Coronation Street Blog: max turner

Showing posts with label max turner. Show all posts

Monday, 26 June 2023

Lauren returns and wants Max back? Corrie Blog interviews Cait Fitton

Fresh from his STC release, Max Turner's hardly kept himself under house arrest upon returning to Weatherfield life. He’s riled Alya by letter bombing Speed Daal and gained a new love interest with Bec, the girlfriend of his cell-mate who is still inside. With revelations of his racist past still causing repercussions, you’d think things couldn't get any worse for the troubled youngster, but this week sees the return of his former beau, Lauren Bolton!

In tonight's episode (June 26th) Gav is back at the precinct, having been released from the STC, announcing his intention to marry Bec. When Max reveals that Bec has moved on, and she’s going out with Max now, Gav’s furious. Later, the lovebirds share a kiss but don't realise they are being watched by Lauren.

On Wednesday, Max is shocked when Lauren approaches, revealing that she fell out with her Mum, wants nothing more to do with her Dad (or his right-wing mates), and spent last night kipping in the bus station. Max takes her to the café for a catch-up. He then learns that the CPS want him to make a statement against Griff, which Spider encourages. Lauren then makes a move on Max. Has she returned to try and save Griff, or does she still have feelings for Max?

In my latest Coronation Street cast chat, we spoke with actress Cait Fitton (who plays Lauren) about her character's return. Cait told us ‘I think, deep down she (Lauren) craves attention and wants that affection. It's sad as she’s never had that. She doesn't understand compassion or empathy, because of her background, and how she’s been brought up'

Lauren is also a victim of grooming by her own Dad. Will we see her still under his influence, or has she changed in light of what has happened to Max?

She’s been away for six months, and gone through these experiences that would change a person. I think she just wants to be accepted now. She wants to be taken away from what she was known for, and what her Dad was known for, and she just wants to be herself. But, she can't do that on her own. I think acceptance for Lauren is a big thing and she’s willing to show everybody she has changed.

What does she want from Max?

She’s desperate. Her relationship with her Mum is so toxic, she hasn't got that mother/daughter bond with her. She has no friendship groups and her dad’s in prison. She’s no safety net and needs Max’s help

How does she feel seeing Max with Bec?

It's hard for her because there are so many emotions. She’s a ticking time bomb who puts a front on. She’s instantly hurt, shocked, and betrayed; feelings that are all relevant on this occasion, but she’s suppressing her feelings and there’s a chance she will explode. She wants Max to be happy. Lauren was used as bait in the right-wing plot and feels guilty, but is heartbroken at seeing him with Bec. She’s no malice against Bec, it's just devastating for her!

***

Personally, I'm glad to see her back. Normally (being 40 + years old) I don't get too enamoured with these teenage storylines, but the right-wing grooming plot drew a lot of the ensemble cast together, and I liked it a lot! I may be biased due to my crush on Sair Khan (Alya Nazir) but it is what it is! Anyway, I digress. Could the reformed former bad-boy be drawn back into a romance with Lauren, or (as I suspect) is she being used as bait again in the final hope of somehow mitigating Griff’s sentencing?

Watch Coronation Street tonight to find out - it looks to be another great week on the cobbles!

I am @rybazoxo your Coronation Street blogger

All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Friday, 19 May 2023

Coronation Street Episode Review, Wednesday 17th May, 8 pm

Welcome to another Wednesday Weatherfield round-up and to catch up on the latest goings on, on Coronation Street. Following Monday night's fantastic episode (just me?) and Amy's anguish being posted online, I felt excited as tonight's episode began! There’s a lot to say for girl power on Corrie, and being a confessed feminist, I know whose side I'm on.

As the post goes viral amongst the residents, it isn't long before Aaron is fired from the garage. Steve tells Tim how guilty he feels, and Tim offers support, explaining how Faye has managed to turn her life around. Aaron’s Dad soon finds out about the blog, visits N0.1, and tells Steve that he can expect a cease and desist letter instructing Amy to take the post down. Steve tells her to leave it online, dragging Tracy to see Dee-dee legal advice, who tells them it could cost hundreds of thousands to contest and they could lose everything. Steve's reluctant yet Tracy is adamant that a fight is on. Tracy goads Steve, bringing Oliver into the argument, and even though I'm a big Tracy fan, I was stunned by that cruel jibe. Steve storms out, going to see Leanne, who tells him that Tracy is right and he should put that same fight into seeking justice for Amy. Aaron then pleads with Amy to remove the post, which she reluctantly agrees.

Later, at the solicitors, Dee-dee receives instruction from Aaron's solicitor stating that Amy has to write a retraction statement, as a podcast has picked up the issue and broadcasted it to the world. Steve is now up for the fight and Aaron's Dad tells them he will sue them for everything they've got.

Meanwhile, Craig’s enthusiasm for the C.I.D secondment is seemingly good news for Faye, as she has the day off, deciding to throw him a celebratory surprise promotion party. I was unsure why Izzy was putting such a downer on it, but hey-ho it gave her something to do.

Faye then gets a surprise visit from Miley and Jackson, and she soon heads to Roys for a family lunch, to help her daughter with her genealogy homework. With all of the family in attendance, Gary quickly spots Faye’s admiration of Jackson. Back at the flat, Faye is getting party pieces ready, and Gary warns her about her ex's intentions. Over at the Bistro, Sally steams in to take charge of decorations, and everyone seems to be bemused by Faye planning a party for this C.I.D promotion. Sally was hilarious! - I loved that.

Craig is soon looking for Faye, and Tim tells him she was out having lunch with Jackson! Craig questions Faye, but it seems his detective skills are a little off. I can see now why everyone thought that a promotion party was a little bit funny.

At the STC, Daniel tells Max how worried he is about him and suggests he invites his Dad back for another visit - he needs the family support. David is soon back at the centre and Max opens up, explaining his guilt at getting involved in the right-wing activism and despair at how he may struggle to rebuild his life. David tells his son how much he loves him and how he will get him through it. This was tonight’s stand-out scene for me. Rarely do we see such male emotion like that - superb! Less impressive is the scene with Max’s new friend ‘’singing’’ down the phone. Max tells his pal that he’s not sure about rejoining the real world, it's soon clear that he hasn't told his friend about why he is in the centre in the first place. I can't remember his pal's name but I think we can see where this may be going.

Elsewhere, in the build-up to the wedding, cash-strapped Chesney buys his and Joseph’s morning suits from the charity shop. Linda offers to buy them new outfits and then lends Chesney some more money so can pay for the rest of the wedding. Gemma remains oblivious.

In other news, Ryan’s back recovering in the hospital and Carla visits - she’s feeling guilty about going away. Ryan’s more positive after another text from ‘Crystal’. Carla questions Daisy about Crystal’s intentions, with the barmaid playing dumb. Later, Daniel surprises Daisy with a date night.

What did you think of tonight’s offering? I am @rybazoxo if you want to tweet and let me know!

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Friday, 24 February 2023

Coronation Street Episode Review, Wednesday 22nd February, 8 pm

Here we are for another Coronation Street Blog review in which I will try and avoid discriminatory language, violence, and scenes of panic or distress, which ITVX warned me of before I watched tonight's show. I normally take ITVX’s warnings with a pinch of salt but tonight’s certainly made a lot of sense. Some dark drama from Corrie this week, and as much as I enjoy reading Corrie fans tweet about their annoyance, and longing for days of old, I love this show a lot more when they delve just that bit deeper into Weatherfield’s darkest corners and modern society’s taboo subjects.

We shall start with stalking. Tonight, Justin’s weirdo voicemails and texts continue but Daisy’s waylaid with her influencer wedding arrangements whilst Daniel is teaching Max’s English lessons at the young offenders unit. Daisy’s suddenly not keen on social media, with all things considered, and reopening her phone, she decides to take the latest batch of messages to show the police. again. It makes no difference so Daniel offers to screen Daisy’s messages for her until she realises the police officer has ‘liked’ all of her Instagram pictures as well! two words; met police.

At the STC, (young offenders/grooming/grassroots racism strand) Daniel gives Max some Larkin to read which is an interesting choice, and kudos to Corrie for That literary reference. With Ken off-screen, it's nice to know we've got Daniel and Roy to keep the high brow on it. Daniel is forgiving of the young lad's predicament and tells Alya that she should pay him a visit.

She responds by making it very clear that she’s still struggling following the stabbing, but Ryan manages to change her mind. As with all Corrie prison visits, the visit itself is only a few scenes further on (unrealistic or for dramatic purposes?), and she read him the riot act, though not the victim statement itself (which I expected at this point) whilst Max could only listen. Later, he calls David to tell him all about his braying from Alya and it seems her words have helped. He wants his family to pay him a visit.

Fuelled by her opening up, Alya decides to take the statement and read it out at Blake’s sentencing. I expect we won't see that particular scene as we got to hear the statement tonight instead. I didn't take note of who wrote Alya’s words but that was an astonishing piece of drama and my scene of tonight, if not this week. I am going to disregard this carbon copy of the very recent Sam / Harvey prison face-off due to the top-drawer drama. This right-wing story really took up the majority of tonight's drama in fact.

Spider is still trying to track down the mystery right-wing benefactor and decides to pay Griff a visit in prison to see if he can press him for information. Another prison scene. That's all I’m saying. Spider admits that the police have found Griff’s burner phone which could lead them to Griff's paymaster. Meanwhile, Maria is perplexed at councillor Len’s sudden change of opinion, just as Spider reveals that the police have a warrant ready to make an arrest. Spider tells Toyah that once the case is over, he may return to normal policing. I hope this means the return of his blonde boss!! David did try to get things back to normal tonight with Shona, but although she made peace with Maria, her husband was still in the doghouse and he even got an earful in the pub!

Elsewhere, Billy and Paul announce their re-coupling, and I'm pleased Todd had a nice part to play, just annoyed that the Archdeacon appears to be avoiding church for another week! Also glad to see Evelyn back and bringing some comedic light into this week's darker drama.

What did you think of tonight’s Corrie? Let us know in the comments box.

I am @rybazoxo cobbles connoisseur & Coronation Street superfan.

All original work on Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License

Monday, 30 January 2023

Coronation Street Episode Review Thursday 26 January 2023

Over on the mean Street in Weatherfield we find that Alya has come out of surgery for a punctured lung and has not yet breathed her last. We get a brief visit to the Kate Oates Memorial Hospital with Alya coming round from her operation. She is clearly still in a lot of pain when Daryan turns up. Despite the operation and pain the pressure for beds is immense and Alya comes home where Sarah tries to get them to accept that Max was not responsible. Alya is not interested but is later well enough to spot that Speed Dahl is closed and she sends Stu and Yasmeen back to work.

Fiz and Tyrone are home again and apparently last night went well. Hope hits them with a shopping list for Cilla but Ty is not impressed telling Hope that if she wants to spend money on the chinchilla then she has to find a way of earning it. A little later Kirk is looking for a dog sitter for Peanut and Fiz suggests that Hope might be interested. Kirk and Peanut visit but Peanut is not entirely sure about Cilla and there is some apparent growling. Hope is offered £5 for the night's dog sitting and ups her demand to £10! However the girls come downstairs and find that Cilla has escaped from her cage and it appears that Cilla is no more. Peanut is prime suspect - but there are no bites or any other evidence that the dog is to blame. Cilla is buried in Victoria Gardens and Hope delivers a touching farewell and a spine-chilling threat that her death will not be in vain.

Max believes that Blake will tell the police that he only attacked Alya because of Max's videos and there seem to be an inordinate number. David tells Adam (with a man bun) and the latter reluctantly agrees to find a solicitor if the police take the allegations seriously. Even Gail becomes concerned having watched some of the videos. Dee Dee is not happy with Adam helping Max in this way and whilst I accept that is her view, as a solicitor she also should accept that everyone is entitled to proper legal representation - a point which Adam makes and she storms out of their office. Max's fears are justified when he is arrested and taken for questioning on the grounds of incitement to an attempted murder. Max's fears are realised.

Gemma is babysitting Glory for Michael and tells him that she does not have the qualifications or insurance - Michael is desperate and suggests that she minds the baby as a friend and he pays her on the sly. Chesney has taken some money out of the wedding fund and has put together his own super tasty BBQ sauce, following Dev's encouragement on Wednesday. Eventually Chesney - under threat from a pair of tongs - admits to Gemma that he has used some of the wedding fund money - but before he can really explain why she tells him he can sleep in Prima Doner tonight.

In the Rovers, Michael suggests to Daniel that perhaps Gemma would take on Bertie as well and then asks if she would consider it. Daniel, his mind elsewhere agrees to contact Gemma to discuss it.

Stephen has to grovel to Carla and explains that Gabrielle has ripped him off and uses this to explain his "consulting" role. Sally has rung in sick and there is a desperate need to ship an order - which is still needing machine time, so Stephen gets stuck in stitching to ensure that the order deadline is achieved even offering to buy a round of drinks in the Rovers once the last 25 pairs of knickers are stitched. Having made Stephen sweat Carla does not actually sack him.

Christina Boyd has decided to go as she is making no progress with Daisy but Daniel is not prepared to give up just yet when Christina shows him her mother's necklace to be given to Daisy. He makes a date with Daisy in the Bistro and when Daisy arrives dolled up to the nines he leaves as Christina appears but before going suggests they should at least talk for once. Daisy tells her mother that she wants to hear nothing she has to say - but does stay. Christina passes over the necklace but Daisy rejects it. Christina admits that she was not a good mother and blamed everyone else. She just did not want to be a mother - she did not like it and could not handle it and she knows they have missed out on everything - but feels that Daisy has had a better life without her and Christina admits that she would do the same again - because she loves Daisy. Later Daisy returns to Number One wearing the necklace and Daisy admits that her mother was at least honest and is coming to the wedding. Daisy's stalker is still stalking and finally gets blocked.

Max believes he has a rubbish life and that whilst he was born in this country no one - including David - ever stands up for him and takes his side. He had no idea what Blake was planning. He denies being a racist and he did not want anyone to be hurt. Max observes that to DS Swain he is just stupid scum. Swain does not deny the allegation. He has never had a handout, or a leg-up or extra help. He has ADHD and cannot get back into his school. His mother was murdered outside his house when he was nine. He has had to learn to fend for himself. He is lonely, so when someone tells you that you are not mad, and that you are not worthless and you are not alone - the hidden subtext is you listen and get sucked in. A little later it appears that the CPS have been consulted and Max is to be formally charged with incitement to attempted murder.

Which wraps it up for tonight. I advise Peanut to go into hiding urgently. Max needs a real lawyer and quickly. And given that I assume Daniel's teaching remains reviewable by Ofsted I am not at all sure he would be that keen on handing Bertie over to an unregistered childminder.

Written by Cameron McAllister and Nessah Muthy. Directed by Miguel Guerreiro.

Kosmo

@Kosmo100