As football fever continues to grip the nation, I revert again to football-style prose for this episode review. Inspired by Corrie's Twitter character scorecards, I thought I'd join in the fun. It's an easy tact to take, football fodder does seem to please the masses, so here we are.
Tonight, Todd's previous match-fixing finally appears to have paid off. Billy’s acceptance of the proposal has the boys waxing lyrical about rings, and Summer’s diabetic diagnosis seems to have simmered down. However, Todd still has a disgruntled Paul to deal with, and after receiving nasty notes and text messages, Billy assumes Paul is playing jealous games and warns him off. However, Todd soon discovers that the messages are actually from the Kipling kid, Will (remember the whole piano smashing/helpline story) so it looks like Todd hasn't gotten away with it his conniving, just yet. Are we enjoying this one? Does it feel like we have been here before though? I do wonder why an Archdeacon is faffing about with such a trivial teenage love triangle tosh? At least we get to see (the lesser spotted) Eileen back on the cobbles. The cake kid tells Todd he wants £5K to keep schtum so I'm sure we've not heard the end of this either. Meanwhile, Paul arranges a drink with the other helpline guy, uncovering more information about Todd’s underhand tactics.
The fact that Gail is traveling to Thailand at all, with all things considered, is made even less plausible by the fact that she’s just had a heart attack. However, implausible and the Platts have long since been connectable so it's somehow forgiven. The last time Gail bogged off to Bangkok, she came back as more or less the same character. Is this a reboot designed to reinstill that classic Corrie Gail so desperately missed these days, or will she come back with a new boyfriend in tow? Either way, I think she needs a break. Not a sending off as such, she’s just resting pitchside. David and the family try to dissuade Gail, and even Natasha and Sam fail to stop her from going. However, I was glad to see Leanne take charge and smooth things over for Nick and his son. That can't have been easy for her to do and proves once again what a legend she is. Talking of which, let's hope Gail comes back rejuvenated because it becomes more implausible every time she debunks it for a bit. Gail reminding us viewers that she is ‘part cobble’ should hopefully be a sign of some future resurgence. Some great writing coming from Debbie Oates.
Ryan’s DJ gig idea with Daisy has been quickly fired up with an outdoor party for Simon Barlow’s 18th. Very quick, as these things always are in Weatherfield, and it serves as a plot point to speed up the obvious chemistry between The Rovers barman and barmaid. Alya’s slowly sussing it but still, Daisy’s matching dress scheme was classic bitchiness. Later. Alya and Ryan argue about it all. I know she's a little minx, and my daughter is called Daisy as well, but I think she's great! A keen mixer is what any drama needs.
Elsewhere in tonight's episodes; Izzy’s working from home struggle becomes much more clearer, and Sean tries to move back into Eileen's house.
***
In this 60 minute Corrie game of drama, there were a few highlights tonight. Paul substituted to the sidelines, Izzy shocks by quitting the team, Gail takes a mid-season break, and Carla and Sarah both vie for the manager's role
@rybazoxo your Corrie pundit
All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License
