I'm starting to wonder whether the Geoff/Yasmeen Vegas marriage plot is a feeder for Tim's Vegas marriage plot, or vice versa? I'm not even sure I like either plot but either way, the pace of things certainly has me wondering where this is all leading too. It's a strange one, to say the least. Sighting the shotgun Wedding as a cause for celebration, Sally's idea of a party is predictably taken over by control freak Geoff. I wish Yasmeen would 'wake-up' already! Geoff's coerciveness was also extended to his new 'grandaughter' Alya, whom he convinces not to attend the party. Predictably, he then tells Yasmeen that Alya isn't interested in attending anyway. Are we even interested? I know it happens in real-life (I've seen it with my own eyes) but surely Yasmeen wouldn't be so easily fooled?
Meanwhile, Tim visits Imran who confirms that his most recent marriage to Sally is actually null and void. 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas' isn't the mantra he needs to hear from Steve and Tim, but they decide to help him to track down 'Charlie' the air hostess, anyway. Although you'd imagine she's travelling all around the world, they track her down on social media, to a backstreet bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter. A convenience purely for drama purposes - I can only guess, yet not really believable. Hoping to annul the marriage on (lack of) consummation grounds. Tim is annoyed to find out that they actually 'did it' yet Charlie is happy to dissolve the union, so Tim can remarry Sally (in secret). Is this humour or drama, do we think?
Daniel's descent into grief-stricken torment continues tonight, as he teeters dangerously close to borderline alcoholism. Ken, Adam, and Peter rally round to support him but his guilt for betrayal with Bethany appears to be eating him up. Adam and Peter decide that Daniel needs a trip to the Bistro!, Bethany's place of work. Yeah, because that's a good idea. Booze and the 'other woman'. It's like a car crash waiting to happen...
Also at the Bistro, Michelle's clandestine approach to seizing control of The Bistro looks to be complete, and Robert's anger makes him go all 'Gordon Ramsay'. Michelle storms the kitchen with Ryan and Ali in tow, demanding that Robert leaves the business immediately, which he does, but not before punching Ali, of course. Must be testosterone on tonight's menu as Daniel drunkenly swaggers out of the Bistro with a stolen wine bottle, hastily followed by Bethany. Drunk and disorientated, Daniel stupidly walks straight out into the busy road, where he is run over by Cathy.
In a slightly surreal piece of production, Daniel awakes from unconsciousness and seems to think Bethany is Sinead. It's very psychedelic, but a tad too 'Hollyoaks' for my liking.
Possibly concussed, Daniel's head is obviously spinning so he steadies himself in the community garden, confiding his woes to Bethany. Admitting his undying love for Sinead, he also confesses to Bethany about what Sinead said on her death bed confession. Its a passionate scene, no doubt, and it makes me wonder whether Daniel and Bethany will become a couple, after all?
Later on, Daniel has a little 'chat' with Baby Bertie, and it looks like some changes are to be made...
At a slower pace, 'Big Garth' is back! and Victoria Market looks to be bang on trend opening a 'winter wonderland'; Lapland for Weatherfield? I'm with Evelyn on this, they largely sell overpriced booze and tat but hey ho ( or ho! ho! ho!) it's certainly a good setting for a festive plot or two...
Big Garth also points out that Maria's 'knock-off' handbag is the real deal. Ali's little truth nugget about him being a loan shark must be ringing in her ears, unlike Gary's furniture shop till, so she seeks an explanation from her fella. Dismissing Fiz's gossip as just that, Gary manages to fool Maria into thinking his profit margins are good, and not that he's a loan shark. He does tell her the truth about Ryan though, which is slippery but it works. I'm a big fan of Gary (I've met Mikey in real life, he's an utter gent) but what are your thoughts on his new bad boy persona?
As ever, Maria is blinded by a manipulating man and disbelieves Ali when he persistantly tries to tell her the truth. Gary meanwhile, plays Ali his ace card and blackmails him with the 'big pharma' secret.
Michelle also plays Robert at his own game and throws him out of their flat. Why IS she so suddenly concerned by Vicky's disappearance? Is she 'in' on this, is this some kind of Michelle/Vicky coordinated revenge on the cheating chef? I think so but then surely the police wouldn't be involved, would they?
That's my round-up of thoughts on tonight's plotlines -what are yours?
Let us know in the comments section.
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