P'nawn da and greetings from a thunder, lightening, hailstone and torrential rain hit Wales. I'd like to know just where they got that sunshine for the Platt/Battersby storyline.
I've had a couple of emails from people who've been *slightly* confused by my nicknames. I've even been blamed for some of the Rattler and Annie's! ;) So, in future, when I think up a new nickname I will put the real character name by the side of it at first. Btw, for anyone who wants to know more about the nicknames that the updaters use, or Corrie related stuff in general, then don't forgot to check out the excellent web pages run by that Slinky Canadian Feline, ronniecat. She's at http://personal.nbnet.nb.ca/oliverb/nickname.html
Has anyone seen Adam Rickitt's new acting role? Advertising ITV2. Yes really! And he still hasn't improved. And he's still as nauseous looking as ever. Still, at least he had clothes on.
My lovely whippet Sam has yet again come to help with this update. He's terrified of thunder and lightening and follows me everywhere (poor baby). On with the update.
At a caravan site somewhere in North Wales, the Platt and Webster children are having their breakfast. The Treen throws her arms around Florence.
GAIL - I'm so proud of you.
MARTIN - If it had been anybody else. Anybody else. Hitler. Mussolini. Pol Pot. Then, yes, I might agree. But yes, I am a nurse and I saved him and that's what nurses do but LES BATTERSBY!
GAIL - I'm still proud of you.
MARTIN - Yeah, well, let's look on the bright side. He might have a relapse.
GAIL - Oh, you don't mean that!
Cadfael comes out and says what a hero Florence is and how proud the Treen must be of him.
GAIL - He just wishes it wasn't Les Battersby.
SALLY (to Martin) - Even so, you saved a human life. That must be a wonderful feeling.
Florence says if Peat Bog Man dares to try and claim compensation 'I'll take him back to that bar and plug him back in'. They all laugh (and so did I).
In the Cornershop, the Moonbeam (Nita) and Vile Vikram are talking. She is telling him about her new job. Loathsome Linda and the Refresher are also in the shop. The Loathsome One is saying 'his wife's gone and walked out on him' (no prizes for guessing who she's on about). As they leave, the Moonbeam and Vile Vikram continue their conversation. Moony says that next week the Vile One will be running the shop instead of her, which is probably what their father wanted in the first place.
The Witch is just about to leave her Wardrobe for work. The phone rings. It's Lord Hades for Cleopatra. Cleo has a terrible hangover and doesn't really want to talk to him. He shown on the other end of the phone listening to every word they are saying and getting irritated. He is sarcastic with Cleo. He wants to come and see her in half an hour. She says can he make it a couple of hours. He sneers at her about her hangover.
Back in North Wales, Xena is asking her neanderthal husband if he is all right. Toyah wants to know what it was like being electrocuted. Owen comes over to ask how the Peat Bog Man is as his father is concerned. After Owen has gone, Toyah says, about Owen, 'what do I have to do eh? Get myself gift wrapped and delivered to his front door.' Xena replies 'come on love; it's the countryside. They're a lot slower round 'ere.' Lol! (Just wait for those letters of complaint to come pouring into the Granada Studios). Boggy picks up on this and says that Owen must be slow if he thinks all that matters is the microphone and says Owen will be the one getting the shock when he gets home and starts talking to his lawyer. Xena says no way, not after last time when Florence lost his job. And has he been over there to thank him? 'HE'S A NURSE! THAT'S HIS JOB' comes his ungracious reply (oh dear).
In the Cornershop, the Moonbeam is stocking the shelves. Her father and brother are in the backroom. Vile Vikram wants his dad to tell Moony she can't have the job. Ravi says she is over 18, she can do what she wants. Vile Vikram doesn't want to run the shop. His father replies 'so what if my daughter is deserting me, as long as I still have my son to rely on.' He approaches the Moonbeam to tell her what her brother has just said.
NITA - I'm sorry dad; I'm letting you down aren't I?
RAVI - You certainly are.
NITA - It doesn't mean I don't love you or that I'm not grateful for everything. It's just
RAVI - One has to make one's own mistakes and you certainly are doing.
Lord Hades has called round to see Cleo. He is smirking about her hangover. He reckons 'it must be one large party for you and the merry widow. Men by the coachload.' Then they continue to have the same conversation they've had for the last two weeks with him blaming her for everything when it was his entire fault.
Back at the North Wales caravan park, Xena and Toyah are listening to a radio, which is playing Catatonia's 'Dead from the Waist Down' (now that is just a little *too* obvious). Peat Bog Man is still prattling on. Xena and Toyah are really fed up with him. Toyah reckons the reason Owen doesn't want anything to do with her is because Boggy is the 'camp joke' (bless her).
Meanwhile, Boggy is talking to the Platts, thanking Florence. He will buy them a drink later. All the aggro is now behind them, he claims. Florence looks thrilled.
GAIL (giggling) - You've got a friend for life there.
MARTIN - Yeah, well I don't want a friend for life.
GAIL - Well, not that one.
MARTIN - The man that saved Les Battersby. No one will talk to me now. We might as well move somewhere different where I'm not gonna get recognised.
Back in the Wardrobe, Lord Hades and Cleo continue their conversation. She wants to know how he's managing at home. She just needs some time. He rambles on some more about how he's a victim. He brings Steven Reid up again. Yakka yakka yakka. (What you don't understand Mike is that Canadian men are sexy. Just look at Sebastian Spence <swoon, gasp, faint>). He reckons that Witchie Poo is pulling Cleo's strings. He will come back to talk to her tomorrow.
End of Part One
Part Two
In the Rovers, Leanne is telling the Big Red she's been working in the Rovers for almost a month. Nagron (Betty Turpin) tells Reet that she's been working there for 30 years.
Loathsome Linda and the Refresher are talking about Lord Hades and Cleopatra. The Cardassian has come in and the Loathsome One has decided to ask her about it. At the bar, the Cardassian asks for a glass of red wine (must be on a promise). The Big Red asks Jack if she can have a word with Natalie. Loathsome approaches the Cardassian and asks her if it's true about Mr and Mrs Baldwin. The Cardassian splutters that it's none of their business. Loathsome implies that it's the Refresher who wants to know and not her. Lol! She tries to get more out of the Cardassian but to no avail. Natalie comes out (wearing sleeves!) to see the Big Red who wanted to see her about 'something Betty happened to mentioned.'
In the Cornershop, the Moonbeam is talking to Curly. Vile Vikram implies that Curly fixed it for his sister to get the job at Freshco because she took him out to lunch. Curly says she got the job because she was the best candidate. Vile Vikram prattles on in his own way as Curly leaves. Moony wants to know why he can't be happy for her. He is. She says she will have a word with their father to get him some help in the shop (yay! the Bring Back Maud Campaign starts here). He says he needs help like she did to get him out of there.
Meanwhile back in North Wales, Xena approaches the Treen, who is dressed in a long black robe sacrificing fluffy bunnies over an alter, with Boyd Rice <no relation> looking on in the background. (Well, she's not really, she's reading a book but as the pour woman doesn't seem to get any excitement, I thought I'd invent some for her).
JANICE - Left you on your own then?
GAIL - Kids wanted to go to the beach.
JANICE (sitting down) Well they're at that age aren't they? Whereas my Toyah she doesn't know what she wants. Spends her time moping. Les has gone to bed. I think that electricity finally caught up with him.
GAIL - Martin said he'd done well to recover so fast.
JANICE - It's thanks to your Martin he recovered at all. He did come over and apologise didn't he?
GAIL - This morning yeah.
JANICE - He said. But you never know your caravan's a lot nicer than ours.
GAIL - It's not bad. Do you want to come in and have a look around? I could make us a cup of tea.
JANICE - I wouldn't mind one. I'm not disturbing you though am I?
GAIL - I was just about to make one for myself.
At the Rovers, Jack is fiddling with a packet of B&H (which is what I could do with right now. Not a packet mind, just one) and says he still gets tempted. Natalie comes out and says, of Nagron, 'you won't believe the trouble I've had getting her to come in' (oh yes we would!). 'She's moaned and groaned' (no! not Betty?!) and Natalie has had to promise a taxi to bring her and take her home. Natalie asks for a volunteer to get a cake. Jack and Leanne point at each other. Natalie says it's lucky she's already ordered one then.
Back in North Wales
JANICE - No, he were a nice lad your Nick. I were delighted when our Leanne brought him home.
GAIL - And now he's left her and run off to Canada.
JANICE - You never know which are gonna work and which aren't. It's a right lottery. Martin's your second isn't he?
GAIL - Yeah!
JANICE - Well, look at me and Les. I mean most folk wouldn't give us 6 months when we got wed. Sometimes I wish they'd have been right.
Owen comes across. He needs to see Xena later.
JANICE - Funny lad. I think he's after our Toyah. What was I saying? Oh yeah. I know what most folk must think about me and Les as more often than not I'm thinking it myself. Les does love me. I mean, I know he lies about stuff, and he's bone idle, and he fancies other women (bloody hell, he sounds like a real catch, doesn't he ladies?) but he does love me. And there's nobody else ever done that.
Back at the Rovers, Natalie, Leanne and the Big Red are preparing for Nagron's arrival. Lord Hades and the Necrobutcher are at the bar. Lord Hades asks the Necrobutcher if his divorce has come though. Not yet, and why did he have to bring that up?
Vera, in a shocking pink jacket, is having a conversation with Curly.
VERA - Do you think our Jack's looking all right? He's making a real effort you know. Stopped smoking, cut back on booze. But I'm wondering, if it's a bit harmful, you know, to your body when you've been used to a regular intake.
CURLY - You mean he's been running that long on nicotine and alcohol he might suffer from withdrawal symptoms.
VERA - Well yeah.
CURLY - I don't think it works like that Vera.
Nagron arrives!
NATALIE - You know how to make an entrance.
BETTY (huffing and puffing) - Oh, right. Well I'm not stopping here to be made fun of.
NATALIE - Eh, eh! Betty!
BETTY - I'm five minutes late and there's all this palaver. I don't know why you wanted me in the first place. You've got all you lot behind the bar.
Natalie then tells her they have brought her here to celebrate her 30 years service. Betty actually smiles. (and I fell on the floor). Natalie produces the cake. (Question for people who've watched Corrie for a lot longer than I have. Has Betty ever been anything but a stroppy, miserable, interfering old cow?)
Back in North Wales, Xena is finishing with Owen. Whatever has happened between them has to stop. She reckons she is to blame as she is older than him and that she loves Les despite his faults. Why doesn't he take Toyah out for the night? He wants her. He can't have her; she's spoken for.
Back at the Rovers, Vera is asking Nagron who her favourite landlady has been. 'Mrs Walker.' 'That old crow'. Lol! (Don't worry Vera, it's only because Mrs Walker was a miserable old bat, too).
The Big Red approaches Lord Hades to ask him about his situation with Cleo. He says he'll know tomorrow if he still has a marriage (wow! Can't wait!). Credits roll.
Written by Peter Whalley
Well some lovely scenes between Gail, Janice and Martin.
Also nice scenes between Natalie, Jack and Leanne and Curly and Vera. The Cornershop storyline is also proving interesting but surely I can't be the only one getting few up with the Baldwin saga by now.
That's it from me. Hope you liked it.
Hwyl fawr Jane
Hiya folks!!!! ... Time again for another update....where DOES the time go?
Not an awful lot to report, we seem to have had all the seasons over the last week. It's been heads down, busy-busy at this end with pretty time-consuming installation of software on one of my PCs - I took the opportunity of getting the latest versions of various programs downloaded and doing a clean install. Always pretty time-consuming, but worth it in the long run.
Simon has his A-level exams starting tomorrow - for him, life has been in turmoil as over the last few months, he has dropped from 3 subjects to 2 to 1 - a few weeks back the remaining subject was reduced to AS level. He's a bright lad, but, not in an obviously academic way - in a lot of ways, he is not mature enough to handle university right now. So, over the next few weeks, he is going to have to look for work, hopefully to find something which matches his abilities - he's a decent caring lad with great communications and people skills, so I suspect something with a high personal involvement is where he will go. The interesting thing has been seeing how much happier he has been since he decided not to go down the academic route. Those of you who are parents out there will recognise the mix of emotions which go through your head at a time like this - you want the best for your child. Education certainly opens doors and it's easier to do as a full time activity but, as the saying goes "you can take a horse to water but you cannot make him drink" and WANTING to do something is the answer. Of course that has to come from within.
Having been through a certain amount of pain myself in the career stakes, I can hardly be churlish and deny him what I have taken for myself. Life is all too short and you might as well try to find something you enjoy and in which you excel - the confidence which comes from the successes that follow can easily become the driving force to push further. Simon needs to find that certain something, whatever it is.
I've now got rid of all of my client files and I must admit, I feel a whole lot happier about things. I'm still not ready for the stresses of a full-time job as yet, but I am using my time developing my thoughts - the next part will be embarking on a training route to generate qualifications to back up some of my skills and develop my skill levels further. The IT route certainly is the favoured one - training/support/technical writing give me so much satisfaction that these are very much the preferred routes
We're off shortly for a few days, walking in North Yorkshire, so that's summat to look forward to. Some exercise, great views, good food and a pint or three.. that's what it's all about....
Episode sponsored by Cadbury
The programme starts at the caravan park. Les, Janice and Toyah are outside their caravan at breakfast time. Toyah has just surfaced after a late night out - Janice asks her where she got to, but Toyah is coy. She tells them "it took him a while but we got there in the end." The realisation that she is referring to Owen provokes a "wayhey" from Les, immediately followed by a demand for an assurance that no "funny business" took place. It looks like the high spot of the evening was a game of bowls and a coffee in the recreation centre "oh yeah, we really went for it" quips Toyah sarcastically. She explains she was late back because they talked for a while. "So, you got your holiday romance after all?" asks Les. "Lucky you" is Janice's bitter reply.
At Audrey's, Alma is pondering about the male of the species, in particular, the Baldwin variety. She is perplexed because Mike is expecting her to go back to him after just two weeks. Audrey sarcastically explains that, of course, Mike did nothing wrong in the first place and that it wasn't his fault that he slept with another woman, because he was set up. Alma is exasperated that Mike genuinely cannot see how he has upset her. Audrey tells her that she can stay with her for as long as she wishes but then Alma starts to see things from Mike's point of view as to how long this is going to go on. Audrey tells her not to weaken but Alma is in pensive mood - is she here because she doesn't want to go back or because she wants to rub his face in it, she just doesn't know which. Audrey points out that Alma is in a strong position and that Mike will be worried about his image but Alma replies that Mike has never cared for what people think of him. Audrey tells her to hold her nerve but Alma is upset that it all seems to be about power, why cannot they just talk honestly about their feelings. Audrey ridicules the prospect of men talking about their feelings, "you're more likely to find fairies at the bottom of your garden." Alma is confused, she doesn't know whether she wants Mike back or not. Audrey reassures her that, until she makes her mind up, she is welcome to stay, "Let him sweat" being her parting shot.
Gail and Martin, Sally and the kids are packing up to leave the caravan park, not looking forward to the end of their holiday.
As the Platts drive off, Les has a moan to Janice about not being given a lift home by them. Anyway, Sally will have some room, thinks Les. Janice tells him that they are not going to beg lifts off other folk, they can use the train. "What, and pay money?" asks Les, incredulously. Janice is in a pretty crabby mood and tells Les to get a taxi booked to take them to the station.
After Les has gone, we see Toyah upset because Owen has not come to see her, especially as he knows they are leaving the site today. When Janice suggests that Toyah goes looking for him, the reply is that she doesn't want to look desperate and that he can come looking for her,
Sally is getting her cases out of the caravan and passes the girls sitting on the steps, looking pretty miserable. They admit they don't want to go back in case Uncle Greg is there. She reassures them that Greg is in prison where he belongs and they have to put the whole incident behind them.
In the Rovers, Linda is commenting to Alison how Mike and Deirdre are pally these days, but explains that she did hear that they had been involved once - when Alison explains that was years ago, Linda is full of answers. Now that Alma has left Mike, "you know what they say, once you've loosened t'lid on t'jar of honey, you can always go back to it! You don't have to eat it all at once, do you?" LOL!!! They snigger.
Across the bar, Mike hears the laughter and asks Deirdre whether people are talking about him. No more than usual, replies Deirdre, adding that this is what people who don't have a life thrive on, gossip!
Gary is doing a grand job shifting crates from the cellar, a point which is noted by an appreciative Jack. He gives Gary helpful hints on lifting heavy objects. Betty chips in sarcastically that, presumably Gary has never lifted anything heavy before. Gary diplomatically replies that he is happy to accept all the advice available. Jack is suitably flattered. When Vera wistfully says she wishes she and Jack were retiring to the sun, Gary and Betty tell her to count her blessings, at least she still has Jack. For how long, is Vera's worried reply, commenting that Jack is ion borrowed time.
Linda and Alison are still smirking and laughing, which provokes Mike to threaten Linda with the sack.
At the site, Les has just arranged a taxi to pick them up, but the site owner is hovering outside the phone-box. He asks whether Les has got over his accident, to which Les replies that he is feeling as fit as a fiddle, in fact, he is prepared to do Mr Williams a favour. He could be his resident DJ each summer, if the price was right. Unfortunately, Les' offer isn't well received by the site owner, who tells him that it is going to cost him a fortune to repair the PA system after Les blew it up. Les quickly back-pedals using his other commitments in Manchester as an excuse, "but I'll just take me refund." Mr Williams is incredulous, even though Les reminds him that he was offered a refund of his site fees in return for deejaying - "after what you just cost me?" asks the site owner. Les bluffs that he ought to consider himself lucky that he isn't claiming compensation. Mr Williams tells him he is out of pocket as a result of Les' escapade and reminds him that he needs to shift his motorvan. Les tells him that Charlie West will shift it on his return from holiday, but this is not acceptable to the park owner. It's not worth the cost shifting it, it's an eyesore and its taking up valuable space on his site and "I'm going to have to pay someone to ... or rather, YOU are going to have to pay someone to take it away." When Les replies that he has no money, the owner has an answer. Les will just have to work to pay off his debts. He explains that the "washrooms haven't been done for two days, smell something terrible those toilets do." Les backtracks, saying he has just had a major accident, but Mr Williams throws Les' words - "fit as a fiddle" - back at him. Les tells him they have a train to catch, but the site owner is not sympathetic, he will just have to get a later train...
... 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 Rovers. Linda
is having a moan at Mike Baldwin threatening to sack her - Alison
tells her she was pushing her luck. Linda is in one of her spiteful
moods and says that Mike needs to watch himself - he obviously
isn't aware that she knows about Greg Kelly blackmailing him,
if he's not careful, he might find someone else asking him for
money. Alison's reply is not to even think about it, as it would
be traced back to her (Alison) and she would end up getting sacked
herself. When Linda tries to say that you can only get sacked
for what you do at work, Alison reminds her that a little detail
like that is hardly likely to stop Baldwin. Linda sulks.
Outside the caravan, Janice is sulking too - she is deep in thought and that is shattered when Owen pops round. She is having to wait until Les works off his debt to Owen's father - Owen apologises but Janice tells him it's hardly his fault she married a booby. She asks whether he had a nice time last night - he tells her he did but he only went out with Toyah for her. She tells him that Toyah was heartbroken when he didn't show up this morning but his reply is that he only wanted to see her (Janice). "We've been through this" is Janice's reply. He tells her that he is going to miss her - she replies likewise but there is no future in it. At that point, Toyah surfaces much to Owen's embarrassment and Janice's relief. Toyah asks what happened to him this morning but he excuses his absence by saying he had jobs to do. She asks if he is free now and when he tells her that he is for a short while, Toyah takes the bull by the horns (as it were) - she takes his hand and takes off with him. The look on his face and the body language suggest someone not entirely happy with the course of events.
It's pay day at Underworld and Mike is handing out the pay packets to the workforce. He drops Linda's on her bench and she makes a point of smiling at him and thanking him. This provokes a look of suspicion on Mike's face, as he looks back at her. He hands Deirdre her pay packet and she asks him when he is due to see Alma next. Tonight, he replies, and he has told her that he wants an answer from her one way or another. Deirdre asks whether Audrey will be there - Mike says he doesn't know, but he wouldn't mind betting that she is putting in her two-pennyworth when he isn't there. Deirdre tries to reassure him that Alma is no fool and will only listen so much to other people - Mike is obviously not interested. He has a determined air about him, as he tells her that he will find out tonight. Deirdre grits her teeth.
Les has finished cleaning the toilets - he has a determined air about him too as he tells Janice that this is the last time he is coming to Wales. "They'll be weeping in the valleys when they hear that" is Janice's sarcastic reply. "Gridlock on all the approaches, more like, with people trying to get in here" is Toyah's cutting addendum. Les tells them that Wales has given him nothing but grief. Their taxi is being loaded up ready for the off. Toyah tells Owen to write to her - he says he will, but the look on his face is one of embarrassment and suggests that he won't. She goes to kiss him but he pointedly avoids her as she gets into the taxi. Poor Toyah is smitten with him and tells Janice in the car that probably the reason he didn't come over this morning is because he is shy. Janice asks whether Toyah will see him again - Toyah replies that she doesn't know but he has said that whatever happens he will always remember them coming to the park. Les is anxious to get out of the place and tells Toyah that if Owen is anything like his father, then she is better off without him.
Audrey is having a drink with Alma in the pub - she sees Fred on his own, looking all solemn and waves to him. He makes a point of ignoring her gesture, as Audrey confesses that she has had a falling out with Fred and they don't come much bigger than this. Alma tells her that grovelling is the only option.
Jack is busy studying the racing form in the paper when Gary comes up out of the cellar - he has found a joke pen while down there. "Look, she loses her top when you tip her upside down" he comments as Jack whips the pen away from him and sticks it in his shirt pocket. Jack tells him that he sometimes uses the pen to do his selections - Gary mischievously wonders what it was doing in the cellar. Jack tries to explain that he dropped the pen but Gary continues his leg-pull - it was near the cushion, in the corner, near the pipes. "Oh, THAT cushion, yes" replies Jack, thinking quickly, as he explains that in the winter it helps your backache when you have the cushion against the warm pipes. Jack tells him he can have the cushion as he doesn't need it now - Gary is chuckling as he quips "it was purely medicinal, eh?" Jack tells him that there is no sleeping on the job here!!! "In that case, I'll give it a try" replies Gary.
Audrey tackles Fred - is their friendship over? "I didn't say that" replies Fred, puffing on his cigarette, trying to look cool. She asks to rewind from the beginning. "So you were going to take me to Delphines..." she says. "Ooooh, THAT's it" replies Fred getting hold of the wrong end of the stick. Audrey swiftly corrects him and offers to take HIM instead, to make amends. When Fred tells her she would never be able to get a table, she informs him that she happens to know that the owner, Gaston, has put in a planning application for a coffee bar. She is sure he could squeeze them in for tomorrow night. Fred continues to play hard to get "I've an Abattoir Steering Committee meeting tomorrow night!" ROTFLMAPMPSMS!!!! Audrey knows that the way to a man's heart is through his gullet and just happens to mention that the foie gras and truffles is very good and the guinea fowl and roast parsnips is to die for, apparently, washed down with a claret. "Burgundy!" comes the quick correction from Weatherfield's resident gourmet, "it's red burgundy with game", he explains. The only problem is whether he could wriggle out of this meeting. "The Normandy apple tart with crme fraiche to finish and brandy with a petit four" she continues, with her seduction technique. "I think they might manage to steer without me for once, so I'll pick you up at eight" signals the weakening of Fred's resolve. "I shall look forward to it" is Audrey's pleased reply - Fred looks directly at her. The grin on his face is worth a million pounds - like a boy who has found his favourite toy after it got lost.
End of a short era for Nita, as she serves Emily, her last customer before she finishes for her new career with Freshco. Emily asks whether she gets a prize. "Why not?" is Nita's reply as she gives her a box of chocolates. When Emily protests she was only joking, Nita insists, after all Emily has been a good customer. Em, noble as ever, says she will donate it to the Hospital raffle - she wishes her good luck in her new job.
Vikram has been watching, and after Emily leaves the shop, make a sarcastic remark about Nita being generous with other people's soft centres. Nita tells him she is throwing caution to the wind, but Vikram tries to belittle her by saying that she is not being as bold as she makes out to be - if it doesn't work out, she knows she can always come back , it's not like she is burning any bridges, he tells her. She immediately challenges him and asks whether this devalues what she is doing. "I suppose not" he grudgingly concedes. "Well, why mention it? Supportive to the last, eh brother? Don't worry, I wont mess up" is her ace of trumps.
As she goes into the back, Ravi is there, ready to dish out another dose of family blackmail. "Sad day" is his opener - he tells her that, although he has accepted her decision, he is not happy, but if that is what she wants to do, then his middle name is not Canute. "Then you'll wish me well?" she asks - "It would be churlish of me not to, my dear Nita" he replies, kissing her. She has barely been able to thank him for his kind wishes when he springs a surprise on her. With a flourish he takes something out of his suit jacket, "for you", he exclaims. "What is it?" is her delighted response. "A rent book for the flat" is his riposte, "it was your suggestion... to put things on a business footing between us, so there is no misunderstanding, you said", he adds. The crestfallen look on her face doesn't disguise her disappointment. He compliments her on her real Desai initiative - if she keeps this up in her brilliant new career and her future will be rosy, he tells her.
While Mike is having a drink alone at the bar, Ken is telling Emily he has no sympathy for Mike, after all, Alma left him to marry Mike. Emily has forgotten that but tells Ken he mustn't gloat. It might not be good for the soul, but he just cannot resist it, he tells her.
Nita is having a drink with Linda, who tells her she must be mad, giving up her job. Linda bemoans her lot, telling Nita that she cannot stand her job, to which Nita replies that she cannot stand hers anymore, either.
As Mike leaves the pub, Emily gets up to tell him how sorry she is over what has happened between him and Alma. "These things happen" replies Mike thanking her for her concern. Emily, not knowing when to quit, continues that she is sure they could patch things up if they put their heads together. The sanctimonious look on Ken's face does not go unnoticed by Mike who asks whether Ken has something to say. "Nothing that the rest of the street isn't already saying" replies Ken smugly. Mike decides to drop it and leaves the pub.
In another corner, 3 parents are discussing their offspring. "Dear, oh dear, the younger generation" moans Ravi. "Nowt but trouble, aren't they?" chips in Rita. "See, it's no use mocking, Ravi's right" comments Fred. Ravi "You build them an empire.." Fred "... and you're not good enough for them..." Ravi "... you give your life to the business..." Fred ".... Whatever you do, it's wrong, so might as well not try, I say, you might as well not try.." Ravi ".. what do they say, youth is wasted on the young..." Rita tries to get some balance back into the discussion and tells them that Sharon seems happy, but Fred has an answer for that - she is older than Nita or Ashley. Rita tells him she sympathises with Ravi, but surely Ashley has done what's been expected of him in the business. Fred grudgingly concedes this point. Rita tells him he's done well considering Ashley is Fred's nephew, it's not as if Ashley is his own son. This example of foot in mouth silences Fred - it enables Rita to say that Fred should stop going on about Ashley "he's a grand lad in my view, be thankful you've got him." The proud smile on Fred's face speaks volumes.
Mike has called round at Audrey's to talk to Alma. Audrey tells him not to worry, she is just off on her way out. "Off on another binge?" he replies sarcastically. When Audrey challenges him indignantly, Mike continues with his little tirade, about how little sense her got out of Alma yesterday, because she was so badly hung over. His comments irritate Audrey, but she puts him down successfully - if she is an evil temptress, then after his recent experiences, he of all people should know. Touch!!
After Audrey has left, Alma tells him he asked for that put-down. Mike tells her, in a very matter of fact way, that he isn't here to talk about her. He asks her bluntly whether she has made her decision. She tells him that she is unsure. He is irritated at what he considers is her playing games and tells him that she either has or she hasn't. Pushed into corner, she makes tells him that, in that case, she hasn't. He gets stroppy, accusing her of breaking her promise that she would have an answer for him by now - her reply is that it was HE who made the statement, not her, she needs more time to think. When Mike tells her he just doesn't understand this, his statement hits a raw nerve. "Exactly, you don't have the slightest idea of how upset I am over what has happened" is her reply. Mike then continues digging his pit, is he supposed to hang around until she makes a decision, while half the street is talking about him? Alma points out that his position is not the one that merits sympathy - she is the one who has been humiliated. Again, he continues to bury himself, he cannot see why she is bothered because everyone is on her side. This makes Alma even more exasperated as she tells him she is not interested in sides - she is irritated at his perception of this being some sort of power struggle with bargain chips "come home and you can have your credit cards back..." "Well you will" he replies, totally oblivious to the reaction this is going to cause. She repeats that she is just not ready to decide yet. "That's not good enough" replies Mike. Alma explains she needs more time. "And that is your final word?" asks Mike. "For now" is her reply. "Right" says Mike dropping his bombshell, "well you can take all the time you want sweetheart, because if you can't make a decision, I can... I'm divorcing you.. " Alma looks at him in utter disbelief. He tells her he is not joking, he has had enough of this, he has done everything he can and if she won't listen to reason then he has no other option, he tells her. "You've talked enough. If I was you, I'd start looking for a solicitor.... and a good one" he tells her. He storms out of Audrey's house, slamming the door behind him, leaving Alma shell-shocked....
And with that... ... it is the cue for music and credits
Episode written by Martin Allen.
All material is, and remains, copyright property of Granada Television.
Well, how was it for me? A pretty good light-hearted episode on the whole.
Comedy moments - well, Les and indignation are always good for a laugh as the guy is so extreme and is always on the lookout for a scam. Toyah gets in her one liners with great finesse and the gridlock crack was a classic. Linda is a superbly scheming character and her honey jar lid was a good 'un - she's a classic pantomime character, the one you love to hiss and boo!!! Gentle leg-pulling of the kind you get between friends, with Jack and Gary.
My two favourite comedy moments were Fred talking about his Abattoir Steering Committee meeting (where DO they come up with these classics?) and Ravi, Fred and Rita considering a parent's lot - what lovely dialogue.
The main storyline of Mike and Alma came to a surprising ending with Mike showing his customary stubbornness and amazing lack of sensitivity. The breakdown of a relationship is always accompanied by a mix of confused emotions and this one is written and played out pretty realistically.
A quick summary - pretty good episode with a nice mix of drama and humour.
Anyway that's it for now.. well, I can't stand here gabbin', I've got pies to shift. Until the next time, take care... Tubby greetings and Tinkyluv from the Tinkster in Glorious Glossop....
Regards, Alan
Battersby's House: Toyah can't concentrate on her revision as she is thinking about Owen. Les scornfully remarks that a lad like that would have a different girl every week and would have forgotten Toyah by now. Janice tells Les not to be horrible, but looks rather embarrased as she agrees with Toyah that Owen wasn't like that, he was a nice lad.
Corner Shop: Vikram persuades Leanne to go out to a casino that evening. Ravi gets annoyed; Nita has begun her new job that day and Ravi has to serve the customers while Vikram chats up Leanne. Ravi wants to know where the marmalade is kept, but Vikram doesn't know, since it was always Nita who decided where everything went.
Audrey's House: Alma discusses her problems with Audrey. They conclude that Mike will use desertion as grounds for the divorce, even though it seems unfair to Alma. The ultimatum issued by Mike has really upset Alma, since she only wanted time to think and recover from the hurt, and had been thinking about going back to him. Alma wonders why he hasn't said he is sorry and he loves her. Audrey rather brutally observes that he doesn't love Alma and isn't sorry. Audrey immediately apolgises for sounding harsh, but Alma concedes that it seems like that to her as well.
Battersby's House: Janice goes through the post, flicking through some utility bills, then looks curiously at a smaller, hand-written envelope. She opens it and begins to read, her face growing concerned. Toyah comes downstairs to find out if there is anything for her. Janice quickly stuffs the letter into her overall pocket.
Kabin: Rita sends Sharon out to the wholesaler's, though they don't need much stuff. When Sharon says she may go shopping, Rita firmly tells her not to be long. Sharon goes out, and Rita chuckles to herself as she begins to unwind some broad blue ribbon from a roll.
Roy's Rolls: Gail can't believe it when Audrey tells her Mike is going to divorce Alma. Janice arrives for some tea and Gail asks if they got back alright. Audrey is surprised at the friendliness, and even more surprised when Gail says that they were all on holiday at the same place, and there was some thawing of relations. After Audrey has gone, Janice confides in Gail about Owen, and shows Gail the letter.
Corner Shop: Ravi points out to Vikram a small tin of baked beans priced at £1.89 and Vikram agrees to sort it out, but doesn't seem very bothered. (Note to non-UKers: even in a corner shop I wouldn't expect this item to be more than about £0.15, and £0.09 in a supermarket.) Ravi wonders aloud why he bothers, just as Rita arrives to buy some champagne 'for a celebration.' At that moment Nita comes in, it is her lunch break and she has come to tell her father not to phone her at work as losing the marmalade is _not_ an emergency.
Roy's Rolls: Janice tells Gail that she feels worse about Owen, knowing how much Toyah also liked him. Gail finds it slightly amusing that Janice had set Owen up with Toyah, though when Janice asks for advice, Gail says she must write to or phone Owen and firmly put a stop to it all.
Street: Outside the Kabin, Sharon arrives to find Rita putting the finishing touches to a big bow across the door. Rita explains that the Kabin is now officially Sharon's. Rita makes a speech as if she were launching a ship, and Sharon cuts the ribbon.
Break
Kabin: Sharon thanks Rita as they toast the future in champagne. Rita seems very relaxed and happy about the handover. Sharon says how grateful she is for all Rita's support over Ian and everything else.
Roy's Rolls: On the telephone, Janice repeatedly tells Owen that he must not write again and she cannot get involved. She hangs up on him, then tells Gail that she feels rotten about it, especially as it sounded as if he had got his hopes up on hearing that Janice was on the phone for him. Gail says it is better to have got it over with, and Janice ruefully remarks that she never was any good at dumping boys - that's why she ended up with Les!
Mike's Flat: Alma arrives on the doorstep. Inside, she asks Mike if divorce is really what he wants. He says it seems that it would be for the best. She says if the divorce threat was just a bluff, then it has worked and she wants to talk. Mike looks pleased.
Battersby's House: Janice is pleased to find Leanne talking to Toyah. Leanne says she is going to a casino with Vik, and Janice warns her not to lose too much money. Leanne says that Toyah's new romance, Owen, sounds a big improvement on Dobber. Janice warns that there was nothing much in it, so Toyah accuses her of being the same as Les. Leanne doesn't want to get drawn into a row, so leaves. Janice sadly tells Toyah that there will be plenty of time for lads after her exams.
Mike's Flat: Mike concedes that he handled the divorce threat badly, but admits he has been thinking about it for a while. Alma cannot believe that he would opt fot something so drastic without looking at alternatives first. Mike sees it in black and white - either she wants to be with him, or not. Alma is amazed at his insensitivity to her hurt. Mike says that by her staying away, he feels that he is being punished. Alma says she might decide to come back and Mike immediately brightens up and suggests getting her stuff from Audrey's now.
Casino: Leanne in a slinky evening dress and Vik in a white jacket and bow tie make a good looking couple. They head for the roulette wheel and Vik gives her some chips to use.
Mike's Flat: Mike and Alma look very positive and happy as they agree to a fresh start. Alma's face soon clouds over when Mike says he doesn't want her dragging all this up every time they argue. Alma questions his laying down conditions, saying his attitude now is that he is graciously forgiving her and allowing her back. Mike protests he did everything he could to get her back. Alma realises that it isn't what happened with Julia Stone that has upset her, it is the way Mike has behaved ever since! Alma says she can't take any more of who he is. They agree that there is nothing more to say and nowhere else to go. Both become bitter in attitude. Alma leaves.
Battersby's House: Toyah is alone, revising. Her pen won't work, so she hunts for another one, first in the sideboard, then in Janice's handbag. On finding the letter she takes it out and her face is a picture as she reads it.
Casino: Leanne admits she knows nothing about gambling, but Vikram guides her. Her first bet wins and she giggles in delight as she gets about UKP80. Flushed with success, she puts a big pile of chips on the next number, and is crestfallen when it doesn't come up.
Battersby's House: Janice comes downstairs to be confronted by a furious Toyah and the letter. Toyah accuses Janice of being a stupid fat old slag, so Janice slaps her face. Toyah cries as Janice protests that nothing happened, and it was Owen who made a pass at her and she never encouraged him. Toyah cannot believe Janice went after Owen, knowing how much Toyah liked him. Janice again pleads with her to believe her that nothing happened. Toyah feels humiliated when she finds out that Owen was on the rebound from Janice when he took her out. Les arrives home and Janice whispers not to say anything to him. Toyah angrily says that Owen must be a total weirdo, and Les overhears, laughingly saying ' I told you she'd soon get over him', to Janice, who can only look sadly at Toyah.
Written by Mark Wadlow.
Awards: Glamour Tiara goes to Vikram, who looked good dressed for the casino - even if he is a slimeball. Special award goes to Amanda Barrie (Alma) who captured the despairing look of someone who is watching a relationship disintegrate before her eyes. Other highlights of tonight were Janice, trying to spare Toyah the hurt feelings of teenage heartbreak, and any scenes involving Ravi, which he overcooks to the point of embarrassed amusement.
That's all, folks - Helen Johns
Hiya :)
Sorry I'm a couple of days late with this Update but I've had a few technical probs with the PC and haven't really been feeling up to the task. Serves me right I suppose for trying to upgrade the darn thing, but despite the hassles, it now seems to be back to normal (although, I'm sad to report, UNupgraded), so here we are, better slightly late than never, it's this week's Corrie which, aside from the odd few scenes here and there, is keeping up with the quality of the last week or so, I'm pleased to say.
Tonight's show opens dubiously with a surprisingly cheery Leanne bouncing down the stairs and bidding Ashley a good morning. He comments that he didn't hear her come in last night, adding that it must have been quite late, to which she responds that she didn't want to wake him but had a *great* time at the casino... Then suddenly, without warning (honestly, they should put a notice up on the screen before they do this), Vile Vapid Void Vacant Vacuous Vikram (or Vombag for short) descends the stairs to Ashley's surprise! Yep, Vombag has stayed the night and, to cap it off, sneers "Oi, can I borrow your toothbrush?"... Leanne tells him her's is the blue one and, as he returns upstairs to scrape his enamel, Ashley quips "It'd be nice to be informed when we're having guests" only to be told bluntly "**WE** weren't"... Charming!
The Mighty Fred Elliot, meanwhile, is buying a copy of the Financial Times over at the Kabin... When Rita asks him how he is, the Butcher gasps "I'm amazed, I'm amazed!" and it soon transpires that what has gotten him so shocked is the fact that Big Red has officially handed over the Kabin to Sharon now... Fred, it seems, didn't think she would go through with it and is sorely disappointed (from a business perspective) that she has. "I am, Rita, I'm *AMAZED*!" he reiterates and exits the store, shaking his head in utter dismay as Sally Webster (who I'm afraid I can no longer justifiably refer to as Brother Cadfael since she has indeed grown her hair out) enters with the gurrrrls in tow. Rursie, it seems, has become a teenager before her time and as she murmurs "I don't want to go to school" and mopes around, Sharon (emerging from the backroom) tries to cheer her up. "I thought you liked school" she chirps only to be told *VERY* bluntly indeed "It's RUBBISH! It is!" from the Demon Webster Gurrrl as her eyes glow red. Sally looks deeply ashamed of her daughter's behaviour and shuffles her brood out of the store as the sky turns upside down, cold winds blow across the Street and the number "6 6 6" mysteriously emblazons itself on the front door of the Kabin.
Across the Street, Toyah grumpily stuffs papers into her schoolbag ready for an impending English Exam whilst Janice attempts to get her daughter to eat some breakfast. "We might get a comprehension", murmurs Toyah, uninterested in food, "You know... Read this and try to figure out what's going on" - Sounds like she's talking about one of my Updates, I know, but it's actually far more obvious that she's referring to the discovery of her mother's quasi-fling with Owen the Campsite Boy.
Toyah: "Les were right, he said Owen were a nutcase..."
Janice: (Snapping, genuinely upset) "OH yeah! Cos after all,
who'd fancy me, eh?? Well, it's a good job somebody did once,
or you wouldn't be here would you?"
The Heroic and Valiant SPIDER knocks on the door at this point and interrupts the increasingly emotional exchange. He has come round to deliver a Celtic good luck charm to Toyah for her exams, which she seems to appreciate... "Err, it's supposed to bring peace and harmony to whoever owns it" he says uneasily, noticing the edgy atmosphere in the room... "I hope it works", comments Janice...
Some boring gubbins at the marketplace occurs now with the token bitter and twisted little market man complaining to Sally that she's "out of order" etc etc... It seems that the reason he's complaining is because Denimboy Danny (remember him? The boring chap who helped Sally buy her new van in case you've eradicated his precense from your memory banks already) laid out some of her stock on her stall and sold it for her during her absence, something that is apparently "against the rules"... Anyway, Danny appears and tells Sally not to worry since Nastybloke is all mouth and no trousers (so to speak). She coos predictably and offers to buy him a drink later. Needless to say, he accepts and then goes on to try and sell her some knocked-off designer childrenswear that Del Boy Trotter sold him. Well, ok, he says it's actually legitimate stock and there's nary a mention of Peckham's Finest, but when the scene is as uninteresting as this, please give me a little artistic license here and there. ;)
Over at Freshco, Alma asks Curly for some time off that afternoon so she can head across to the flat whilst Mike is at work and pick up the remainder of her stuff... Curly tells her this is no problem before telling her how sorry he was to hear about the whole saga and offering his help, should she need it. Just then, Nita (who of course is now working at Frescho) shows up in a flutter and asks for assistance: "Either I'm doing something wrong or that computer REALLY has it in for me!!" (Ooooh, boy do I know *THAT* feeling!) she winces and, always happy to help, Alma says she'll lend a hand, remarking "It shouldn't take long, but if it's still not behaving we'll just kick it!" :) I like Alma, I do! :)
In The Rovers, Vombag enters, wearing a hideous dark red silk shirt, and tells Leanne that their date that night (yep, two nights in a row) will have to be cancelled since Ravi has demanded his precense at dinner. Lee tells him teasingly that this is a shame since she'd "made some nice plans for him" so Vombag, of course, says he'll find a way out of staying too long at his Dad's. Urgh, sorry to harp on but I *REALLY* don't like his character at all. He is *shamelessly* selfish in every sense, woefully arrogant, lazy, irresponsible, grating and to cap it all off, played by a *really dreadful* (and irritating) actor. Yes folks, Vikram is the NEW RICKETT! Just when you thought there was no one left on the Street who could ruin almost any scene they're in and make you wretch at the drop of a hat, here comes Vik (who I bet couldn't even make a hit single as catchy as Rickett's "I Breathe Again" either! Yes I admit it, his record's not nearly as bad as it coulda been...)... But I'm digressing terribly, back to the show... Linda, Alison and Janice are sitting in a booth across the room watching Mike Baldwin drown in his whiskey, at the bar. "He looks knackered", remarks Linda with almost a hint of sympathy in her voice, "He's not usually as bad as that is he?". Alison notes sadly that it's a pity Mike and Alma have split up after so long as we cut across to a table nearby where Leanne sits down to ask Ashley a favour. It seems she wants him out of the house tonight so she and Vombag can have it all to themselves, a deal that Ash reluctantly agrees to after a bit of gentle persuasion.
Back at Frescho, Curly is concerned as to the whereabouts of Alma. Nita tells him that she was apparently going to go to the flat as soon as they finished sorting the computer out but, bizarrely, her car is still here... It doesn't take long for Curly to find her sitting in the back room by the delivery entrance sobbing (aww), so he sits down and checks that everything's alright... "I want it done but I can't bear doing it" she weeps... He says he'll go along with her and help with her suitcases. As he puts his arm round her, she snivvles and agrees to get going. Cue commercial break.
There are actually some very witty adverts doing the rounds at the moment (I really like the NTL "Reservoir Dogs" parody, shameful as it is to admit) but sadly none of them surface during this particular break. Instead we're 'treated' to the lowest of the low... Moisturising cream ads (yawn), insurance companies (yawn) and worst of all, A CAR ADVERT! Arrgh... I'm *deeply* disappointed to see Placebo's "Pure Morning" appearing in a car advert too (those of you who know who Placebo are will know what I mean and those who don't shouldn't worry about concerning themselves! :))... Enough!
We resume things over at the Baldwin Flat, where Curly sits waiting for Alma to finish packing... In an act of typical Soap Opera Timing, just as she's got the last suitcase wheeled out into the hallway, who should appear, waltzing through the front door, but Mike? They yell, I yawn. Perhaps it's just a personal quip but I find few things as unenjoyable and tedious to watch in a soap as a relationship breakdown, especially when they drag it out. The same thing happened with Kevin and Sally (ie: Every time they see each other, they yell and fight) and now it's happening with The Baldwins. It bores me rigid!!! Anyway, to sum it up briefly, Alma throws her wedding ring at him in disgust and tells him that she's finally "seen sense", before storming out with her bags... I'd like to say "THE END!" at this point, but no doubt we'll be suffering several more months of conflict and divorce proceedings.
The Desais are enjoying a nice-looking Indian feast in a surprisingly sparse and echoey white room. It seems Nita didn't inherit her eye for decor from Ravi whose flat is remarkably bleak and cold, not to mention somewhat out of sync with his personality! Anyway, griping aside, a nice little exchange follows in which Ravi (who is ALWAYS a joy to behold) tells a little story about coming to England. "India got The Beatles, Weatherfield got The Desais!" he proclaims, before moving along to asking Nita how Freshco is treating her. She explains about her battles with the computer and Vombag tells her mockingly that she should've stayed in the Cornershop... "Ah, you would choose the soft option, Vikram" intones Ravi, "But mark my words, this time next year your sister will be running her own store!"... They drink a toast to success. :)
In Roy's Rolls, Sally pleads with Gail to come along to the Rovers tonight (just what time is it or, more to the point, what time did the Desais have dinner? And, what time does Roy's Rolls close?) with Martin so they can join her and Danny, thus making sure Denimboy "doesn't get the wrong idea" about he and Sally's drink... Gail agrees, rolling her eyes, as the camera flies to Alma and Curly sitting at a table. It seems he has bought her a meal to cheer her up and, as she apologises for "taking up his whole day", he offers words of comfort and encouragement... At another table, Spider and Toyah are sitting discussing her English Exam when (the sorely missed) Sir Royston Of Cropper wanders over and remarks that he wished he could've done a little better in his exams... Toyah smiles, flashes her new good luck charm and says "I did alright, Spider gave me this for good luck". "You work hard Toyah", says Roy, sagely, "You owe it to yourself... There's something about certificates, you can't argue with them" (sadly the truth). As he hovers off to stack some dishes, Toyah mopes "Why do we have to do exams?" which prompts a typically right-on little speech from Spider: "They like to get us measured up. Sectioned off. Always have done, so we know our place." - A strange urge to blast "The Ungovernable Force" by CONFLICT on the stereo washes over me...
Back at the Desai Towers, the meal is over and it's time for desert. Ravi suggests that they should do this more often since it's their first dinner together as a family since they moved to Weatherfield. As Nita heads to the kitchen to fetch the desert, Vombag's mobile 'phone (trust *him* to have one of those ghoulish devices!) goes off (as planned, no doubt) and it's Leanne... "Is your precense required elsewhere?" asks Ravi, knowing the answer already, "Does it ever occur to you that a night with the family is something you can actually *ENJOY*?"... Vombag makes a feeble excuse and Ravi comments "It's probably some girl who will leave as quickly as she arrived... But we will never leave..."
Meanwhile, in the Rovers, Linda, Janice and Alison arrive with long faces, prop themselves up at the bar in order of ascending height (a GREAT bit of choreography!) and start musing on why Baldwin went home early today... "He's probably got some woman", suggests Linda, "That's why he's so burnt out all the time"... "Well, it's not Alma", adds Alison which prompts Linda to add "Yeah, and she's not gonna be so happy, once she's only got Freshco's wages to keep her going!" - Janice, meanwhile, has other thoughts on her mind and murmurs "It takes some doing that, walking out. I'm not sure it's something I could ever manage", a comment that goes unnoticed as the other two continue gossipping at hyperspeed... In a nearby booth, Sally and Danny are gazing into each other's eyes but pretending they're not. Just then, Martin and Gail make an inconspicuous and thoroughly unconvincing entrance ("We're not interrupting you are we?") which prompts Sally to introduce everybody as they all sit down and have a good ol' natter. This wouldn't be so bad but Danny is sooo, well, sooo... I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe it's just it's a bit "blokey" or a bit "laddish", I dunno, he seems nice enough but something's just not interesting at all about him... oh, and his line in jokes is painful! As Denimboy and Martin head up to the bar for some more drinks, Gail nods in emphatic approval to Sally on her 'choice'...
...And then there were two, back at Desai Towers. Ravi pours a cup of tea out for Nita and the two of them have a little heart-to-heart about her new job. He apologises for being so harsh about it, saying that he only wants what's best for her. She tells him that she's enjoying it so far and that he shouldn't worry so much, to which Ravi responds lovingly "If I didn't worry so much, I wouldn't be your Dad would I?" before launching into a disheartened speech about how he dislikes Supermarket Culture, how it's too cold and impersonal (Preach on, Brother Ravi!!! AMEN TO THAT!) compared to the Traditional Cornershop. She explains that this is just the way things are at the moment, right or wrong as Ravi wraps up the conversation by telling her: "Now Nita, remember... Your family is always behind you. When I was leaving for England, my Father said to me... You can ALWAYS come home." - I could watch Saeed Jaffrey all day! Ravi is a Godlike character, so sagelike, warm and wise. :)
Ashley is drowning his sorrows in The Rovers, telling Maxine (who seems ever so slightly jealous) about Leanne and Vombag's cavorting and how he feels that he's intruding in his own house. Max reckons that Lee is taking advantage of The Prince Of Peacock by shifting him out of his own house for such illicit purposes, etc and tells the young Butcher to watch out that he doesn't get trampled on by being so generous. It transpires that, on top of all this, Leanne hasn't paid her rent for a month or so... Maxine frowns and says "You've got to get a grip, you're too soft for your own good, you are" as we flick across to the booth where Danny, Sally, Martin and Gail are sitting. The only fact that is revealed amongst the tedious chatter (Martin and Gail are GREAT but sadly they barely get a word in) is that Danny has worked the markets for 20 years, ever since he was a little kid. I thought I'd mention this in case it crops up later! :)
Over at Audrey's, meanwhile, Alma is sorting out her clothes, whilst the Councillor pours out some glasses of (what looks like) whiskey... She proposes a warm toast to "whatever lies ahead" and, as they down the drink and make the appropriate grimaces, Alma states "I'm certainly not drinking to the past, I've had enough of that" before handing her housemate a cheque for a month's rent. "If I'm stopping here, we've got to do it right" she insists and, after a bit of implicit protestation, Audreh accepts. :)
Again, at this point, a warning should flash up on the screen that we are entering a danger zone! Vombag and Leanne are cavorting on the couch in The House Of Elliot and I conclude that Jane Danson is possibly the most unfortunate actress to work on Corrie. Only weeks after she is rid of the Rickett Monster for an onscreen husband, she starts dating his annoying successor and engaging in predictably smoochy sequences with him, poor lass. Anyway, I'll spare you their dialogue, but whilst romping on the sofa, a bottle of wine is spilt all over the carpet. Needless to say, they ignore it and continue necking when, at this very moment, Ashley returns and is horrified to see the mess (the wine that is, not Vikram)... He takes Maxine's advice and makes a stand against Leanne, telling Vombag to exit and reminding Lee that she hasn't paid her rent for awhile... She doesn't like this at all and gets snotty with him, telling him that if he's not happy about Vombag staying the night, "Tough" before heading up to her room, 5V-Vik in tow... Cue credits!
Well, as I said earlier, solid stuff. No stand-out scenes in particular but a fairly consistent level of quality dialogue, good acting and interesting storylines (with the aforementioned exceptions). Great to see Toyah and Spider being nice and friendly to each other again since I've always loved their little exchanges. :) As ever, I've said everything else I want to say already throughout the update. :)
Anyway, best rush now, since I have a stack of things to do and *still* haven't found the magic formula to insert another hour or two into the meagre 24 that we already have, sooo that's me lot for this week. 'Til next time! :)
The Rattler
HM Queen of Siam has something better to do with her time this week and has commanded a serf to do the work for her! Not being as elevated as she is this yokel will have to do his best but don't expect any clever nicknames!
Having had a late night birthday dinner party last night the brain may not even be in the low gear that it usually engages.
Nevertheless - here goes.
ACT 1:
In the back alley, Gary is off on his window cleaning round, Judy
tells him she loves him, despite the fact that he is not a top
executive, and hands him his lunch (what a dutiful wife she is).
Gary promises that he will reach the top of the ladder, in fact
at least 20 times, and goes off with a skip and a jump.
At the Battersbys, Janice is off to work, Toyah is doing last minute revision for her GCSE maths in the afternoon and Les is lazing around drinking tea (and I bet he didn't even make that himself). A brief gloat over Alma leaving Mike and a hope that he gets as much talk as Leanne after Plank (oops a nickname) left her. Btw The Rickitt is now writing a column in the teen section of the DT on Saturdays (not that I normally read teen comics). Last week, in his first article, he writes about how he got into the show and states "I totally focused on the show and loved acting. My mum says I'm like a dog with a bone once I get an idea - I just completely go for it" You could have fooled me, but I digress. As I said, Toyah is revising for her maths GCSE.
Les: What's 9 times 7.
Toyah: Why?
Les: I'm testing you, I'm giving you some practice.
Toyah: It's not that kind of maths
Les: (To Janice) What kind is there?.. (To Toyah, looking mystified) Right, you put a fiver each way on a horse at 20 to 1. It comes in third and there's 9% tax to come off. How much is your winnings?
Toyah: Shut up Les!
Across the road, Ashley picks up the post, including the 'phone bill. Leanne and Vikram are having breakfast (he's presumably stayed the night again). Brief discussion on opening times for the corner shop and whether Vikram can really open up whenever he likes or when his father tells him to. Ashley is dismayed at the size of the telephone bill (join the club) and complains about the number of expensive calls to Canada, wanting to know who is going to pay. Leanne blames Nick and suggests his mum may pay, and by the way she can't pay her rent either as she hasn't been paid yet. She seems to be impinging on Ashley's good nature a little too much I think. You can only take people for granted for a certain amount of time.
Scene switch to the cafe and Gail sitting chatting with Alma. Now Alma's single she feels that she can start doing whatever single people do - if only she could remember what that is. Gail presses her as to whether that is what she really wants. Life is full of compromises, says Alma, and we seldom get all that we really want. Roy interrupts with a couple of mugs of beverage, and expresses his condolences to Alma in such a way as to imply that she has been left a widow, to which she responds that Mike is still very healthy "despite all the pins I've been sticking in this little doll I've made". Gail continues to push as to whether Alma wants a divorce and she finally admits that yes, she does.
The object of her past affection is doing his own shopping in the corner shop, which Vikram has deigned to open, and is concerned at the way prices have increased in the long time since he last did his own shopping. Linda arrives at his elbow having come in during her break to buy the materials for her roll-ups. Mike in his normal staff-friendly manner questions why she is here as her break is to have a cup of coffee, not do her shopping. She pushes her luck by pointing out that he is doing his and receives the predictable threat of joining ranks of the unemployed if she isn't back quickly.
Ravi enters and tells Vikram that he has made a list for the wholesalers and will go there in the afternoon since he presumes that he can't rely on Vikram doing it, which Vik at first confirms but then has second thoughts.
Gary meanwhile has reached the top of one of his ladders and is starting to clean an upstairs window when he views a burglar within the room. Calling out, he climbs though the window while the burglar makes off downstairs and out through the front door. Whilst Gary is not the brightest of individuals, it would surely have been wiser to climb down his ladder and cut off this escape, rather than go into the house. After a reconnaissance of the house and finding that the burglar is no longer inside, he makes towards the open front door to be confronted by the returning owner, who seeing Gary screams and runs off to get the police, leaving Gary somewhat with that *oh no, what have I done feeling*.
Switch to the Rovers and Janice is extolling to Hayley the virtues of the mathematical geniuses in her family. Leanne is dismissing Toyah's chances of passing when Vikram barges in and invites her to the casino in the afternoon as he has been able to get away from the shop. Leanne has no money, but Vikram has.
Across the bar, Audrey is with Fred, obviously having totally made up after the gastronomic feast. Observing Leanne, Audrey comments whatever Nick may have done, Leanne is obviously not exactly broken-hearted. Fred: "They don't have any hearts at her age, just animal passion." LOL. Which reminds him, for some reason of Alma and he praises Audrey for taking care of Alma. She responds by indicating that Alma is reluctant to come into the Rovers in case she bumps into Mike. Fred insists that Audrey brings her in where she will be among friends and he will be there.
The girls from the factory are discussing the breakdown of the Baldwin marriage with Linda looking very pensive. Hayley lets out that she has been to the Baldwin flat.
Leanne is tapping up Natalie for a sub on her wages - £50 will do to tide her over.
Judy is at home and receives a phone call from Gary who explains his predicament and asks Judy's advice as to what he should do. They agree that he should stay where he is and explain what has happened. Judy tells him again that she loves him (getting suspicious this) and Gary sits down and eats his lunch while he is waiting.
END OF ACT 1
INTERMISSION
Time for a Cadbury's flake while taking a run in a new car to deliver some mail advising of £2 off lipstick (never use the stuff myself), giving up smoking by spraying yourself with Vaseline (or have I got that confused) with a Neil Sedaka tape playing in the stereo. We stop off for a snack and some tuna fish with other special offers at the local supermarket before re-joining a chocolate Leanne for
ACT 2:
Where Gary is still having his lunch when the house owner returns
with two policemen in tow. Gary explains himself as the new window
cleaner and tries to extricate himself.
At the casino, Vikram is just losing the last of his cash, having not taken Leanne's advice as to where to place his bets, but is then surprised to find that Leanne has found some cash after all and is about to show him how to win - she hopes.
Gary has taken the police home with him to search the house, much to Judy's concern.
The girls are leaving the factory, Roy having arrived to walk Hayley home. Linda however has other ideas and pumps Hayley for the whereabouts of Mike's flat.
Leanne and Vikram arrive back in the street with Leanne in a mood, having lost all her cash, surprise, surprise, and blaming Vikram for having taken her to the casino in the first place. In the shop, Ravi is waiting for Vikram to explain himself. Did he go via Birmingham or the park maybe. Vikram makes an excuse that he "got delayed...... met an old friend, got talking - you know how it is" Ravi: "I know how it is that young men can drift through life without achieving anything because they get delayed and stay talking while others are making the most of their opportunities".
Spider has a satisfied grin on his face as he comes to the counter to pay, having overheard the conversation. Toyah enters having finished her exam and confiding that being annoyed with her mum helped.
Gary and Judy are discussing the police search following the incident. Judy is concerned that the burglar could have pushed Gary off the top of his ladder but admits that she is proud of him really and that, having told the children, they are proud of him too. Aaah.
At the Baldwin apartment Mike is sat watching TV with his mug of ?cocoa when there is a knock at the door. Opening it he is surprised to find Linda standing there in a very short skirt and bearing a present from the girls who had got together to provide it in the hope of cheering him up. He invites her in <just for a minute>. Turns out the gift is a bottle of whisky which he is encouraged to try and she agrees to share it with him. Mike thinks she has come on behalf of the girls to pump him for gossip. She denies it and claims that she doesn't join in with their talk and keeps anything she knows to herself (she must be joking!). Mike is surprised to think that of all people, he is sat there sharing a drink with Linda (aren't we all?).
At the Rovers, Fred is buying a drink for Ashley, who slips off to tell Leanne that he will pay the telephone bill (soft lad!). As promised, Audrey arrives with Alma, who is worried about meeting up with Mike. Les meanwhile is spouting to Janice that Alma won't find another bloke to take her on- not at her time of life." "Who says she wants one", says Janice. "Give over", says Les, "all women do". Fred is reminiscing that he couldn't face the world for a time after Maureen left and Audrey reinforces it by doubting whether Mike will be staying at home. Mike is in fact still at home with Linda, explaining his business economics that if he was to pay the girls more money, he would have to put his prices up, no-one would buy his goods and the girls would all be out of a job! He tells her that the time they have spent together would not change the fact that he would still sack her if he found her shopping in the morning during her break. She responds by saying that she hadn't better let him catch her then. And by the way, it was not the girls who had bought the whisky, but Linda herself, leaving Mike with a very thoughtful expression on his face. Surely he learnt his lesson after Julia Stone!!!
Curtains!!
Episode written by Peter Whalley
Directed by Tim Dowd.
Brief comments:
Judy's continuous reassurance of how she loves Gary sounds to me to be the beginning of the build up to the big departure.
Leanne is living on borrowed time with Ashley if she doesn't pull herself together. Just why is she struggling financially when she is in continuous employment and not paying her rent?
Mike and Linda seem a very unlikely combination to me, especially so soon after being conned by Julie Stone. He would surely not be so flattered about another young woman fancying him - or will he never learn?
Well, her highness should be back next week,so you had better swat up on ronniecat's nickname page.
borrow dat or whatever it is! Ivor
Hiya folks!!!! ... Time again for another update.... One with a difference... I normally write up the episode first and do the prologue at the end, but this time, I'm doing the prologue first. I know!! I know!! It's some wild life I lead :-)
It's been a good week, albeit one with some mixed emotions along the way. We had a few days away, walking in North Yorkshire, which was very pleasant indeed. We stayed at a pub listed in the Good Beer Guide, in Danby, a village on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, about 15 miles inland from Whitby. The pub, The Duke of Wellington, which had had a change of ownership just a few days earlier, served the most superb food and drink. Next to the pub was the most fabulous small bakery I have come across in years with an amazing selection of breads and cakes - the place does a roaring trade with pubs and restaurants for miles around, and having sampled their wares, I am in no doubt why. A couple of walks along the Cleveland Way Coastal path, one from Staithes and the other from Robin Hoods Bay rounded off the experience. All in all, a superb location and one which can be recommended without hesitation - once the photos come back, I'll get some of them up on the website with contact details, together with some piccies from some recent micro-pings.
It's always nice to go away and equally lovely to come back, especially back to the IRC channel and to Annie's Guestbook. It's been a hilarious week on #coro_street and I've spent much of it since my return with tears of joy running down my face. You really are a grand bunch on that channel, it's like a non-stop party!
I must mention a lady who has become a good friend in the last few months, both on the channel and on the Guestbook, Carol Renaud. I hope she won't mind me mentioning it, but she has very poor vision and pretty clearly the net has been her "window to the world" and a real Godsend. Well, this week, she received some fabulous news from her hospital consultant - she is due to have an operation in September and it is hoped that she will regain her sight. For those of you who don't know her, she has a hilarious website, run by her alter ego "Clora Crank, char exsrodinair" (sic), on Annie's Guest Book - please do have a look at http://www.attcanada.net/~drenaud/ - I guarantee you will have a happy half hour, at least, with many chuckles along the way!!!!! We share your joy, Carol/Clora - it really couldn't happen to a nicer person - hope all goes well for you in a few months' time.
Talking of joy, on a political and personal level, it was heartening seeing a cessation of the main hostilities in Kosovo. The atrocities committed there over the last few months have been spine chilling in their horror, as evidence of man's amazing inhumanity to fellow man. This conflict, more than any other during my lifetime, has made me realise the horrors of what my parents went through, losing their "old lives" in Poland during the war and the lasting damage caused when you become a refugee and a displaced person. War is never an easy option, but just as the protection of Poland's sovereignty was the start of World War II (even though that was subsequently reneged at Yalta and it took a further 50 years to get back to a sense of normality), so I am convinced this was a "just war", if such a thing can exist. Kosovo certainly struck a chord and ignited an anger in me, having seen the impact of war on my parents.
I had a similar feeling on Saturday afternoon, when I went into Manchester city centre - reconstruction work is progressing well after the IRA bomb of three years ago and I couldn't help but feel a mix of anger and pride seeing the developments - anger at the IRA b*st*rds who sought to kill and maim, pride at the unbroken Mancunian spirit that stuck two fingers in the air at the cowardly terrorists and vowed not to be beaten. That Northern stubbornness is also a Polish trait, so maybe with the combination of "nature and nurture" I never stood a chance, which is why, I guess, I can relate to the various survival emotions!!!
Still, Manchester's spirit carries on and it's very much a vibrant place. I always enjoy outdoor music and the jazz band playing in St Ann's Square (as part of the Jazz Festival) were good fun as was the drum band busking on Market Street, playing the most amazing Latin American rhythms.
Manchester city centre is well on the way to being rebuilt, but a long way to go, I fear, for the Kosovars - for them, life will never be the same again, nor for the Serbs now fleeing the region.
But even though it is very close to home emotionally for me, this is all a bit heavy and a long way from Corrie..
So .... without further ado, it's time for the update...
Episode sponsored by Cadbury's Flake
The programme starts at Audrey's - she and Alma stayed up late the previous night. Alma is apologetic but Audrey doesn't mind, she enjoyed Alma's company, especially as Alf never liked to stay up late. She wonders whether Alma has heard from Mike's solicitors, but Alma replies that these things take time. Anyway, Audrey believes that something could be salvaged and that Mike will come crawling back. Alma, however, says she doesn't want him under any circumstances.
The atmosphere is still strained at Ashley's between him and Leanne. She tells him he will get his rent money when she gets paid. He thought she was getting an advance from Natalie but she tells that Natalie turned her down. Unaware he is being lied to, Ashley feels she ought to take advice. Leanne tells him that most people have to work a week in hand before they get paid. She gets exasperated and tells him she doesn't want him fussing like an old woman.
Toyah is in the middle of her exams and trying to revise. Janice tries to mend fences and asks when her next exam is due. "Monday afternoon" comes back the subdued reply. Les thinks she is pining after Owen and feels she should forget about him, he will have forgotten about her already. Janice is irritated by the conversation and tells Les to leave her alone. Les seems to think this is all part of Toyah's education, she needs to understand that men are only interested in one thing. Janice tells him not to judge others by his own standards, but Les insists he is just trying to make her understand what sort of person Owen is and to let her down gently. Toyah replies, pointedly, that she already knows what sort of person he is.
Gary is on his way out to work. Judy is concerned whether the police will come round again to search the house but he reassures her that this will not happen. Suddenly, it occurs to him that he did not finish cleaning Mrs Grant's windows - he wonders whether he should do so, but Judy doesn't think this is a good idea.
At the factory, the girls are busy at their machines. Alison asks where Linda got to last night - Linda makes the excuse that she was out at the supermarket.
Hayley is telling Janice that she loves Wales and that there is something so intoxicating about the air in a tent (depends whether or not, baked beans were on last night's menu). She wonders whether Janice has a brochure for the site, Janice tells her that she doesn't, but that Gail might have. "Of course, it must have been fun" chunters on Hayley, "Platts being on the same site." "Yeah, a right laugh" replies Janice, unenthusiastically. Hayley tells her she heard all about it from Gail and what a good job Martin was around. "About Les? Yeah, terrible" mumbles Janice. "Shocking more like" is Linda's sharp witted response, which is greeted by guffaws from the other girls.
Mike comes into the factory and hearing the girls laughing, he tells them to get on with their work.
Ashley looks fed up when Maxine sees him - he tells her that Natalie is not playing fair with Leanne, something isn't right. Maxine tells him that it is not his concern but Ashley points out that Leanne is behind with her rent and they have just had a big row about it. He is very hurt, he was only trying to help. Maxine's answer is that he shouldn't take any notice. Ashley recalls that Zoë used to say the same, that he clucked like a mother hen. "Do you think I cluck? Don't answer that..." is his earnest question. Maxine is bewildered for a second or two but tells him, no, she doesn't. Poor Ashley's lack of self esteem comes to the fore as he confesses that most girls think he does, that he is some kind of boring joke. Maxine tells him that anyone who does think that isn't worth bothering about. He misinterprets her statements as if she was just trying to say the kind thing "thanks Maxine, I know you mean well." As he walks away, we see Maxine looking at him fondly, obviously touched by his kind nature.
Sally has come round to the café with some clothes for Gail - if they don't fit or if the colour doesn't please, Danny has said he will take them back, no problems. Gail tells Sally that they liked Danny and thought he was a nice bloke, "he fancies you". Sally replies that she is not interested, "we're friends and that's how it's stopping" she insists. "What does he have to say about it?" asks Gail.
Spider is helping Toyah revise for one of her exams. It isn't going too well and Toyah says she just feels like going out and getting drunk. Spider perceptively realises that it isn't just examination stress which is getting Toyah down. Toyah confides in him about Owen and how she fancied him but he had someone else in mind. Spider tells her to forget him because he is obviously not good enough for her.
Mrs Grant comes round to Judy's to apologise, bearing peace offerings, some wine and some flowers. Apparently, a neighbour had seen the whole episode and has given a full description to the police. At least Gary is in the clear, comments Judy. Once again, Mrs Grant asks Judy to thank Gary for doing what he did, who knows what else she might have had stolen had Gary not appeared - she adds that Judy is a very lucky woman.
Mike calls Linda into his office - he asks why she called round last night. She tells him there was nothing more to it than her wanting to cheer him up. He tells her he appreciates her thoughtfulness but doesn't want any complications with his imminent divorce, although she is welcome to come in for a drink, if she wishes....
... 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 Rovers. Janice
asks Linda what Mike wanted with her, but Linda fobs her off with
an excuse, nothing important.
Ashley is still upset about Leanne. He tells Maxine that he had to live with Leanne and he doesn't like the atmosphere in the house. Now that Nick has gone, Leanne is treating him like a doormat. "That's not fair, especially if she's not paying the rent" comments Maxine, but Ashley puts that down to Natalie. However, he doesn't like Leanne's attitude, the way she talks him, as if he were some kind of freak. Maxine tells him he isn't, he should know. Taking pity on him, she invites him to join Tom and her at the pictures - he tells her that he cannot, as he has some cleaning to do, his bedroom is in a right state. Maxine is bemused, full of disbelief, she wants him to come - he is pleased at her insistence and we see a lovely smile, the mark of someone who is wanted, appearing on his face.
Janice tries to tap Linda for more information and Linda tells her that it was to do with this new order they have, Mike doesn't think they are working hard enough, she lies -she lays it on thick, "he says I'm a bad influence". "I'll tell you what his trouble is" opines Janice, "he's missing it." Linda doesn't say anything but smiles to herself.
Over dinner, Judy is telling Gary about Mrs Grant's visit. They are relieved it is all sorted.
Danny calls round to Sally's under the pretext of asking whether the clothes for Gail's children were fine. While he is there, he just so happens to take the opportunity to ask her out for a drink - she turns him down politely, she has to put the kids to bed.
At the Corner Shop, Les is doing some unsubtle probing about why the Police called at Gary's place yesterday. Gary initially leads him on with a gentle leg-pull that the police are doing a survey on nosey neighbours. He starts to tell Les about what actually did happen but Les' mind cannot go further than the thought of what can be seem from the top of a ladder - he tells Gary that his uncle George used to reckon the money was a bonus, "he'd have done it for nowt!!!" Totty, he explains. Gary says his round is not like that, but Les offers to stand in, if he ever fancies a day off!! "I can tell 'em a mile off, them as does and them as don't!! My uncle George had a twinkle in his eye until the very very end." Gary says he isn't interested, to tell the truth he is that tired at the end of the day to do anything else.
Ashley orders a drink at the bar. While he is waiting to be served, Audrey and Alma are pulling Leanne's leg about the number of fellas she has in tow - they include Ashley in the list, which provokes an embarrassed and embarrassing put down by Leanne when she says "do us a favour, aunty Ashley?"
Ashley tries to provoke the jealousy stakes and shouts across the bar to Leanne that he is off on a night out on the town with Maxine. That results in a disbelieving "right" response from Leanne, as she continues the joke at his expense with Vikram and Steve. Vikram asks if they fancy a game of cards later, at Ashley's.
As he picks up the drinks, Ashley probes Judy what it is like working for Natalie. Her response surprises him as she tells him she enjoys working for Natalie - furthermore, Natalie is very fair and reasonable about advances on wages. The penny drops, he is being taken for a mug.
Back at the flat, Mike gets himself in a romantic mood as he prepares himself for an "impromptu" visit from Linda. The lights down low, soft music, the drinks, yep all is ready.
The card game is in full swing at Ashley's as Steve and Vikram really get down to business. A drink is knocked over, but it doesn't matter, is the attitude - Ashley will clean it up.
At the flat, Mike is till waiting for Linda. He is now in his dressing gown, but he looks like a man about to give up hope. There is a knock on the door, maybe his look is in. No way!! It's a pizza delivery and its for the wrong flat. Mike switches off the music and the lights - he goes to bed alone, giving it up as a bad job.
The stakes are growing in the card game. Suddenly, the cosy game is interrupted as Ashley comes home early. He is not amused by what he has found and tells them he is having none of it. Steve and Vikram tells him that they are in the middle of a game, but Ashley is not being placated. It's his house and he will do as he pleases, he tells them. He is sick of people tacking advantage and tells Vikram and Steve to leave. They tells her they were invited by Leanne and have every right to be there as she pays the rent. Ashley tells them this is exactly the issue, as she hasn't paid her rent. He throws them out to jeers and abuse. After they have left, he tells Leanne she can clean up the mess as he has no intention of doing so....
And with that... .... it is the cue for music and credits...
Episode written by Phil Woods.
All material is, and remains, copyright property of Granada Television.
Well, how was it for me?
Not a bad episode, although a bit light on the humour element I enjoy.
Mike being flattered by Linda's attentions is realistically done - sad, sad man waiting for her to turn up!!! Been there, dunnit ;-) The Ashley/Leanne/Maxine storyline is also well done. We are seeing Leanne letting her hair down after the restrictions of marriage, but going over the top in doing so - the take without the give. Interesting seeing the opposite end of the spectrum with Maxine showing consideration - Tracy Shaw has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few months and it's pleasing to see her getting a storyline to which she can do justice. Great to see Ashley making a stand, the guy is a real pussycat but one who has had enough of being a doormat with it - realistically and well written and acted.
A quick summary - nae so bad...
Anyway that's it for now.. well, I can't stand here gabbin', I've got pies to shift. Until the next time, take care...
Tubby greetings and Tinkyluv from the Tinkster in Glorious Glossop....
Regards, Alan
Hiya :)
Well, folks, it's been shaky but it seems we're finally getting some nice sunny weather. I know I keep saying "Woohoo, it's nearly summer!" every week (optimist, me? :)) but finally the sun is acting accordingly to my wishes! Two days of hot sunshine, could it be we're really *finally* here? Well, as I type this at 8pm, it's still damn bright outside, and this can only be a good sign! Unfortunately, Corrie isn't *quite* as glorious as the sky tonight, stuck as it is in a rut of 50/50 good/bad material... which brings us to the task at hand, this week's Update!
The show begins outside The Malletts' Abode, where Gareh (leaving for work) is greeted emphatically by Jim MacDonald, who is waving a newspaper around. It seems Gary's "Heroic" behaviour with the burglar last week has made the Weatherfield Gazette. As a very interested Judy reads aloud from the paper, it becomes clear that the tale has been reported in typically sleazy and misleading way of El Gazette, printing a picture of Mrs Hardy kissing Gary on the cheek alongside a quote from the woman herself which reads "I don't know what I would've done without Gary. He's a real man, I can't wait for him to come round and do my windows again. All my friends want him as well but I've told them he's all mine!"... It also mentions, as ya do, that she was runner-up of a Holiday Camp Beauty Paegent in 1991 (the Gazette's style of reportage obviously models itself on The Daily Star)... Judy laughs this off and teases Gary playfully as Jim offers his usual playful ribbing. All this seems far too happy an ending for a storyline where the Gazette is involved though doesn't it? Hehehehe... Just you wait... ;))
Jim continues walking along the road when he's stopped by Cadaver Boy in his Hearsemobile. An undead groan emerges from the inside of this jet- black wagon of doom and it seems young Steven wants his dad to step inside for a moment. Jim, obviously clued-up to the fact that no-one gets out of the Hearsemobile alive (or without losing a lot of money at least), makes some excuse about having to get to work, but his boy is quite persuasive, so eventually Jim hops in... It seems that Steve has a little scheme up his sleeve involving the duty-free "Tobacco Run" that Spider was telling him about (Hopefully whoever did the Sunday Update (Helen?) this week can explain this concept to you a bit better than I can, cos I wasn't really paying attention - something to do with 'smuggling' tobacco across from Belgium? Sounded like something that Del Boy Trotter would come up with, anyway... :)) but there's a catch. To get himself set up to do this little run overseas, Steve needs to borrow £800 from his dear ol' dad, something which Jim is, of course, unhappy about... He has no desire to see his son back in jail for doing something stupid like a 'baccy run. So they grunt at each other in the patented MacDonald manner, before Jim gets out of the car and Steve drives off, sulking.
(Incidentally, did anyone notice that in this scene it now says "S.Gaskell" over the door of the Kabin rather than "R.Sullivan"? Funny how they changed that mightily quick even tho it still says "Fiona Middleton" in front of the Salon! :))
Queen Toyah of Battersby meanwhile is frantically revising for her forthcoming History Exam only to be interrupted by the increasingly venomous, puerile and unpleasant Leanne (Bring Back Nick, anyone? ;))) JUST KIDDING!), who tries to angrily shift all of RToyota's papers off of the table. As Toyah freaks out frantically (justifiably too!), a Jaded Janice wanders in, morning-coffee in hand and asks what's wrong, getting an earful of near-tearful stresses from her daughter in return, as she's seemingly unable to cope with the pressures of her GCSE Exams. "Well, luv, if you don't know it by now, you never will" mumbles Janice with the best of intentions, although needless to say this does not sit well with Toyah who storms out of the living room to find somewhere quieter to study in. Poor lass.
Over at The House Of Elliot, Ashley is getting ready for work whilst chatting with his Uncle Fred... He mentions that he's had a row with Leanne and admits that she's walked out. The Butcher Of Weatherfield is over the moon at this news and congratulates his son/nephew (what *should* I refer to him as?) on finally putting the boot in. "Now see" bellows the Butcher, "I didn't give you sole tenancy so you could adopt every misfit, waif and stray you happen to encounter! This is a respectful house, not a DSS hostel!"... Ashley nods reluctantly, as ever, but seems saddened that he's lost a friend in Leanne. Fred, meanwhile, is oblivious to this fact altogether!
Over at the Marketplace, Sickly Webster (who is becoming infinitely more Sickly with each episode that passes - where's a handy runaway bus when you need one??) gets a call on her mobile 'phone (AND why is it that only the REALLY repellant characters (ie: Steve, Greg, Sally, Vikram, Mike Baldwin) have mobile 'phones eh? :)) from Rosie's school. It seems that the teacher there wants to have a word with Sally this lunchtime about her daughter's behaviour and perhaps it will finally be revealed that Rosie *IS* the AntiChrist and needs a swift exorcism? Whatever it is, Sally feigns deep concern so Dull-As-Dishwater-Danny walks over and nods like he's interested, as she explains the call and witters in that twisted "I am good parent, really" way of hers', adding "I think she's being bullied - Bullies should be expelled and their parents should be sued for bringing them up badly!" - A nice sentiment, but coming from such an evil being as Sally, it's laughable in it's hypocrisy... (more on this later! *evil grin*)
Meanwhile, in Lucifer Baldwin's Underworld of Delight, Linda enters the office and startles him a little. He's quite happy to see her, but worried that she is visiting him in his office, insisting that she is ultra-secretive about what happened last night. "Wot, that I've slept with t'boss?" asks Linda, telling us what we'd already guessed, before adding that if it makes things difficult she can leave Underworld (!)... Mike laughs and tells her this won't be necessary just so long as they both know the "name of the game" which is "discretion". "It's my middle name" she smiles, as she leaves the office... I have to say, despite the seedy nature of it, I've really enjoyed the past week's scenes between Mike and Linda, it's nice to see the swine being so BLATANTLY manipulated by someone who does it so damn well! Kudos to the excellent Jacqueline Pirie (yes, yes, I know we all wanted her to leave after 2 weeks, but I'm kinda glad she didn't now! :)) and, of course, Johnny Briggs for playing such a good bad guy. :)
A fun scene ensues now between Sickly and one of Rosie's teachers, as the teacher starts to explain something serious-sounding... It seems that the drawing's Rosie has been doing in class have gone from being all bright and colourful to black & white, her handwriting is suffering and the essays she's writing are worrying. All of this, plus her truly demonic physical appearance, adds up to the fact that she is The AntiChrist, as far as I'm concerned, but Sally knows it's actually to do with her daughter's bullying. The teacher seems surprised that Rosie has talked about this to Sally, which prompts an absolutely DISGUSTING, FOUL and JAW-DROPPINGLY SMUG little speech from Sally about what a good parent she is, what an open relationship they have and how Rursie tells her *everything* because they're sooo close. She then goes on to self- righteously and bombastically ask the teacher "What are you going to do about it? It's not my job, I mean if you've got a child who is picking on other children, in particular my daughter, then it's down to you to sort it out" (OOOH you cow!)... At this very moment, Teacher-Woman stops being annoyingly soft on her and says something that made me jump for joy as finally *someone* sticks it to Sally in the way she deserves - "No, Mrs Webster, it seems we're talking at cross-purposes here... You see, Rosie *is* the bully!" - Muhahahaha! What was that you were saying earlier Sally about bullies being expelled and bad parents being sued? Hehe... :) So I evilly laugh my way into the commercial break, as Sickly's face turns a whiter shade of pale. (Sorry, I shouldn't be so cruel, but of all the characters that I really "love to hate" on this show, Sally must come out tops right now!)
END OF PART ONE
Typically poor adverts I'm afraid... "Even better than getting
one up on your brother" is the tag-line for one particular
brand of microwave chipped potatoes (!) which should give you
an idea of how low the marketing departments are prepared to go
these days with the notion that only children will pay attention
to their ads. So back to the fun...
PART TWO
...And fun, fun, fun it is as the Teacher takes Sally's self-
righteousness away. :) Sickly storms angrily out of the room,
taking the news about her daughter rather too personally (methinks
the lady doth protest too much!) but the Teacher tries to be diplomatic
about the whole thing, explaining that she's not trying to pass
judgement on Sally's parenting (I will if you won't! ;)), merely
trying to let her know what's happening and make her understand
*why* Rursie might be acting this way. Apparently, Rosie is "insecure"
and needs "lots of attention", urgently. Sally doesn't
take this friendly (not to mention VALID) advice very well, as
she snaps "leave me to my job and I'll leave you to your's!"
before striding furiously out of the school. Heh heh and indeed
heh. :)
From one horrid character to another two, we now find Leanne and Vombag standing in the pub moping about how they've got no money and nowhere to go tonight, something I find a little rich considering they've been to the casino *twice* in the last week (I've never been to one *ONCE* in my entire life! :)), played an expensive game of cards at home *AND* drank God knows how many bottles of wine! Janice, who is standing at the bar, suggests that the pair of them attend dinner at Le Chateau Batteau. Leanne is dead against it and Vombag is typically indifferent (his skills for acting out different emotions stretch about as far as his predecessor, Rickett's did) but Janice manages to sway them in the end... As we cut to a booth where Alma is sitting on her own. Yet MORE hatefulness (how much can we have per episode??) ensues when Mike walks over and has the AUDACITY to ask his wife, "one last time", if she wants a reconcilliation (bear in mind, this is less than 12 hours since he bedded another woman!!)... She tells him "no" and he walks off, telling her that she's "pathetic"!!! Now, c'mon folks, I know that Mike is a bit of a b@st@rd at the best of times, but this is really stretching it a wee bit too far. At least usually he's smart and knows just how much he can get away with, but this level of utter insensitivity is reaching clueless Les Battersby levels! Geeesh... Anyway, thankfully, as Mike walks away, Curly sits down with Alma and invites her to dinner at his place later that night. She accepts, graciously, telling him that this is just what she needs at the moment.
Suddenly, Mike is back in Underworld (faster than a speeding bullet!) and bossing the factory bees around, telling them that if they don't increase their productivity he won't be handing out any bonuses! As he goes back into his office and the girls start to fret, Linda boasts that he's "all mouth and no trousers" (she would know, after all!) before flashing him a sly smile through the soundproof glass of his office. He smiles back, the swine!
Thankfully we cut to some far more pallatable characters now, as Gary and Jim share a pint at a table. Something is obviously troubling Jim and it soon transpires that he is facing a dilemma regarding Steve's request for £800. Half of him wants to give his son the money so as Steve can ditch his massive VAT debt but the other half is worried that this "baccy run" is going to get Cadaver Boy locked away again. Gary, the voice of reason (well, not *THE* voice of reason (hello Diane!) but one of them ;)), tells him that if it were *him* in this situation, he'd cough up the cash since this illegal "baccy run" is far less of a risk than Steve getting collared by the taxman, adding "Well, it may be the law, but he's family!"... Jim nods, then jokes "What was it the police said about you in the paper? A role model to law-abiding citizens?"
Over at Curly's House, he is trying in vain to cook a spaghetti-based concotion but is being bothered by the Ghoulish Gurrrrls, who are trying to stick the pasta up their nose. Meanwhile, in the living room, Sally is talking to Kevin (NB: Kev, the new-look facial fungus? Doesn't suit you!) about Rosie's bullying. She explains, in a VERY condescending manner, that the teacher told her that what Rosie needs is "love, comfort and attention"... Kevin says "Well, she got plenty of it when she was me!" and then *zzzzz* it turns into the TYPICAL Kevin/Sally arguement. I switch off my brain at this point since all of us here know that such a discussion is even more boring than a Michael Bolton 45 played at 33 1/3...
Over at Le Chateau Batteau, the evening meal is over, as marked by a massive belch courtesy of Les. He is enthusiastic about Janice pulling out all the stops and cooking "chicken nuggets drowned in ketchup" tonight in Vombag's honour... Meanwhile Janice looks embarrassed, Toyah looks bored, Leanne looks like the ground could swallow her up at any minute and Vikram looks well, pretty emotionless, but I think he's supposed to be a little uncomfortable... Anyway, Les continues to enthuse about how Vombag should come round more often and it soon becomes apparent why he's so approving of the boy ("How many stores does your dad own, again? Seven?"). Incidentally I couldn't help but notice how the exchange between Les and Vikram (who are sat next to each other) looked like a man with a ventriloquist dummy, since Vik's face freezes completely every time he finishes talking. Seriously, you watch! As soon as his line is done, his face just flops dead as if someone's pulling his strings only to be animated again when his next line comes up! Mark my words, look closely next time and you too shall see! :) Anyway, I digress... The scene ends with Toyah heading off to Spider's to do some revision and Les saying what a great little foursome the remaining diners make... Looking at Janice and Leanne he barks "You two can do the washing up, while I get to know young Vik here!"... Ouch!
Next up, *THE* stand-out scene of the whole episode occurs. Alma and Curly are sharing a nice spaghetti dinner over candlelight and nervously, uneasily making (highly metaphorical) small-talk about the food. Curly explains how this spaghetti bolognese is his old "meal for two" and never seems to work when he cooks it for one. He always gets it wrong when he "halves the ingredients" (There is actually a secret I know for cooking decent Spag-bol (taught to me by a real masterchef! :)) but if I were to share it with you all here, it wouldn't be a secret anymore would it??)... She nods and coughs and tells him that she's not really one for trying new recipes, although now Mike has gone, this is something she will look into, to add a bit of variety to her life... (Oh sod it, let's reproduce the next bit of dialogue in it's entirity...)
Alma: "Cooking's funny like that. You do everything according
to the book and then *one* little ingredient goes and lets you
down.... Just when you think your preparation's fine... It happens.
You see, you've got to be sure of your ingredients and, um, sometimes
you can't be..." (her voice starts to crack at this point)
"...And then even when you've used that recipe time and time
again, you just have to take them on trust because there's nothing
else you can do... You make sure your groundwork's solid so there's
a foundation there for success, and, um, you work hard so that
the mixture's right and.. sometimes if there's a problem, you
can think about it and change the mix so that everything stays
ok..." (she chokes back tears) "...Then one little ingredient
that you've always relied on in the past, does something peculiar.
And instead of it all coming up light and delicious..." (she's
breaking down now!) "...it comes up flat... and it tastes
bitter. So all the hard work and assumptions you made about your
ingredients... don't add up anymore..." (she regains her
composure and coughs lightly) "... Sorry."
Curly: (After a long pause, missing the entire metaphor) "No,
it's alright... it's, it's good to be passionate about cooking..."
LOL! A great scene. Comes across very badly on paper, I'm sure, but Amanda Barrie's touching acting (and indeed Kev Kennedy's superlative comic timing!) made it work really well. A top class piece of work that outshone the rest of the episode, I'm afraid to say! :)
So, back to the Rovers now, where the Great Rotting Cadaver Boy stumbles to the bar, craving fresh souls and a pint. Jim approaches him, Building Society Book in hand, and tells him that he's decided he *WILL* lend him the £800 for the "baccy run" funds... They shake hands on it and Steve buys his Dad a whiskey. Somehow, I sense that this "baccy run" idea isn't going to work out QUITE how they intend for it to!
Now to bring things full circle back to the Malletts' House, Gareh returns home to a "hero's welcome" (ie: A big kiss) from Judeh who is glad to see him home... Just as they embrace, the doorbell rings and it's a mean lookin' fellow in a leather jacket. He growls and pushes a bewildered Gareh indoors, angrily proclaiming "I know your sort, pal, window-cleaners! You stay away from my wife!"... Oops, it seems this guy is Mrs Hardy's husband (yes, he's pretty hard!) and he's unimpressed by the photo of her kissing Gary on the cheek in the papers! He leaves with the warning he'll "ram that ladder somewhere that'll make your eyes water" if Gary is spotted anywhere near his wife again! Oh dear!! Roll credits! :)
So, as ever, I've waffled endlessly in the above text on how I felt about this Peter Mills scripted episode rather than save it for the 'epilogue'... But to summarise, it's really been 50/50. Some niceness from Gary and Jim, a great scene between Curly and Alma and a couple of laughs at the Battersby dinner were really all we got amidst the venom and the bile. Every soap needs a few bad guys, folk you love to hate, etc, but quite frankly seeing Sally, Vikram, Leanne (who *was* getting quite pleasant up until recently!) *and* Mike all have major storylines (in which, of course, they are the very bad guys) at once in one episode is too much horror to swallow in one dose!!
Anyway, it could be better but it could definately be worse... Let's just wait and see how things go from here, eh? 'Til next time! :)
The Rattler
Hiya folks!!!! ... Time again for another update....
It's not been a great week healthwise, with the dreaded depression taking a grip this week - probably a combination of the feeling of deflation after a holiday break and a reduction in the level of my anti-depressant medication.
Still, we are around to tell the tale, which is what matters - progress on the computer front after the upgrade of the main part of my system. The upgrades will give me a chance to introduce some new Corrie developments to my website.
At long last, we are starting to see some movement on the UK internet front. Late last year, we had the introduction of free internet access, albeit with normal UK telephone charges - despite the fact that the major cost component is the phone cost, this move has proved to be a tremendous success. In the last few weeks, this has moved on further, with a number of providers arranging internet access at weekends free of all phone costs - the number of providers jumping on this bandwagon is increasing with some major names joining that club. We also have ISDN connections at a more affordable rate, cable access is around the corner and the satellite broadcaster, BSkyB, has joined the club with the uplink provided by conventional phone and the downlink through the satellite dish... a revolution is around the corner and hopefully, my phone bill will start to take a tumble. The changes will mean a reorganisation of my net facilities and a change of main provider, but more of that in due course...
Episode sponsored by Cadbury's Wispa Gold
The programme starts at the Battersbys. Leanne is sorting herself out with some breakfast, while Toyah is frantically revising, her books and papers all over the table. When Leanne brushes away some of Toyah's books, this is enough to start another scrap, one which Janice declines to join. Leanne suggest that Toyah should study in her bedroom but Toyah points out that she would, if only Leanne's things weren't all over the floor. Leanne announces that the problem is soon going to be solved, she is moving out as she has found alternative accommodation at the Rovers. Janice ruefully comments "living over the top of a pub, your dad would kill for a chance like that." Leanne rubs it in with Toyah, saying that she will have her own bedroom, it should do wonders for her sex life.
Mike is getting ready to go to work. He tells Linda she needs to get a move on, as she will miss her bus. He doesn't want to give her a lift to work, as this would drive a wedge between her and her mates. When Linda says she can handle it, Mike makes it clear it will make life difficult for both of them. He doesn't want any complications with his divorce, he tells her. She jokingly tells him she needs to be going as she has to catch her bus, the boss at the place where she works goes mad if you are late.
Ravi tells Nita he is unhappy with Vikram dating Leanne - there are complications going out with married women. Even though Nick is in Canada, Ravi fears it spells trouble. Nita doesn't want to get involved, as Vikram won't listen to her - Ravi bemoans the fact that he might have listened to his mother, but he will certainly not listen to him.
Leanne comes to the Rovers with her cases and Natalie explains to Betty that Leanne will be living in. When Betty recalls the days when Mrs Walker had a pot man living on the premises, Natalie replies that this would not be a good idea, imagine the gossip which would fly around the place. Betty puts her foot in it by saying that this was never a problem with Mrs Walker, as she was a real lady, one of the old school. "Gee, thanks" is the gist of Natalie's response but Betty son puts her straight, she didn't mean it that way, in any case she was a great deal older. When Leanne asks which will be her room, Natalie tells her to sit down as she wants to set some ground rules - keep your own room clean, don't treat the bar like your own fridge and no surprises - she doesn't want to find "any strange men on the landing in the middle of the night, although, on second thoughts.. ", she jokingly adds.
Alison has seen Linda getting off the bus and starts quizzing her, the bus doesn't go anywhere near her house. Linda has to do some quick thinking and says she stayed with her auntie Maggie. Janice remarks that no-one can keep a secret around here, there is always someone who has their beady eye on you. "Absolutely right" says Mike, telling Janice he saw her arriving late today- he wonders why she is always last in yet she lives the nearest. Janice teases Mike by saying that it was this aliment she has to rub ointment all over herself. This embarrasses Mike, who cuts the conversation short. He starts handing out the wage packets and remarks that, with Wimbledon next week, they may see some of their creations on the British girls. Linda comments that the British girls are not on court long enough for anyone to notice their knickers. "Well I do" replies Mike, "I make a point of looking." Janice expresses disgust and Alison comments to the girls that Mike is sounding a bit chirpy today - "probably taken a fancy to some poor beggar, that usually makes him feel good" adds Janice. Linda smirks silently, keeping her secret.
Alma and Audrey are having a drink in the Rovers. They are talking about the way they could be spending their time, as an alternative to the Rovers. When Audrey reckons that Mike is in some fancy restaurant, Alma says that entertaining is all part and parcel of the rag trade business, to secure the contract. Audrey notes that Alma had a contract with Mike and since he broke it, she is surely entitled to claim against him.
Sally is packing up her van for another day the market. While doing so, she swaps pleasantries with Judy, who is taking the twins out in their pram. Sally's mobile phone rings. It is school to tell her that Rosie has been naughty and asking her to come to school straightaway.
There is a knock on the Malletts' door - when Gary answers it, Mr Grant is outside, furious. He accuses Gary of not being able to keep his nose out of his private business, tells him to keep away from his wife and thumps Gary in the face. Having done so, he runs off, leaving Gary wondering. Judy has witnessed the events and asks him what is going on. Les has also seen what has happened and comes over, no doubt, to pick up any salacious details. Judy tells him the show is over and hurriedly ushers Gary inside the house.
... 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 Malletts. Judy
thinks that Gary has been hit because he was having an affair
with Mrs Hardy, but Gary denies it. He explains that Mr Grant
obviously thinks Gary shopped him about his girlfriend to his
wife. Just then there is a knock at the door, this time, it's
Mrs Hardy - she has popped round to warn Gary that her husband
is on the rampage.
When Ravi expresses his reservations about Leanne to Rita and his opinion that Leanne is bad news, Rita tells him that Leanne might not be an angel, but she is not a bad girl.
Mrs Grant is explaining how she had found out about her husband's affair from a girlfriend and when she tackled him this morning, he had assumed Gary was the informant. She apologises for what has happened and explains that her husband is a violent man and she has had enough, she is going to leave him. Judy is chastened by the revelations, but Gary is very hurt that Judy didn't believe him and goes to the Rovers to drown his sorrows.
Mike tells the girls to come back sober from the pub after lunch and Linda pokes fun about him getting his knickers in a twist.
Ashley has been helping Maxine decorate her flat, so she buys him lunch at the pub.
In the Rovers, Les pokes fun at Gary imagining that Gary has been involved with Mrs Hardy - he launches into a hilarious rendition of "When I'm cleaning windows", with the factory girls doing the chorus. Gary sees the funny side of the leg-pull.
When Sally sees Kevin later on, she tells him about Rosie's misbehaviour. Kevin puts it all down to what Rosie has been through with the Greg Kelly episode and Sally takes umbrage at being blamed, once more. Kevin quickly accepts his share of the blame. Sally tells him that Rosie needs to be punished and grounded at the weekend. When Kevin protests that he is due to be taking both of the girls out at the weekend, Sally says that he should only take Sophie and that he should leave Rosie behind. They have to get through to her that she just cannot behave as she wants.
Gary has returned from the pub to an apologetic Judy - he is bemused at the ribbing he took at the pub.
At the Rovers, Ashley asks Leanne how she is getting on back at home. "Crowdy, noisy and uncomfortable" is Leanne's reply, "but I don't live there anymore." She tells him she has moved to the Rovers, hoping this will upset him. "I bet you're lonely all on your own" she asks, but his reply is to the contrary. "It's great", he tells her.
He brings the drinks over to Maxine, who thanks him for his help. He volunteers to do the woodwork and the second coat tomorrow. She is hungry and suggests taking him out for a pizza. He offers to cook something at his place - the offer is duly accepted.
Ravi is telling Nita that he doesn't want to talk about Vikram, that subject is closed - he wants to talk about her important executive career. It's early days yet, she tells him, but it will be. She tells him about Freshco being American-owned and big on togetherness - cynically, Ravi interprets this as a money saving ploy - she tells him about their Midsummer Ball, and, much to his delight, invites him as her partner.
Back at Ashley's, he and Maxine discuss how long it has been since they were together. She seeks his reassurance that he was never one of the notches on Leanne's bedpost - he gives her that assurance. Maxine tells him she feels all dirty after their spell decorating, so Ashley suggests that she takes a bath - in fact, with the smell of paint in her flat, why doesn't she stay overnight at his place, there is a spare bedroom.
It's clocking off time at the factory and the girls are leaving after another day's work. In the idle banter, Janice tells Mike that if she wins the lottery, she won't be in after the weekend. Mike replies that if he wins then she WILL be looking for another job. Her riposte is that he is the sort who WOULD win. Linda comes up to the clock and Janice asks when they are going to have a night out together - "not tonight, I've made other arrangements" is Linda's reply. They go out of the factory together, but Linda doubles back on the pretext of having left her jacket behind.
Mike isn't amused at Linda poking fun at him in front of the girls She replies that she has always done that and, anyway, she thought that he didn't want anyone to catch on. He tells her not to go too far. He asks her what she has planned for tonight - when she tells