Tonight, we revel and rejoice in an hour-long Corrie special to mark the record-breaking 60th anniversary episode. The traditional fare of anniversary episodes is live broadcasting, tram crashes, explosions, and multiple murders, but that has been toned down somewhat due to Covid restrictions. However, fear not fair Corrie fans, as tonight the community theme, the motif of Coronation Street's original incarnation, is front and centre - but is it proving to be a good thing?
The three strands weaving through the past few weeks & months came together tonight in a cacophony of dark drama, light comedy, death, and tragic relationships. Not much difference to normal Corrie then and although it's only December 9th, a few ghosts from Corrie’s Christmas past did appear making this somewhat familiar but a jam-packed anniversary special, nonetheless.
With Yasmeen now out of prison, Geoff’s place on the street would be tenous either way but with more than enough reason to leave the cobbles for good, Weatherfield's (morality) grim reaper was duty-bound to strike. The beauty of Corrie of course (and long may that remain) was the juxtaposition between the darkness and the light humour. As Geoff’s inevitable end unfolded, the campaigning residents outside on the street with loudspeakers, music, a small marquee and camaraderie gave the episode its comedic slant, and I liked it.
The climax to the coercive control story contained all of the familiar ingredients that we have come to recognise over the last 12 months. The script, production, and direction were all laced with magic/magician metaphors, the scary clowns and box of tricks in the loft, and Geoff’s almost maniacal laugh like one of those Victorian arcade games. Even Alya’s beating was a result of months of tensions between her and Geoff, very believable and cleverly done. My only gripe is how she woke up in Speed Daal, presumably dazed, confused and injured but managed to rush over to No. 6, which was on fire, and end up on the roof? Seeing Yasmeen finally regain control and Geoff’s death plunge splat on the patio made it all worthwhile though.
In anniversary episodes, it is also worth paying homage to the past, (residents and events), which was conveyed brilliantly tonight. Aside the demolition plan being reminiscent of the year 2000 'Save our Street' campaign, Nick’s monologue to Sam and Natasha about 2010's tram crash proved quite a poignant scene, I almost got emotional remembering Ashley's untimely death!. Would tonight have been Jack Webster’s birthday, too? Which reminds me that Kevin‘s realisation that Debbie is Ray’s development business partner was priceless!
The slimy businessman looked stumped when the police stopped the diggers bulldozing the brewery, but I think he may form vile revenge on Faye.
Another leitmotif of Coronation Street is those sordid relationships, the affairs, family feuds, and fisticuff fall-outs. I would have preferred seeing more of Jenny, Rita, and Audrey getting sloshed in the Rovers and sharing memories of Annie Walker rather than Adam's sheepish confession. However, it is the Barlow family, Ken is pivotal to the history of the street, so it worked. I do feel sorry for Peter though who deserves better.
If Peter Barlow's return in 2000 is my takeaway memory from the 40th, the tram crash being my main memory of the 50th, then the 60th takeaway memory was Ken with his Tiananmen Square stance and speech. As head of this community, and the patriarch of the street's rich history, that was a moment to cherish. A great episode!
I am @rybazoxo over on Twitter, your self-styled Cobbles Connoisseur!
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