Showing posts with label storylines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label storylines. Show all posts

Thursday, 5 April 2018

Julia Goulding on why Corrie is right to air male rape storyline



(This post was originally posted on the Coronation Street Blog January 2018, reposted to this blog with permission.)


Julia Goulding, who plays Shona Ramsey on Coronation Street, was interviewed today on ITV's Lorraine. She was there to talk about the show's male rape storyline and says that she hopes talking about it will make the issue less taboo and those who have been abused can come forward for help.

Coronation Street has already revealed that the storyline will see David Platt drugged and raped by newcomer Josh.

Julia said that Corrie will be handling the story “really, really sensitively”. She said it was important to tell the hard-hitting story “to highlight it and get it out there and make it less taboo. And to give people the opportunity to speak out if they need to."




Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

Wednesday, 14 March 2018

Tinkering in the Kitchen

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog March 2018, reposted to this blog with permission.)

Monday’s Coronation Street gave us a deeper insight into the extent of Craig Tinker’s OCD. With some questionable editing techniques involved from Corrie, we saw Craig carry out his kitchen ritual, turning switches on and off, checking cooker knobs, touching the unplugged iron, ensuring the knives were correctly stored. It was a real step up from previous signs of his disorder, which all seemed connected to time keeping and numbers. It will be interesting to see how he overcomes these urges and who he shares his secret with. Things look set to come to a head soon as his anxiety on top of the OCD itself seems to be getting too much for Craig, who on Monday we saw confiding in little Liam but still refusing to let Bethany in on the secret.

You may have also noticed despite being completely overtaken by his OCD impulses, Craig had time to get changed mid-scene. A continuity error that did not go unnoticed by viewers.

Check shirt
Didn't check shirt

In any case Monday’s kitchen scene put me in mind of another chaotic domestic setting, which I’ll come on to in a minute, but I wanted to again acknowledge the way Craig’s kitchen OCD scenes were edited. As he darted around from utensil to switch and back again - there were a quick succession of camera changes, close up shots and almost percussion-like sound effects accompanying Craig’s scene. I can’t decide if I liked the technique or not. It’s not very Corrie that’s for sure.

But if they can do it so can I. The scene reminded me of a famous musical sketch from Morcambe and Wise where the two flail around the kitchen, chaotically making breakfast.

OCD is no laughing matter, but always one to embrace the fun side of Corrie, I’ve joined the two together so you can see what I mean.




My brain works in mysterious ways.

@StevieDawson






Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

Wednesday, 14 February 2018

Cobbles old, Cobbles new

(This post was originally posted by David (Clinkers) on the Coronation Street Blog in January 2018, reposted to this blog with permission.)

Well here we are, the end of January already and most of us wondering what the Christmas storyline will be in Weatherfield this year. OK maybe not but the world of Corrie hurtles along at a breathtaking pace these days. It all seems to be going relatively well at the moment. Thankfully, screeching Anna has been deposited in Cell Block Weatherfield for fifty years and will probably be working the steam press in the prison laundry as we speak. Or, hopefully, someone has jammed her head in the thing.

For me, there is some unsavoury stuff coming up.  I'm not particularly enamoured with the idea of grotesque fumblings between Carla and Daniel. Carla's new role in Corrie seems vague, other than being ill and waving her cheque book at everyone who approaches. She's strong competition for Rita in that department. Also, Daniel is something of an unlikely lothario. He always seems to be on the point of collapse and could do with a week under a sun lamp.

The Phelan storyline rolls on and in the hands of a lesser actor this would have become nightmarish. However, Connor McIntyre delivers again and again. Add to this the bumbling stupidity of Mrs Daft (Eileen) and it really is a slice of joy. I'm not sure what I'm looking forward to most - the fall of Phelan or the demolition of the House of Grimshaw. Bring it on.

Elsewhere though, it's still 1987. I speak of the wonderful Classic Corrie episodes airing on ITV3. These are a wondrous indulgence, particularly during grim old January. Every day there's a chance to whoop for joy as Bet saunters into the Rovers bar looking like a transvestite flamenco dancer. Her wigs should have their own fan page. Particularly fascinating was the one which appeared to have been ironed flat on top.

People shout a lot on Classic Corrie. There was lovely episode where Ivy 'babby' Tilsley confronted Gail (sporting four different hairstyles at the same time) on the doorstep of her Soviet-chic council house. Then cut to Alf bellowing away at Ken, Audrey screaming at Ivy, Vera honking away at everything. Bleeding ears for all.

Life in 1987 Weatherfield is deliciously wrong. We are meant to believe that Terry Duckworth, only in his twenties and at that stage, not bad looking, can only get his jollies from having a fumble with some old woman in a nightie. It's a world where heavily pregnant Gail wanders into the pub for a port while Audrey perches across from her billowing cigarette smoke from her nostrils. It's world where Ivy, on a lunch break from t'faktry, pops over to number five and helps herself to a family sized meat pie. Later we see her guzzling a plate of chips. The woman must have been 75% lard and 25% venom.

It would be silly to claim that everything about Corrie Gold is wonderful. Every set seems to be so brightly lit that that actors are squinting at each other. The shadows of boom mikes pass freely across Deirdre's specs. We can hear cameras squeaking across the studio floor. What is a bit of a surprise, particularly as we are now so used to slick performances, are the number of fumbled lines that make the final cut. There are glorious moments of forgotten names, lost words, actors looking at the camera, some waiting for a cue. Sometimes there are interminably long scenes such as a dreary one between a hyper-ventilating Mavis and awful Derek where the only hope was that Alan Bradley would charge into the shop flat and smother the pair with one of Rita's wigs. Let's not even get started on la Fairclough's knitwear but presumably she bulk-bought the stuff from Bury market.

The real difference between the two Corrie worlds though is the humour. 1987 can be laugh out loud whereas the best 2018 can offer is an uncomfortable titter as Brian pratfalls in the presence of a bipolar woman. There is a place for both Corries at the moment and they compliment each other perfectly. Maybe 2018 needs to take a few notes from 1987. We need to see Toyah traipsing around the bar like Dana International. Dev needs to up the wattage in the corner shop and shout at everyone who comes in. Gail and Audrey need to bellow at Ivy's grave. And maybe, just maybe, if we're lucky, Rita still has a bag full of blue wooly jumpers in her attic.

By Clinkers to Riddle
@bridglondon






Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

Wednesday, 31 January 2018

The Trouble with Tassels

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog January 2018, reposted to this blog with permission.)


In our house, we're divided over Tassels.  

Yes, the Coronation Street lap dancing club has been topic of conversation for the last few, er, minutes. And now I'm not sure what to think or which way to swing my tassel blog post.

I was all set and ready to write a blog post saying that I liked Tassels. I was going to say that the fluffy name of Tassels and that of its madam, Lulu Lockett, somehow took the sting out of the fact that it was a club where a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of nasty Nathan was being further exploited, even if was by a woman with the best name in soap, ever, that of Lulu Lockett.

I mean, it's hardly a sexy sort of a place, is it? The punters are sleazy, beating up women and hanging around in pairs, leering. The dancers wriggle about in mahoosive hotpants as if they've got an itchy bum and need to scratch it, but can't.   

I have to admit, I was dreading Bethany's lap dancing storyline. But the way it's being portrayed is sitting just about on the side of all right with me.  It's soap, it's pre-watershed, and no matter how much we complain about it, it was still going to be shown. 

Although I still wish it wasn't.



Anyway, on the other side of the sofa, himself has another point of view about Tassels which is this...

He isn't a fan of it - at all.  He says that he's never been in one of these places (or so he says!) but it doesn't seem to him to represent the reality of them, and if it did, ITV would certainly not be able to show it pre-watershed at 7.30pm.  And because there's no reality to it, he can't take it seriously. In addition, there may well be valid points to make in this storyline - why else run it? - but these points are being lost because of the sanitised way it is being presented. 

So what do you think about Tassels, which way does your swing?






Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

Friday, 19 January 2018

Random Corrie Storyline Thoughts


Luke is dead at the hands of Pat Phelan because you know, once you've killed, it's not  quite so difficult to kill again. It was a bit of a gruesome death, though, burned alive in an exploding car. What I wondered was...what was Pat's plan previous to that where he got Seb's fingerprints on the gun? Was he going to set up Seb for the death of Andy and Vinny should the bodies surface? The big hole there is that Seb wouldn't have any motiviation. He didn't even know them. Did Phelan check to see where Seb actually was on the night they were killed? The bodies have been in the water awhile, I don't know if they could with any certainty know the exact day they were killed. And now that Pat used the gun himself, the prints will have been worn off by the gloves her was wearing.

Let's move over to Rana who was frantically trying to get hold of Luke all day. We know his battery died but the voice messages would still be saved on the phone company's system. Luke thought Rana was pregnant but she's now lied to Zeedan and brushed off Luke's remarks as having got the wrong end of the stick. She was terrified that Luke would tell Zeedan that he was told directly that Rana was pregnant. He can't tell anyone anything now but the voice mail messages might raise some interesting questions. 

Are the bodies about to resurface? Whose shoe popped up coincidentally when Phelan was at the pond? That was a bit contrived.

Rana's brother, Imran, is now in the show. We haven't seen much of him yet but so far I think I kind of like him. Charming but not too cheeky and annoying or arrogant. A good foil for Adam who thinks very much of himself. Is he an actual solicitor or is he a paralegal like Todd? He's newly single, as well. My guess is Maria. She is usually the first one a single man sleeps with before he settles down with someone else, isn't she? Wouldn't it be nice to see him take a shine to Izzy?

Jude and Angie are still around, I see, and not found a home of their own yet. When ITV opens up the set to new streets or parts thereof, I am guessing that's where their home will be. Poor Sean ends up losing both of his jobs though neither was due to Jude and Angie. But if you go blabbing about a patient's personal health in public like he did while talking to Eileen, it was right that someone report him. It's down to him that he chose to quit because Dr. Gaddas was only going to give him a warning. He also lost his lodgings so he does what a lot of people have been doing lately, turn up on the doorstep of Number 9. I guess all these guests are putting that loft conversion to good use. Poor kids still don't have a place to play but the lodgers have a place to crash. Or so it seems.

Peter sacking Sean seemed a bit abrupt but I don't think Peter was ever comfortable with Sean behind the bar. He knew that Sean was Team Liz and probably felt that Sean would rather be working for the McDonalds. Sometimes you gain staff with a business that you kind of have to keep but they'd be the first ones you'd replace if you had the opportunity. I wonder if Peter will take him back?

Daniel turned on the self sacrifice to push Sinead away. It's clear he still loves her but he ended up telling her he never loved her. The wedding is coming up soon. The thing is, I do think Sinead is better off with Chesney, they have much more in common. They do make for a deadly ordinary couple but Sinead and Daniel never did click for me, either.

I've never liked Michelle, but this week she surpassed my low expectations for her. How on earth would she believe that Steve missed paying her 10K in the divorce settlement? I reckon she probably knows down deep that he is making excuses and she has no guilt taking his hard earned money but she also had no guilt robbing the Bistro and defrauding the insurance company with rigged and untrue claims on how much was in the till. If she's wiling to do that, she certainly has crossed that line; it's only a matter of time.

It seems wrong seeing Tracy and Steve looking all loved up. It has to go wrong, it always does. I'm with Amy, the pair of them are toxic to each other. Most of the time they have known each other since Amy was conceived they've hated each other. There was only one brief moment that they were a real couple and that's only because she got pregnant with twins. Then she ruined it all by losing the babies and lied that Becky pushed her down the stairs. It feels like they've put them together because they don't know what else to do with them. Both Steve and Tracy are settling for each other rather than be alone.

Carla's back and I'm thrilled but since she needs a kidney transplant, likely from a family member, I have a bad feeling. Johnny could never be a donor because of his MS diagnosis but there are enough Connors to pick from. Someone's going to be a match and there's always a possibility that someone will die and be a donor that way. That person may or may not be a family member. In the meantime, the burning question on everyone's lips is ... who will they pair Carla with? Will they split up Peter and Toyah? Carla had more chemistry in one scene with Peter than Toyah has, that was evident. Toyah knew it, too. Should they put Peter and Carla back together? Probably not.

It's a pity we've lost Bruno Langley. That really put a ragged rip in the storyline fabric that is going to be difficult and awkward to set right. I hope Summer comes back and I hope Billy doesn't lose her to that awful Geraldine.

And finally, Brian and Cathy are moving into number 12, the flat he used to own with Julie. When Brian left the show, there was talk about Julie buying his half and she couldn't afford to. It seemed to be a dropped subject after that and we don't know  that the flat was sold or not. It's been empty for a couple of years. Now Brian has the key and he's moving into it. Has he had the key all along? there has been no word that he re-purchased it or contacted the new owner so I must assume he still owns it or a share of it. And if that's the case, why on earth was he blagging a place to stay with Norris and later, Roy? For the comedy value? Because I can tell you there wasn't any of that for me. Inquiring minds want to know why the continuity elves missed this one.

Tvor (Twitter @tvordlj)
Originally posted on State of the Street, reposted with permission.






Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

Monday, 21 August 2017

The Saints and Sinners of Summer's Corrie

(This post was originally posted by Stevie Dawson on the Coronation Street Blog in August 2017, reposted to this blog with permission.)

Bless me father for I have sinned. It has been several weeks since my last blog. 

I’ve been enjoying reading rather than contributing to ‘The Blog’ these past few weeks. Through a combination of hectic work schedule and lack of inspiration I’ve not felt compelled to share my own thoughts on Corrie, but the musings of bloggers old and new have kept me fully in the loop on all things cobbled. I last blogged back in May about the lovely vigil for friend of the blog Martyn Hett, who died in the Manchester arena bomb. Not sure if these events triggered my blogger’s block, but as storylines build up to their autumn/winter crescendo, I thought I’d dip my toe in the water again and share some of my thoughts on Corrie’s current storylines.

Love thy neighbor

I’m not convinced by Kev and Erica’s little affair, they don’t seem well suited to me, sexually or emotionally. Their affair however has led to some more awesome performances from the brilliant Debbie Rush, who plays down in the dumps Anna Windass. Debbie plays anguish and torment so well, and Anna’s recent heart-to-heart with Kevin tugged at the heart strings. Her confrontation at the Bistro with Erica, where she laid down the law was also great – is Anna finally taking back control of her life?

The surreal but hilarious shenanigans from Norris and Mary have had me in stiches over recent weeks. Sometimes blurring the lines between soap and comedy, they end up in situations some might say are well beyond realistic, but I think Corrie can get away with this and it provides us with some much needed giggles. Last week Norris grudgingly agreed to marry his scatterbrained friend so that she could win a couple’s competition and visit her son in South Africa. If the wedding does happen, I’m sure it will provide more comedy gold, and I really hope Mary gets to see Jude.

Honour thy mother and father

Billy and Todd have started on a new adventure in life, with the arrival of Billy’s goddaughter Summer. I like nice Todd, even if there’s still the odd glimmer of evil and mischief in there every now and then. He and Billy actually make a good couple, and it will be good to see them tested as Summer settles into Weatherfield life. From Todd’s initial apprehension at taking on Summer full-time, to his now instinctive protectiveness over her, it’s been a heart-rending storyline that has moved at just the right pace. I also like the fact that religion has come into a lot of conversations recently, especially when it comes to Summer’s rather stern and deeply unpleasant grandmother. As an atheist it’s always interesting to see how religion and religious thought is interpreted in today’s television.
Beverley Callard is blowing me away recently. As the Rovers enters a new era with Peter Barlow at the helm, Liz McDonald has moved on to a job at the Medical Centre, where boss-from-hell Moria is doing everything she can to make Liz’s life a misery. From criticizing her interaction with patients, to mocking her fashion sense, Moira has certainly taken a disliking to Liz, even if she tries to hide her digs as constructive criticism. Trying her best to make positive steps in her new life, Liz struggles to keep up with some of the demands of her new job, and her family life, as ever, makes things even more difficult, but this has given us the viewers some brilliantly funny scenes to enjoy. Friday’s episode saw Liz whack Steve across the head for interfering in her life, after he asked Peter to give her a few shifts behind the bar. Liz’s sharp wit, impatient grimace and at times short temper highlight Bev’s brilliant acting skills, whether she’s playing comedy or drama. I’m really enjoying seeing her in a new environment, even if it still doesn’t seem quite right that she’s no longer amongst the glistening optics of the Rovers Return bar.

Thou shalt not commit adultery

I’m a little bored with the Maria, Aidan, Eva storyline – as with most soap affairs it’s dragging on a bit. The elements I’ve enjoyed have been Eva’s game play, spending all of Aidan’s money and putting him and Maria in some pretty awkward situations. And whilst Adam Barlow’s involvement now means the stakes are much higher, I’m wondering when the cat will be out of the bag and will it be a bit of an anti-climax?

Thou shalt not bear false witness

It has been great seeing Craig given some proper storylines that don’t revolve around his rat. He’s really matured since Bethany’s grooming story was revealed and it has given Colson Smith, who plays Craig, the opportunity to show us that he’s worthy of his place on the Street. Bethany’s closeness to Craig has been really sweet, with some lovely scenes, as has her ever-growing friendship with Mary, who helped Bethany through some of her darkest times. They have both given Bethany the strength to tell the whole truth about Nathan and his pervy mates. Unexpected and surprising friendships often work really well on Corrie - look at Roy and Becky for example, or Tracy and Mary. Speaking of which, I’d love to see more of Dr Gaddas and Liz together. They are complete opposites as people but it would be nice to see them both get into trouble again with Moira and strike up a bit of a friendship.

Forget me not

It has been really nice in the past few weeks to hear references to some old characters, including Bet Lynch and Fred Elliott. It’s nice to know they haven’t been forgotten by characters or producers. The past is very important in Coronation Street, most characters in some way are linked to residents of years gone by. I’m quite excited at the prospect of some old characters coming back to the cobbles too – I can think of a few I’d love to see return, who would you like to see come back?

So that’s me caught up. Welcome to all new Corrie bloggers, I love your work!

Stevie

@StevieDawson





Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

Monday, 7 August 2017

Eva Price and the Fake Baby story

(This post was originally posted by Flaming Nora on the Coronation Street Blog July 2017, reposted to this blog with permission.)


I love Eva Price.

I think she's a Coronation Street icon of our time.

I love her outfits too. Check out 9 of her fabulous frocks.

But I'm not enjoying the fake baby storyline, not one little bit - and here's why...

Motherhood in soaps is a drama in itself. There are good mums and surrogate mums (Rita Sullivan, Hayley Cropper), bad mums (Cilla Battersby), secret mums and mums who turn up with a dodgy accent and take over the Rovers Return (Stella Price).

And then there are those who pretend that they're going to be mums - and I'm looking at you, Eva Price.

In her attempt to get revenge on Aidan Connor for his cheating ways with Miss Maria, Eva is pretending she's pregnant in an attempt to hang on to her man.

This isn't the Eva I know. This isn't the Eva I want. This isn't what a strong woman does. Chuck him out, for gawd's sake. Rip his fancy shirts to bits and cut up his suits. Stitch up the holes in his underpants on a spare sewing machine in the faktry. Whatever you do, DO something!  Don't pretend to be pregnant, that's a stupid thing to do.  It's the most stupid thing in the world to do.

Aidan's cheated on you, Eva, he couldn't give a toss. He's a liar, a player, who thinks with his crotch. SAnd you know all about it. You know the truth. So why not leave him and move in with Leanne? But whatever you do, do something, anything, other than pretend.

Rant over. I'll get me coat.

Glenda Young @flaming_nora






Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter

Monday, 24 July 2017

Corrie Highlights

(This post was originally posted by Sophie Williams on the Coronation Street Blog in July 2017, reposted to this blog with permission.)


In the last couple of weeks, it's struck me just how much more I enjoy watching Corrie now than I did a few months ago. Don't get me wrong, I never missed an episode but it felt like something was missing. I can't put my finger on it but recently, for me, that Corrie spark we all know and love full of humour and gripping storylines has definitely returned.

As Corrie gears up to get its summer storylines underway, the episodes seem to have a bit more going on in them. This last week in particular has been phenomenal, I've not wanted the episodes to end. From Eva's revenge to bloodshed in the Bistro, there's just the right balance of gripping tension and witty one-liners. I've made a little list of my highlights from this week, beginning 3rd July, and to be honest it was hard to whittle it down. I've done my best though and I hope you agree!

Eva's Revenge

The whole Aidan/Maria/Eva love triangle scenario was starting to wear thin with me. As with every soap, affair storylines have been repeated time and time again and just as I'd decided I'd had enough, bunny boiler Eva stepped out onto the cobbles with her designer handbag in one hand, Aidan's credit card nicely placed in the other.


I cannot express my love for Eva in revenge-mode enough. This week we saw Leanne step aboard the revenge train and my first highlight for this week, and this storyline in fact, was the purchase of the pink Range Rover. Now that couldn't have come cheap but the look on Aidan's face was priceless.

Adam and Todd's Law Firm

Way back in the beginning of the year, Corrie introduced us to the idea of Todd Grimshaw and Adam Barlow opening their own law firm, read my previous blog about that here. I always thought this was a stroke of genius but I was disappointed when it went down the pan after Todd had had enough of Adam's lack of diligence.


But at last, 'Black Sheep Solicitors' has become a reality, albeit not with that catchy title. Settling for 'Barlow-Grimshaw' with the cheesy (but I like it) slogan, "In It To Win It", I'm positive there's many great scenes to come with these two and I cannot wait.

Phelan and Nicola

Phelan and Nicola's storyline continued this week and I'm really enjoying it at the moment. A little while ago we were introduced to feisty Nicola Rubenstein who, by judging her tough nature, could well and truly be the offspring of Pat Phelan, the Corrie crook who everyone loves to hate.


This week, Eileen found her husband reminiscing over old love letters and as much as she tried, she couldn't help but feel odd about it. Pat genuinely did look distraught over the whole situation so Mrs Phelan thought if she could talk to Nicola alone, she might be able to win her round. However, Nicola was less than impressed and threatened Eileen with the police, not ideal and certainly not the expected outcome.

So, they're my highlights from a pretty jam-packed week, what were yours?

Written by Sophie Williams.
Twitter: sophie_jw26






Tvor @tvordlj on Twitter
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