Cosy crimes and gritty sagas by Corrie Blog editor Glenda, published by Headline. Click pic below!

Wednesday 3 December 2014

Coronation Street double episode review, Weds 3 December

We have in recent times seen Coronation Street criticised by viewers for its focus on ‘explosive’ events, characters with bad intentions, and downbeat storylines. Recent episodes have demonstrated however that they are clearly attempting to deliver greater doses of the ordinariness and humour which have been lamented, and tonight’s double episode was a perfect example.

Owen wasn’t wrong when he tactfully described Kevin’s new sofa as “striking”, and to be fair, it was the centrepiece of the double episode. He should’ve known when it was sold to him for £200 less than he offered that he was inheriting a monstrosity. Attempts on the part of Jason and Owen to wedge it through Kev’s door, and the subsequent arrival of Tim as they ponder its fate are hilarious. As soon as Tim agrees to a swap, we can anticipate Sally’s disgust, and once it is installed against her will, her embarrassment in front of the object of her disaffection Alya is the cherry on the cake. That is of course until she learns from her young charge that it is in fact a designer piece, and all of a sudden it isn’t so unpalatable to her, leaving Tim a ginger nut away from an early night.

Remind me never to go to a spa with Michelle Connor. Carla, looking forward to a much needed day of relaxation, has invited her along only to be delayed at length on foot of a phone call, and made listen to talk of debts, failed relationships and pipe dreams about moving away. She even takes the hot masseuse for herself without a hint of remorse leaving her friend with the eminently disgruntled Phil, and while she provided a great comedy turn, sadly for Carla, the pleasure was all ours. Arriving back at the Rovers, Michelle remarks that she really needed the day away while Carla adds a meek, “so did I” confirming that it really is all about Michelle.

Despite Sean and Jason’s encouragement, and an attempted night on the town, nothing seems to make Todd feel better about his scar. Even when the police call around to advise him that they’ve caught the perpetrators, it’s of no consolation to him.

Alya impresses a client with her knowledge of his company as Sally tries and fails miserably to belittle her. Unfazed, she invites Gary around to the factory after hours, but Tracy has taken Rob’s key, and both escape out a back door thinking that Carla has returned. As Alya renews her appeal to Gary to be patient and take things slowly, they’re oblivious to the fact that Tracy is inside smashing the place up.

Carla interrupts her and there’s a brilliant scene between the pair where they try to convey to one another what each has lost. Tearful Tracy appears a vulnerable and broken figure, but it’s time she acknowledged her role in bringing Rob to justice rather than heaping resentment on Carla. Unfortunately this doesn't look likely to happen any time soon. Both arrive at the Rovers and Carla proves herself to be more than twice the woman Tracy is by being discrete enough to keep the incident between themselves and gracious enough to keep the police out of it. As Ken takes Tracy home however, her look back at Carla leaves me doubtful that their resolution to make up and move on will be honoured.

I had high hopes for a change in Tracy which would have been natural and well founded considering recent events and her reaction to them, so I'm disappointed to see her revert to the woman scorned with a questionable agenda. It will be interesting to see how this resolves itself.

Aside from my general regret at how things are unfolding with Tracy, if I have one criticism of tonight’s episodes, it again relates to the literacy storyline. It is used to mock Tim when a furious Sally, at the height of her sofa-sneering, scribbles her frustration down and throws it at him, spitting “read that”. Later we learn she has promised him a lesson, but it’s lightly referred to as a means to tempt him up the stairs; like he needs any persuading on that score. As both myself and our blogger Graeme have previously observed, the issue is not receiving the gravitas or the treatment it deserves. It took great courage for Tim to reveal his struggles, and for it to be treated as a vehicle for either comedy or as a subplot with a broader purpose in the absence of any real engagement with the issue doesn’t sit well with me.

All in all however, a very enjoyable pair of episodes. Now, you'll have to excuse me as I recline on my Le Coeur with a ginger nut and a cuppa; it's part of their Manhattan range you know.

By Emma Hynes
Twitter: @ELHynes

Download our App | Follow on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog | Like on Facebook


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

12 comments:

AmandaB said...

Another great performance from Sally again tonight. It was a joy to have no Platts splattered across the episodes as they have been of late. But I'm missing seeing more of Mary lamenting over her 'loss' of Dev, even though normally I'm not a Mary fan.

AmandaB said...

Since when did the Faktry have another door!?!

Anonymous said...

Emma, just want to say that your episode reviews are brilliant! Always well written, with a dash of humour.

-Lauren in Seattle

Emma Hynes said...

Thank you so much Lauren,

Delighted you enjoy them!

Emma

Roni said...

I absolutely enjoyed tonight's episode and I believe that Tracy did acknowledge her role in Rob getting caught when she broke down stating he won't see her. The look in the Rover's wasn't malicious, I took it to be contrite. More like grudging gratitude and common ground understanding. I like Tracy and hope the writers do this character justice.

Anonymous said...

I thought the writing last night was great. The sofa chuckle brothers act was funny as was Sally's reaction 'like Mick Jagger blowing a flaming rasberry'. I also enjoyed Ken referencing his long standing feud with Mike Baldwin, it's great when the Street recalls the past.

I disagree slightly about the Tim storyline. I agree that it should be in no way belittling the issue but did not think the 'read that' was mocking but rather was the way Sally would react and the fact that Tim was able to read it shows progress. On a more serious note it illustrates day to day issues of reading difficulties without labouring the point.

The depression story with Steve is similar. This story has retained humorous moments for Steve but really shown how depression can affect those who it may seem least likely to.

Finally, just how uncomfortable does the Mick Jagger sofa look?

Frosty the Snowman said...

Oh how our spirits soared when Michelle threatened to leave Weatherfield yesterday - but oh no Carla persuaded her to stay, what a surprise. Quite surprised she wasnt offered her old job back at Underworld as dynamic businesswoman but oh no Alya has the job - even though she was messing around with Gary Windbucket on the premises and obviously didnt set the alarm!!

John McE said...

One of the best episodes in a long while.

It was pretty obvious that if the boys had used the standard technique of putting the sofa on it's end they could have got it through the door without any problem, but then Sally's snobbery wouldn't have had a chance to shine.

I can't see it staying there for long though, as it blocks the camera... and looks incredibly uncomfortable as well.

And surely, Todd would have been asked to identify the suspects, before it was announced that they'd been caught?

Anonymous said...

An excellent review!

I agree about the Carla/Tracy scenes. Even though Tracy's being insufferable, I enjoyed their scenes. Carla was far too compassionate towards her, but it was nice to watch.

Sally and Tim were very funny again. I remember a time when snooty Sally was one of my least favourite characters but I appreciate her so much more now and her relationship with Tim works brilliantly.

Humpty Dumpty said...

So just who is this mad gym member/of staff who seems to have been responsible for someone else's broken hand? Perhaps deliberately, the character isn't listed in the credits.

Very good scenes between Tracy and Carla, and I would say Tracy's look at the end was enigmatic. Long way to go before she lays all ghosts to rest.

ChiaGwen said...

Scar????....really?...barely visible, though by tiresome Todd's wailing and lamenting, you would think half his face had been ripped off.
Great Faktry scenes with Carla and Tracy, almost felt sorry for Tracy, though I doubt she has been entirely changed from what she went through.

Upintheattic said...

Humpty, I totally agree about the scenes between Carla and Tracy at the Faktory. I actually had tears in my eyes for both women. What a wonderfully written scene. Very touching.

Thank you Emma for your reviews on last night episode. Very enjoyable. :)

GRITTY SAGAS BY CORRIE BLOG EDITOR GLENDA YOUNG, PUBLISHED BY HEADLINE. CLICK PIC BELOW!

You might also like...

Coronation Street Books for Fans

GRITTY SAGAS BY CORRIE BLOG EDITOR GLENDA YOUNG, PUBLISHED BY HEADLINE. CLICK PIC BELOW!