Coronation Street Episode Review; Wednesday 26th of October 8 pm

Another week has passed and it's the death anniversary of another female character I really liked. Yes, Sinead Osbourne nee Tinker R.I.P. Those gorgeous vignettes of her final hours loom large in my Corrie memory, and aside from a few false starts, Daniel seems set on the long-term with Daisy now, slowly succumbing to a new start as his grief leaves. However, Bertie is also in the package, and with Daniel and Daisy considering domestic bliss, tonight, little Bertie utters his first on-screen words, calling her ‘Mummy’! With Daniel's grief clearly visible, Daisy kinda ignored it and played it cool with Daniel until Bertie repeated his verbal slip in front of his great-auntie, Beth.

We had a lovely little sensitively played emotional scene between Daniel and Beth in Victoria Gardens, which was probably my highlight tonight, but Beth was soon back on form, angry at Bertie's slip-up which only reminded her of Sinead and angry at Daniel for seemingly moving on with his life. Uncomfortable by the drama, Daisy tells Daniel that she might be best not moving in right now, taking Beth’s words to heart. Later, she chats with Jenny who convinces her to change her mind. Beth and Daniel also make amends. I found it fitting and it gave a sweet ending to those gorgeous vignettes I remember so vividly. 

Talking of Corrie's kids, I don't think we need a plot device to see Audrey and Sam together, do we? Written down, it's an unremarkable duo, but with actors of that calibre, I’m pleased to see more of them tonight. Sam’s non-plussed at spending school holidays with Nick and decides to spend time with his glamorous great-gran instead. Whilst Audrey’s preoccupied with Sam, Steven is up to his tricks again tonight, having success coaxing Gabrielle into imitating his Mum, ultimately releasing the cash equity from Grasmere Drive. Slippery as ever, Steven tells Gail that Audrey is better and that it might be best if he returns to Canada. After a chat with Sam, Audrey also decides to release equity from the house, announcing to the family that she wants to go and see the Northern Lights. Steven spins her some spiel and luckily for him, she changes her mind. However, later on, Audrey tells her son she’s changed her mind, that her family can whistle for her inheritance, and the decision is final. Later, Steven pleads with Gabrielle to help him to cover up his subterfuge and tells Audrey HE will pay for the Norwegian cruise. Later, he tells the family he is going to stick around for a bit, after all. 

Eileen cannot be all nicey nicey!! the longevity of grim Grimshaw has been her long-held acerbic wit, dry humour, negative outlook, and failure with men. Tonight, Sean and George have their suspicions about Eileen's sudden serenity, and upon questioning, the otherwise grumpy Eileen admits to having had a spiritual awakening and a near-death epiphany! Sean and George are quick to dispel her experience as being explained away, rather than supernatural, but they both love her new demeanour, so shan't be telling her the truth, for now at least. 

Meanwhile, Peter gets more pally with Griff, Toyah, and Spider tonight, with the gang looking to go to a secret music gig. It gave us some great scenes between Spider and Toyah, who seem to be moving forward with their romance. Spider decides to dodge the gig, let's not forget he’s an undercover policeman these days, but later takes a mystery phone call with the voice telling him he MUST attend it. Spider lies to Toyah, telling her it's a lad's only gig, and Peter lies to Carla so that he can go with Griff. 

Elsewhere, Tyrone’s taking on a fitness challenge again and Sean (being Sean) tells Fiz to be wary as the last time Ty did that, he cheated on her. Carla may be the voice of experience, but her brutal honesty rankles Fiz forcing a few home truths on her common-law husband.  

I enjoyed Corre tonight. Some good dialogue, memories of Sinead, the Platt family chat, and Eileen’s epiphany. What did you think? 

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

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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 17th of August 8 pm

Faye’s mood remains low tonight following her night apart from Craig. She gets drilled by the factory girls, whilst Craig is sidestepped with the community engagement day and visiting Speed Daal to update Zee on Stu’s status. Zeedan is quick to report back to his Gran, and prompted by a chat with Roy, decides to pursue that prison visiting order. Whilst Yasmeen is busy with the fundraiser, Zee warns Stu to stay away but retorts by telling him he will fight to clear his name and the corrupt Detective Lennox: all so he can win back Yasmeen. Meanwhile, at the fundraiser, Yasmeen is hounded about her past and has a panic attack. Roy comes to her rescue, and dishes out more words of wisdom, whilst Yasmeen frantically fails to contact Zeedan, who is still in the prison. Zeedan later returns and visits Adam Barlow to get his legal take on things. He then lies to Yasmeen about his whereabouts, but of course, she bumps into Adam who ignoring client confidentiality, promptly spills the beans.

Later, Zee confesses and tells Yasmeen that he thinks Stu is telling the truth. Back at N0.6 Stu tries to make a jail call to Yasmeen and she puts down the phone. Stu is heartbroken. 

Meanwhile, Underworld staff complete an order early, so Carla gives everyone a half-day off, and they organise a staff party. I loved this! it reminded me of the old Mike Baldwin days. In true Classic Corrie fashion, a factory party is soon in full flow with all staff (including Dirk!!) enjoying wine, snacks, and cans of beer. Feeling fragile, and after seeing Craig have fun with his colleague at work, Faye gets drunk and steers the party to the Rover's. We viewers then got a brilliant karaoke scene, in the cast-filled pub! (pre-covid days have returned) Faye then staggered to the beer garden and made a drunken play for Michael. He doesn't reciprocate and nobody sees them, so assuming that was a one-off. Faye certainly thought so, later returning to the flat, and forgiving Craig for being so caring and nice. She doesn't mention that Micheal mishap.

Aaron and Summer also seem like a toxic pairing. Tonight, the youngster kicked off at the garage, and Summer, hiding own her body issues ahead of the holiday, confronted him about his bruises. It turns out he’s getting physically abused by his drunken father. Summer promises to stand by him, which can only mean more sadness and issue-based misery, which makes Max's return all the more pleasing. 

Coinciding with Audrey's mood-lifting pill-popping, the teen has been absent recently and tonight he suddenly reappeared, helping his great gran to restyle her salon! Audrey tells Stephen, Max, and Shona, that she wants to spend her cash on doing it up and living a little. Stephen’s smile through gritted teeth was clear to see, but wasn't it great to see Audrey smiling again? Corrie viewers were also treated to some more nostalgia, with that picture of Alf Roberts on the salon’s shelf. After catching up with Ken and Rita at Roy’s, Stephen was quick to question his mum about her funds, and she promised him honesty - just not enough to tell him about her suicide attempt. Audrey also got some nice flowers from Ken and Rita, which was great to see, but Stephen still failed to get Audrey’s signature on the trust fund. 

Elsewhere tonight, I loved Audrey's story about meeting Viv Nicholson at Sheffield’s Cavendish Club in the 60s. Somebody did their research. 

Some superb writing and a very enjoyable hour of Corrie!  

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

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Coronation Street Episode Review Friday 24 June 2022

We are all well aware of the dangers of drinking and driving, so a slightly inebriated Audrey should have known to stay away from a motorbike which has been hiding in the background for months.  Also, how did the front door get locked with Audrey still in there - or did I miss it?  Wednesday's cliffhanger was resolved when Brian (looking for his third trim in a few days) and Elaine (passing by) hear faint cries for help.  Coincidentally, Stephen responding to an overdramatic phone call from Sarah, arrives and breaks in to find his mother pinned to the floor.  An ambulance is summoned and R'Audrey and her Stephen are "blued and two-ed" to the hospital, where Audrey requires an operation for a ruptured spleen but is later well enough to tell Gail off and send her away with  Stephen becoming once again the favoured offspring.

Whilst Audrey was having her unexpected rest on the floor a Platt council of war gathered in Speed Daal - Gail, Nick, David, Sarah and Shona seeking wisdom from recovering alcoholic Peter Barlow on the best way to get Audrey to see the light and foreswear the demon alcohol.  Listening, I am not entirely sure that Peter's experiences were entirely helpful.  The pow-wow broke up when Brian panted down the stairs that there was someone in trouble in "Trim Up North".  I felt for poor Brian - he had obviously gone to the Platt residence at t'far end of t'Street and all the time they were all in Bistro just across the road from the barbers!

Tim and Sally are in Roy's Rolls and Tim tries to make a flirty joke which falls flat.  To work on their intimacy Sally has written "Things That Bring Me Joy" which includes "Visiting the stately homes of Cheshire, Creating objects of beauty with my crafting.  My hot tub.  Iconic old films that bring out the romance in my soul."  Tim responds with his little list: "Weathy County, Paul Weller,  Cheese." Oh, he adds rapidly seeing Sal's face - spending time with you my one and only true love.   They agree a lunch date in the Bistro, but Sal is definitely not impressed. Leaving the cafe Tim  is stopped by Aggie who tells him that she and Ed had a slight disagreement but had not had the chance to make up - so when Tim finds Ed and Ronnie in the Bistro later, rather than paying attention to Sally he is constantly using his phone to get Aggie to come to the Bistro.  Sally gets quite worked up at being ignored as she relates the timeless classic iconic romanticism of Dr Zhivago, especially as she has been told she has the look of a young Julie Christie.

I will let you find your own pictures of Miss Christie with such accoutrements.

Talking of romantic doctors Peter is also still worked up about Mr Thorne the surgeon and borrows an old tape machine which Ken used to use in his journalism days and which (amazingly) still works.  Peter invites Mr Thorne to Seb's memorial garden but Mr Thorne knows it is a set-up and insists Peter stops recording on his phone - which Peter does.  However the tape machine keeps running and eventually Peter has the evidence of an admission and is going to bring the man down.

Councillor Windass is almost glad she has been sacked as it means she has time to meet the union leader of the refuse worker's depot.  When Jimmy Dixon turns up he is a completely out of time unreconstructed antediluvian reptile looking for Maria's boss and having no interest in recycling - unless of course there is extra money in it which no councillor would ever offer to find ever - but Maria does.  Later Maria gives an interview which, unscripted, is excellent.  However the film is edited and released on social media and holds Maria up to complete ridicule.

George is almost in hiding as he is still trying to avoid Frank the school bully and together with Todd decide that they need to enable poor Sean to become aware of Frank's true nature as a leopard never changes its spots and therefore Frank must still be a bully, all they need to do is prove it.

Steve sees Sal in Victoria Gardens and gives her a pep talk about marriages and car crashes with reference to Tracy.  Steve makes it clear how much Tim loves her so the Metcalfes regroup in the Rovers.  And a few drinks later they depart for home!

Clearly the Sal and Tim stuff had real echoes of the Ogdens whilst the reversion to old technology was neat with Dr Thorne.  And will Elaine be Brian's new squeeze?  Clearly we are also seeing decent numbers in a scene now with the Platt family gathering and the whole feel is more like days of yore - but without any particular issues being examined - far more like proper Corrie as the family interplays (the Platts and the Metcalfes drive) - essentially the characters drive the narrative.  In many ways the most welcome episode in a long time.  Please tell me you agree on Twitter

Written by Julie Jones and Debbie Oates.  Directed by Becky Wild.

Kosmo

@Kosmo100

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