Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 2nd September 7.30 pm

Continuing to engage in his machiavellian pursuit of Alya, Geoff's narcissism and general demeanour have finally got under her skin. Yasmeen may be fighting fit now and ready for the trial, but what with the booze delivery and his unwarranted offer to buy her out of the restaurant, Alya is ready to rage! Tim’s return to the street gives Geoff an excuse to twist the truth and get under his son’s skin but Tim (nice but dim) now seems to be losing equilibrium, paying little attention to his Dad’s supposed ‘woe is me’ attitude.  Psychologically speaking, Geoff is displaying classic signs of displacement here, and I would guess that seeing Tim become more despondent, Alya is the next best plaything. His veiled threat is surely a promise...

Daniel’s rather sad obsession with Sinead-a-like, Nicky, is slowly becoming public knowledge, and even with him paying her for services (albeit not intimate) it doesn’t seem like he’s trying to hide it - good on him! I imagine Tracey will tease him for it, but Ray, however, is a little more threatening. I find the bistro boss quite intriguing and I do wonder about his previous dealings with Nicky. Let’s not forget his pervy behaviour with Michelle, Alya, and Bethany. I think there is more to come to from that past story arc? Ignoring the threat, Daniel decides to meet Nicky again for a reconciliation. Can we see these two having a romance together? 

Talking of which, Shona's (slow) recovery, has been helped rather than hindered by this pandemic I think. Whether that was planned or not, I’m unsure, but seeing her slowly reawaken to her life on Coronation Street, whilst having absolutely no filter at all, is having a certain salve quality for me. Prompted by Nina, its nice to see Shona coming round to David’s obvious devotion and The Cure’s seminal ‘in-between days’ playing on Roy’s transistor radio was a wonderful touch. The scene at Maxine’s bench was a bit surreal, but I guess it was literal to drive home how brain injuries can change personality entirely, so they are forgiven! 

With Dev down in the dumps over the business books, Asha is front of house at Prima Doner and is visited by Corey who published that mucky video of her that went viral. Is she looking for revenge or heading down the wrong path, again? I doubt Dev needs the stress, has he furloughed Evelyn? If Dev is having trouble, maybe he could go into business with Alya and help her with ‘Speed Daal' as she may need help. Geoff giving ALL of the staff the night off is the promise from that veiled threat he delivered earlier. Is Geoff about to get Alya arrested for (un-characteristic) violence, too? With Tim as a witness, this could get interesting. 

I am @rybazoxo your cobbles connoisseur and Weatherfield’s fountain of wisdom 

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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

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Coronation Street Episode Review Friday 28 June

Evening Corrie fans, it’s Kelly here with your Friday night review.

Tonight’s hour-long episode is mainly taking up with Gary and Geoff in a two-horse-race to see who can win the title of most unbearably vile and charmless man on the street.

Grim Gary is out of the gates very quickly. He makes a very strong start by being needlessly mean to Sarah in the café but falls back slightly when he agrees to give one of Ricks former customers an interest free loan without taking his passport as collateral.

Coming up on the outside to take the lead is Ghastly Geoff who is trying to keep Yasmeen inside No. 6 by telling her there are dangers everywhere and it’s not safe to go anywhere without him by her side. He almost stumbles when his suggestion of a jigsaw and board game marathon have her making a break for the door, but he’s quickly back in the race with a devious bit of guilt-tripping. He looks unbeatable.

But wait, Grim Gary has had a surge. Unperturbed by Rick’s teenage daughter coming to his office to look for the dad that he murdered, he meets up with another of Rick’s clients who he agrees to loan £600. But this time he demands £200 interest and confiscates his passport. 

As the two round the next bend there’s some commotion in the crowd. It looks like a night in with Gail and Audrey has convinced Maria that her life is sad and boring. David and Shona are getting married in six week’s time (providing he’s not in prison) and Steve has had a brilliant(!) idea to dress Tiny as a unicorn and hire him out for children's parties.

But back to the race, Ghastly Geoff discovers Yasmeen out of the house and in good spirits after hearing her mugger has been arrested. At Craig’s self-defence class he tries to show off by claiming he’s a former boxer, but PC Tinker quickly puts him in an arm hold, humiliating him in front of the class. Could he be about to pull up at the final fence?

With Grim Gary moving into Rick’s old office and letting his former clients know he’s open for business it looks like the two are neck and neck.

We’re into the final furlong when Alya brings Ryan and his two DJ mates back to the house. Yasmeen happily shares a drink and a laugh with them, until Ghastly Geoff orders her back to bed. With Alya fast asleep a gloved hand (clearly belonging to Geoff) raids her jewellery and overturns the Nazir family photographs.

And yes, yes he’s won it by a nose. Despite a good challenge from Grim Gary, Ghastly Geoff is the most unbearably vile and charmless man on the street. I hope we all enjoyed the race. And remember gamble responsibly.

I’ve been Kelly and I’ll be back here in two-weeks time. If you get lonely catch me on twitter @mskelstar

Byeeee....

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Coronation Street Episode Review; Weds 10th April 8.30pm

As promised, here is part two of this Wednesday's Corrie, all wrapped up in a handy blog review.

Fearing Rick's threats against his family, Gary begins work offering high-interest loans on the old people's estate and wins over a gullible old dear.

Kate confronts Alya about sending Carla the threatening (and slightly spooky) messages. The girls both agree on avenging the factory boss over Rana's death.

At the old lady's home, Gary deliberately fails to deal a dodgy loan and instead offers the OAP some security advice, and a bit of cash.

'Tall Matt' makes his Prima Donor debut, as Gemma tells Chesney she has booked them a caravan holiday in the UK. Chesney is slightly disheartened.

At the hospital, Sinead's ringing of the bell symbolises the end of her cancer treatment and hopefully heralds a new era for the young parents. At home with baby Bertie, the couple discusses a 'naming' ceremony, which appeals to their joint atheism, but Sinead's family may be an obstacle.

Apologising to Leanne and Nick, Imran offers to make another(!) dinner to clear any bad atmosphere at the Victoria street flat. At the Rovers, Imran questions Wayne about the factory accident report.

Carla's psychosis continues to worsen. Visited by Kate who admits that Ayla sent her the threatening social media messages, Carla does nothing but convey an emotionless, yet, inwardly tortured demeanour.

As her paranoia deepens, Carla questions Kate's story and struggles to anchor to the truth.
Carla's psychosis then has a visual representation as she erratically scrawls her paranoid theories on one of Ken's newspapers.

Back on Victoria Street, Gary offers condolence to an upset Alya but is distracted by Rick. Admitting he got no loan uptake from the OAP estate, Rick lays the charm on a passing Alex and offers him £300.

At The Rovers, Gary remains distant with Sarah, whilst taking Alex to one side, and giving him advice about Rick's loan offer.Later on, spotting Alex receiving the cash, Gary confronts Rick but is soon receiving further threats from his new 'boss'.

Outside of No.1, Carla overhears Rick's threats and her inner paranoia and turmoil go into overdrive.

Interesting then, how Gary and Carla were instrumental in the factory collapse, and now both seem to be paying the price. Thoughts?.

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

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