alcoholism, and hugely unlike Peter’s case, appears to continue to fall towards comedy? Tonight, Aud’s bashing the Rover's door down at the opening time, fails to coerce Rita into another booze-up and seems hell-bent on growing old disgracefully. Taken aback by her friend's advice, Audrey decides to return to work at Trim Up North, and the boozy barbers are the perfect tonic for her! Some of the #Corrie online fan fraternity seem to have forgotten this place has a bar, but I distinctly remember it, although the clientele does seem to swing from Male/Female depending on the plot, cast, or content. A unisex rebrand is required, maybe? David spots his Gran's pickled personality and bans her from picking up the scissors. Audrey then continues getting drunk, taking another tumble over that ominous Thai elephant ornament, and bangs her head. 

Why does Audrey always fall over? Maybe the alcoholism explains that. She fell over outside the rovers about 22 years ago and nearly had those cobbles concreted over. Audrey drunkenly sacks David, Kelly, and Maria - has a good go at Gail - and then clears out the barbers so she can continue drinking on her own. Later, the Platts meet up in The Rovers (irony, I think), Sarah vowing to research the perils of old age drinking. I think the comedy element may now be disappearing to be replaced by some more sobering content. Later, as Audrey is readying to leave, she falls over again and gets trapped under the shop prop motorbike. I remember the bar and the weasel, but not the motorbike? 

Meanwhile, Tim and impotency problems see him and Sally meeting a sexual therapist tonight (the Donkey Sanctuary comedy bypassed me - I'll be honest) I do like humour, and these two are funny, but I think Tim and Sally can carry the seriousness far better. Those laughs they shared in those final scenes seemed far warmer, genuine, and humourful. I think that made my point. 

Meanwhile, Maria’s kept busy tonight as her successful petition to get Weatherfield Council into introducing recycling bins, causes the refuse collectors to call a strike. This is no place for political insight (although I do watch Question Time, Kirk) I doubt Corrie could have timed that one any better! Easy to forget that socially realistic dramas tell a story of our modern times: this is a prime example. Anyway, I digress. Maria is aghast at the militancy of it all, Coronation Street residents debate the good and bad of echo policies, and news reaches the Weatherfield Gazette.    

Elsewhere- Peter is losing his battle with Dr Thorne, and Carla wants new flooring, so I hope we see Barlow flat soon. Ryan Connor reappears for a haircut - where has he been? I know we have a new influx of returning characters, but there are a few regulars we rarely see these days! I am @rybazoxo self-styled cobbles connoisseur & Coronation Street superfan 

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Should Corrie address lockdown in future stories?

Among the madness that we all find ourselves in now, something really exciting happened to me the other week; I appeared on Channel 5 News to talk about what the future of soaps might look like post-lockdown. Obviously, Channel 5 didn't have the time to hear me wittering on about Corrie for hours, so I thought I'd put it in a little blog post for you all.

If lockdown has taught me anything, it's to be grateful for the smaller things in life and one of those things is Coronation Street. They've reduced the episodes but it's good to have that little bit of normality of sitting down three times a week to catch up with the nation's favourite street.

I'm on the telly, Mum!

Talks of the soaps returning to filming has already begun... surely they're bound to run out of pre-filmed material soon? If crew and cast do go back to work, they'd obviously be socially distanced. This could well mean that Cathy might have to lob a kebab through a window to a customer instead. I suppose they'd also have to be careful how they film everybody sat in the pub, but I guess post-production fancy stuff could sort some of those issues out (you can tell I'm no tech wizard).

Kebab throwing aside, one of the biggest questions circulating at the minute is whether lockdown should be included or referenced in future storylines. Sure, seeing all the Platts quarantined together would be quite the riot (literally), but do we need lockdown invading our beloved Coronation Street?

Personally, I say no. While it is vital for Corrie to move with the times and focus on real-life, this is an exception. Everything has been turned upside down and it encompasses our daily lives completely. Coronation Street and other soaps are a great way to escape for half an hour, and we really need that right now.

But hey, that's just my opinion. What do you lot think?

Sophie Williams

Stay home, stay safe.

Read some more of my general natterings on Twitter @soph_journo

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Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 2nd of Jan 8.30pm

As promised, here is the part two review of this Wednesday's Coronation Street.

Our Chesney is courting with disaster, as Emma and Gemma continue to fight for the kebab shop manager. Gemma has always been the top of Chesney's affections, but as Emma finally admits her worries, will Gemma finally realise the truth about Chesney?. And as the silent calls continue, has Gemma got another admirer?.

Audrey isn't convinced that Lewis has drained her account of Archie's money. Either squandered or stolen, something doesn't seem to ring true with Lewis's supposed final fraud. Sarah also admits to being in a financial quandary. As the police show CCTV images to Audrey, Gail doesn't recognise the lady at the cash machine. If it isn't Lewis (it looks like he is actually dead), who's stolen Audrey's cash?.  As accusations fly, the Platts internal fights and plights look set to continue.

Back in Blackpool, Mary gives Jude £800 to settle the B&B bill. Talking to Jude's bottle blonde, Roy realises that Jude has assumed the identity of street stalwart, Ken Barlow, whilst masquerading as a surgeon!. It seems Jude hasn't changed at all. Unfortunately, Mary can't spot any of the signs, and hands the money over to her son. It isn't long before Mary realises that Jude has absconded down the promenade with her cash. Dismayed but not dissuaded by Jude's treachery, Mary solemnly sings along to Abba on the radio, as Roy drives them home (I was hoping for Morrissey if I'm honest).

Meanwhile, Billy is his usual saintly self and vies to get Paul a job at Underworld. Taking along his charm (and government funding advice), Carla is soon won over.

.

Anyway, that's me done for another week.

I think we've seen the last of Jude, and although all evidence suggests otherwise, I'm still not sure the same can be said for Lewis?

What're your thoughts on this Wednesday's Corrie?

Let us know what you think!.

You can find me on twitter @rybazoxo  - your self-styled 'Cobbles Connoisseur'.
Join me next time, for more Wednesday Weatherfield Wisdom!.

TA-RA!

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Corrie Comicals, week ending 28 December 2018

I am never quite sure what will appear in this little round up but there is usually room for Steve who has just asked Shona for some ideas for Tracy's chrimbo present - she responds with the suggestion of a muzzle which Steve acknowledges Tracy already owns - which only made me wonder is how they use it - not on Rover surely?  He gets Eileen to give him the holiday in Tenerife for free but tells Tracy he has sold his vinyl to pay for it.  Steve never learns does he?  Tracy soon discovers the vinyl is still in the loft and that he got the holiday for free so she plans to make him pay - she tells him that Tenerife will be far more painful than Morocco (presumably she is taking the muzzle!).

Roy has had a quiet year but here he is keeping us spellbound extolling how he sees himself as very similar to "Elf", with Buddy's personal quest for contentment similar to his own, although Roy does not consider himself an elf.  Profound thinking from Roy as we would expect.  Later he observes the minefield of Christmas present giving (from personal experience of his mother giving him the presents she thought her son ought to receive) and the disappointment which often results.

A challenge for my readers.  My wife remembers Ken and his bells.  I have some faint memory that this may not be the first mention of handbells.  Can anyone tell us the last time they were mentioned please?  The familial reactions were typical of most family obsessions!  And so the Barlow family are looking forward to bells and a nut roast.  (Well except Kirk and Beth who take themselves off to the bathroom for a good stuffing - of turkey what did you think I meant?).

Digressing slightly Sally Dynevor's performance in jail as Tim visited Sally for the first time since her conviction was telling and moving.  Eyes watered the second time I watched her heartfelt welcome for Tim assuring him that she had not cheated with Duncan, whilst we know that in a second he would be forced to admit to his (non-existent) adultery, therefore knowing her pleasure in seeing Tim was actually about to ruin her Christmas Day.

The milk of human happiness rarely seems to grace the Roberts/Platt/Tilsley/Hillman/MacIntyre family at Christmas time and above we can see the slapped-arse faces of Nick and Sarah (nice hair though) as Audrey gives them all a family mini-break holiday in a forest eco-lodge as a Christmas present out of her recent inheritance from Archie.  Not to mention Gail's face also getting a slapped-arse look as she arrives in the Bistro to find the entire family are toasting Lewis for his comments on families.

Maureen Lipman's late husband, Jack Rosenthal, wrote episode 30 of Coronation Street and she says [in her show "Up for It"] "it feels like coming home" to be working on the Street.  Here alongside her mean and difficult persona we also see there is another side to Evelyn as she has worked out that Tyrone has used his bonus to pay for Cerberus and it gives me a chance to wonder if she will be in the running for "Best Newcomer of the Year" when the awards shows come around?

With Sean away, Liz sacked, Sarah elsewhere we get a new (temporary?) barmaid - Emma - to whom Jenny turns in desperation to cover the bar as she seeks to find Johnny.  That beam as she surveys her new empire is enough to power the lights on the Street for weeks.

Kirk spent much of Friday eating nuts although I missed the explanation.  Have you noticed that Peanut the dog never seems to walk anywhere?  Kirk and Dev are seeking to convince Peter that the long closed snooker hall (have we ever heard of it before?) is haunted.  Peter is having none of it and when he later treads on a load of nuts in the snooker hall showing Simon around his new empire he knows that Kirk and Dev have been playing tricks and exacts a small revenge.

Peter and Carla have just walked across the set arm in arm and Peter offers her a private viewing of the snooker hall - she declines saying that her bath is summoning her so Peter offers to scrub her back - a suggestion which Carla simply laughs off.  But has she really lost all her feelings for Peter?

It was a great Christmas week on the Street and I hope this look at the lighter side (in general) helps fill in some of the finer details which cannot always find a place elsewhere.

Extras at Work

There were  various pet extras around this week (Cerberus and Peanut both appearing) but I thought Eccles deserved a look in.  Having petted her, Evelyn then called her a glorified tea-cosy as Ken walked away.

Just before I sign off for the last time in 2018 a couple of words.  Firstly my thanks to Flaming Nora for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to the Corrie Blog.  I just do not know how she finds the time to do all the writing she does.  And secondly I would also like to just briefly remember Tvor our sadly departed colleague from Canada.  A much missed presence among us.

See you all in 2019.

Writers: David Isaac (Monday); Julie Jones (Tuesday); Martin Allen (Wednesday); Ella Greenhill and Chris Fewtrell (Friday)
Directors: Tessa Hoffe (Monday); Neil Alderton (Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday)

Kosmo
@Kosmo100

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