Hiya folks!!!! ... Time again for another update....
Well, here we are. Another year!! Yikes!! This year sees my 5-0, a prospect which scares the pants off me, how quickly time has gone.
Christmas has gone. The tree has been taken down and dumped outside. Always a sad occasion for me. The house looks so bare after the colour of Christmas.
We greeted the New year in, in mixed style. A few days earlier, I got up to find some drips of water coming through the ceiling into our dining room. Fortunately, the area underneath was clear at the time. Anyway over the next couple of afternoons, I proceeded to lift up the floorboards upstairs - it turned out to be a leak from a hot water pipe on the central heating system. The day before New Year's Eve, an emergency plumber drained the system and pronounced us without central heating or hot water. But at least , we stemmed the flow. However, part of the ceiling split, weakened by water for God knows how long. The following day, New Year's Eve, the Gas Board engineer came round in the afternoon to investigate and, as expected, the news is that we are without heating and hot water, until Monday.
To cap it all, we have all been merrily passing around cold infections between each other and it was Trude and Simon's turn on New Year's Eve. So we stayed in and I mingled between the family (in between Trude falling asleep all dosed up), watching a brilliant Rolling Stones concert on German satellite TV and the IRC crowd....
On the channel, I saw in the New Year in Queensland, the UK, the Maritime Provinces and Toronto/Ottawa regions of Canada. I finally hit the sack just after 6 a.m. That night brought home to me the truly international nature of the #coro_street channel and, of course, the universal appeal of Corrie itself. A number of us recorded New Years greetings which we played to each other on the channel and Elaine in Australia had the great idea of putting them together into a #coro_street wave to symbolise what it's all about....
So, on that note, let me wish you all, health, peace, happiness and love for 1999....
The episode commences in Rita's flat. Greg has broken into Alec's flat and come through the connecting door, having initially taken down the barrier installed just before Alec's departure. He is intent on revenge following the collapse of his relationship with Sally, blaming her for the aftermath and his moment has now arrived. A terrified Sally is sobbing her heart out and Greg is telling her that he was not prepared to stand back and let her screw up his life. Although she maintains she did nothing, he is insistent, he has now nothing because of her. They could have gone their separate ways, like adults, so why did she do what she did, he asks? She had to rub his nose in it, to twist the knife, he continues, did she have fun, dreaming up little schemes to humiliate him, arranging to have the car taken back on Christmas Eve? Her reply that all she wanted to do was to cut all ties with him, cuts no ice with him. Why did she have to fill Maxine's head with all her poison, he asks? She maintains it was merely the truth, but Greg is in full flow - there is no stopping him. He insists that Sally has been hell-bent on making him suffer, ever since she left, now it's his turn. The petrified look on Sally's face shows the full extent of her fear as to her potential fate.
We are chez Platt and Nick's 18th birthday party is in full flow. There is a mix of guests, the usual family, neighbours and friends. Martin brings in the cake - 18 candles on top all lit up. The assembled throng sing "Happy Birthday" to the birthday boy who hugs his mother. As Nick blows out the candles, Martin comments to him that he knows what Nick's birthday wish would be, but Nick is realistic - the prospect of Leanne coming back to him is unlikely to come true. Martin tells him that it is hardly going to happen while Leanne is at the Rovers - apparently, Ashley saw her there earlier and she looked even more miserable than Nick did. Nick brightens up at hearing this news, recognising that there may yet be hope for their marriage and the stupidity of their argument, decides to pop across to the Rovers right now.
"Not so smug are you now?" continues Greg as he lunges towards Sally. She grapples with him and pushes him back on the settee. Seizing the opportunity, she makes a run for it, running downstairs into the street, yelling "Get away from me!!!"
At that moment, Nick is coming out of his house and seeing Sally in obvious trouble, runs across the road to help her. He pulls Greg away from Sally and brings him down to the ground.
Back at the Platts, the party is in full flow. The revelries are interrupted when Sally bursts into the house, distraught and terrified. Gail comforts Sally, who explains tearfully that Greg had attacked her and that he is outside with Nick. On hearing this, Martin rushes out to Nick's assistance. In the meantime, Rita tries to console Sally.
Outside, Martin sees Nick on the ground having been winded by Greg. We see Greg beating a hasty retreat from the scene as Martin comes to Nick's support. Nick's face is bleeding, but he is more worried about the state of his shirt.
A small crowd has gathered across the street, viewing the events. Leanne has come out of the Rovers. Seeing Nick, obviously hurt, she rushes across upset, asking what has happened, as Martin escorts Nick back home.
Back at the party, Audrey is asking Fred what has been going on between Sally and Greg. "I think it's what the police call a domestic" replies RFred. Audrey is surprised at Greg being violent towards Sally, but Fred doesn't see things the same way, "I'd put nothing past that fella." Toyah has been overhearing the conversation and chips in with the opinion that men who are violent towards women should be hung, she wishes she had been there. When Fred asks what she could have done, we get the answer. "Right upper cut, left hook, round house, side kick, right knee..." What a star!!!
Sally is sitting down, explaining to Rita and Gail that she was convinced Greg wanted to kill her, thank God the girls weren't in the flat. Fred comes to her assistance with a brandy to calm her nerves and Alf offers to take her down to casualty. Sally won't hear of it, all she wants is a plaster, she must have cut her foot running across, she tells them. Rita blames herself for the attack, she should have made Sally phone the police earlier, but Sally knows that the police wouldn't have been able to do anything, as Greg was out to get her. Rita reveals to the crowd that Greg was handy with his fists behind closed doors and how he had threatened Sally previously. Sally is horrified at Rita raising these details publicly, but Rita is unrepentant - why shouldn't people know what sort of an animal he is? What she cannot understand is why Sally let him in. Sally replies that she didn't do so and explains that he came in through Alec's flat and forced his way in.
Nick, Leanne and Martin come back and ask how Sally is. She is more concerned about Nick, seeing him bleeding, but our hero is fine. Rita asks where Greg Kelly is but Martin can only tell her that Greg ran away as soon as he approached them. Rita decides to phone the police, the sooner they find Greg Kelly, the better. Sally is very embarrassed and doesn't want a fuss making. Rita is insistent, she is not going to go back to her flat with Greg roaming around the place. Fred offers to escort the ladies home and our Gallant butcher offers to guard them all night, if necessary. Awwwww!! My hero!!
Sally gets up to leave for home - she thanks Nick for helping her and hopes he hasn't had his party ruined. It was nothing he tells her, in any case, it's early yet, but she tells him that he saved her life. Nick's gallantry is recognised by Leanne, who puts her arms around him and embraces him. The smile on Nicks' face shows relief for the reprieve to the marital problems the two had been suffering.
Audrey is back in party mood and gets the music started, much to Alf's irritation.
At the Rovers, Blanche is bending Deirdre's ear. This time it's where they are sitting, that is the problem - it's in a draught, can they not sit somewhere else? Deirdre tries to point out to her mother that this was the only table she was able to get, but Blanche is full flight - you can tell she is going to have a moan, whether it kills her, or anybody else, come to that. When Deirdre decides to call her bluff, by suggesting they go home, Blanche says no, they might as well stay, now they are here. (Why ARE mothers like that?? LOL!!) Suddenly, she recognises an old neighbour friend. Deirdre breathes a sigh of relief as Blanche goes over to see her old pal.
Seeing Emily coming into the pub, Deirdre latches on to this familiar, friendly face and invites her over to join her for a drink. Emily explains she just came in to buy a lemonade to take away. Deirdre pleads with her to join her and tells how her mother is getting on her nerves and how glad she will be when Blanche goes home. Emily relents, as Deirdre fills her in on the gory details, how she is forever comparing her with the daughters of her friends and pressuring her to find a nice man.
Blanche rejoins the group - she talks about her friend's daughter. "You'll never believe what she's doing?" "Concert pianist? Astronaut?" replies Deirdre sarcastically. She might as well not have bothered because Blanche is totally oblivious to her quip, having her own agenda to further, "No, VAT inspector - and she's married a dentist." (For overseas readers, VAT or Value Added Tax, is a tax levied on goods and services, similar to a Purchase Tax.) Emily and Deirdre exchange knowing looks at Blanche's predictable line of conversation.
At the bar, Natalie is remarking to Jack how it feels just like an ordinary night. When Jack agrees, Natalie asks whether it might be in order to make a little speech. He agrees and asks "when?" Natalie feels right now is best and within a split second, Jack is asking Vera to ring the bell, which she does. This secures the attention of the Rovers clientele. As Natalie psyches herself up to make an announcement, Jack beats her to it. "I'd just like to say a couple words of thanks to the people who supported us over the last few days." Great cheers from the regulars. Natalie, however, doesn't look pleased and the expression on her face changes from excitement and anticipation to frustration and anger. She tries to tell him that it was SHE who intended to make the speech, not him, but Jack is in generous mood, thanking those who brought them dinner on Christmas Day. He is glad, nay relieved, that their ordeal is now over. Speech ends. Natalie's expression of "I don't believe this" sums up her mood totally.
Greg has made his way into the Battersbys from round the back of the house. He checks that there is no-one in, then goes into the lounge to pack his clothes into his bag. Just as he is about to go out with his bags, he suddenly pauses. He goes to the cupboard, opens the door and takes a tin out. This is the tin for the "Lecky" money, the funds set aside by Janice to pay the electricity bills. He opens the tin and takes some money out of it. Having replaced the tin, he leaves, not before taking a final glance behind him..... ... and the theme tune comes in, on cue for the end of part 1
After the ads, it's part 2
The second part of the programme commences at the Mallets' home
- they each have a baby on their knees. Welcome to sleepless nights,
fraught tempers and penury!!! They clearly don't see it that way
though and are basking in parental bliss. Goo-goo talk all around.
Back at Rita's, Sally is sure she doesn't want to go down to the Casualty department at the hospital, after all, it's New Year's Eve, she points out and they will be waiting for all night just to be seen. Rita wonders how long it will take for the police to come round. "Solid as a rock" is Fred's booming pronouncement on the fact that the door between Alec's flat and Rita's has been secured. Still, says Rita, Pat the builder is coming in the morning to brick up the door properly. Fred announces that the locks have been changed, but being New Year, the locksmith has charged "an arm and a leg, I say, an arm and a leg". But not to worry, he's made out a cheque to cover the bill, she can sort it out with him later. He asks whether he should stay overnight on the sofa, but Rita is grateful enough for his help and says he should go back to the party. It's Fred's turn to feel guilty about the incident, he feels he is to blame for turfing Greg out of the flat, but Rita tries to assuage his guilt - Greg is a psychopath, she says. Fred sighs, pauses, then says "Happy New Year to you both" - subdued "Happy New Year" greetings come back from Sally and Rita. He sees himself out.
After Fred has gone, Sally expresses her annoyance at Rita telling everyone about Greg hitting her - she doesn't want people knowing her business, but Rita points out that keeping quiet means that people will only hear Greg's side of the story. Sally isn't worried, as Greg is in big trouble anyway - if they find him. Rita isn't so confident as to the outcome, as Greg will probably get a swanky solicitor on the case and he'll twist everything around to make it look like it's Sally's fault. Sally knows what an animal he is, but is more concerned that she will look stupid. "No more stupid than a lot of women, including me" replies Rita. When Sally wishes she could turn the clock back, Rita tells her that she cannot, but she can start looking to the future. "A New Year and a new start!" she toasts, raising her glass.
At the Rovers, Lorraine and Natalie are having a quiet drink in the back. Lorraine is concerned as to whether they should be doing this, but Natalie points out they can what they like, it's her pub. Lorraine is worried about whether this is fair on Jack and Vera, but Natalie says they can take a five minute break before it gets busy and, in any case, Jack and Vera haven't done a stroke of work for a week, so it's her turn to take a break. Lorraine wonders whether Natalie is doing the right thing buying the pub - "You wouldn't say that if you knew what I paid for it" replies Natalie. Lorraine fears it being a big change for Natalie, but Nat says that she has had experience of the trade on and off, for years. In any case, on this side of the fence she gets to keep all the profits. "that's if you make any" replies a worried Lorraine. "Oh I will" says Natalie, obviously very determined. Lorraine wonders whether it's such a good idea Natalie getting involved in such a venture so soon after Des' death. She would have thought that Natalie might want to move away from the area, but Natalie replies that she likes it round here, in a way, buying Des' local is a fitting tribute and one the attractions of the place is that it reminds her of him.
It's feeding time at the Mallets' and Bebeh 2 is hungry. Gareh is all at sea, wondering what to do next. My gawd, it brings it all back - the helplessness of it all, the uncharted territory. Before we know it, Bebeh 1 is hungry as well - Gareh wonders how this can be. Judeh puts it down to them telling each other, after all they have a special bond, having been with each other for 9 months before they were born. Gareh suggests that perhaps one tells the other that the parents could do with a couple of hours sleep. Judeh reckons it could be 16 years before they, as parents, get a decent night's sleep. But it's worth it, says Gareh - the grin on Judeh's face tells you that she agrees.
At the Platts', the party is a movin'. Alfeh tells Martin he doesn't have the stamina to keep up with the young 'uns and decides to sit down in the armchair.
Nick is telling Leanne what happened over at Rita's place. He is saying that, although Greg was quite strong, he didn't have any co-ordination, so he must have had quite a lot to drink. "Oh, you are so brave" says Leanne as Gail and Martin come along, taking the mickey out of Nick, milking the situation for what it's worth. "There are a couple of dragons on Viaduct Street that need slaying, if you're up to it" quips Martin. Gail accepts that Nick is brave, sometimes then sensible thing to do is to walk away. "Well, your dad was brave, remember and look what happened to him."
At the Rovers, Jack is telling Kevin that he is having trouble adjusting, "I know how that Terry Waite felt when they freed him." He is crowing over their defeat over Alec Gilroy. He is full of himself, how people won't stand up for themselves these days and allow themselves to be pushed around, no backbone. As he is telling this to Kevin, Natalie tells him to shift some crates of empties. "Yes, boss" he obliges. LOL!!!
Scouse Slagette is getting the drinks in for some of the girls from the factory. A Tequila Surprise, she tells Linda and Allison. "I've had three already. I said a slimline bitter lemon, are you trying to get me drunk?" asks Allison. Linda asks Jackie what her New Year's resolution is, her own is to give up smoking , Allison's to stop biting her nails. Jackie declares it is to find a new man, preferably one with loads of cash. "How about Les Battersby? He keeps giving you the glad eye" suggests Linda. Jackie complains that Les has no money, but Linda reckons that will all change when the compensation money comes through. Jackie moans that he's married and there is no-one half decent that's unattached. Linda points out Kevin at the bar and Allison comments that he looks lonely - Linda says she feels sorry for him. Allison has noticed him taking the girls out in the morning. "Broken marriage. Kids. Steer clear, girl. And anyway, they start pining for their wives, after a while" advises Jackie. Allison comments on how hard Kevin works and Linda suggests that if she feels so sorry for him, why doesn't she talk to him. "I think I will" says Allison, as she promptly gets up and does just that, joining Kevin at the bar. "Must be the Tequila Surprise" comments a surprised Jackie.
As she does so, Les comes over to the group, "Could you do us a favour? Our Janice has gone to the bog a while ago and she's not come back yet. I'm worried about her and she's had a right skinful." Linda volunteers to have a look in the toilet and as she goes, Les sits down next to Jackie and, eyeing her up starts his patter, "So, just the two of us, eh?" Jackie doesn't look impressed.
Alison has said hello to Kevin and is starting to tell him she felt sorry for him standing on his own. Not surprisingly, this isn't going down well with Kevin. She tries to correct matters by saying that she knows about his situation and she sympathises but that merely makes matters worse. She explains she works over the road at the factory and that one of the girls had filled her in on his situation. That upsets Kevin even more, as he thinks that all the girls do at the factory is to gossip. Allison apologises, saying she shouldn't have come over, it's all coming out wrong. Realising he has been hard on her, it's now Kevin's turn to apologise. He shouldn't have snapped at her, "it's a touchy subject, my situation." Allison sympathises, it must be very difficult. Kevin tells her that, although he is due to go to a party, he might give it a miss - it's an 18th and it might be full of kids. He comes to end of his pint and offers to buy her a drink. She declines as she already has one but offers to buy him one. We see one youngster, chuffed to little mint balls, at her in.
Les is continuing to try to woo Jackie. They could make beautiful music together, he is telling her. Her reply is cutting "I'm tone deaf and that's a very old line." He tells her the old ones are the best, but she isn't sure. He accuses her of blowing hot and cold on him when Linda returns to inform him that "Janice has passed out on't bog!" "Well, that's alright then" replies Les, "It's the best place for her, let her sleep it off." When Linda protests that he cannot leave and has to take her home, he tells her that SHE can take Janice home, in any case he's practically an invalid. He's busy...as he turns his attention back to an unimpressed Jackie.
Jack has brought in a bin-liner and dumps it on the bar. He is angry and tells Natalie that he has just found their belongings in the back yard. He calls over Vera. As they open up the bag, he says that had he not spotted his Legion tie, then their belongings would have been taken away as refuse. When Natalie says that surely Alec didn't put them there, Jack asks who else could have done such a thing? The bags must have been there for days, since they went to Blackpool. Vera is horrified, her red basque is ruined, full of mildew. He holds up a pair of his underpants and wonders whether it's a cobweb he can see there - "that were there before" replies Vera!! LOL!! The look on Natalie's face is priceless. "He's done that for spite" says Jack. "Well, just as well I've taken over then" replies Natalie.
Back at the party, Nick is dancing with Leanne. She is concerned if something had happened to Nick, she would never have forgiven herself and vows never to row again. They hug and kiss.
Audreh and Fred are dancing together. Fred comments on Alf asleep in the chair about him being the life and soul of the party. You can't take him anywhere, he'd fall asleep on a clothesline, she tells him. Fred comments that as he gets older, he seems to get more energy, "it must be all that red meat." "The red wine you mean" replies Audrey. Fred confesses to feeling a bit light-headed, "let's put it down to the company."
At that point Martin come up to announce that the New Year has nearly arrived, two minutes to go, so get your drinks, is the cry. The television is switched on, to bring in the New Year.
At the Rovers, Kevin seems to be getting on well with Allison. She knows all about him, he tells her, "what about you?" She lives with her mam and dad, but she is saving up for a place of her own. "I take it you're not married?" asks Kevin. She looks embarrassed but "no" is her answer. "Divorced?" continues Kevin. "When I get married, that'll be for life" she replies. Kevin comments that he thought the same, but it doesn't always work out that way, does it? She replies that, although she doesn't know the ins and outs, she does know one thing, she couldn't walk out on two little girls. Her comment strikes a chord with Kevin.
Natalie rings the bell - no panic - it is coming up to midnight. We have the countdown. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Happy New Year!!! Glasses are raised - hugs and kisses exchanged all round. As Les moves in for a New Year kiss with Jackie, she suddenly see Janice coming out of the toilet, helped along by Linda - the aspiring lovers quickly pull apart.
Kevin wishes Allison a Happy New Year and kisses her on the cheek. She pauses and then kisses him quickly on the lips. Their eyes meet and they move closer for another kiss, this time, it is long and passionate. Yay!!!! What a lovely girl!! Start of a new romance!!
Nick Platt's party is coming to an end and the guests are leaving for home. Fred is still raring for more action, but Audrey tells him that if she has any more red wine, she will not be responsible for her actions. She sees Alf, still asleep in the chair, out for the count, "Come on Rip van Winkle, time for beddy-byes." She nudges Alf, still trying to wake him up, but there is no response. After a few seconds, there is a look of realisation on her face and she calls for Martin, "I can't wake him up...."
Martin puts his hand to Alf's heart... moves his ear to hear Alf's breathing... tries to open Alf's eyes.... With Audrey and Gail looking on, Martin turns round to them "he's dead, Audrey..... "
.....and with that.... it is the cue for music and credits
Episode written by Mark Wadlow
All material is, and remains, copyright property of Granada Television.
Well, how was it for me? Good episode, with a fair amount of action. Pretty well scripted and acted.
Nice light comedy, as ever, from Audreh and Fred, from Jackie Dobbs and Les Battersby, from Toyah, from Jack and Vera. Blanche turning in a polished performance as the crabby old mother. Good solid stuff from Natalie and Rita.
Sensitive and accurate portrayals of new parents from Gareh and Judeh. A welcome new face in the shape of Allison, who looks promising - a real sweet youngster. Well acted drama provided by Sally.
The finale, obviously, provided by the death of Alf Roberts. No doubt there will be those who might have preferred a more spectacular demise. I would not subscribe to that view. Alf was around on the street for many years, solid, dependable, not particularly exciting but a decent honest bloke who didn't make a fuss. Nothing wrong with fading away. The end of era..... having revisited some of his older performances on satellite TV, he was a backbone character for many years. Well done Bryan, you played your part well - long life, health and happiness to you!!!
Anyway that's it for now.. Until the next time, take care...
Tubby greetings and Tinkyluv from the Tinkster in Glorious Glossop....
Regards, Alan
A Happy New Year to one and all. Only 1 year to go to the big one !
Two updates in two days is taking its toll on my digital outputs, and also maximising the risk of getting a ticking-off for doing this during office hours, so I'll keep the intro brief [what, again ?] and get straight down to the nitty gritty.
A small observation tonight - the show is sponsored by Cadbury's Creme Eggs. And it's not even Twelfth Night yet ! Still, the Street is still very much in the New Year season, as we shall see...
Seatbelts and luggage secure, seat-backs in the upright position, no smoking during take-off please.
Act 1
Nick is tidying up the New Years Eve party debris, while Leanne
sits quietly on the settee. Both seem a little shell-shocked by
Alf's sudden death just a few hours previously, and feel guilty
that everyone should have been partying and celebrating as he
sat in an arm-chair and passed away, unnoticed. The most consoling
thought they have is that at least Alf was not alone, but was
surrounded by his friends and family. The front door opens, and
Audrey, Gail and Martin enter. Audrey is most visibly upset, and
Gail comforts her. She too feels terrible for not having noticed
anything amiss, but resolves to go home - after all, she will
have to get used to being on her own, and what better time to
start than now.
Rita and Sally are opening up at the Kabin, still awaiting the arrival of the police, who will be investigating Greg's attack on Sally. Martin arrives, and they wish him a Happy New Year. Sally thanks him for his help, and says she must come over to see Nick and thank him too. Awkwardly, Martin has to tell them that he has some bad news - Alf had a stroke. "Oh no, not another one", replies Rita. Martin goes on to tell her that the medical staff had been unable to revive Alf, and he had, in fact, died.
More bad news over at the Battersby's, where Janice has discovered her missing leccy money, and is demanding to know if Toyah knows anything about it. She doesn't, so Janice yells up the stairs for Les, who appears a few seconds later, a vision of unkempt hair and tatty vest. She waves the empty tin at him, but he too denies all knowledge. Toyah interrupts, saying it's obvious who's responsible. Who's not here ? Whose bags are missing ? Greg's done a runner, and taken the money with him. She tells Janice and Les that Greg had attacked Sally the night before, and Nick and Martin had had to get involved to chase him away. Les, carrying family loyalty to moronic proportions, immediately dismisses all this as rubbish.
Back at the Kabin, Sally is consoling Rita, who is tearful. She tells Sally she and Alf had been friends for most of their lives, and on more than one occasion, he had asked Rita to marry him. She thinks it's the worst thing about growing older - seeing your friends dying. The police arrive to talk to Sally, and Rita tells her to take them upstairs to the flat, and to tell them *everything*.
It's more cheery over at the Malletts' house, where Jack and Vera arrive to welcome in the New Year and to see the twins, still named Baby 1 and Baby 2. Vera tells them about Alf's demise. Already, the rumours are starting, as Jack goes on to say he'd heard Alf was doing the hokey-cokey at the time.
The police have moved on to talk to Nick, who tells them what happened when he came upon Sally being chased by Greg. They know that Greg has family in the Street, and Nick has to break the news that he is married to Greg's sister. "Half-sister", Leanne points out. That's about all the police need to know at the moment, and they leave. Nick apologises for Leanne for having to involve her family in this, but she is not concerned - she had never known about Greg before recently, and tells Nick her loyalties are with him.
What a contrast to this, as Les expounds further on his conspiracy theories. Toyah's mind has been twisted by that Barlow, that's why she's telling lies about Greg. Janice reasons that the only person in the area who has anything good to say about Greg is Les, and maybe it's him who's mistaken ? There is a knock on the door, and Les opens it and tells the two outside to clear off. When they reveal they are police officers, he sheepishly lets them in.
The Rovers staff, sans Alec, are gathered in the sitting room, where Natalie reassures them that she wants things to continue as they are. Better still, she offers Jack and Vera a few days off to go back to Blackpool and see their grandson properly. They're very grateful, and say they'll feel much better knowing they've a job to come back to. "And a home...", says Vera. "Ah..." says Natalie, that's one thing that *will* be changing. She will be selling Des' house in order to provide the cash for the pub, and will be moving in herself. The Duckworths will have to find somewhere else to stay, after all, she is the licencee, and should be living on the premises. [Trivia point - Vera was always the licencee and I don't think it ever passed on to Alec, so how come Natalie has taken over ? Answers on a postcard please.] Natalie cheerily points out that surely Jack and Vera had been down the same road themselves, so they should understand ? They look somewhat less than understanding as Natalie goes off to open up.
Intermission
And a timely Weight Watchers ad opens the commercial break tonight,
playing on the guilt feelings of all those who've had one mince
pie and sherry too much over the festive season. Me - I figure
those extra pounds will fall off all by themselves. Takes a little
time, perhaps. About 11 months or so ;-)
Act 2
Les and Janice are being quizzed by the police about Greg's whereabouts.
Janice explains that he had been sleeping on their settee, but
appeared to have disappeared, and they have no idea where he'd
be by now. Les protests Greg's innocence, saying that he was a
highly respected and successful businessman. "Hmm, sleeping
on your settee ?", muses the policewoman. Les demands to
know who's behind all this trouble, "I know, it's that Sally
Webster isn't it ?", he adds. He tells them that she's spreading
lies about, because Greg had dumped her, and this is her way of
getting revenge. "You know how pathetic these women are !",
he remarks to the policeman. Janice and the policewoman give him
withering looks. "What have I said now ?", says the
expression on his face. [The bounds of credibility will be stretched
further tonight, have no fear. It's as plain as day, well to me
anyway, that a woman like Janice probably *wouldn't* put up with
this sort of boorish nonsense.]
Gary and Judy are still struggling to name the twins. They eventually decide that they should take one each.
The police finally leave the Battersbys. "No doubt they'll be back", observes Les. "Greg won't, though", is Janice's opinion, as they stand in their doorway. She goes back inside, but Les spots Sally crossing the street, and rushes over to "have a word with her". Although sticking his face right in front of hers, and shouting, would be more accurate. Why is she lying about Greg, he demands to know. Sally tells him she doesn't need any of this, and turns to go, but Les grabs her arm and spins her round to face him again. She demands he let go of her, but before it gets even uglier, Kevin appears and breaks them up. He tells Les to pick on someone his own size in future, he can try Kevin any time. Martin also arrives to see what's going on, telling Les that he has to pull Greg off Nick, after Nick had rescued Sally. Les rather unconvincingly tells them he's ready for them any time, and goes home, exaggerating his limp somewhat in the process. Martin returns home, but Kevin invites Sally inside, to tell him what had happened the previous evening.
Audrey has returned home, accompanied by Gail, who is dispensing tea to a stream of visitors. Fred offers condolences, on behalf of himself and the Square Dealers, and tells her that things will look up even though it is a dark hour for her. "He means well", says Gail after he's left. Alma, too, comes round, and tells Audrey how Mike had once told her how proud Alf had been to have such a young wife. [Even though she does look mid-Jurassic...] Audrey is of the opinion that Alf was happy to think that other men fancied her [yes, sorry, we do seem to be inhabiting a parallel universe tonight] but that of course she'd *never* given any of them the slightest encouragement. Trying to put a cheery face on it all is too much for her, and she breaks down. [And to give Sue Nichols her due, she puts on a very good performance in this episode.]
Kevin once again wonders why Sally had ever got involved with Greg in the first place. She tells him that he hadn't exactly had a sign up saying how he got his jollies hitting women, but in a rather perceptive throwaway remark, Kevin notes that it probably wouldn't have made any difference anyway. So, now everyone will hear about it, of course, including the girls once it gets around the school. [Erm, I think they might be a *little* young for that.] He is alarmed to think about what might have happened if Sally had had Rosie and Sophie staying with her the night before, and refuses Sally's request that the girls do come round for a little while. "Not while we don't know where that Greg Kelly is", he says forcefully.
Jack and Vera are worried about their future. Jack thinks they should have a private chat with their local councillor [Audrey] and get their names down for a council flat, but Vera is adamant they should use their nest-egg to buy someplace of their own. Les arrives and orders a drink, and Jack immediately accuses him of buying his (almost stolen) coat. Leave it, warns Les - he's had a pile of aggro that morning and might just thump someone.
A quick return to the Malletts, where William and Rebecca Joyce are unofficially christened. [And talking of which, the UK statistics office revealed that Jack was the most popular name for boys last year, and John has fallen out of the top 100 entirely, having been itself the most popular name when they started keeping records back in the 50s. Now, this won't do. If you're having a baby soon, please do your bit and bring back John. Perfectly good name. Thank you.]
After an awful lot of unremitting gloom tonight, we have a brighter interlude in the Rovers, where Jim, Fred and Ken discuss Alf, with the Duckworths and Betty joining again. It is agreed that it wasn't at all a bad way to go, feet up in an armchair in the middle of a party. Jack reveals that Alf had been a bit of a wild thing himself in his younger days, three times married no less. He'd come by the corner shop by marrying Renee, his second wife, having already proposed to the previous shopowner, Betty's sister. [Now that *is* before my time, I'm afraid.] Apart from this rather unseemly desire to get his hands on the shop [:-)], Alf had been a thoroughly decent bloke. Oh yes. Well, apart from being a bit slow at getting his round in. Hmm, short arms and long pockets, definitely. No, a thoroughly decent bloke. And very strong minded. Even when his ideas were completely stupid. Totally pig-headed in fact. But still a very decent bloke. A well-timed silence, before they all decide maybe they'll have another drink. [And not of course the first time this sort of exchange has been scripted, but it was very well done, and worth having.]
As if we haven't seen enough of the missing link, the one and only Les turns up to see Nick and Leanne, to "warn them" that the police might be round to talk to them. No doubt he wants to tell them what their story should be, but it's too late he discovers as they say they have already told the police the truth. Les' definition of "the truth" is naturally what's best for him, and he gets very angry at the thought that his son has been "grassed up". He goes on to try to take his precious daughter away from this evil influence, but Leanne stands her ground and says she's with Nick, and doesn't regret anything he's said. Les announces that he's finished with the pair of them, in that case, and storms off. [And sadly, in such a fashion, does much of the strife in society proliferate.]
This episode was written by John Stevenson.
Well, everything to do with Alf's death was very well done tonight, but we also had to sit through the complete turn-off of the revolting Les Battersby ripping up whatever shreds of sympathy we had for the man in his ridiculous antics over the unmissed Greg. I for one hope he gets his come-uppance big style real soon. Maybe the hospital inquest will serve to put him firmly in place. We can but hope.
And a final farewell to Alfred Roberts.
Overall rating (out of 5 stars): **1/2
I'm off home to shovel pizza down the kids, so we'll skip the spell check today and cart this straight off to the jolly Netscape News window. Drag, and ... drop.
John Laird
Hiya folks! :)
Well, it's not the best start to 1999, speaking from a purely update- based perspective (from all other perspectives, though, I certainly can't complain at all!!! :)))) since, two Mondays into the New Year and nary a single row of text has emerged from my fingers. I can only offer my whole-hearted apologies for this shameless display of post-festive slacking off and will now attempt to do the unthinkable and write two updates in one night! *gasp* Further apologies for any shortage of good quality gags and witty (!) observations that may result from this desperate attempt to get back on track in as little time possible... :) (Gawd, I'm getting worse than British Rail...)
The show opens as Audreh (who didn't have such a pleasant New Year as myself) sits at home, staring wide-eyed into space whilst clutching her late husband's favourite tie... Gail and Martin are also present, doing their best to comfort her. Gail is holding two of Alf's black suits and wonders which one they should use to dress the deceased with for the funeral. "You know", begins Audreh, misty-eyed and oblivious to her daughter, "Alfeh loved this tie... I wouldn't have minded... but it were cheap!" (Typical Audrey - brilliant!) but soon she snaps out of this trance and realises that there are things that need doing, in a flash she picking one of the two suits, telling Martin to go and polish Alf's shoes and checking with him that the obituary in the newspaper has been sorted out properly... Just then, who should enter through the door ("I... I hope you don't mind... the door was open") but Sir Royston Of Cropper! He offers his condolences (from both Hayley and himself - aww! :)) to the Weary Widow and then asks to have a swift word with Gail in the next room. They adjourn to the hallway where Sir Royston awkwardly tells his business partner that he has recieved a letter from 'The Bike Shop' and will be going over there shortly to confirm that he is accepting their offer on the Cafe. Gail is nothing short of *LIVID* that Roy has picked such an inopportune moment to talk business and tells him sternly that "SOME PEOPLE have got OTHER THINGS on their mind"! Poor Sir R can do nowt to stop her most evil of glares but apologises profusely for his poor timing before leaving with an unpleasant shadow of guilt hanging above his head.
So we cut to the Kabin where Sally and Rita are conversing about the former's future career in market trading. She is planning to set up a permanent knicker stall and is having some kind of meeting that very morning to finalise things. On top of this, in the afternoon (busy girl!) she has an appointment with her solicitor to "sort out custody once and for all... for the gurrrls' sake" (ut oh - the battle for the gurrrrls begins here!) which is perhaps a wee bit premature since, at the moment, she is sharing a flat with Rita and thus wouldn't really have the space for the kids anyway... At this point, Maxine walks into the shop, humbly, and approaches the Wacky Webster Woman, offering her sympathies regarding Gruesome Greg and apologising for "Being a right cow" to Sally when she tried to warn of Blandford's nastiness. The apology is accpeted and shortly after, Betty Turpin walks in greeting everyone and asking Rita how Audrey is getting on. Rita tells her that she's doing as well as can be expected and, as both her and Betty would know: "You might live with it, but you never get over it..."
Talentless Tilsley (or Nauseous Nick. Take your pick dependant on the extremity of your dislike for him ;)) exits the House of Elliot across the road with his wife, the Lovely Leanne. Ass Of The Year, Les Battersby sees him from across the road and yells stupidly "OI! WOT ARE YOU LOOKIN' AT?!" but Nick, under Leanne's advice, ignores these shouts. Janice appears from behind Les and tells him to shut up and "stop standing there with your chest puffed out like a daft kid", although he insists that Nick is a "grass" and deserves all he gets (well, at least he's right about the 2nd part... ;))...
Over at the Cornershop, Fred walks in and exclaims to Ashley "Much as it grieves me to stop you working, give that a rest and come over here a second will you?"... Ashley obliges, dutifully, but is somewhat surprised at what Fred has to say: "It's about time we got back into the butchery trade", begins the Human Foghorn, "Here, try this on for size"... With that, he hands the poor lad a traditional British Butcher's Hat to put on and, needless to say, Ashley is not best pleased! "What would I wanna wear that for?" he laughs, soon wishing he hadn't asked when Fred explains to him that he's opened up a branch of Elliot's Meat Counters within the local Freshco and has picked Ashley to be the Manager of it, whether he likes it or not! Obviously, Prince Peacock debates this, claiming he's quite happy where he is, managing the Cornershop, but he may as well be talking to the wall as his Uninterested Uncle tells him that he starts at the new Meat Counter first thing next week... No buts!
Over the other side of Weatherfield, Alma pulls up outside the Roberts' Household, only to find a devastated, spaced-out Audrey standing in the driveway in her dressing gown, doing some weeding (?)... She eventually snaps out of it and greets Alma with a weak smile. She ruminates on how Alfeh's shovel is still on the driveway and how she had told him a million times to shift it, in the past (tho I'm sure in real life, a helpful thief would have shifted it quite gladly)... Alma tells her that this is just "typical of fellas" (!) and adds that they should go inside before Audrey catches her death out here in nowt but a dressing gown. The Weary Widow muses that "This house was everything to me and Alfeh... But now he's not in it... it's just a house..."
...And with that we cut to the Mallet Household, littered with dirty nappies and general mess, the ghastly fallout of Double Baby Warheads (the most lethal kind, I'm told!) being dropped onto the premises. Jack and Vera Duckworth are there too, sitting on the couch, playing with the kiddies, as Gary walks around picking up said debris in a vain attempt to prepare for the next onslaught of destruction. Judy tells the Duckies that names have at last been picked and they've settled with William and Rebecca, which, it goes without saying, is instantly shortened to "BILLY AND BECKY!" by the inimitable Vee. Judy frowns at the abbreviation, perhaps realising that the behbehs are doomed to suffer this alliterated stigma for all eternity...
Meanwhile, Lady Hayley of Patterson, Sir Royston of Cropper and Googly Eyes of Mad MacDonald (all wearing humourous hard-hats) stand before the new scaffolding on Rosamund Street, surveying it intently. Steve rabbits on about how great the site is ("A prime location"), how quickly it can be ready ("But I'll have to hire more men") and how he can build a cold storage space at the back ("But it'll cost. Everything in catering, I say, everything in catering costs." - Incidentally, Simon Gregson *DID* do a spot-on John Savident impression for that particular line)... Roy is sold hook line and sinker on this but the look on Hayley's face suggests that she is somewhat more skeptical of Steve's credibility...
Across the road, The Duckies get into a taxi, heading off to Blackpool, just as Tyrone and Jackie Dobbs appear from out of nowhere. Jack corners the Boy Tyrone and asks for a favour but unfortunately the kid is ahead of him: "NO WAY!" he splutters, "I'm not feeding them pigeons again!" but when Jack offers him first a fiver, then a tenner, the misshapen youth agrees to undertake the task... "You've got a right little shark there!" harps Vera, referring to the lad's haggling prowess... "I knooooow", coos Jackie Dobbs, "Don't it make you proud?"
Meanwhile inside the pub, Janice, Alison and (Boooo hissss) Linda Sykes sit around a table, having a lunchtime drink. Across the other side of the bar, Kevin is having a pint with Gary Mallett but doesn't seem to interested in the conversation at hand. Instead, it seems, he wishes to make eyes at Alison from across the room, a deed that doesn't go unreturned. The other girls tease poor Alison and urge her to go over and say something to the Manic Mechanic, but she's far too shy to do so. Meanwhile, Gary suggests the same kind of thing to Kevin but he too is far too sheepish to do anything more than flutter his eyelids at her... So we cut across to Fred and Ashley sitting a booth, talking heatedly about this new meat counter. Prince Peacock is unhappy that Fred didn't consult him before planning this sudden job relocation but, of course, the Burly Butcher swears up and down that this is all for Ash's own good and "in the wider scheme of things", it's a massive career progression. Needless to say, the weaker arguement defeats the stronger and when Ashley protests "First you tell me to stand up for myself then you trample all over me, I don't know whether I'm coming or going!", Fred replies "I'll sort that out right now for you... You're going!"... Cue pouts.
As Alison leaves the pub and heads off down the road, she's hotly pursued by Kevin who stops her with a smile. He explains carefully that he "wasn't trying it on" with their New Year's Display Of Affection but, although he was admittedly drunk, that wasn't the only reason he kissed her. He wanted to do it anyway. She tells him this feeling is mutual and a Nation goes "awwwwwww". :) What a sweet couple!
END OF PART ONE
The adverts are naff. They open with a particularly duff one. Some American chap with a voice like nails on a blackboard morphs himself into a hammer to whack himself against the side of a car again and again in order to prove it's integrity... My mind boggles over this absurdity throughout the rest of the commercial break and before I have chance to work out what it's all about, why we're here and what the meaning of life is, we're back to Corrie Street. :)
(Incidentally, for anyone following the adverts intently, Kate Moss is *STILL* "at war with split ends", targetting them with her posh shampoo and shooting them dead... For how many more years are they going to keep repeating this awful advert???)
PART TWO
Ashley and Fred are still in the pub debating the benefits of
this move to Frescho and the Beefy Butcher is still winning, as
he admits that he's already found a replacement for Ashley to
take over at the Cornershop. He once more hands the ridiculous
butcher's hat to RAsh, who reluctantly accepts the silly headwear,
thus indicating the battle has been fought and lost. Ashley is
now officially to be the new manager of Elliot's Meat Counter
in Freshco... So we cut across to the other end of the pub, at
a table where Sir Royston sits, chatting with Googly Eyes MacDonald.
Googers is trying to sell Our Hero a new kitchen with all the
fittings and Roy is quite impressed by this. "Do you think
there's room for a flat upstairs too?" he asks and Steve
responds... "Roy, if you've got the cash we can put in a
luxury bathroom, indoor swimming pool, a sauna, the lot!"
and Sir R, missing the sarcasm, responds naively "No.. no..
I don't think that will be necessary" as we cut to Alma and
Gail, who are sitting in the booth that only a few seconds ago
was home to Fred and Ashley (both of whom had full pints!) ...
*** CONTINUITY ERROR ! CONTINUITY ERROR ! HIT THE DECK! *** There's
a very brief exchange between these two ladies as they discuss
the state of Audrey and both wish they could be of some more use
to the grieving widow. THEN SUDDENLY, Fred, who is now dressed
in full butcher's garb (!!) enters the pub (!!!!), carrying a
tray of sandwiches (!!!!!!) and takes them out back, under instruction
from Natalie! (COME ON, PRODUCTION! You could at least have inserted
a scene *outside* the pub to make this look a little less strange!)
... Fred asks Natalie if he can drop flyers around the pub to
advertise his new meat counter and a nearby Les Battersby suggests
that "A free pint with every pie" would be a great opening
offer! Nat tells the Boorish One to "shut up" just as
Leanne steps up to the bar and also gets a mouthful from Les about
her husband, Nick, who allegedly "stitched up our Greg"!
He then goes off on a tangent, saying that now that Alf's died,
Leanne and Nick probably stand to inherit something, being related
to him and all... (I'm sorry to say this, but Les makes less and
less sense with each episode that passes. He just launches into
the most bizarre, nonsenical and illogical tirades of venom about
anything and indeed everything with no prompt or reason! He is
fastly becoming one of the most tedious characters on the Street!)
Rita and Sally are now sitting at a table nearby (What is this? Musical Chairs?) and Sally isn't happy with how her visit to the Solicitors' Office went. They apparently told her (quite rightly) that without a proper permanent residency she doesn't stand a chance of getting child custody and this has somehow surprised her (!)... Rita, meanwhile, is in another world, still thinking about Alf and how his death has really struck a blow, especially since it followed directly on from Alec walking on out her (and indeed Weatherfield itself!)... As ever, Barbara Knox is convincing as Rita in her evident grief as she laments on how her life has suddenly been turned upside down.
Over at the Cafe, late night now, we are treated to a very sweet scene in which Hayley (clad in the notorious six ft dressing gown!) comes downstairs to find a troubled Roy mulling over some paperwork. She sits down with him at a table and tells him that she's concerned that he might be biting off more than he can chew and warns him to be careful. "I'm worried that you're overdoing it", she says softly, explaining "It's only because I care about you"... Roy extends his hand across the table and puts it over her's... "I know you do Hayley", he says with great sincerity, "I'd never take that forgranted and I appreciate your concern"... He then goes on to ask her if she thinks that the proposed ground for the new Cafe is too close to the Rovers for it's own good. The worried look on her face indicates she doesn't have an answer for this just yet or at least not one she wants to break to Roy.
So we cut over to the Rovers again (now post-closing time) where all has gone deathly quiet. Only Natalie and Betty remain inside and after a brief exchange of small-talk, Nat tells the Mistress Of The HotPot to go home. As Betty disappears around the back, Natalie takes a look out across the body of the pub, smiles and turns off the light. Kudos to Denise Welch for managing to scream out "IT'S ALL MINE! IT'S ALL MINE! HAHAHAHA!" without actually opening her mouth or making a single sound. :)
We wrap things up over at Plattingham Palace: Gail returns from Audrey's house and sinks into the armchair (the same armchair that Alf *died* in, only a few days before, I should add... Yeuch!)... Martin, who is sitting on the couch, is a tad distressed however and when asked what's wrong, he explains it's Mr Millenium's insurance policy. Apparently, Alfeh, being a bit of a cheapskate, took out a cheaper policy than he perhaps should've and it expired at (get this) midnight, December 31st, 1998... *BIG MASSIVE UNAVOIDABLE GROAN*... Thus, it appears, since Alf wasn't pronounced dead until (technically) January 1st 1999, Audrey can't collect a penny off his life insurance. Dooh... *bad bad plotline alert*... Mercifully cue credits!
***
So, aside from the cringeful 'twist in the tale' that was the final scene and aside from the increasingly surreal nonsense spewing forth from the mouth of Battersby, tonight's show was keeping in the vein of the last few weeks and, thus, was rather impressive. Nothing much happening in the way of high (read: Overblown) action, just some nice exchanges of dialogue, a bit of character development and a pleasant peek into the residents of The Nation's favourite Street. Written by Stephen Bennett, with a few nice lines here and there, reminding me I could really get used to this *character-driven* drama rather than the rather dire way things seemed to be heading a month or so ago where beatings, drug dealings, murders and illicit sex were the order of the day.
Nice stuff... And with that late update out of the way, let's move on to next week's.............. :)
The Rattler
Well, it's my first update of the New Year, and a good funeral to kick it off with! How did your New Year go? Mine wasn't at all bad and things seem to have got off to a flying start in 1999 with the possibility of Romance in the air - a transatlantic correspondence that's been going on slowly for a few months has blossomed in the last few days into a flurry of romantic emails. My feet are barely touching the ground, though I'm counting on nothing, as there is something crucial I haven't told the young man yet. And talking of Romance, I did hear on the Quaker grapevine (it exists you know) that a CS researcher has been making enquiries at Friends House and elsewhere about "alternative" marriage procedures and ceremonies of commitment - usually adopted by people who are otherwise prevented from marrying legally. Now, I wonder who this could apply to, thinking of getting spliced in the coming year? Anyway, back to funerals. They are such gifts to a show, aren't they? Better than weddings, because they allow so much more scope for bitchiness. Not least because we get to see how well or otherwise various people look in black. Most of us, I suppose, like to think we look good in black, but it's not all that many who can really carry it off.
Blanche: "Who do they think they are?" Deirdre (hissing): "It's the mayor and mayoress!" Blanche: "Well you know my opinion of politicians, all in it for what they can get!" [Ken and Emily are playing out an elaborate pantomime of pretending not to hear] Deirdre: "Even Alf?" Blanche: "Especially Alf! When you look how he started, and what he ended up with" [She grabs Ken's shoulder] "You'll agree with me won't you Kenneth, I mean, you're a Socialist" Ken (irritated, without looking round): "I'm just an old friend of Alf's as far as today is concerned". Emily (primly): "Which is what I hope we all are!"
Wonderful! A peach of an episode! Well done Peter Whalley for the super script with so many brilliant one-liners. And now it's award time. Shall it go to Sue Nicholls, for a very good performance as the widow with something nagging at her mind? Or to Maggie Jones for a super cameo as a waspish Blanche? A tricky one. But let's look at who didn't hit anybody, didn't whinge, wasn't bitchy, was totally believable in role, and looked utterly delightful. Yes, this week's award goes jointly to Megan Foster and Lewis Ablatt for their portrayals of Rebecca and William Mallett, and may we see many more of them!
Hiya folks!!!! ... Time again for another update.... Back to school for Trude, back to college for Simon. Trude started her new job, with the first two days of the week set aside for inset training. This gave her a chance to get to know her new colleagues. It looks as is they are a pretty good bunch, mainly at the younger end, with a lively sense of humour. This was evidenced by her getting her coffee in a dinosaur mug - purely coincidental with her 51st birthday this coming Saturday!!! Hahahahah!! The class she has taken over - 7 and 8 year olds - had 10 different teachers last term and are in desperate need of continuity and stability, so she will be looking after them both for the remainder of this year and the next academic year again. When she told them that this would be the situation, many couldn't get their heads around this. A joy to see her being able to run her own show again, rather than playing second fiddle in a support role. Si is back at college and it's GCE "A" level mock exams this coming week. Very much a crunch time for him and, no doubt, the next few weeks are going to be taken up evaluating university/college offers. This weekend is Trude's birthday - she knows there is a surprise in store, but not what it is. we are actually going for a weekend in London, combining it with an impromptu micro-ping for a good IRC pal of mine, Jubblyjub. Jackie - originally a Londoner, who has lived in Canada and, more recently, in Australia - is coming back to the UK from Queensland, following the death of her nan, so it'll be a real pleasure to meet up with her and some of the crowd on the #coro_street channel and the Guest Book. On the channel, the last week or so has seen some nice atmosphere in the form of recorded "Happy New Year" messages being passed around. Elaine in Australia had the wonderful idea of putting these together into a group #coro_street wave. A number of us were involved in the process, the whole thing very nicely rounded off by dear Annie, who mixed in the Coronation Street theme. A real nice effort, very much the epitome of what #coro_street is all about - the bonus is at the end with a message from a very special friend. To hear the greeting, point your browser at http://www.prosper.demon.co.uk/corrie/internet/hny99.htm - thanks and love to all involved. Enjoy!!!!
Well, how was it for me? A very enjoyable episode as you would expect from Maestro Mills. Some beautiful bits of dialogue, expertly crafted. The situation following Alf's death was well handled. Death tends to be accompanied by guilt - either things unsaid or actions which should have been carried out. Audrey portrays the grieving wife well, coping with her own grief, while trying to prop up Nick's mood. Even Nick did well here. Wonderful light comedy with Roy in the centre stage, beautifully accompanied by Hayley. He never quite gets things right and is obviously naïve trusting the likes of Charlie West and Steve McBurger. Classic dialogue in the "lavatrice - si" sketch. Marvellous pantomime with the machine blowing a hose and spurting steam all over the place. Les plays the chancer, as ever, looking to get away with blue murder, in this case, getting one over on the system. Nice dialogue at the Malletts when Gary tries to find the bottle to own up to Judy that he is going back to work on Monday. Touching scene when Alison lies in wait for Kevin at the pub. The look of excitement on their faces, as they realise this could be the start of a romance, is really something else. Such a nice change to see Kevin smiling, instead of being a whinger. And what a lovely girl is Alison - soooo sweet. And of course, bombastic Fred - he has his heart in the right place, but misses vital clues, like names of people. What a star, I say, what a star. So, in summary, although there was not a lot of action, per se, a very enjoyable episode nonetheless with the plot moving along gently. Great fun.
I've pulled a double-duty this week. Not only this update to write, but a guest appearance on Mike Plowman's Coronation Street Visual updates page. If you've not visited Mike's site before, and you have Web access, then the address is : http://ds.dial.pipex.com/town/plaza/ec91/ Be very impressed with the Web hit counter ! My sincere thanks to Mike for giving me the chance to have a go at another medium. Anyway, apart from that little bit of trumpet-blowing, the other effect on this week's update is that I'm all out of wit... [Please, no unkind remarks.] So, if it reads as if the bottom of the barrel is being scraped, then it probably is. There's nothing very exciting going on in the world at the moment, bar a brief visit to the UK of some very cold weather from further East, so let's get straight on with the business in hand.