Murder mysteries aren't my thing if I’m honest, and I'm not sure they belong on Coronation Street either, but it has to be said - you cannot fault the characterisation of Stu Carpenter here, a real baptism of fire, and one that I think will cement the character's long-term future in the show. The past few weeks have seen Alya play detective, a fiercely dogged effort to get clear Stu's name, but ironically, the mystery was solved while Detective Nazir was nowhere in sight. Perturbed by the ambivalence of his daughter’s on/off visits, Stu gets a surprise tonight, when Eliza pays an early visit to see her Grandad around at Yasmeen’s house. Bridget remains somewhat muted without Lucy being there, but the kid and Stu get on great together. Yasmeen remains adamant that she’s just friends with Stu, but I think we can guess they are pining for each other. Eliza asks Stu about his prison experience, and the loss of everything, and Bridget storms out into the garden visibly upset. Stu tells his daughter how sorry he is and Bridget breaks down, admitting it was she who murdered Charlie! Der der der!!! Drum roll, etc. I was half expecting Shaggy and Scooby to turn up at the point, but, as a big Stu fan, I can let it slide.
With her back garden confessional out in the open, Stu learns that Lucy knew all about this murder too. Taken aback by the shock, he confides in Yasmeen, and Lucy is soon knocking at the door of N0.6 trying to get Stu to not tell the police. Later, Stu tells Yas that he needs to keep his family together, and would rather avoid his rightful exoneration, to keep the peace. Unfortunately, detective Alya has got the DNA results sorted, and just in time for Friday's episode! Der der der! Drum roll, etc etc.
Tonight, Aaron and Summer's toxic teenage twosome of issue-based gloom continues in earnest. Splitting up, after Aaron gave Paul that split lip, Summer spots her ex-boyfriend out on the street and it seems he’s seen Dr Gaddas about his Dad’s alcohol abuse and rehab. I scene we could have seen maybe? I do love Gaddas and we don't see her often enough. Anyway, Aaron tells Summer it's over for good, with Aadi catching a glimpse of her upset as he walked past. Later, Aadi (fresh haircut now he’s single) tells Summer about their mutual sadness and they decide to catch up for a coffee. Later, Billy tries to distract her by getting her involved with a bring-and-buy charity gig, but Summer tells him she hasn't given up on Aaron just yet.
In last week's review, I questioned whether Queen Tracy Barlow had disappeared, just as Ken reunited with Wendy. I think the writers must have read this blog, or more likely, they were saving her up to go full throttle on Wendy flamin' Crozier! Tonight, Tracy apologised for her outburst and decided to make a meal for Wendy and Ken as recompense for ruining his birthday. It all seemed too nice, and of course, it was! Tracy dishing out the stuffed marrow (r.i.p Dierdre) was a dish she undoubtedly served cold. Wendy retorted with some steely resolve, making Tracy realise that she must actually be serious about Ken.
Meanwhile, Sally is still fawning over Tim following the romantic anniversary present and remains clueless about his clandestine meetings with Aggie, or the shopping they took together to buy it. Tonight, Aggie tells Tim that Ed has seen the bracelet, but he must not say anything about it.
Elsewhere tonight, Maria’s fight for the refugees (forgetting her echo crusade) seems to have reignited her online abuse and trolling. Confiding in David and Shona about her online abuse on the Weatherfield gazette site, ‘sadboy55’, is back trolling her, knowing where she works and berating her virtue signalling. I guess Maria isn't on Twitter. David seems intrigued by that particular turn of phrase, telling Shona about his suspicion and deciding to confront his son. Max denies all knowledge whilst Shona tries to cool David down. Ignoring her advice, David calls the police on his son and Max is soon heading to the station, with Maria and Gary in shock.
Murder confessions, trolling, and stuffed marrow! Another fabulously diverse episode of Coronation Street! I am @rybazoxo self-styled cobbles connoisseur & Coronation Street superfan.
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