Coronation Street Episode Review, Wednesday 13th September, 8 pm

Welcome to another Wednesday Weatherfield round-up and to catch up on the latest Coronation Street drama. 

Following Monday night's escape, Stu realises that Eliza has done a runner, and panics, using Alya as a conduit while Yasmeen is away. When he gets a call from the school, he realises his grandaughter is at her Dad's flat. Suspecting that Dom has arranged all this, Stu calls out a social worker (and the police) who decide the youngster is best off with her Dad for another night. Stu overreacts, telling Dom he won't be giving him a penny, before getting arrested for assaulting the policeman. 

Later, he meets Dee-dee at the cop shop and tells her what has happened. Watching the drama progress, I wondered if this could be the start of a custody battle. Surely not, because we have already had Stu go through a lengthy court battle over his wrongful jailing, a case which Dee-dee and Alya won for him! Out of the cop shop, Stu drowns his sorrows in the pub and sings songs before being taken away by Alya and Dee-dee. He wakes up from a booze-fuelled nap and tells Alyla his plan to fight for Eliza with a (drumroll) custody battle! Great stuff - I can hardly wait. 

Meanwhile, Aadi Alahan is also in the thick of it tonight as his affair with Courtney becomes exposed at the business dinner celebration. Before the dinner date, Dev’s been probing Aadi about his love life, thinking he's dating Amy Barlow. Aadi lies and tells his Dad that he does have a new girlfriend, but is too embarrassed to introduce her to the family. As the dinner progresses (it's great to see this storyline cast ensemble together) Amy makes light of Aadi’s new girlfriend (knowing his secret) whilst doing her best Tracy Barlow impression. As the young lad gets embarrassed and Courtney plays along, he decides to get some air. Courtney follows him and embraces Aadi in the doorway, just in time for Dev to catch them in the clinch! Dev is understandably furious but promises to keep quiet to save the deal. Back at the table, the atmosphere shifts as Darren and Courtney argue. Darren loudly accuses Courtney of cheating, and Dev struggles to hide his dismay. Courtney admits to an affair and tells her husband that her beau is ‘'hiding in plain sight’' As drinks flow, Darren gets ever more drunk, and what with Bernie’s jealousy of him greasing up his business partner's wife, it isn't long before Dev gets accused of cheating! Darren throws a punch but stops as Aadi admits the truth. I think we can assume the shop deal is off!

Elsewhere - Roy and Evelyn’s septuagenarian living arrangements offer light comedic relief to tonight's proceedings. The cafe boss is known for his eccentricities, and what with Evelyn’s trademark caustic humour, these two are an absolute delight! 

Also tonight, Dee-dee rebuffs advances from Joel and dithers about her love life, consulting Alya, Adam, and Michael. Paul seeks health advice from Shelly, but her condition is rapidly declining. Cassie helps Tyrone with the girls, but Hope takes advantage. 

What did you think of Wednesday nights Corrie? 

 I am @rybazoxo your Cobbles connissieur and coronation street superfan

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Coronation Street Episode Review;Wednesday 12th of October 8 pm

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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Coronation Street Episode Review;Wednesday 24th of August 8 pm

‘Free the Weatherfield One!' screamed the tabloid front pages all those years ago, and Corrie's slices of social injustice continue to this day. I think Stu is innocent here, and it's got something to do with Weatherfield Police corruption, but, and true to Coronation Street legacy - he's going to have to prove it. 

Tonight, Yasmeen has a bad dream, a haunting from Geoff (great to see that actor back on screen) as she’s troubled by the thought of Stu being free on license. Roy lends her his ear, and being the rational soundboard he is, he tells her that Alya and Zeedan’s miscarriage of justice pursuits may well be in her favour and for her benefit. Meanwhile, Alya turns detective and consults Adam with her theories about Stu’s police corruption case and confirms Roy’s theory. Again, we have a lot of legal terms banded around, and it’s starting to make me think this is becoming C.S.I Weatherfield. Alya tells Adam that Yasmeen won't budge on her opinion, but she goes and collects Stu from the prison gates, telling him she’s willing to fight for his innocence, by hiring a cold-case solicitor - a friend of Adam. Stu visits his daughter, vowing to clear his name, apologising for the affair, and proclaiming his innocence for murder. Stu then bumps into his ex-wife, who also expresses dismay at his behaviour, but she promises to back off, as long as he drops his case. 

On a lighter note: Happy Birthday to Gemma and Paul. Tonight's celebrations were a good excuse for Corrie to get post-covid cast ensembles together, starting at the Bistro, where Gem and Paul share dinner with Billy, Summer, and Aaron, minus the quads - Freda is on babysitting duties. Bernie gave her kids some Prima Doner Vouchers, as she’s a bit brassic, and trying to save for Joseph's back-to-school uniform.  Begging Dev for more shop shifts ends up leading to a hilarious misunderstanding between the two of them (he needs 'personal services' aka a house cleaner) and I wonder where their, once highly mooted, romance went too? A slap in the face is by no means funny, and what with Yasmeen's coercive control reminder, I felt some conflicting opinions about that particular scene. However, Dev remains in fine comedic form throughout tonight's episode, albeit a bit grumpy with Aadi and Evelyn. He does end up hiring Bernie as his cleaner though, so maybe there is hope for those two, yet? I love Bernie!

Better luck for Aadi tonight as his flirtatious friendship with Kelly leads to a kiss, a bedroom dalliance, and the giving of his mother’s engagement ring. The ‘Weatherfield Gazette competition’ set-up has been used often in the past (I’m thinking of Mary and Norris) but it is nice to see some youngsters have happiness, unlike the misery festival of Summer and Aaron. This is Weatherfield’s yin and yang storyline process, I guess. Taking the birthday party to The Rovers, Bernie tells Ches and Gemma that she will raise the cash for Joseph’s school uniform. Let's hope it doesn't involve selling wee, again. Later, Dev and Bernie are horrified that Stu is back on the street, so Yasmeen tells him to move back in! 

Talking of tried-and-tested plots, the Underworld ownership trope is back tonight and Sarah seems keen on getting Uncle Stephen involved in the management of knickers stitching. If it is a 50/50 ownership then surely Sarah could get another 1% share bought from somewhere (say, from Kirk) and it's done, am I right? I’m not Alan Sugar but I’m sure that's how it works. Carla’s nose is suitably put out of joint by Stephen’s consultancy plans, and she tells Peter and Ken about her suspicions. It's probably best that she doesn't find out about Aadi’s forbidden crush on her (you can't blame the lad!) but she still subs Summer some wages early. Is the stalwart firey factory boss really losing her steel?  

Elsewhere tonight, Evelyn and Shona lock horns in a hilarious broken biscuits shop gag, Ken’s still pulling the Rover’s barmaids, and Billy’s heading for ‘Vicars Got Talent’ which, considering his vocal skills and piano playing - it’s about time! 

An enjoyable hour of Corrie!  

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

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Coronation Street Episode Review;Wednesday 10th of August 8 pm

Casting aside the dodgy acoustic guitar songs and (long forgotten) random cough, I'm unsure what to make of these latest developments with top scouser and all-around nice guy, Stu Carpenter. Flaky boozy vagrant, he was, but redemption seems to have been made via his Bistro job, foodbank plan, surrogate daughter Kelly, and blossoming romance with Yasmeen. With this murder conviction from his past now rearing its head, is Stu actually another bad guy?

Tonight, Yasmeen makes it clear that she wants distance between them, whilst Kelly arranges for Billy to give him some spiritual guidance. Although Stu seems hellbent on leaving the street, he departs from the hospital (very quickly!) and is soon back at Speed Daal, and outside Victoria Court, hoping to make things up with Yasmeen, and Kelly, respectively. Sneaking into N0.6, Stu confronts Yasmeen and explains his innocence, affair, and framing for the murder. Yasmeen is stoic in response and Stu’s pleas are ignored. Yasmeen calls Zeedan for help, and then Craig arrives to arrest Stu. Later, Yasmeen seems pensive and is possibly regretting the arrest. A notable scene tonight was Billy and Shona discussing the finer points of capital punishment! That was hilarious. More from those two, please, Corrie! 

‘It's like pulling teeth’ has yet to be said by any character in this latest Sean romance dentistry drama, but Corrie can be forgiven, as newbie Glenda Shuttleworth is just divine! I must admit to having a slight Corrie crush (Sorry, Alya!) on her dulcet tones. Does Jodie Prenger do a podcast? I could listen to her speak, all day. Let's hope this is a long-term stint rather than a guest slot, and I was glad to see Mary back tonight too - what a duo those two make! 

Although, their sleuthing is unneeded as Laurence (the dentist) turns up at Shuttleworths looking for Sean. George arranges a date night for them both, but Sean is nervous and reluctant to attend, wishing to put Dylan first. With help from Mary, Glenda, and Eileen, Sean changes his mind, and it's toothy grins, all around. I got confused with the shoe joke but it was light-hearted soapy stuff. Does this mean we’ve seen the last of Frank? I’m not so sure. 

Meanwhile, Ryan has his day in court following last Wednesday’s comedy casino night heist and has little support from Debbie, but Ronnie manages to make a court-side appearance. Pleading guilty, Ryan’s fake mitigation plea (that Ray Crosby did it) falls on deaf ears, but luckily he escapes jail with a community service sentence. Ryan is left morose, bereft, and at a loss as to where his life is now going. Later, Debbie tells him the insurance has failed to pay out, so she offers him a job at the Bistro. 

Audrey is also at a crossroads tonight, as Doctor Gaddas suggests anti-depressant treatment following her ‘suicide attempt’. We don't know if she did it, nor if she meant it, and I’m not sure Audrey understands it either. It's a sensitive subject, and in this current climate, Corrie deserves praise for raising this. We don't know if she accepted the offer, as Adam Barlow (sporting another new hairdo) spots Audrey rushing into the Rovers and later tells her this, with Stephen in her presence. 

Elsewhere - Speed Daal is very busy, but with Alya taking a business break with her new beau Matt, Yasmeen is feeling the stress, but Zeedan holds the fort strong! Tonight's dinner guests include; Tim and Steve sharing Dad jokes, and Spider mysteriously splashing the cash, telling Leanne he will leave Weatherfield by the end of the week. Toyah is still struggling as she prepares to move out of the flat, and part with Imran’s possessions, which causes a row with Adam. Spider defends her honour. Kirk is feeling lonely. 

An all-around enjoyable (albeit fast-paced) episode! 

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

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