Tuesday (2900, 11 January 1989)
HOUSE It's a busy morning, with Alan preoccupied and Jenny rushing for school. Alan is checking the post, Rita (in a remarkably tame-looking and reasonably normal colour Red Wig -- looks like the "Big" came later) is thoughtful and pointedly mentions that Alan has forgotten his promise of a "slap-up lunch" that day. He says he'll let her know if he can find time later.
HOUSE Sally is rushing to get out to visit her dad and be with her mum, and Kev is looking for his lunch in it's usual place, laid out at his feet I presume, in the appropriate wifely worship position. I wanted to shout at Sally, "Tell the little whinger to get HIMSELF down to the shops, if he's so desperate for home-cooked sandwiches!" but I restrained myself, some would say, admirably. She raced out the door and he looked glum.
PUB Bet descends the staircase (it IS good to see her again!) bedecked in Red Peplum Surprise with Black Trimmings, rather OTT for first thing in the morning, in my opinion (but then, that's Bet, isn't it?). She goes into the bar to find Charlie Gloomy Guts, and ends up quoting him to Alec as he comes down in his dressing gown: "Those who lie in bed, die in bed". Over the morning cuppa, Bette threatens contagious suicide involving train tracks -- she tells Gilroy she wants this lodger moved on. Charlie comes in on the tail end of this, and agrees with them as to how depressing it is how some folk moan on! Bet has left the sugar out of Alec's coffee - the result is Charlie's story about old Albie Fennick (Fearless Fennick) who dropped dead on stage and who, according to Charlie, got so big because of the many spoons of sugar he used. At this point, Bet reaches across the table and pushes the sugar basin closer to Alec! Priceless!!
KABIN Mavis asks Ken to give she and Derek inside info to help in their house hunting, as he sees the ads in the Recorder before they are printed. Then Vera arrives and we are treated to the Germination of the Stone Cladding!! Mavis makes a chance remark about a stone cottage and Vera says that she and Jack would love one but cottages are usually "miles from anywhere" and Jack would never agree to move.
PUB Angie, Don, Kev and Martin are discussing Sally's dad's accident. I guess Kev had to settle for a pub lunch after all; Betty asks Charlie to give her a hand with the food. His reaction makes it clear that he fancies Betty. Charlie then serves Kev his pie and peas, and the side dish is his account of an accident victim of the same roundabout as Sally's dad, "I've never seen so much blood in me life, blood, blood, everywhere". Kev looks down at the plate as Charlie asks if everything is all right.
KABIN Percy complains to Rita about Charlie, then goes on to ask why the chap was hanging about her house the day before, "weighing things up". Percy was about to question him, when he was let into the house by Alan. It was clear that Alan hadn't said anything to Rita about it, and it made her think.
HOUSE Alan is on the phone asking for the manager and passing himself off as Len Fairclough. The manager is not available, and Alan says he'll call back later. He then phones...
KABIN ...Rita to tell her he's too busy for lunch after all.
HOUSE Alan phones the manager again, and giving his name as Len Fairclough, learns that his loan has been approved. He establishes that the cheque has been mailed to his business address.
KABIN Jenny comes in for a video and Rita asks if her father has said anything about the fella at their house yesterday. She knows nothing and Rita is thinking again.
PUB Charlie falls over himself to be helpful to Betty -- he comes off as quite doddering, actually. Some guy talk between Jack and Charlie about what a fine figure of a woman Betty is, her availability and her financial status and Jack says if he weren't so besotted with our Vera...
KABIN Alan comes in and announces they're going out for dinner -- Rita says yes but she MUST have her hair done (will it ever be finished? Is this why it keeps getting bigger?). While Mavis phones the hairdresser, Rita asks Alan about the fella at their house. Alan tells her a big whopper about the man being a competitor, and that he was sussing out the competition by getting a quote on the house for a security system. She comments that it can't be ethical, and I quote, from Alan: "Rita, what have ethics got to do with anything?" Foreshadowing, or what? Wait, it gets better. She says she'll have to watch him, as he's developing into a "right cutthroat". He says, and I'm not kidding, "D'you know, it's getting so you can't trust anybody these days." SCUMBAG!
HOUSE Kev comes in and Gina is there getting some clothes. She is acting all upset, and inquires as to how Kev is getting on with his meals. She says she'll tell Sally he's coping.
PUB Vera broaches the subject of stone cladding with Jack, and shows him a brochure -- she says their house would be worth more if it were stone clad -- "us own little stone cottage right here in Coronation Street, knock a few eyes out, wouldn't it, 'round 'ere!" LITTLE DOES SHE KNOW! Jack's protest is the usual, "cost too much, it would".
HOUSE Sally arrives home to Kev's complaining that if "this" goes on much longer they'll have to sort something better out. Sally says it isn't, as her dad died an hour ago. We end with Kev comforting her.
Written by BRIAN FINCH, Directed by STEPHEN
GRAHAM
Sandra Stubbs SALLY WATTS Charlie Bracewell PETER BAYLISS Gina
Seddon JULIE FOY
Wednesday (2901, 16 January 1989)
YARD There's a letter for Len Fairclough, which Martin finds while waiting for Alan to let him in.
HOUSE Sally timidly asks Kev if it's okay for everyone to come 'round there after the funeral and Kev agrees. She apologises for "neglecting" him lately (her grovelling really made me nauseated) and he just eats it up.
YARD Martin gives "Len's" letter to Alan and jokes about how long it took the post office to deliver it. He wants to open it but Alan gets irritated and says he'll take it to Rita. But WE know what's in it, don't we?
PUB Bet is perusing a catalogue and makes a pitch to Alec for a leather jacket on "special offer". Alec's old mate Wally Simpson telephones, and wants to see Alec; they agree on 4 o'clock. But Alec is evasive when Bet questions him about the reason for the meeting.
YARD Alan opens the letter and sure enough, it's the loan cheque. BUT he stuffs the letter and envelope into one coat pocket; the cheque into the other. Hmm. Will Rita find the screwed-up letter and envelope, I wonder?
PUB Funny scene between Jack and Charlie revolving around the dangers of heavy lifting. Charlie makes a big show of helping Betty stock the shelves.
YARD Alan calls a bank to ask what ID he'd need to open an account.
PUB Vera and Shirley are discussing stone cladding, and Vera flatters Jack, but it gets her nowhere. Shirley and Curly discuss their housing arrangements; she wants a place of their own; he says they can't afford it until he's finished college and has a job.
HOUSE Alan gets out the "important-papers-cookie-tin" and finds Len's driving license, which he pockets.
PUB Bet has another go at Alec for a leather jacket. Sally tells Audrey that Gina has been no help, and Sally's mum pops in. She and Sally leave and then Gail arrives. Her conversation with Audrey establishes that Gina has begged of work due to being "up to her eyeballs in registrars" and things.
YARD Alan is practicing Len's signature!!
BANK "Mr. Fairclough" sets up his bank account!!!
PUB Alec leaves for his meeting with Wally; Charlie chats up Betty and invites her back to the pub that evening for a drink.
HOUSE Sally is cleaning up in preparation for the funeral 'do. More talk of Gina's irresponsibility, which Sally's mum tries to excuse. I know she's just been bereaved and all, but this woman really needs serious hairdo counselling.
PUB Alec returns a bit wobbly after a very "convivial" afternoon and finally reveals that Wally Simpson wants him to manage a 9-week club tour of the Middle East. He pretends he'd actually discuss it with Bet before giving Wally an answer but we know better. Bet, as expected, says NO WAY.
HOUSE Alan returns late with chocolates for Rita, to celebrate getting his loan. Rita tells him how proud she is. Poor woman, she just doesn't have a clue. We end with a shot of the crafty devil's evilly close-set eyes over Rita's shoulder.
Written by BRIAN FINCH Directed by SPENCER
CAMPBELL
Postwoman JANE GARRITY Mr Spencer COLIN SHERWOOD
Thursday (2902, 18 January 1989)
PUB This morning, Alec is chipper, Bet is snarling and won't make his breakfast. He tries to convince her that there is no way he'll enjoy a 9-week club tour; he's doing this because he must, to provide security for her in their old age! She's unmoved by his selflessness.
HOUSE Sally realizes there will only be six people at her father's wake and she and Kev talk about growing old together.
HOUSE Alan is humming cheerfully, making plans to sign the papers for his new premises, now he's got his loan. He tells Rita how grateful he is that she has paid attention to Jenny while he's been so busy; he reflects on things like Jenny's going to university, his business doing well etc.; he's on top of the world.
PUB Charlie is once again full of flattery for Betty, and holds her hand lingeringly. Sandra tells Betty that Charlie is keen on her, but Betty just scoffs.
YARD Alan tells Martin he'll be out for a few hours that afternoon and Martin acts like he has to cover up for Alan if Rita asks about his absence. But it's no secret: Alan is going to the estate agent to sign the papers for the new shop.
PUB More of Charlie chatting up Betty (by today's standards it would be harrassment!); Curly tells Shirley she should consider further education because she is one of the brightest people he knows. Alec returns to find Bet resting in the back room (she says she needs to save her energy for the ordeal of running the place on her own) and she lays down the law: if Alec goes, then Charlie goes too. Today, Bet is resplendent in her teal satin gown embellished with black soutache (for those non-afficionados, that's braid trim stitched on -- not black-under-the-moustache!) and golf ball-sized green boulder pendant with matching earrings. This is power-dressing at it's most potent, as Alec realizes, so he takes a different approach, and flips to the sweet-talk section in his book of tricks. He tells Bet he had planned to take her on "the holiday of a lifetime" upon his return from the Middle East, but of course if he wasn't going... Bet caves. Out in the bar, a statuesque redhead arrives looking for Alec. She smothers him with a giant hug (almost lifts him off his feet -- she's a good foot taller than he) and says how pleased she was to hear that he was looking after the upcoming tour. Bet witnesses this, and has Alec flinching from her looking daggers as he tells her that "Tanya" is an EXOTIC DANCER; Bet can see that they obviously have some sort of history. Bet wants a QUIET WORD.
HOUSE Sally is fussing with the food -- she's nervous about the funeral. She can't understand why she doesn't feel upset and is feeling guilty about it. Kev reminds her what a rotter her father was.
PUB In the private back room, Bet makes it clear that she isn't thrilled about Tanya and Alec on a "9-week rave-up"; Alec feigns surprise at her sudden jealousy. Alec says Tanya is a professional, in fact she once did a dance with a snake. Of course Bet shoots back, "A snake. I bet its initials were Alec Gilroy". She puts Alec on notice and says he should by all means go ahead with the tour, "Just don't expect me to live a life as a nun, that's all!" Back in the bar, Charlie is going on to Betty about how dangerous it is to live alone and if she had someone there with her and had an accident in her bath, she'd have someone to rush in and give her a hand. She gets busy with the plates, he turns away, but not before putting his hand somewhere in the vicinity of her posterior! The result: plates flying and crashing to the floor and a huge shriek from Betty. She's very insulted and lets him know before stomping into the back. He actually looked genuinely upset that he let his urges get the better of him.
HOUSE The small crowd arrives after the funeral, and Bertha Croston (I never did figure out who these people were: was Jack Croston the brother of Sally's mum, I wonder?) is commenting on the vicar's speech, wondering if he actually knew Eddie. Sally's mum agrees, he was a bad 'un and also says she wonders why she misses him.
YARD Alan is triumphant upon his return from the estate agent, and presents Martin with keys for the new premises. Alan is thinking big -- more staff, works canteen and a pension scheme -- and Martin takes the opportunity to ask for a pay rise. Alan magnanimously says he'll think about it.
HOUSE Everyone's gone, and there was no sign of Gina. Sally's mum drops a bombshell -- she's going to live in Scarborough with Auntie Mae, and has £8000 coming from Eddie's life insurance, of which she will give £1000 each to Sally and Gina!
HOUSE Alan arrives with champagne and he and Rita discuss her original reservations about his business plans. He says this loan proves that he didn't get back with her just to borrow money.
PUB Jack is relating the exciting lunchtime events to Alf and Audrey. Sally and Kev are discussing their windfall -- she wants to "do something" with it and not just fritter it away. Gail tells Sally that Gina has packed in her job, and "the way she was talking, anyone would think she'd come into money." Sally is shocked. Bet returns from a shopping spree laden with bags and parcels, to the news that Alec won't be going after all. Jack quietly asks him why, what with Tanya and all, and Alec says he isn't as fit as he was. Later, Bet tells Alec that Betty has put in a complaint about Charlie pestering her and Alec's reaction is that, "At her age she should be grateful"!!!. Bet says it's Betty or Charlie, the pub isn't big enough for both of them. Credits.
Written by JOHN STEVENSON Directed by SPENCER
CAMPBELL
Tanya SUE RODERICK Jack Croston ALAN PARTINGTON Bertha Croston
DINAH HANDLEY
Friday (2903, 23 January 1989)
PUB Charlie is congratulating Alec on his luck in having such a pearl for a wife and goes on to say how he's landed on his feet too, what with a job and digs. Alec tries to tell him he's to move out but Charlie reminds him that Alec'd have to pay him more, if accommodation were not included in the pay. Charlie toddles out as Bet arrives; she demands to know when Charlie will be going. Alec says no one is irreplaceable, least of all Betty. Bet's face twists up; she knows Gilroy doesn't like Betty.
HOUSE Sally is apologising for not ironing fast enough, and Kev has to stand there in his vest while she finishes off his shirt. (Does this man own only one shirt? Some people have strange ways of demonstrating their power over the lesser beings in their lives.) Sally is excited about the insurance money and Kev says she should put it away until she's had time to think about what to do with it.
YARD Alan and Jenny arrive and she voluneers to help with the post, but of course Alan has had it safely redirected to the new shop. He spurns her offer to go over and pick it up and then tries to cover up by giving her some little token clerical thing to do.
PUB Charlie tries to make amends with Betty, telling her that all his life, he's been misunderstood. He doesn't want her to let such a little incident spoil everything they had going. She isn't having any. He still doesn't give up.
KABIN Mavis is wittering on about an ad she has found for her dream home, which even has a name. "The Willows" gives her a feeling it's just right for her and Derek. Rita does some eye rolling.
PUB Charlie regales Alan with the tale of how hot meat pie was the last thing his Uncle Jack ate before he suffered a heart attack and "fell backwards off the bar stool like a budgie from its perch". Alan looks down at his hot meat pie while Charlie says, "Enjoy your dinner." Betty tells Sandra that Charlie gives her the creeps. Alan and Mike engage in some big-business-tycoon-wannabe type talk and Alan invites Mike to the grand opening of Weatherfield Security Systems next week. Alec gets a phone call from his accountant, Bernie Greenwood, and they agree that Bernie will drop by later. Bet wants to know what it's about and she gets Alec worried.
KABIN Mavis telephones about The Willows -- there's lots of interest, she's told. But she can't reach Derek to check with him about arranging a viewing. Rita tells her that estate agents will say anything to sell a property. "M6 run through the front garden?" she asks. Mavis thinks she's just being silly, as usual.
PUB Alan invites Dreary to bring Ken to the grand opening. Dreary quickly sets him straight about how little she can do to influence the council when awarding contracts. I'd forgotten about her perm -- the scarf-thing on her head gives her a poodle-like pompadour eerily prescient of one Liz MacDonald. Is it an unwritten Corrie rule that at least one character must have wired hair? Does one graduate from this state, pay ones dues, so to speak? Hmm. More research needs to be done. Bernie arrives and goes through to see Alec, telling him he's had a letter from the Inland Revenue asking for confirmation of his client's income. The fine single-malt Alec was pouring stopped in mid-air as Mr. Gilroy took this in. He starts to sputter.
YARD I'm not sure what the point of this scene was. Kevin brings back Alan's car and says it's running fine but he'll stay and mind the yard for five minutes if Alan wants to test drive the car to be sure it's okay. Kev and Jenny talk about her going off to university and she flatters him, comparing him to Martin who's just a skivvy for her father, while Kev... implying he's something better. He's in close range with the big brown eyes and just grins foolishly. Huh?
PUB Bet wants to know what Bernie was there about. Alec tells her about the letter but doesn't want to discuss any further details because it's disrupting his digestion. She asks again about Charlie and Alec says she should just take care of it any way she likes, as long as it isn't Charlie who goes.
KABIN Derek arrives to crow about his importance to his boss "DP" -- he's spent the day with him, meeting clients. Mavis can't wait to show him the ad for "The Willows" and she tells him she has arranged to see it the next day at dinner time. Derek says that he would be delighted under normal circumstances, but he can't make it because he's to spend the day with DP again. Mavis is crestfallen.
HOUSE Kev tucks into his dinner and Sally springs it on him: they should take the insurance money and buy a share in the garage! She has it all figured out and starts talking about how he can share in the profits etc. but he jumps down her throat and tells her it's a stupid idea and N-O, N-O, just leave it will 'yer. NO EXPLANATION (she is only the wife, after all, not entitled to know why he's such a GRUMPY B****RD). (I suppose it's entirely possible that my opinion of him is a bit coloured by the 1997 shenanigans with Nastily. But looking back, the seeds are there...)
PUB Gail and Ivy discuss Brian's lately developed habit of going out late at night on his own and Ivy is surprised that Gail isn't bothered. Gail inquires after Vera and Ivy says she's been off work with a "tummy upset". Gail is all prepared with the sympathy but they both have a good laugh when Ivy says, "Tummy upset! Yeh, she's 'ad a bellyful o' Baldwin!" Charlie tells Sandra about his unlucky love life. Sandra tries to tell him that maybe Betty just isn't interested in him but he doesn't want to know. Bet comes over and she and Sandra discuss Charlie and his effect on everyone. Sandra tries to say she feels a bit sorry for him really, but Bet reminds her just how disruptive he's been in such a short time. Sandra observes that they'll never get rid unless Charlie can find a cushier number somewhere. This gets Bet's wheels turning and she tells Sandra she might just be on to something. Bet high-tails it into the back and phones her old pal Stella, to arrange to meet the next day at dinner time. The wheels are turning, we end with Bet looking crafty and smug.
There you are for this week - Cindy
Written by BARRY HILL Directed by SARAH HARDING
Bernie Greenwood PETER WOODTHORPE
Monday (2904, 25 January 1989)
HOUSE Sally is still on at Kev about how to spend the insurance money. She's trying to think long term, but he's still dead against it and won't say why.
PUB Bet is at breakfast in her plunging-neck black lace thingy and Charlie is going on about brittle bones as you get older, how black Bet's lungs must be because of her smoking, and recommends the regular use of bran. Alec arrives in a black mood, and Bet tells him she needs her sense of humour to deal with Charlie's morning conversation about "...cracked coccyx, irregular bowels, and gunged-up lungs, not even 9 o'clock yet!" Alec is still beside himself with worry over the tax man, mainly because he doesn't know how much they know.
YARD Ken drops by and offers an advertising feature on Alan's new shop. Rita pops by and Alan barks at her for trying to help sort out some of the details for the grand opening. He apologises right away; he's got so much on his plate, he says.
HOUSE Sally has asked Gail to stop by, and asks if Brian has ever considered taking Kevin on as a partner. Gail says it isn't down to her but she'll do her best to suss Brian out about it.
KABIN More fussing from Mavis over her and Derek's dream house. Rita is full of more details and plans for Alan's grand opening.
PUB Alec is trying to reach Bernie the accountant. Bet is getting lunch ready for Stella and Alec hastily says he won't stay. Of course, this is just what Bet wanted. Betty has a go at Alec about Charlie and he says he's got enough on his mind without whinging women. He beats a hasty retreat. Bet has a quiet word with Charlie about poor Stella and her needs, telling him that not all men are as sensitive as he.
KABIN Mavis congratulates Kevin on the news that he and Brian will shortly be going into partnership (she overheard Gail talking about it). She commiserates with him about them doing all the work while the "bosses" reap the rewards. Kev is dumbstruck.
HOUSE Sally is flitting about getting lunch ready, when Kev storms in and flips out over what Mavis has said in the Kabin. Sally claims she only mentioned it casually to Gail. Kev finally tells her that he is "sick to the back teeth" of Brian because he does no work, and when he does show up he's "about as much use as a chocolate fireguard". Kev doesn't want to put money into a business that might go bust because Brian is having flaming domestic problems again. It's about time Kev owned up; especially considering the reason for his reluctance was something as simple as this. Now, that wasn't so hard Kev, was it?
PUB Mavis tells Derek she isn't jealous but can't help but look on as Rita and Alan have 2 businesses, home, car etc. while a married couple such as she and Derek have to make do in a pokey little flat. She thinks it's time they had some status. Derek says he used to hate it when Angela went on about status, so he didn't want to talk like that. Mavis has made another appointment to view the bungalow, tomorrow dinnertime and he makes a big show of saying how perfectly convenient that will be. Stella makes her grand entrance, she and Bet do the kissing-the-air-pigeon-bobbing thing. Bet introduces the charming Charles, their "little gem of a barman". Bernie comes in and Bet asks if there's any news but he's looking for Alec. He says he'll pop back later.
KABIN Jenny comes in and she and Rita get to talking about how well things are going -- Jenny asks if there is any chance she might get to be a bridesmaid. Rita doesn't say no and they joke about frocks.
PUB Charles is charming the pants off Stella and Bet leaves them alone in the back room at a strategic moment. Stella asks if Charlie is happy working at the Rovers, and invites him to the White Swan to have a look around. She tells him it's in a different class altogether than the Rovers.
YARD Ken drops by and talks to Alan about having his photo taken in front of the new shop for the advertisement. Alan emphatically says no. (We know he doesn't want to take any chances on certain bank managers seeing his photo above a name that isn't "Len Fairclough".)
Next, we see the dapper Charles in his stylish topcoat, fedora and scarf, walking along the street. He quite literally "sets his cap" and goes up to the door of the White Swan.
HOUSE The lights are dimmed, with candles lit and soft music playing. There's a young blonde woman wearing a slinky black number and when Kevin arrives, in an unidentifiable foreign accent (French?), she tells him "we are heeare to pleze Monsieur and would he care to taste ze wine?". Instead of saying "Where's my Sal, what have you done with her?" as I would have expected, "Monsieur" says he wants to wash his hands first. She informs him that "we are heeare to catter to his every hawhim", then the demoness leaves her and we get the old Sal back, telling him to get himself upstairs and dressed up to suit the occasion. She tells him she's sorry about pushing him over the money. They do a lot of giggling and profess their love for each other. A bit sick-making I must say.
PUB Ivy and Gail come in for a quick one but Gail can't stay long as she's still got a lot to do at home. Ivy tells her she needs to relax and spend some time with her husband. This makes Gail look tense. Betty demands an answer: is it she or Charlie? Bet tells her she has nothing to worry about as it won't be her. Jack and Mike talk about Terry Duckworth's prospects for junior management in Alan Bradley's burgeoning security systems empire. Alec returns -- he hasn't been able to find out yet, who dropped him in it with the Inland Revenue. "Charles" comes back and wants a word; he tells Alec that he must hand in his notice and that his new job also comes with accommodation and they are desperate that he start right away. Then Bernie comes in and Alec shoves Charlie out the door telling him to get on with his packing. Charlie looks a bit forlorn standing in the hall, having just been given the bum's rush. Bet very kindly offers to help him pack, pushing him up the stairs. Bernie's news for Alec: "THEY" want to see him on Monday. Alec is very worried. Credits
Written by ADELE ROSE Directed by SARAH HARDING
Stella Rigby VIVIENNE ROSS
Tuesday (2905, 30 January 1989)
PUB Alec is trying on various honest faces in front of the mirror, and Bet isn't helping his efforts. (She is demonstrating massive decollete in her white slinky nightie set today.) He is aggrieved by his bad treatment at the hands of the tax man. Bet's naivete is the perfect foil to his paranoia, he is getting frustrated trying to make her see the seriousness of the situation.
KABIN Jenny has received an offer for a place at Leeds University provided she gets the grades. Mavis reminds Derek of their one o'clock viewing appointment to see the "dormer bungalow". Mavis is starting to feel as if they've seen too many houses; she says Derek is very particular.
WSS (Weatherfield Security Systems) A job applicant is waiting for Alan, her name is Dawn and she is an attractive blonde. Martin makes his play right away, then goes off to answer the phone. It's THE Mrs. Burns asking for Alan, and he says to tell her that he's busy. (I don't know about everyone else, but I find Martin REALLY annoying and I think it's his acting style. I think he's gotten better over the years but is still hard to take seriously.)
GARAGE Ivy wants to let Brian know that she's available to babysit anytime he and Gail want to go out. She has a go at him about not spending enough time out with his wife.
PUB Betty and Bet are talking about Charlie, Betty wants to be sure he won't be back. Bet has cleverly set up the situation so that Stella actually "stole" Charlie and so can't possibly send him back or even accuse Bet of foisting him off on her. Ivy and Don meet for lunch and he tells her to stop interfering with her family. She, of course, sees it as being helpful. Alan is telling Mike about spending the morning interviewing young ladies. Mike's advice is to hire the least attractive, to keep Rita happy, and then give him the telephone numbers for the rest. Alec and Bernie still don't know how the Tax Commissars have found out anything. Bernie tries to caution Alec about what he says to the tax people and Alec still claims he has been totally frank about everything. Bernie reminds him that as his accountant he is just an advisor and any real trouble involving undisclosed income is on Alec's head.
We see Mavis and Derek arrive at a cute red brick house, with him advising her not to be too enthusiastic.
CAFE Martin offers Christine some advice on proper table service and Phyllis and Jenny waste no time reminding him that he wore the very same pinny as Christine had on, when he used to work there, and he certainly didn't "talk posh". Percy arrives to Phyllis' lustful attentions, and he warns Christine how "silly" the woman is. Ivy pops in and makes like she just happened to see Brian, and wanted to check with Gail about exactly when they might be going out together so she could babysit. She gets no satisfaction from Gail.
KABIN Mavis is in love with the little house, and says she could move in tomorrow. Rita reminds her that she'll likely be looking at something else again, but Mavis confides that after viewing it, when they were outside, Derek said to her, "Mavis, I think this is the dormer bungalow in which we're going to spend the rest of our lives together."
PUB Alec is back and Bet asks if everything is all right. Alec won't say much; his face twitches as Bet leaves the room.
WSS Martin asks Alan who's been hired, and Alan lets on that it isn't "that Dawn Prescott". Carole Burns comes in looking for Alan, who is hiding in the back. When she's gone, Alan comes out and tries to pretend he didn't see her.
CAFE Brian comes in to have a word but Gail wants to just leave everything as it is. We can see that she isn't happy about the situation although she is trying to harden herself to it.
PUB Bet has another go at Alec about his moodiness. She wants to know what's wrong but he says nothing. Mavis and Derek are discussing the house; she's completely enamoured of it but he has nothing good to say. He thinks it's much too small, after all what if he decided he wanted to keep tropical fish at some point? He wants to keep looking and she looks vexed. Alec finally tells Bet he has to go over the books for his agency because the tax men are asking about undeclared income. He's sure he's going down.
In the final scene we see Don in his taxi dropping off a fare, watching as Brian goes into a disco on his own.
Written by PETER WHALLEY Directed by NICHOLAS
FERGUSON
Dawn Prescott LOUISE HARRISON Christine Carter TARA MORAN Carole
Burns IRENE SKILLINGTON
Wednesday (2906, 1 February 1989)
Written by PAUL ABBOTT Directed by NICHOLAS FERGUSON
KABIN Dreary is picking up a birthday card for a 12-year-old (!) mate of Tracey's. (Wow. Tracey was only about 12 then. Is this the period during which she spent several years up in her bedroom, only to emerge metamorphosed into a different person?) Rita talks about how pleased Alan is with his new business; their life is looking up.
WSS Alan and Martin are setting up for the Grand Opening 'do. Dawn reports for work and Martin tells her someone else has the job. Alan sets him straight -- he's been winding Martin up about hiring some old bat.
PUB Alec is at the table sweating over the spreadsheets; Bet wants to know how serious the tax problem is but Alec can't say until he's finished fiddling the books. Now Bet is getting worried. Alec wants leaving alone for a few hours.
CAFE Gail is tired because Brian came in at half-past two the previous night after being out at a stag with his mates. Christine and Jenny talk about higher education, and Christine wants to know what good a degree is anyway? Jenny is proving to be a bit of a chip off the old block -- talks big and expects a lot for herself. But Christine has the last word with her tale of a fella she knows who has letters after his name and everything, and is now cutting grass for a living.
WSS Alan arrives with the wine and says everything looks good. He has a talk with Dawn about being honest!! Mrs. Burns has called again. Mike comes in and Alan goes on to him about how hard he's worked and how he wants -- no, DESERVES -- to be successful.
PUB Alec is a bit more hopeful that he's come up with a way to make it look as if an honest error has been made. Bet's still naive and he's getting irritated that she keeps zeroing in on the dishonest bits, asking awkward questions. Out in the bar, Derek is expounding on the difference between "houses" and "homes" but Mavis is getting impatient. Emily however, agrees with Derek that they will be risking their long-term happines by jumping into the wrong thing too soon. Alec is off to see the tax man. Don comes in and mentions to Brian that he must have a very understanding wife, as he saw Brian on his own in the early hours, at the disco. Brian says he and Ivy are to mind their own business; Don is taken aback by Brian's rudeness.
WSS Ken is cruising for verification among the crowd, that they are there because of the ad in the Recorder and approaches Alan to tell him so, but Dreary has already warned Alan and he beats Ken to it, telling him he's positive that all these people are here due to the advertising. Ken is puzzled as to why Dreary can't help laughing. Rita finally arrives, having escaped one of Mavis' depressions.
CAFE Phyllis knows there's something up with Gail's marriage, as Gail talks about plans for Sarah Louise's birthday.
WSS Percy arrives but won't have a drink as he's just about to go on duty. (I seem to remember he was a lollipop man?) Suddenly Carole Burns turns up and demands of Alan that he point out Rita.
PUB Bernie arrives and is surprised that Alec is at the Inland Revenue on his own. Bet makes it very clear that Bernie is no longer welcome because he didn't pass the Alec Gilroy Panic Test. Bernie defends his position and says a bent accountant is no good to anyone. Bet makes him pay for his drink.
WSS Carole accuses Alan of ditching her. She ends up shouting the odds -- in front of everyone she says Alan is a taker. She identifies herself to Rita and says Alan only went back to her for her money. Rita sets her straight (hah! as far as she knows, that is) and says he's had nothing from her. Alan declares the party over, and throws Carole out. She slaps his face before leaving. Percy returns to find he's just missed the party.
PUB Don is preoccupied and finally tells Ivy about seeing Brian at the disco, and that Brian blew his lid at dinnertime. He doesn't want another row, so won't be going to Sarah Lou's birthday party. Ivy says she's had a funny feeling about them.
KABIN Mavis is complaining again about Derek, about his wanting to traipse about through every house in Weatherfield. Rita is short-tempered after the scene at Alan's shop, and she tells Mavis she is fed up with her and her damn house hunting, and if she has complaints about Derek, to talk to him about them. Mavis leaves in a huff as Alan arrives with an apology for the ugly scene at his party. Rita tells him that even if she had doubts, she hasn't any longer. She could tell by what happened, that he had indeed let Carole down and that it was over with them. She proceeds to say how proud she is of him for achieving his new business success on his own, and he says he came back to her because he loves her. She says she knows it -- now. Poor thing, she's completely blinkered.
PUB Alec arrives and heads straight for the back room. Bernie and Bet hurry after him, but he tells Bernie to get out. It transpires that Newton and Ridley have disclosed his earnings as their leisure co-ordinator going back "God knows how long". They've broken their agreement with him to write off the expense as "unspecified entertainment". Alec could go to jail. Credits.
Written by PAUL ABBOTT Directed by NICHOLAS
FERGUSON
Carole Burns IRENE SKILLINGTON
Thursday (2907, 6 February 1989)
STREET Don arrives home after an early morning run, and encounters Alf who tells him that Audrey will be babysitting for Brian and Gail. Ivy overhears and is there like a shot, looking for details. She's thrilled that Brian and Gail are going out together tonight.
HOUSE Jenny asks Rita about Carole Burns turning up at the new shop. Alan snatches up the post and removes a letter, stuffing it in his pocket.
PUB Alec is on the phone, he has had a summons: 3 o'clock that afternoon with the tax people. But Bernie can't make it because he's busy. Alec is furious -- he feels as if he's being abandoned. Bet (in navy satin printed with pinkish tropical fish! at least, it looked like fish) is out in the bar talking with Betty about the trouble Alec is in. Bet understands Alec, and proves it by telling Betty he simply can't stand the thought of paying out the money owed. He feels as if he's being robbed.
WSS Alan makes a phone call about his mortgage account, to have the mail sent ONLY to his business address. He's getting irritated with all the interruptions from his staff as he's trying to be nefarious. Rita drops by to ask him out for lunch, and we can see that he definitely has the jitters. Dawn and Martin discuss Alan's moodiness.
PUB Mavis is puzzled as to why they haven't yet heard back about the offer Derek has made on the most recent house. Derek said he carried out her instructions and would prefer not to compromise their bargaining position by seeming too eager with an enquiry. Audrey discovers from Phyllis that Gail is in fact going out on her own, as is Brian. Alf and Betty joke about Alec's tax problem. In the back Bet and Alec talk about having to give up their life savings to catch up with his back taxes. Alec is getting desperate not to part with his money; he suggests putting everything in her name and declaring himself bankrupt but she says no way. His other suggestion is that they leave the country, but Bet says that is no answer, in her experience.
WSS Dawn answers the phone to someone asking for "Mr. Fairclough". She's puzzled, but Alan takes it, saying it must be for Mrs. Fairclough. He then discusses sending the post to his business address; this person is obviously following up his earlier call.
PUB Some young lout insults Bet; she and Betty talk about the dire straits in which Alec finds himself.
WSS Alan is wondering where Martin is, and while waiting, tells Dawn that she is to start a half-hour later each day, and that he will take care of the till and the post. She asks if he doesn't trust her and he says it's early days. She's not happy.
HOUSE Don has made the tea, Ivy relates the events of the day and it's wonderful to be reminded of how nice their relationship once was. Alf knocks on the door, I forget what he came for, but he happens to say that Brian and Gail aren't in fact going out together that evening. Ivy is surprised, and lets her feelings be known in no uncertain terms. It's not so wonderful to be reminded of what an interfering old bat she was.
PUB Mavis says how annoyed she is that Derek deceived her by making such a ridiculously low offer; the house has been sold to someone else. She presents him with a copy of "Builder's Monthly", since he doesn't seem to be able to buy a property he'll just have to build one. He sulks, she looks smug. Bet comes back to find Alec hitting the bottle. He's a bitter man and feels betrayed by Cyril Newton. He's now faced with a choice, pay up on the whole lot, or name names (his artistes, who thought, like he, that they were doing "back-pocket jobs") so that he has only to pay on his 40%.
WSS We're shown Alan, looking at Dawn's legs as she stands on the table beside him, to reach the upper shelves. Rita calls and Alan tells her he's not locked up yet and will be about an hour. He asks Dawn to wait in front for a few minutes, while he lets on to Rita that he's lumbered and might have to get rid of Dawn. Then, he goes out and flatters Dawn, telling her she'll work out fine and is doing a good job. He offers to drop her home, and says as he's not pushed for an hour or so, they might as well stop off and get a drink. He's such a slime. Credits.
Written by TONY PERRIN Directed by SPENCER
CAMPBELL
Darts Player ANDREW HAYDEN
Friday (2908, 8 February 1989)
STREET Audrey accosts Ivy on the doorstep about Ivy's ranting to Alf over Brian's gallivanting (that Audrey, sticking the knife in whenever possible). Ivy is genuinely worried, but Audrey is just insulting.
HOUSE Alan bustles about to get going early, and Jenny is in the midst of giving him a hug when the post arrives. Rita picks it up and finds a letter for Len Fairclough. Alan is trying frantically to get Jenny off him while Rita opens the letter. We see Alan slump in relief as Rita reads it aloud -- it's a solicitation for gas central heating. He goes off to work; Jenny is upset.
PUB Alec has to pound the pavement to book some acts and raise some cash. He's not a happy man. Bet wants a straight answer. She asks what's most important, his bank balance or his loyalty to his clients. This is a tough one for poor Alec!!
WSS Alan has a talk with Martin about his image, he thinks Martin looks unprofessional slogging his tools about in a cardboard box, and wants him to get a proper tool box. Martin goes off grumbling, and Alan compliments Dawn on her appearance, then asks her out for lunch. She wonders why, but says yes once she's established that it's casual.
STREET Ivy has a word with Christine and asks her if she would mind asking Gail to pop around that evening. Mavis and Derek stroll by, talking about another viewing but this time they have no appointment, Derek wants to just squint through the windows!!
PUB Alf and Don are talking about Ivy's interfering ways and as Ivy comes in, Alf beats a hasty retreat. Don says they should let Gail and Brian sort out their problems themselves, Ivy is uncharacteristically agreeable. Alec returns, weary and frustrated but at least he's got back in time to have some of his favourite meal, sausage and mash. He's still very worried about his future.
WSS Alan returns to pick up Dawn for lunch but just as they are leaving, they run into Jenny who is dropping by for a visit. Alan says to Dawn that he'll see her back there at 2 o'clock and she's naturally puzzled by this; he then tells Jenny he'll drive her to school, then he's off to the Rovers to meet Rita for lunch.
PUB Bet forces Alec to write the cheque. She says it's the only way to solve the problem. He suffers! He says the only way to make it up is Wally Simpson's Middle East tour. Bet can't believe it's going to cost him £8,000 ! Alan and Rita are having their dinner, and he is full of criticisms for Dawn's work.
WSS Alan apologises to Dawn about lunch and makes out like he didn't want Jenny to get the wrong idea if she should see them leaving together. He says they'll have lunch another time, she says perhaps not. They have a very awkward conversation. She senses there's something to it, but he is acting as if she's making something of nothing. We know she's right about his real motives; he makes her feel a fool. Martin barges in and Dawn makes good her escape. Alan is annoyed.
HOUSE Gail comes to see Ivy as requested. Ivy gives her some blather about seeing a cute outfit for Sarah Lou but Gail makes her come to the point. Ivy offers to have a word with Brian about the state of their marriage.
PUB Mavis and Derek are bickering about the house they just saw. Derek is loathe to spend the money; he wants to save a larger deposit so they can pay less of a mortgage. Mavis accuses him of simply being nosy, looking at all these properties, in fact he's even looked under the beds!! Audrey is regretting winding Ivy up with her comments on Brian's behaviour. She wants Alf to have a word with Brian, but he refuses.
HOUSE Ivy is still trying to have Gail agree to letting her talk to Brian but Gail tells her to just drop it. Ivy assumes Brian and Gail still have something between them, and is shocked speechless when Gail tells her that she and Brian no longer love each other. Credits.
Written by STEPHEN MALLATRATT Directed by SPENCER CAMPBELL
There's the week for you ! - Cindy
Monday (2909, 13 February 1989)
HOUSE: Mr. Bishop, er Mr. Sugden, welcomes the double glazing man to No3. Vera comes upon them, and comments on the planned home improvements. When told it's double glazing, she makes an arch observation about the heat that he and Emily Twin-Set must generate in there already. He sets her straight -- it's to combat the noise made by the Duckworths, going home from the pub late at night. Vera is mightily insulted by this.
GARAGE: Ivy wants to see Brian, but encounters Curly on a mid-jog break. Brian hasn't shown up yet, and Ivy says she'll wait. Curly keeps running on the spot; he knows there's something up and must have wanted to stay around to find out just what.
HOUSE: Gail and Brian are arguing about how late he arrived home the previous night. Then OH MY GOD! A TINY, SHRUNKEN NICKY! comes in so his dad can fuss over him a bit, before sloping off to work. Nicky complains to his mum that his daddy always seems to be going out lately, at nights too. Out of the mouths of babes, etc.
GARAGE: Brian finally shows up and Curly reluctantly gets on his way. Ivy confronts Brian over his bad behaviour. She wants to know if it's true that he and Gail are leading separate lives. Brian finally admits it isn't much of a marriage but it isn't all his fault. He's tried, but according to Ivy, not hard enough, as evidenced by his going out alone. She pleads with him to do something about it, to think of the children, and leaves in tears.
Now, here, hrrmph. I must object to the insulting manner in which Brian at one point sneers, "What do you want me to do, stop in and knit?!" Many exciting and vibrant people knit, and I include myself in that category (occasionally at least). Less of the denigrating comments please Brian. You don't hear knitters saying, "What do you expect me to do, go out and waste my time and money on clubs and drink?!" because in fact we participate in that world with great pleasure, when we can bear to put down our knitting. Oh, dear, now I've really got carried away....end of rant.
HOUSE: OH MY GOD!! A TINY, SHRUNKEN TRACY!! is planning to be bored for the school holidays, especially when she thinks about her friend Deborah, who's off skiing. Ken needs paper delivery help and Tracey says he doesn't pay them enough money, it should be at least £10. Deirdre suggests Ken try Jason Stubbs, Sandra's son.
GARAGE: Brian has summoned Gail over to ask why she told Ivy about their problems. She admits she gave Ivy the answers to some questions, and refused to lie to her about their situation. Brian is pouting because he thinks Gail has done a hatchet job on him to his mother. She protests, but it's cut short when Mrs. Braithwaite arrives to pick up her car. Gail leaves.
PUB: Curly is telling Shirley and Sally about Ivy at the garage and the tension in the atmosphere. He says Brian & Gail are having problems again, and like ALL problems between men and women, it's due to vive le difference. Men and women just think too differently. Shirley and Sally soon put him straight and when it becomes obvious he can't win this one, he says it's no use discussing it because it's much too metaphysical for them to understand. Vera arrives and tells Jack that the reason for the double glazing at No3 is thay they are too noisy for Emily twin-set. Jack says no, it's the sound of his voice going through the walls late at night -- he figures it must drive Emily sexually crazy. Vera agrees because "nowt else you've got would". Sandra tells Dreary that Ken has gone round to the flat to talk to her Jason.
FLAT: Ken finds his way to the door of a flat and can hear loud noise and music which stops when he knocks. Three lads push their way out and he goes in -- the furniture is all tumbled and lager cans are lying about. Jason Stubbs is there on his own. Ken asks what's going on; Jason says nothing.
PUB: Brian is propping up the bar, Vera is going on at Jack about spending money on drink when they should be saving up for home improvements. She glances sideways at Brian and sotto voce's Jack that there's something up in Ivy's family, maybe Don has started gambling again, or Gail has gotten herself pregnant with another Australian.
FLAT: Ken helps Jason clear up and leaves some papers for him to deliver. He says Jason should be more careful about how he chooses his friends.
GARAGE: Don comes in to apologise to Brian about blabbing to Ivy that he'd seen him alone at the disco; he didn't realise it would cause such a ruck. Bri is feeling sorry for himself because his marriage seems to be slipping away. After he and Gail got back together, everything was fine, he even carried on playing squash because he needed a break once in a while. Gail never complained, no matter how late he was out, and inevitably even though he certainly wasn't looking, birds became a problem, lusting after him and of course, he couldn't avoid helping himself now and then. He can't understand why Gail didn't care -- GIVE YOUR HEAD A SHAKE BRI, SHE DOESN'T CARE. He says he still loves her.
HOUSE: Ken arrives home and tells Dreary about the booze-up he interrupted at the Stubbs flat. Dreary insists Ken should tell Sandra about it, but he doesn't want to interfere.
STREET: Mr. Sugden is making life miserable for the glazier and Emily worries that if the criticisms keep up, they'll be abandoned mid-window. She doubts that his ability to make soup under shell fire would be of any help.
PUB: Ken arrives and breaks the news to Sandra about what Jason had been up to earlier. Sandra is very upset and goes straight home. Vera comes in and makes an announcement to Jack: she's decided that they will have the house stone clad.
FLAT: Sandra arrives home to find WPC Morgan with Jason, making inquiries about what's been going on in the flat when he's left to his own devices all day.
HOUSE: Brian comes home and he and Gail talk, he says he's been thinking all day and perhaps he has been doing too much socializing and should try... Gail interrupts and says she's been thinking too. The way they live is too "messy", too many people are involved and the situation is not working. She wants a divorce. Brian sits down and does his best to act surprised. Credits.
Written by LESLIE DUXBURY Directed by PATRICK
LAU
Sarah Lou Tilsley LYNSAY KING Jason Stubbs PAUL SIMPSON WPC Morgan
JENNY FUNNELL First Youth MARTIN GREENWOOD Second Youth SCOTT
FLETCHER Double Glazing Fitter FRANCIS MIDDLEDITCH Mrs. Braithwaite
JACQUELINE BASQUIL
Tuesday (2910, 15 February 1989)
HOUSE: A pensive Brian is irritable with Nicky, Gail says he can't take it out on the children and they need to act the part of a normal family for the sake of the kids. Brian says it's disgusting for her to break up their family for a second time, for no good reason.
STREET: Vera is on the lookout for the stone cladding workmen but they're a bit late and she's upset. She and Jack have a fishwife-shouting match through the front window, with the front door standing open right beside her!
FLAT: Sandra lays down the law: Jason will not be left in the flat on his own as he can't be trusted to stay out of trouble. She's afraid he'll be taken into care if they aren't more careful.
HOUSE: Tracey and her mate Donna are consulting teen fan magazines, discussing the valentines they will send to the stars. Ken comes in and he and Dreary talk of the general trials of bringing up children, just as a blast of loud music is heard from Tracey's room upstairs; they laugh about it. (I can't help but wonder if the noise can be heard through the walls, as it seems to be such an item of contention with the Battersbys in 1997. But, more about that on Wednesday.)
HOUSE: Gail is confiding in Pauline about her divorce. She is wracked with guilt over the effect on Nicky of breaking up the family again. She knows Brian sees other women because she has rejected him. She also knows that Brian will be torn apart by losing Nicky; she has near hysterics wondering why she ever went back with Brian as by now everyone would have been used to the situation without Brian.
STREET: Mills Bros FINALLY show up at No. 9, to be greeted by a good rollicking from Vera. The workmen are ready to walk, but Vera backs down a bit and tells them to get on. Percy comes by and asks what's being done -- the man winds him up with a tale about infestation by death watch beetle. Percy is horrified by a reference to cyanide, and very nearly runs as he gets away.
PUB: Percy marches in, demanding to know if Jack realizes they could infest the whole street. Jack sets him straight -- it's stone cladding. Ken walks into a storm: Sandra takes a strip off him, up one side and down the other, accusing him of calling the police about her Jason. Ken is speechless, Baldwin is looking on and doesn't need to say anything, his huge grin says it all.
GARAGE: Don offers Brian a sympathetic ear if he needs it. Brian tells him Gail wants a divorce. Don can't understand why they would have married again, what went wrong this time? Brian says Gail has simply decided she is unhappy and no longer wants him. Brian soon talks himself round to deciding that there is no way he'll give up his son, he won't be a visiting father.
STREET: The stone cladding man is on first name terms with Emily Twin-Set! He tries to sweet-talk her into improving her home too, but she recoils from him and scampers away.
HOUSE: Brian is all dressed up for another night out, but he offers to stay home so he and Gail can talk, offers to call Pauline so they can go out. Gail says there's no point, it's all been said. Brian demands to know why she married him again. She says it was entirely due to the pressure put on her by everyone else; she knew immediately after the ceremony that it would never work. She soon realized she needed her own identity, and that they were never right for each other and would never be. Brian says, fine, if she feels that way then SHE should go since it wasn't him complaining. Why should he lose everything for a second time? He calls her a hard, selfish, rotten little bitch for what she's doing to the kids, she's weeping as he slams the door on his way out.
HOUSE: There's a knock at the Barlow's door; it's Sandra come to apologise for screaming at Ken. It turned out that the other two lads got in trouble after leaving the flat and the police got involved that way. Ken makes some tea while Sandra pours her heart out to Dreary.
PUB: Percy complains to Vera about the scaffolding; she turns the insult table around the other way and calls him a doddering old person.
HOUSE: Gail confesses to Pauline that she has become hard and selfish but she's still worried about becoming like her mother, dragging up a family on her own. She does still care for Brian, and she knows she has changed since they married.
CLUB: Brian is in the street with a woman clinging all over him; he leaves her to get a taxi to go back to her place. As he goes out of sight around the corner, she is accosted by three thugs, who push her against the wall with obviously evil intentions. She screams and Brian races back down the narrow alleyway, engaging in a brawl with the men. He lands a few good punches before being pinned against the wall and knifed by one of the three. They flee, the woman screams hysterically, and Brian slumps slowly down to the pavement. The taxi driver rushes to Brian and tells the woman to call an ambulance, quick. Credits.
Written by ADELE ROSE
Pauline Lofthouse JUDY HAWKINS Donna Cox JENNY SIXSMITH Workman
SYDNEY LIVINGSTONE Taxi Driver JOEL DAVID Disco Youth IAN ASPINALL
Disco Girl HELEN SWIFT
Wednesday (2911, 20 February 1989)
We open with a police car pulling up to Gail's house. Pauline is about to leave and sees the police walking up to the door. It's bad news -- an incident outside a disco resulted in Brian being stabbed, and he died on the way to hospital. Gail slumps into a chair -- she's completely shocked -- how will she tell the kids? She asks Pauline to ring her mum, and the WPC suggests she be asked to come round.
PUB: Alec returns in a foul mood, complaining about women drivers. It's been a bad night. One of his acts fell down drunk, right off the stage in the middle of his act and it took the best part of a bottle of scotch to settle down the club owner -- and at those prices!! Then, when he got back home, Audrey Roberts nearly ran him down in her car on her way out somewhere. Bet is trying to settle him down as they go upstairs.
HOUSE: Gail has to go to the hospital and identify Brian; the WPC suggests her mother go with her. Gail suddenly realizes someone has to tell Ivy and Audrey says she has asked Alf to go round to Ivy's house.
HOUSE: Alf breaks the terrible news to Don, Ivy is coming down the stairs expecting to hear that one of the grandchildren is poorly. Don tells Ivy it's Brian, he's dead. Ivy starts wailing, as Alf provides the gory details of the stabbing. Don says she'll never get over this, and wonders how he'll help her, what he can say.
We then see Gail and Audrey in an empty hospital corridor; we know by the look on Gail's face that she has seen that it was indeed Brian.
HOUSE: Gail arives home from the hospital to find Ivy, Alf and Don waiting. Ivy clings on to her as little Nicky suddenly appears, asking what's going on and where his dad is. Gail hugs him to her -- what can any of them say?
STREET: Vera is loudly admiring how "dead exclusive" their house looks, while Alf is breaking the bad news to Sally and Kev. Gail has asked if Kev can keep the garage going. Vera and Jack are next: Alf says Ivy won't be in to work and Vera wants to know what's happened.
HOUSE: Gail is trying to carry on as normal and Audrey wants her to get some rest. She says Gail should really see the doctor for some tranquilizers or something; Gail vehemently refuses to start taking loads of pills. Nicky is doing noisy, active little-boy things and wants to go to the garage. Gail freaks out and begins weeping while Audrey tries to calm Nicky.
PUB: Alec, ever the pragmatist, says life goes on, Gail will manage because she has to -- just like he will. (Is this a pun? "Manage"?) He tells Bet he will call Wally Simpson and see if he can salvage a chance to manage the Middle East tour.
WSS Alan tells Martin to take an early lunch; his philosophy on Brian's death is that it just goes to show that if there's anything you want in life, you should just grab it while you can. Martin leaves and Alan asks Dawn out for a meal. She says she thought he was a married man, and he says that although they were close once, Mrs. Fairclough is just his landlady!!!!! They're both free agents!!!!! And his nose didn't change size one bit!!!!! Dawn asks why then, is he whispering (there's a customer in the shop). He has no answer for this.
SHOP: Rita knows what Gail is and will be going through, and Alf and Sally talk about how everyone is so helpful in times of need. Some doubt is thrown on Kev's job security though. Alf thinks Gail will want to get shut of the garage, but Rita tries to reassure Sally that Kev is a good mechanic and should have no trouble finding a job. But Sally looks concerned. (Sally, at the end of this scene, looked eerily like one Nastily Horrid, for just a brief second. It gave me the shivers.)
STREET: The stone cladding men are enjoying their work to the accompaniment of some extremely loud music played on a tinny portable radio. Percy comes up and complains of the noise, but Jack comes out of the house and tells him to stop upsetting the lads. Percy says there should be some respect shown due to the recent bereavement on the street. The workman is holding a tool threateningly and says there could be another if Percy doesn't push off. The radio goes on again, at full volume.
PUB: Bet takes a call for Alec -- it's Wally Simpson. Alec is jovial and flatters Wally, as Bet stands by watching him grovel. Despite Alec's best efforts, he can't get rid of Bet, she listens to him trying to worm his way back into favour. In the bar, Kev says he has been taking calls all day about Brian, with some inquiries as to whether the garage is for sale. Baldwin's antennae start to wiggle when he hears this, and he asks if the garage will be sold. There is a general discussion amongst the bar proppers about how rough discos are. Percy says it's because of what they call "music" which is actually just noise that ends up scrambling the brains of the young and making them violent. "Boogie-woogie acid rock," I think he said. He dares anyone to tell him he's wrong, stating: "We didn't come dashing out of George Formby concerts fighting and stabbing each other!" Of course, no one can say he's wrong.
HOUSE: Audrey and Gail have a drink, Nicky is still asking after his daddy. Gail tries to decide how to tell him, she thinks maybe tomorrow. They discuss the funeral arrangements and Gail says she'll not allow Ivy to make it into a big Catholic event.
HOUSE: Vera is comforting Ivy, who has spent the day praying but can't understand why it hasn't helped. She becomes upset when Don tells her Alf is taking care of the funeral arrangements, she wants it done right (i.e. HER way) with Brian buried next to his father after a proper Requiem mass.
PUB: Alec hasn't had any luck with Wally Simpson and Bet wonders why, since they were supposedly such good friends. Alec says, oh yes, they're very close but Wally's a slimy beggar! Bet figures she has nicer enemies than Alec has friends. Alf is talking to Alan and Rita; Alan asks if there is any word on whether the lad who stabbed Brian has been caught by the police. Sandra arrives in a state and Bet takes her a drink to calm her down. The social worker has been around at the flat, asking questions, and Sandra is starting to panic. She thinks they want to take Jason away from her.
Credits
Written by JOHN STEVENSON Directed by SARAH
HARDING
WPC BRENDA CHAPMAN
Thursday (2912, 22 February 1989)
SHOP: Don comes in to talk with Alf about Brian's funeral arangements -- he says Ivy's set her heart on the full Catholic ceremony. Alf says it's up to Gail, and Don will have to go and see her.
STREET: Emily and Percy are discussing the new stone cladding from across the street. As Baldwin approaches, Percy asks what he thinks of "that eyesore", just as Vera comes out of the house! Of course, Baldwin must make a crack. Vera comes over and Percy tells her outright -- it's a monstrosity and she should try to get her money back. Vera is outraged at his cheek. She tells Percy to take his lollipop sign and go play in the traffic, or words to that effect.
PUB: They've apparently caught the thug who stabbed Brian and Jack et al are discussing the ubiquity of knives these days. Alec takes a phone call from Wally Simpson, who tells him it's still on, but the catch is, he'd have to leave on short notice. Sandra tells Bet she has an appointment with the social worker. She's becoming paranoid and Bet tries to reassure her. Alec comes steaming into the bar; after all his humming and hawing, the plane leaves at 5 o'clock TODAY from Ringway!!!!! Alec says he just can't drop everything and leave all his responsibilities on such short notice but Bet gathers "the team" round and asks if they will help manage without Alec for the next few weeks. Of course everyone says yes, and Alec isn't too thrilled with how eager Jack is to see the back of him. Bet starts organizing the packing.
HOUSE: Gail sends Audrey out shopping just as Don arrives. He's there to plead Ivy's case for a proper Catholic funeral for Brian. Gail says Brian was HER husband, and will be buried as such, from HER house. The answer to Ivy, is NO.
PUB: Bet is rushing around getting things together. In the bar, Mike asks Kev about the garage and says Kev should borrow the money if he doesn't have it, and buy the business. Alec checks that Betty will help Bet while he's gone. Jack jumps right in and says he'd be happy to stay on at nights if needed. Alec tells him he wouldn't feel a bit safe with the idea of Jack locked up in a pub all night with his wife -- Jack is to make sure he gets home of a night, to "that miniature Transylvanian castle" he's had constructed. Everyone kids Jack about the house, no one will say what they really think. Alan and Rita arrive, he tells her he has to see someone that evening about a big job, so he won't be home until late. She's not to worry, he'll pick up something to eat when he's out. More to and fro in the back -- Bet has packed every little thing, from foot powder to a mini pharmacy of various tablets.
HOUSE: Don comes home and tells Ivy of Gail's decision but Ivy simply can't believe Gail would refuse outright. She won't settle for Don's word, she decides to go and confront Gail. Don tells her they must respect Gail's rights. But it finally comes out: Ivy says it was Gail who killed Brian by sending him out alone every night! The blame is hers.
OFFICE: Sandra is being asked pointed questions about her work and living arrangements. She's told it's against the law to leave Jason alone in the evening. She's not to continue working at the pub. The social worker is sympathetic but she must look out for Jason's safety and well-being.
PUB: The bags are being carried out and Bet sees Alec off. Jack calls after him, not to rush back, to get to like it, to stop a couple of years. Betty warns him not to let Bet hear him talk like that, and asks how he would feel if it were his wife going off -- oops -- never mind, she says. Jack says it would be wonderful if Vera went to the Middle East for a couple of months, he's always said she'd look better with her face covered up. Bet comes back in, and goes into the back; Betty says she must be upset.
WSS: Alan sends Martin out to have the car washed, it's an excuse to be alone with Dawn. He asks her if she'd like more responsibility, but they'd need to have a long session to talk it over and the days are too busy. She suggests lunch time and he asks her what she's doing that night.
PUB: Bet is putting on a happy face and Jack comments that she's soon got over Alec going. Betty says he doesn't understand women, Bet is upset and it's all for show. Jack says women should come with a book of instructions. Vera comes in and declares that their house looks distinguished and everyone else should be thanking them for improving the view! Sandra arrives with bad news -- she's leaving, not only her job but Weatherfield. She'll take Jason to live at her mum's until she can sort something permanent. She then shouts at Alf because the lads bought the ale at his shop, and blames him for her present trouble.
RESTAURANT: Alan and Dawn are at dinner and he comments that it's an out-of-the-way place and that Martin isn't likely to come barging in. He says, anyway, they should forget about work. She says she thought that's why they had come. He says of course, but it's also so they can get to know one another better. Then, who should arrive for a drink but Mike Baldwin! He sees the two of them with glasses raised and goes over to say hello. Alan is paralysed and obviously bothered that they've been seen. Dawn says she's starting to think she shouldn't have come. She is very uncomfortable.
HOUSE: Ivy has arrived at Gail's house and comes straight out: she wants Brian buried next to his father, as a Catholic. Gail says Brian didn't live as a Catholic, and he is to be buried from her house, as her husband. Ivy cuts right to the point, saying Gail didn't treat him as her husband while alive, and that if she didn't send him out none of this would have happened. Ivy is shocked when Gail tells her he had been seeing other women, but Ivy says Gail is just trying to make Brian look bad. Gail says she should check the police witness statements if she doesn't believe her. Ivy defends Brian and Gail says she should get out; Ivy replies that she won't ever come back. But Gail observes that she should be coming back, shouldn't she? For the funeral.
Credits.
Written by PETER WHALLEY Directed by SARAH
HARDING
Mrs Lambert JENNY HOWE
Friday (2913, 27 February 1989)
STREET/HOUSE: Don is cleaning the car in preparation for the funeral, and goes inside to find Ivy still in a state over the fact that her Brian won't have the blessing of the church for his funeral. She can't be reasoned with but Don tries to make her see that she must go along with it, for Brian's sake.
HOUSE: Gail, Alf and Audrey are getting ready and observe that Ivy is cutting it very close. Gail isn't sure she'll even come. Suddenly, a knock at the door (of course we expect it to be Ivy). It's the undertaker, and it's time to go. Gail goes out and as she makes her way to the car, the wind blows her hair in a spooky veil over her face. (Was this good direction, or just a fortunate coincidence? Very effective, in any case.)
WSS: Martin is teasing Dawn about whether there is something going on between she and Alan. He says he doesn't want to see her make a fool of herself. Alan arrives from a busy morning and calls Rita to meet for lunch. He ignores Dawn completely and she makes a joking comment to Martin about his total lack of interest.
CHURCH: There aren't many at Brian's funeral; Ivy is sitting stone-faced. Gail sits with Nicky, listening to the minister and we can see that she is feeling a bit hypocritical in view of the description the minister is giving of Brian's family life. Nicky pipes up, "They're talking about my dad, aren't they?" (I can't believe Gail has taken him to the funeral without explaining! That is just plain weird.)
PUB: While Rita is sat at a table waiting, Mike comes in, greeting Alan, "Hello stranger, it seems you've been avoiding me." Alan is flustered, but the male bonding "nod-and-a-wink" ritual takes place, and he is reassured that his little secret rendezvous with Dawn will not be disclosed by Mike. As they eat lunch, Rita asks Alan what happened with the client he wined and dined last week. The lying sod says that was one that got away, and when Rita says it's too bad he wasted his time, he says personal contact is never wasted, now eat your dinner! Careful observation revealed to me that he seemed to actually be enjoying pushing the lie to its limit, saying things with double meanings.
CEMETERY: Ivy looks about to collapse with grief as they stand by Brian's grave. Gail looks tragic, gazing heavenward. Nicky just looks puzzled as he looks down into the hole in the ground. (I still say it's kind of sick that he hasn't been told.)
WSS: Alan is booking an appointment for an estimate for an old friend who is starting a business and needs a quote for a large warehouse, near Preston. Dawn is making tea as he tells her about it, and he stands behind her leering at her backside. Ugh, hard to watch.
CEMETERY: Everyone is leaving, and Don assumes they'll go to Gail's house with the rest. Ivy says there's no way she'll go; Don says she must try to make her peace with Gail. She says if it weren't for the way Gail treated him, Brian would still be there. Don tries to make her see sense, but she's full of hate.
WSS: Alan tells Dawn he wants to get something straight. He doesn't want her to get the wrong impression, seeing as he hadn't asked her out again after their dinner, when Mike Baldwin bumped into them. He wants her to know that just because she didn't jump straight into bed with him, doesn't mean he isn't interested any more, in fact, he respects her more for it. She can't believe what she's hearing. He says he doesn't want to spoil the nice relationship they have going. She says it's strictly, purely business -- even calls him "Mr. Bradley" -- and he takes her by the shoulders and says he thinks he can help her change her mind. He then walks away; she is dumbfounded.
HOUSE: Audrey is carping about Ivy, or the lack of, and Gail says she doesn't care about Ivy, she's more concerned with the people who have stood by her. The caring and concern expressed by Sally, Kev and Phyllis are touching, but Gail has to turn away when Phyllis says Gail knows what a good man Brian was, or she wouldn't have married him again. Then Ivy arrives (very much against her will - Don has talked her into it) and as she enters the room, Gail turns her back.
KABIN: Ken, Mavis and Rita discuss Ivy's tough life, with losing both her husband and son in tragic circumstances; Rita is reminded of the losses she's suffered.
HOUSE: Ivy steadfastly refuses to have a cup of tea as she sits with set face and stony stare. Alf is trying to make conversation, saying how he thought it was a nice service, but Ivy isn't having any. She bad-mouths the entire day. She then has another go at Gail about what a lovely bloke her son was, and how at least SHE has a clear conscience. The door slams as she and Don depart.
PUB: Alan and Rita are discussing the big job in Preston -- he plans to stay overnight and she says, "But it's only a half-hour up the motorway". But he says he and his old mate will likely make a night of it. Rita says good, this might make up for his disappointment over the other job -- but he can't remember which job she's talking about and she has to remind him about the one that got away last week. He covers up; are his eyes getting closer together? Meanwhile, Derek tells Mavis that he wants to have an intimate little dinner party to impress his boss, with a very select guest list. Mavis reminds him that they can only have six, because they only have six chairs. They finally decide that Ken and Dreary will be socially acceptable to have at table with such important guests and his boss and the office manager.
HOUSE: Everyone is gone; Gail is angst-ridden, she has realised that today would have been their one-year wedding anniversary. It was twelve months to the day since she and Brian married the second time. She weeps at the irony of it, "til death us do part".
HOUSE: Ivy can't rest knowing Brian hasn't been properly buried, and she's extremely bitter. She'll never forgive Gail, in fact as far as she's concerned Gail is dead too.
Credits.
Written by BARRY HILL
Undertaker JIM MARSH Minister SIMON MALLOY
Monday (2914, 1 March 1989)
Oh, oh. Alan Bradley's done it now! He's been scratching at
Dawn's skirts trying to get her alone, dinners and lunches out
and getting Martin to clear off. He's even trying to talk Dawn
into going on an overnight business trip to Preston with him but
Dawn in maintaining an elegant dignity and holding him at arm's
length through most of it. Well he started drinking at lunch which
... er... alarmed her (sorry! couldn't resist, Alan B's in the
security business for those of you unfamiliar). By the end of
the day he's trashed and starts really coming after poor Dawn
but she gets away from him with a sharp elbow to the ribs. Good
girl!
Ivy is finally emerging from isolation and on a mission. Seems she needs to talk to her priest about her bad feelings towards Gail but the priest gives great words of comfort (What would Brian want?) and offers to say a mass for him. Ivy sees the light and goes to apologise to Gail for all the nasty things she has said since Brian died. They make up and Ivy speculates on all the lovely things they have to look forward to. ..... yeah right. Isn't hindsight great?
In other business, poor Derek (he hasn't morphed into Dirk yet, you know) is having difficulty getting dinner guests. First his boss DP and then boss's Number 2, Good Old Ray both realize they have prior engagements so the single Arthur, the chief accountant is next on the roster so Mave has to come up with another female to balance the table along with Ken and Deirdre who are invited. Mavis wonders at the seemingly low opinion Derek's firm has of him. Bet and Betty are coping with a staffing problem at the bar since Alec is out of town and Sandra Stubbs has to spend more time at home with Jason so I think there will be a new barmaid in the offing soon. Maybe this is Tina? Remember her? I liked Tina, me.
Curly is waxing on about vacations being more stress than relaxation so Sal reckons they must be the happiest people in Weatherfield (she's moaning that Kev is working long hours at the garage). Shirley would much rather be stressed at the beach than here working at Baldwins! My thoughts exactly.
Diane
Tuesday (2915, 6 March 1989)
Writer ADELE ROSE Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Garage: Kev is managing on his own but customers are calling and complaining and Kev is getting cranky from the stress. A man comes in to the garage, asks a few questions and says he's waiting for Gail who comes in shortly. This is Mr. Casey and he and Gail are negotiating a price for the garage. Kev is a little put out that Gail didn't tell him first and thinks Casey is on the slimey side. After he leaves, Kev complains to Gail that she never even thought to offer it to him though after being asked, he admits he wouldn't have been able to buy it anyway. He looks rather pessimistic at the whole thought of a new boss.
Weatherfield Security: Dawn hasn't come it yet and Alan puts off Martin's questions and innuendos as to what happened after the shop closed the night before, figuring the two of them might have continued the party. Alan is cranky and hungover and short with Martin (though really, given Martin's stature, that should be the other way around, don't you think?) Dawn waltzes into the shop around noon with a mate, Lynn, in case she needs a witness but then proceeds to talk to Alan in the office behind a closed door anyway. Duh. She accuses him of attempted rape and he says he just got drunk and made a pass. She calls him a lying scheming sod and a bastard and he twists her words and tells him since she willingly went to dinner with him and a night club with Mike Baldwin as a witness, she'll have a hard time convincing a tribunal that she naively thought it was just to discuss business and it's her word against his. She leaves telling him he hasn't heard the last of this. He needs to be stopped. Alan then puts it to Martin that he sacked her and she didn't take it well. Martin is mystified as he though Dawn was competent.
Mavis is still in the throes of organizing the dinner party with Derek's colleague, chief accountant Arthur and she leaves a note through Emily's door inviting her. Emily and Percy later discuss their unfortunate luck at not having children and Percy shows her the note, making a comment that he hoped Mavis' cuisine won't be as garlicky as her canapes at Christmas were. Emily isn't sure he is invited but the note doesn't specify. Surely Mavis wouldn't invite a single woman unescorted! Emily later confirms with Mavis that Percy is not invited and hopes Mavis isn't trying to set her up. She is then quite insulted that Mavis is ONLY trying to make up the even numbers! After she leaves Mavis sighs in exasperation to Rita and sputters on about how middle aged single women should be grateful someone asks them out now and then, they can be so touchy! Now here i must interject with a sarky comment about Mavis, 3 or 4 months married in middle age, now behaving as if she were never single at all! Emily lets Percy down easy though it was a sad sight seeing the old man's head bowed in disappointment over highly spitshined shoes.
Jenny is preparing for her 18th birthday party and showing off a gold locket Rita and Alan have given her. Mike gives her a bit of money to splash out on herself and comments that more women should be socially conscious, saving blokes like him a few bob spent on furs and fancy French perfume! Mavis disapproves of Mike being invited to a party for 18 year old girls. I'l Bet Mike doesn't! Sally has bought a sexy dress to compete with these girls though she can't be that much older herself! Ken finally tells Deirdre about the dinner party tomorrow that Mavis told him about last week! At this point they think Percy is invited and hope he gets laryngitis. Deirdre wishes Ken had thought faster on his feet and claimed a "prior engagement".
Don brings Gail in to the Rovers for a drink and Sal pushes Kev to talk to Gail about the garage after moaning on endlessly about the possible new management which he's been doing all day and has already put Sal off her Shephard's Pie at dinnertime! Kev offers Gail 20 grand for the garage but she counters with Casey's higher offer (sounded to me like she said 18 and a half cash so I must have been a bit fuzzy on that). She gives Kev 24 hours to match it but doesn't think Kev will have to worry about still having a job at the garage.
Alan makes sure he tells Rita that he had to sack Dawn and she later confronts Rita about her "lodger" but Mavis interrupts before Rita can persue that avenue of thought. Dawn accuses Alan of attacking her but of course Rita defends and stands by her man. Dawn thought she had been pretty savvy and could handle Alan though she figured he was a womanizer but she was wrong. Rita thinks Dawn is a woman scorned and tells her to "get on yer bike, Ladeh!" but Dawn makes sure Rita knows Alan has been getting regular correspondence for Leonard Fairclough though Alan doesn't know Dawn has seen the post. Rita looks a bit taken aback. I'm sure the confrontation will have Alan dancing a jig to squirm out of this one!
Writer ADELE ROSE Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Lynn Nelson SIOBHAN FOGARTY Tom Casey EDWARD CLAYTON Joanne Cresswell
JOANNE SIDWELL
Diane
Wednesday (2916, 8 March 1989)
KABIN: Martin is in for a paper and Rita casually asks him why Alan sacked Dawn. Martin doesn't know anything, he just works there. Rita is suspicious.
FLAT: Derek is chipper, he is after all, seen as one of the fittest men in the office, but Mavis is nervous about the upcoming party that evening. Now that Derek's boss and the 3rd in command won't be there, she doesn't see the point of going to all that trouble. Derek insists it isn't being done to impress anyone, although Arthur, the Chief Accountant, will attend. Derek hopes Emily is up to the demands of such a highbrow social evening and Mavis says sarcastically that perhaps she could take lessons that afternoon. This goes right over Derek's head as he sits down to his cornflakes.
GARAGE: Sally pops in to ask Kev if he's called the bank manager yet but he's been too busy. Over his strenuous objections, she phones the bank herself.
KABIN: Alan comes in to find Rita, to say he might be late on account of work. Seeing he's lost Dawn, Martin can't help him because someone has to stay by and mind the shop. Rita offers to help but Alan fobs her off. He kisses her cheek good-by; she looks frozen.
FLAT: Rita comes upstairs, finding Mavis with a sudden attack of menu doubt looking through cookery books trying to find something more refined than chicken, perhaps individual quails would better suit the calibre of their special guest? She's all fluttered; this is made even worse when Rita announces Mavis will need to cover for an hour or two while she pops over to the shop to help Alan. Mavis is left sputtering about not having enough time, looking about for a place to have her kittens.
PUB: Percy goes on at Mike about smoking seeing as this is National No Smoking Day. Mike takes the stogie out of his face long enough to tell Percy lots of people enjoy smoking. Percy say's he's killing himself, then has a go at Bet about the filthy habit and says she should quit. She says then, she will. Mike bets Percy a quid that she won't; Percy says he's on as he'll take the word of a lady who has made a promise. Of course, Mike says Bet is no lady! Betty complains about being run off her feet; Bet has a candidate coming in at closing time for an interview and says it's all in hand.
WSS: Martin is surprised to see Rita arrive. She tells him she is his "relief" and sends him off to help Alan. As soon as he's out the door, she's into the office, searching the desk. One drawer is locked and she goes to Alan's briefcase, finding the keys.
JOB SITE: Martin arrives to say Rita turned up to take over in the shop. Alan clambers down the ladder and says he's got an errand to run, then burns rubber as he tears off in the car.
WSS: Rita has found THE file containing the mortgage documents. She stares in shock, then hears a loud car engine and a horn honking. Quickly, all the papers and files are gathered up and stuffed away and she locks the drawer, replaces the keys and is standing casually by the counter out front as Alan bursts in trying to hide his panic. He makes some excuse about needing a wiring diagram from his briefcase, and he heaves a sigh of relief when he finds his keys in it. He makes nervous conversation about the wobbler Mavis must be having, what with Rita there, and then leaves her saying he'll be back about 2 o'clock. She's in shock, but hiding it, he once again kisses her on the cheek and leaves. She looks sick.
KABIN: Emily comes in to check the time for the party and Mavis is frantic because Rita is still gone and she hasn't yet started preparations for the party. Emily tries to reassure her, as it isn't even lunch time yet, but Mavis says Emily can't have any idea how difficult it is to stage a dinner party for six, but of course, Emily does and tries to point this out. Mavis is on about the menu again and Emily says that with a name like "Arthur", the gentleman can't possibly be very grand. The Mave says he had better be "oozing authority" considering all the trouble she's going to, or she'll brain Derek. (Her words exactly, honest!)
PUB: It's nearly closing time and Betty isn't impressed that the job candidate hasn't yet arrived. Finally, Maureen Talbot comes in and when she tells Jack what she's there for, he tells her that the "real" landlord is away but he's only the landlord in name; it's actually Jack who keeps the wheels turning. Bet comes to fetch Ms. Talbot.
GARAGE: Gail arrives to see if Kev has been able to raise the money to buy the garage, and of course he says he'll need more time. She senses his reluctance and asks if he would be very bothered (commit suicide, I think she asked -- macabre choice of words, I'd say) if she ended up selling to Tom Casey. Kev doesn't really say much and Gail takes it that he's all right with the idea of having a boss. Mr. Casey is a used car dealer, among other things.
FLAT: Derek is full of compliments for Mavis' lovely preparations and picks up a wine glass he doesn't remember seeing before. She says it's because she bought new ones, at £10 each. Derek nearly drops the glass when she tells him, and she adds that their little soiree didn't leave much change of £100. Derek is shocked. Mavis is flustered. The bell rings and Derek ushers in their guests. Emily, Ken and Dreary arrive, closely followed by an unassuming-looking Arthur Dabner. Mavis is like a plucked hen and is holding everyone's coats as Arthur presents skimpy flowers and a chubby bottle of wine(?) to her, leaving her struggling to get a hand free to greet him. The other three stand by trying to keep straight faces.
PUB: Percy owes Mike a quid, as Bet has a major cigarette hanging from her face. He's disappointed in her because she has broken a promise about quitting smoking. He and Mike discuss the general tendencies of the population in seeking pleasure instead of clean living. Sally is not happy with Kev over the garage deal, she thinks he isn't really trying and doesn't believe he really did ask Gail for more time. Alan, Rita and Jenny come in and Jenny says Rita has been very quiet but Rita says she's fine. They sit at a table and Rita watches Alan stood at the bar, chatting and laughing.
FLAT: Ken congratulates Mavis on a marvellous dinner; Dreary wants the recipe for the raspberry pavlova. Derek is having trouble offering said pavlova in edgewise between Arthur and Emily, who are getting on famously, much to Derek's consternation. Arthur declines pavlova, and then cheese too. Derek is getting desperate and Mavis suggests getting the coffee. Once in the kitchen Mavis complains about Emily's monopolizing Arthur -- Derek is sure he must be bored out of his mind. Derek emerges from the kitchen and asks where Arthur has gone. Emily gestures vaguely and Derek understands, he then comments that he hopes she hasn't driven Arthur to seek refuge. (Derek, master of tactlessness, we do miss you in 1997!) Mavis comes over to Emily with the coffee pot and observes that she is getting along well with Arthur; Emily says she is surprised by one thing: Arthur isn't the Chief Accountant at all, he's just an accountant and in fact only recently promoted to the position from wages clerk. Mavis is not pleased with this revelation and Derek senses from across the room that something is amiss. Emily goes further to say that in fact, Arthur has invited her out for a meal. Mavis' reaction prompts Emily to ask if anything is wrong. Mavis replies, "Oh no Emily, no. I just love working myself into a state of physical and nervous exhaustion for absolutely no purpose but to provide you with an opportunity to pick up a man!" The room is silent, everyone is watching as she stomps out of the room; Ken and Deirdre are doing their best not to laugh; Derek looks mortified.
PUB: Rita is knocking them back, she's on her third drink, observes Jenny. Rita says sometimes booze has no effect. Alan and Jenny chat about her 18th birthday party, as Rita keeps sipping. Jenny wants to know what she plans to wear, but Rita says she hasn't given it much thought. Jenny is sure she'll be dead glamourous; Rita says she'll see, as she drains the glass.
This episode was a good reminder of the excellent abilities of Barbara Knox; she looked white, pensive, sick at heart and sad throughout. Truly believable drama, IMHO.
Credits
Written by LESLIE DUXBURY Directed by SPENCER
CAMPBELL
Woman Customer MANDY MONTGOMERY Arthur Dabner MICHAEL SHEARD Maureen
Talbot RACHEL LAURENCE
Cindy
Thursday (2917, 13 March 1989)
Such goings on! It really hit the fan now. Of course that was in poor taste really considering the outcome of today's episode. sorry. It's the day of Jenny's 18th birthday party which she is co-hosting with her pal Joanne Cresswell, also a newly minted 18 year old. This morning brings last minute preparations and to-do lists scripted by a very quiet Rita. She'll be on another fact finding mission before long, I don't doubt.
Percy Sugden has definite reservations about this "pest" Arthur Dabney who called early in the morning to fix a lunch date with Emily. He later makes enquiries at the shop and though Mavis and Deirdre both said Arthur was very nice if a bit boring, Percy fears he's a gigolo out to harm Mrs. Bishop. Percy wants to have a quiet word or two with him but Emily sharply tells him it isn't his place even if he's only out for her own good.
Back at the shop, Mrs. Cresswell is asking after Rita since she wasn't at home to confirm some of the arrangements for the party. Mavis is a bit concerned as she has just spoken to Rita 10 minutes ago but Deirdre guesses Rita might be in the shower.
Over at the garage, Tom Casey tells Kevin he's bought the place and offers Kevin position of garage foreman and to let him know by the end of the week if he wants it. Kevin, however doesn't seem to clue in that he's just been asked to stay on adn questions Tom about an agreement with Gail that he would be kept on. Casey says he could also have a job elsewhere in the Casey Empire though he could end up finding himself in a garage that only fixes tires all day. Kevin takes this as a threat and every time we see him the rest of the day he's grousing about the new boss and the uncertain job security. Curly suggests Kev hide the service book containing full notes about all the customers' cars so that Casey will have to keep him on to pick his brain. (That must have been what happened because from a 1997 perspective regarding Kevin's activities of this year, he hasn't much brain left and what there is has shifted location considerably!!) I never realized Kevin was such a misery-guts all these years but more and more my memories tell me that was true. Always complaining about something. *sigh*
Bet is interviewing a new girl for the position of barmaid and guess what! It's Tina Hobely! I always liked her. Blonde, buxom and full of spirit. Well the spirit part is what i always liked (I'm still anxiously awaiting Charlie Whelan's appearance!). Tina has had a varied career, "I like a change, me" she tells Bet who warns her that the job, should she be the successful candidate, is hard and Jack is somewhat of a sex maniac. Tina looks a Jack who is leering over the bar and bursts out into laughter. Looks like this might be the one! (well I know this is the one! Isn't hindsight fun?)
Rita's mission was to go to the Building Society to find out about the bank's procedures for loan applications. She is told they always keep the original deed if the property is held as security against a loan. Rita becomes very upset and informs the teller that any liar can obviously get money there as they lent "her husband" £15,000 against her house but her husband is dead! The clerk is rather concerned as Rita flounces out of the bank. She later checks the papers kept in a tin box and realizes the deed there is the photocopy and now has the last piece of the puzzle.
Later everyone is dressing for the party though Alan is late. I must say Jenny looks smashing in her dress with the blue taffeta skirt and her hair up. Fashion award for this episode, definitely. She goes off with Martin as Alan arrives and Rita promises they will be there shortly.
Only Alan sees she has the photocopied deed and knows she's found him out. She plans to sort it out tomorrow as not to ruin Jenny's party but they end up into it anyway. Dawn sussed her to the Len Fairclough scam and though she wasn't surprised at Alan's treatment of Dawn she was upset at this latest deceit. At the party Mrs. Cresswell worries that Rita and Alan aren't there yet and Mr. Cresswell will have to make the announcements. Well he's had a few drinks and nobody will want to hear his jokes. Jenny promises to ring home in 10 or 15 minutes to check.
Back at the house Alan defends his need for money but Rita doesn't like that he used her and used her house and stole Len's name to get it. She could have lost the house! Name calling begins as she tells Alan he's a liar, manipulator, cheater, plotter and he committed fraud. He's pretty cavalier about it, big deal so he got caught! He'll give the money back and she can keep her stupid little house. His obvious contempt for her turns to rage when he finds out she told the bank on him and he attacks her just as Rita has picked up the ringing phone, promising his games are over. He hits her and tries to kill her by choking her. Jenny and Martin race home because Jenny heard the attack, not knowing it was Alan who did it. They arrive to find Alan holding a cushion over an unconscious Rita's face. He escapes and nearly runs Martin down as he speeds down the street. Jenny sobs over Rita and Martin calls an ambulance.
Wow, exciting stuff! This is just about where I came in watching the show all those years ago. I remember Alf visiting Rita at Number 7 after she was home from hospital sporting a multi coloured face! Stay tuned....
Writer TONY PERRIN Director SARA HARDING
Arthur Dabney MICHAEL SHEARD Mrs Cresswell LOTTIE WARD Tina Hobely
MICHELLE HOLMES Alison Whitworth CHRISTINE ANDERSON
Diane
Friday (2918, 15 March 1989)
STREET: Police and ambulance are on the scene and a crowd is gathering outside No7. Jenny is frantic to go with Rita in the ambulance, and Martin says he'll take her, but the police say they need to have some questions answered about what happened. Martin goes over it AGAIN impatiently, they came home to see why Alan and Rita hadn't turned up at the party, to find Alan with a cushion over Rita's head and trying to choke her. The WPC takes a sobbing Jenny and a protesting Martin into the house. Percy feels it is his duty to find out what happened and asks a policeman, but doesn't get any satisfaction even though he points out that he isn't just asking out of idle curiosity.
PUB: Jack was hoping the ambulance was outside No9 instead of No7! Betty comes back and tells what little she knows, and says she's left Percy cross-examining the police. Then Percy comes through the door complaining that police today aren't taught how to treat responsible citizens. He obviously didn't get very far. Speculation continues; Bet just wants to know if Rita is okay.
We next see Alan sat in the car watching the hospital. He sees Jenny and Martin tear up and run inside, then he drives off.
HOSPITAL: Rita's face is a mess; she's lying in bed and looks seriously beat up. A Detective Constable is trying to ask Rita where Alan might go for refuge -- friends, etc. The nurse says she'll go and get Rita's daughter while the DC leaves to go and ask further questions of Martin. In the hallway, Martin and Jenny are talking and she insists that Alan would never have killed Rita because he's not like that. The detective questions Martin again while Jenny goes in to see Rita. When she arrives at the room, she is shocked by Rita's injuries. The detective is trying to build a picture of Alan's crimes, and he thinks Martin might be trying to cover for Alan, but Martin says he knows nothing.
Next morning, Alan awakes in the back seat of the car and the impact of what he has done washes over him. He knows he's in trouble.
KABIN: Jenny's friend Joanne is complaining to Mavis about Jenny running out on the party. Mavis finally gets a word in edgewise and tells her that Rita had some kind of an accident and was taken to hospital. Joanne is embarassed and apologises and Dreary arrives as she is leaving. Dreary says the rumour going round is that it wasn't an accident, it was Alan. Mavis says Martin rang from the hospital and told her, and if they hadn't arrived back home, Rita would have been dead.
HOUSE: Martin finally wakes Jenny with his knocking at the door; he's come to see if she wants a ride to school. But she isn't going to school, and he isn't going to work for obvious reasons. Martin tries to tell Jenny more details about what her father had been up to, but the girl is in denial and refuses to believe that Alan would actually have killed Rita. She is convinced that he didn't know what he was doing.
PUB: Bet is interviewing another candidate, Veronica, who has the personality of an earthworm. Jack is talking to Betty, trying to make a case for Tina but Betty says there's no way Bet would hire her -- too much competition behind the bar. Betty says she'll buy Jack a raincoat if Tina is hired. (I didn't get the significance of this -- raincoat?? Is this some sort of tradition I don't know about?? Oh come on, OTHER than the obvious old man/young girl/raincoat...really now.)
We then see Alan heading back to the car eating (actually wolfing down) something. He rounds a corner and quickly draws back to hide -- there is a policeman taking down the license number of the car. Alan draws his coat up around his face and quickly walks down the street the other way.
PUB: Speculation is rampant, they're all wondering if Alan will return and are nervous with him still on the loose. Martin comes in and Bet gets him a pint on the house to help loosen his tongue but just as she's getting the story, she's interrupted by Jack tugging at her dress sleeve. (Could there possibly be ANYTHING more annoying than someone tugging at one's dress sleeve? I think not.) Bet rounds on Jack to see what he wants, he asks if she wants a male point of view to assist her in hiring the best candidate for the bar job. She tells him that everyone she has talked to so far sees him as an aging sex maniac, and he is quite puffed out and pleased with himself at this compliment! Martin takes his pint to sit with Sally, Kevin and Shirley, who ask how Jenny is coping. Martin says she's resting; the conversation turns to his job -- or lack thereof -- it's out the window now. Kev, ever the eager whinger, takes this opportunity to jump right on the commiseration trolley and moans a bit more about his own situation, implying that he too, might lose his job. Sally says he's talking rubbish. Emily has come in for a sweet sherry and Jack asks leading questions about her new boyfriend, as Percy has been telling him all about it. She gets very insulted, saying she does not have BOYFRIENDS and anyway it is nobody's business.
KABIN: Curly is trying his best to fight his way through the fog remaining from last night's party -- he was blotto and can't get the right money together for Mavis. He is in rough shape, reckons it's wine poisoning. Mavis makes some reference to Jenny's party being totally ruined, and Curly immediately thinks it's something he did. Then when Mavis says Mrs. Fairclough is still in hospital he is appalled, and says he's sure he didn't dance with her. Mavis says no, it was nothing to do with him, but the police are still looking for Alan Bradley. Curly wonders how long he's been asleep.
HOUSE: Percy arrives triumphantly announcing what he's heard about Rita. Emily has been waiting; she puts her knitting aside in a very vibrant, exciting, decisive way and tells him this gossip must stop. He insists it isn't gossip -- he's had it right from an unimpeachable source that Mr. Bradley threw Mrs. Fairclough down the stairs. Emily says the gossip about herself must stop. Percy is indignant and wants to know who is gossiping -- he'll sort him out for her. She tells him Jack has been on at her about her "boyfriend", and he isn't her boyfriend. Percy says he's glad to hear it and denies discussing her private business in licensed premises. He launches into a story about when he was in Cairo...she interrupts and says she will not have her private affairs discussed in the Rovers. Percy leaves immediately to mark Duckworth's card for him! Emily is totally exasperated.
HOSPITAL: Jenny is at Rita's bedside with Rita full of apologies for missing the party, and thanking Jenny, for if they hadn't come home just in time... Jenny is still trying to deny that Alan would try to kill Rita but Rita says she is sure that's exactly what he was trying to do. Jenny starts to cry; she thought they had everything and were so happy. Mavis arrives to visit and reassures Rita that she'll keep the Kabin going and she isn't to worry about anything. Rita says she's worried about Jenny being home alone and Mavis (student of the grand master of tactlessness) says yes, with Alan still...oops. Jenny rushes to her father's defense, saying he'd never hurt her.
We next see Bradley in a phone box in the rain but there is obviously no reply to the number he is calling.
PUB: Bet introduces the new barmaid, and it's Tina, a dishy blonde. Jack is on cloud nine, in seventh heaven etc. He welcomes Tina with a lingering handshake and says she'll be very happy there. Bet adds that yes, they are one big, happy family. Betty is the motherly type and Jack is old enough to be her father. Betty and Jack are surprised at Bet's choice, and Betty says she owes Jack a raincoat. He says he'll settle for her knitting a balaclava, because Vera would look good in one, especially turned back to front! In the bar, Tom Casey comes in to find Kevin and tell him he plans to bring in another lad, to work under Kev and Kev isn't to worry -- he'll provide the wages to pay the new employee. (I took this to mean the money didn't have to come out of the present garage takings -- or Kev's wages.) Percy comes in to announce that as they haven't caught Alan Bradley yet, everyone is to be sure to lock their doors.
HOUSE: Jenny arrives home to the ringing of the telephone -- it's her father. He's pretending to care how Rita is but she's skeptical. He says what's done is done, he did it for the best of reasons, for a better life for her. He says he needs her help because he couldn't face prison. He needs his passport and some money from a shoebox he's hidden in his wardrobe, and he'll call the next day to set up a meeting. He hangs up before she can talk to him further; she's faced with a very difficult decision. Credits.
Written by JOHN STEVENSON Directed by SARAH
HARDING
Tom Casey EDWARD CLAYTON Tina Fowler MICHELLE HOLMES Joanne Cresswell
JOANNE SIDWELL DC Richardson GARRY COOPER Policewoman JOAN WALKER
Policeman PETER RYLANDS Nurse TRISH COOKE Veronica Marchant SANDRA
MAITLAND
Cindy
Monday (2919, 20 March 1989)
STREET: A policeman arrives at No7 and Vera has her face right up at him, asking if Alan has been caught yet. She's frustrated by the copper's lack of cooperation. As he goes into the house, he is looking about for signs of Bradley being there. He wants a word with Jenny, and asks if Alan has been in touch; she says no. He reminds her that she wouldn't be doing any favours for herself by hiding anything and she replies that she isn't stupid. He then warns her as a courtesy, that the afternoon papers will have a press release saying that they are looking for her father in pursuit of their inquiries.
PUB: In the back over the morning cuppa, Tina confides in Bet and Betty that she was surprised to get this job because she's had problems before with jealous landladies. Her roommate Andy is pleased and all; when Bet and Betty become curious about her living arrangements it transpires that he likes men better than women.
HOUSE: Dreary drops by Emily's looking for help with a childrens outing...perhaps Emily and Arthur would be interested in helping? Emily is uncomfortable; she has discovered that Arthur is legally separated from his wife, and she is concerned about his not being a free agent. Dreary says Arthur is a nice man and would make a good friend. Emily sees sense in this, as long as it's only friendship.
PUB: Kev has found a new shoulder to whine on; Bet is commiserating with him over his job situation. (They were playing darts, and I wanted to see her point one right at his head.) Jack has shortchanged Percy by giving him 20p instead of a £1 coin. Mike Baldwin refers Ken to Percy for all the latest scandal that's fit to print, referring to Rita's troubles. Mike figures Ken should have an inside line; Ken gets huffy and says he is above taking advantage of friendship to get a scoop for his newspaper. Mike says that's why it will stay second-rate and accompanies this sage prediction with his sarky little giggle.
HOUSE: Emily is ringing Arthur to invite him to dinner; as it happens he's free that evening and she decides on the spur of the moment to agree. She sets to work in the kitchen; Percy arrives and she realizes that she'll have to get rid of him later on.
HOSPITAL: Jenny is visiting Rita and Rita is worried about her. She sympathises with how Jenny must feel in this situation. Jenny is feeling very sorry for herself; it's so unfair. Rita tries to reassure her that the only way to cope is to look forward. Jenny tells her the police were round to ask if Alan had been in touch, and she tells Rita about Alan's phone call. She's cut up about it because Alan was implying he would kill himself rather than face prison. But Rita is wary, asking exactly what Alan wanted, and Jenny gives her the details, money, passport etc.
HOUSE: Emily is at work in the kitchen, while Percy moans about being bored during the school holiday. But he perks up when he remembers that he is resourceful, and can keep himself busy washing windows. Emily tells him that she has invited Mr. Dabner for dinner, and asks could he please make himself scarce that evening. He resists; she suggests various other alternate entertainments but he has objections for each one. He finally resigns himself, grumbling even though he does live there, if she wants him out...
HOSPITAL: The nurse comes by to let Rita know that Bet called to inquire after her, and will be sending flowers with Mavis. Jenny knows she should have told the police about the phone call from her father and tries to justify her loyalty to him, but Rita can't agree with her point of view although she understands. Rita can't get past being used by Alan. He has very cleverly made everyone else feel to blame for the situation he is in. She says someone Jenny's age shouldn't have to make such hard choices, he shouldn't have done this to her. Jenny talks again of his mention of suicide; Rita says he should go to prison.
KABIN: Mavis has witnessed the nasty side of human nature as papers have been snatched up all day owing to the front page article about poor Rita's home life. She bites Ken's head off for asking how Rita is doing; she thinks he's just looking for inside information. Vera comes in to relay the rumour she heard about Alan going after Rita with an axe and Mavis tells her she is sure the newspaper will satisfy her need for sensationalism.
HOUSE: Jenny is sitting watching the phone, waiting for it to ring. Martin and Sally come by to see if she wants to get out for a bit but she snaps back that she doesn't want to have the neighbours pointing their fingers. Sally reminds her that she'll have to go out sooner or later, and lets her know that they are there for her if she needs them.
HOUSE: Emily and Arthur are finishing a delightful dinner. He was sure she wouldn't want to continue seeing him, she replies by saying how glad she is that he could come.
PUB: Vera is reading aloud from the Gazette and getting wound up over the effect on women of the article about Bradley. She's sure it will make innocent women afraid to walk home of a night. Kev is STILL moaning about his job (CHANGE THE RECORD KEV) and Sally is getting tired of it (LIKE THE REST OF US) and tells him to assert himself and phone his boss to get what he needs. Vera is going on at top volume about how Rita must have had some clue, seen it coming, and starts into graphic details of Alan's past wrongdoings. Her timing is impeccable as usual; Jenny walks into the pub right in the middle of this diatribe. Jenny shrinks into a seat with Sally and Kev; they are sympathetic, she is very confused about how easy it is to misjudge people, she thought she knew her father.
HOUSE: Emily puts on Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Arthur is full of compliments for the meal and her good company. He expresses his liking for their relationship. He likens his feelings of new hope to the Spring movement of the concerto; when he and his wife split he never thought he would again feel "settled". As Emily is about to make it clear that they are just friends, who should interrupt but Percy, saying they should have had time by now to finish their meal. Introductions are made and Percy heads into the kitchen for Horlicks.
PUB: Tina talks to Bet about Jack; she wonders if he is thick, or bad with figures. He's short-changed the punters twice that she's seen. Bet says he's thick enough to make the same mistake twice, but not thick enough to do it with cunning. But as Tina leaves, we can see that Bet is thinking.
HOUSE: Emily and Arthur sit in silence as Mr. Gooseberry merrily tells them not to mind him, he needs brighter light for his mending and the bulb in his room is weak. Emily looks disgusted as he hums to THEIR music.
HOUSE: Jenny returns with Martin, who says his mother won't mind if she wants to kip on their settee so as not to be home alone. She says no, she'll be fine, and as he turns to leave the phone rings. She hesitates, and he goes by her to answer, but she tells him to just go. He lingers long enough to hear her answer; she doesn't say very much and of course it's Alan and he senses someone is there with her. She finally gets Martin to leave, and tries to talk to Alan about his situation. He asks if she has told anyone he called, she says no. He wants to know if she has got the money and passport together, and she is to meet him at the train station. She tries to tell him he's making everything worse; she asks why he did it and he says some day he'll tell her but for now he just needs to get away. He tells her to be there tomorrow. She is near tears as he rings off. Credits
Written by PAUL ABBOTT Directed by IAN WHITE
Nurse MARIA MESCKI
Cindy
Tuesday (2920, 22 March 1989)
Poor Jenny! She's getting it from all sides isn't she? Mavis is on to her to tell Rita that she bought more birthday cards for the shop and do you mean to say that you aren't visiting Rita this afternoon and she'll not have any visitors? DC Richardson pops in the shop to ask Jenny again if she's heard from her dad to which Jenny should have twigged right there that he must be following her or else how did he know she was in the shop? Mavis has a go at DC for not catching Alan Bradley, it's disgraceful that they don't know where he is, "you should just catch him!". To her chagrin, DC Richardson asks her if she has any idea where he might be, any girlfriends, any habitual hangouts and of course Mavis doesn't know. Jenny then gives Mavis a piece of her mind for slagging off Alan because after all he's still her dad!
Later on Vera checks up on Jenny and asks after Rita but is hustled out the door when Martin arrives. Jenny tells him she is to meet Alan and would he drive her to the station? Martin really doesn't want to get involved but Jenny persuades him.
At the pub, Bet tells Betty about the recent discrepancies in the till. Betty suspects Tina as she's the new employee but she didn't seem the type. Bet mentions that Jack has shortchanged a few punters recently, and sometimes when a new employee arrives, an old one will take that opportunity to dip into the till and hope the newcomer gets the blame. Betty still suspects Tina especially when she spies Tina's lovely new expensive dress - £40. Doesn't seem too expensive to me but maybe by 1989 Weatherfield standards it is, I guess. I must say, from an objective, female point of view, she looks much better in a tight, short, red dress than our Mrs. Mutton did even in her younger (ish) days!
Also at the pub Emily is complaining about Percy to Ken and Deirdre after making her excuses to him at home, even though he's done a thorough housecleaning and prepared a lovely hot dinner for them. She seems to be avoiding him and the house and Percy is starting to notice. Kevin is still moaning about the heavy workload. I think Sal is getting fed up. I would be.
Later in the Kabin, Percy tries to defend himself to Mavis against any of Emily's complaints about him but Mavis doesn't have a clue what he's on about. He thinks Arthur has poisoned Emily's mind against him!
Martin takes Jenny to the train station and waits in the car, telling her to be careful. She thinks she'll be fine after all he's her dad and wouldn't hurt her. The train pulls in and Alan gets off. She gives him the bag with his things and papers and just as he hugs her in thanks, he spies the cops coming. Blaming Jenny he runs off. But it's to no avail as he is cornered, captured and cuffed. Jenny cries after the police van that she didn't tell! She didn't! Indeed, as DC Richardson said to Martin just before the capture, they have been following her.
At the hospital, Jenny's told Rita of Alan's capture and Rita says she's glad. Now she can sleep in peace because she was very frightened of him. She does understand Jenny's position as his daughter and the only one he had left and probably would have done the same as she did to help him. She really does think of Jenny as a daughter and will help her get on with things once she gets out of hospital, which will be tomorrow, by the way.
Back at the pub, Martin is spreading the news. Mike feels a bit sorry for Alan and speculates that Martin could be in trouble for aiding and abetting. (Figures Mike would feel a bond with Alan since Mike is also a sneaky rotten so and so, but the big difference is he isn't a violent man). Martin says the police let him off under the circumstances, quite proud of their detective work (all they did was follow Jenny!). Percy confronts Emily about her attitude toward him and is told for his troubles that if he doesn't like it he could always make other living arrangements. Poor Percy is quite upset and decides he won't stay where he isn't wanted.
Bet asks Jack about the till problems. At first he thinks she suspects Tina then realizes he is the object of her concern and gets very angry and defensive and quits quite publicly in the bar and stalks off with an idignant Vera.
Can't wait until tomorrow!
Writer JOHN STEVENSON Director IAN WHITE
DC Richardson GARRY COOPER Nurse MARIA MESCKI
Diane
Wednesday (2921, 27 March 1989)
STREET: Audrey is trying to talk Alf into an Easter holiday in the country; she finally prevails by (literally) "sweet" talking him with references to chocolate easter egg treats for him. The toughest part is getting him to agree to close the shop early so they can beat the traffic but he finally gives in.
HOUSE: Jack is at the breakfast table in bathrobe and morning scare-hair and Vera is ranting on about Bet's attitude; she goes so far as to compare her to Miss Piggy! Vera asks Jack if he's sure it were a mistake and he takes exception to her skepticism. As she says, he has been known in the past to "borrow" money from her purse, hasn't he. But he says that's completely different because she's family. Vera asks if he's sure he hasn't been "borrowing" off Bet and he gives her a look which shuts her up. He then moans about how unfair Life is and he resigns himself to taking Its beatings.
HOUSE: Mr. Sugden is playing the pathetic humble lodger, sadly reminding Mrs. Bishop of the geranium cuttings which will need attending to. He says they make a beautiful display in a window box, and when she points out she doesn't have one, he says of course not, since now that he won't be staying he won't get a chance to make one for her. A window box would have been a nice reminder of his staying there and he says he hopes she won't remember him for their little disagreements.
SHOP: Shirley and Curly are trying to decide what to buy to take to her family's pot luck for Easter. Shirley's bro is a rapper and Alf asks what that is. Curly gives him a fine sample, ending with "...and Curly Watts is a love machine", this is followed with he and Alf giving fives. Rather bizarre to watch. It was sort of goofy, and you could tell they felt a bit foolish but it was a good laugh. They talk about how Curly is more welcome with her family than Shirley is with his. They leave, and Audrey is all ready to get the shop shut so they can be on their way when who should walk in but Ivy. Alf is ever so helpful getting picnic fixings together for Ivy and the grandkids. The long-suffering (in her mind, at any rate) Audrey heaves a great sigh and rolls her eyes.
STREET: A taxi pulls up; it's Rita arrived home from hospital. Vera happens to see her and welcomes her back (at maximum decibel level) with comments about how nice it is to be kipping in yer own bed. When Rita gets inside, she's a bit dazed at how it all looks exactly the same, safe and tidy, which makes it all the harder to believe that such bad things can happen in your own home. Jenny is worried that they'll never be able to forget but Rita tries to reassure her that they can help each other get back to a normal life.
PUB: Just as Mavis and Derek are settling down to a nice lunch, they are interrupted by Percy (who nearly manages to put them off their hot pot with talk of blobs of congealed grease). He wants to ask Mavis if she would watch in the Kabin for window cards advertising lodgings available. He's pathetic but Mavis has no sympathy and suggests the evening papers might be the best source for what he's looking for. He says no, he'd rather wait and see if something comes up in the Kabin window, and by the way, he wouldn't mind if Emily hears about his search for new lodgings. He then decides that he needs to give Emily her "space" and that he should join Mavis and Derek for lunch. Behind the bar, Bet has just checked the till and found that today, the takings are actually UP by about 3 quid so she'd better go round to Duckegg's later and let him know. Audrey and Alf come in and she's cheesed off that they didn't get away early. Alf placates her with promises of a nice meal at a country pub, the old flatterer says it'll look like an old man out with his young flibberty-gibbett. She of course, laps it up and all is (temporarily) well in Audrey's little world. Derek and Mavis decide their afternoon's entertainment will be a brisk walk and they discuss asking Emily if she'd like to join them. Derek says surely she'll have plans but Mavis says she remembers what it was like to be single and be forgotten by couples.
HOUSE: Emily is astounded to find Arthur at the door laden with flowers. He decided to just take a chance that she would be in and she tells him she is delighted that he did.
HOUSE: Alf visits Rita at home, asking if she's doing better. She says the emotional scars will take a long time to heal, and make it hard to forget. She will NEVER forgive Alan for what he has done, she was set up with a web of lies. Alf says Alan should get everything that's coming to him. Rita says she'd like to set fire to all his things, but will likely take them to the police station and let them deal with it. She is very angry and talks about wanting to wipe every trace of him from her life, she doesn't want a single thing to remind her of the swine. Jenny comes home just in time to hear her angry outburst; she is hurt.
ART GALLERY: Emily and Arthur are appreciating art together and he says he likes her lack of pretension. They are getting on very well and have a lot in common.
HOUSE: Bet visits Jack to sort out the mess. I must say I've been less than impressed recently with Bet's lack-lustre attire, but today she made up for it. Wearing an animal-print cloak thing over white blouse and skirt, she swoops in majestically to tell Jack and Vera that although there has been a mix-up of some sort, she's satisfied that no-one has been pinching from the till. She stops just short of an apology because she never did accuse Jack, he just got huffy when she asked a question. She offers him his job back and he says he'll think about it. Vera thinks he is crazy and Bet is getting angry with his attitude and reminds him that no one is indispensible, especially a pot-bellied pot man such as himself! She tells him not to think too long.
HOUSE: Jenny is studying and is very quiet. She's not hungry when Rita asks, but Rita says she's surprised that she herself has an appetite. Bet visits and Rita tells Jenny to go out for a half-hour and have a break. Bet has just come to say she's there if Rita needs her.
HOUSE: Emily and Arthur arrive home to no Percy. Emily thanks him for a wonderful afternoon and he says the pleasure of her company is all he wants. They discuss future outings, and she wonders what sort of cultural pursuits his wife favours. He sees his wife occasionally he says, mainly to do with the children. He waxes philosophical about children, they grow up and leave you unlike friends, who don't leave. Emily senses the conversation is getting heavy.
STREET: Martin and Jenny come out of the Rovers and she is in a hurry to get back to Rita. She worries that Rita is getting shut of everything that reminds her of Alan, does that include her?
HOUSE: Vera is preparing the tea and finds that Jack has bought tomato paste instead of soup. She questions his ability to read, and holds up various tins and jars. He can't read them! Oh my! THIS is when the specs came on the scene; I KNEW there was something different about his looks in these old episodes. Vera has a right go at him about getting glasses, he says it's just one sign of many that he's getting old, his hair is falling out, teeth are bad, and he isn't as randy as he once was, he feels miserable about it. Specs just wouldn't suit his manly image. Vera decides he needs an appointment with the optician, and that his reduced randiness might just be a blessing in disguise!
PUB: Shirley is at the bar complaining about Curly studying at home, it's boring for her as she can't even have the telly on. Mavis is congratulating herself and Derek on the prospects of Emily and Arthur getting together, she says if they do it will all be down to Derek. He doesn't see how, and she pipes up to describe a (rather disturbing) mental image of Derek as Cupid, with his bow and arrow and his little tummy all bare. Bet listens to bits and pieces of this and hardly knows what to think. Her face was a picture when Mavis had to repeat the "little tummy all bare" phrase so Derek could hear it. Derek isn't thrilled about Emily and Arthur, because Arthur is continuing to see his wife Babs regularly, but Mavis insists there is nothing sinister about being on friendly terms with an estranged spouse. Derek says Arthur spends entire nights, no, entire weekends under the same roof as his wife. Rumour has it that they will NEVER divorce. Mavis is appalled as she looks with pity upon Emily, who has just arrived with Arthur and is standing on the opposite side of the bar. Bet has overheard most of this conversation. Credits
Written by ADELE ROSE Directed by MARY McMURRAY
Cindy
Thursday (2922, 29 March 1989)
I had to laugh at Jacko today - Vera made an appointment for him with the optician. Jack's pretty reluctant to go, though, mainly out of vanity but no matter how many excuses he comes up with, Vera drags him off. At the optician's, Jack tries to bluff his way out of it and you can see now that he's quite nervous of all the fancy equipment. However, the optician is a rather attractive female and before you know it, he's relaxed a little and even flirting with her though she keeps a firm leash on him as far as that goes. He's quite amazed at the difference the testing lenses make, Like giving your eyes a spring cleaning, he says! He tells Vera he's getting glasses purely as a preventative measure!
Jenny's been awfully quiet, poor thing, and more than a little touchy these days. Everyone's noticed but can you blame her after what she's been through? She fills in at the Kabin for Mavis to go do an errand and later at the corner shop Audreh determines from the look in Martin's eye that Rita's going to chuck Jenny out!
The first leg of Mavis's errand brings her to Rita's door. She wants to tell Emily that office gossip seems to indicate that Arthur's still seeing quite a lot of his ex-wife and indeed spends many weekends with her as well. Rita is a bit sceptical of Derek's sources but does agree that Mavis should warn Emily before she gets in too deep and into disaster.
Percy is still anxiously trying to please Emily and stay on her good side by offereing to do the shopping, cleaing, cooking and getting out of the house everytime Emily has a visitor, be it Arthur or, today, Mavis. Emily says she's walking on eggshells all the time and that Percy is behaving like a stray dog in the house, always afraid he'll be kicked! Mavis tells Emily what Derek has said about Arthur's relationship with his wife but Emily doesn't take this well meaning advice in the best of spirits. She gets really ticked off with Mavis for spreading gossip and feels that Mavis is wallowing in her own new found happiness, so much so that she is jealous that Emily might be finding some happiness of her own and she shows Mavis the door. I think the seeds of doubt are firmly planted though! As Arthur visits later, Emily turns some small talke over a pre-tea sherry into a veiled inquiry session. She discovers that Arthur barely knows Derek and was surprised that he was invited to dinner that fateful night. It also comes to light that he and his wife have been separated for 3 years. Emily is surprised, after Mavis's insinuations, that Arthur invites her out for the day this coming Sunday.
Over at the Rovers, Mavis is still worried about Emily's reaction to her news but Derek just makes admiring comments about the rosy colour of her neck when she's upset! Yuck! Wallowing is right! Ivy spills the beans to Bet about Jack's eye appointment while Betty worries that Percy is so quiet and spending so much time away from his lodgings.
Rita finally gets it out of Jenny and reassures her that thought she can't stand to have Alan's things contaminating her house, Jenny is a daughter to her and will always be welcome. Jenny seems to feel better for getting things out in the open and settled. They later join Mavis and DErek for a drink in the pub. They are all enjoying each other's company, 'Just like old times' Mavis gushes, well not like THOSE old times she stammers and proceeds to witter on nervously until Jenny soothes her. When Arthur and Emily come in for a nightcap, Mavis rolls her eyes and self-righteously announces to their little group that Emily has been warned and they can do no more.
Elsewhere in the pub, Jack and Vera tell Bet that it was Jack's poor eyesight that was the cause of the descrepancies int he till while Bet pretend she hadn't already heard these particular beans which had been spilled by Ivy earlier. Shirley is on her own in the pub again while Curly swots for exams and is planning a party to celebrate their one year anniversary of co-habitating.
Writer LESLIE DUXBURY Director MARY McMURRAY
Optician PRUE CLARK Receptionist JUDY BROOKE
Diane
Friday (2923, 3 April 1989)
HOUSE: Shirley is round at Sally and Kev's first thing Sunday morning and is greeted by Sal's sarky moaning about SuperKev the Mechanic, who needs no food, nor sleep, nor recreation; he's off to work even on a Sunday. He finally escapes her but without his sandwiches. She says she'll bring some round to the garage later. Shirley has waited her turn patiently, now she can start her own personal moaning about Curly. He's in the way at home studying and she needs him out so she can get ready for tonight's little surprise party she has planned for their one-year anniversary. Sally offers to help with the food, they can make it at her house and then take it up to the flat right before the party. Shirley is happy, this is exactly what she came to ask.
FLAT: Martin drops by to pester Curly to help their mates by being a football linesman. In spite of considerable flattery, Curly holds firm and refuses, in fact he has to shout at Martin to leave him alone as he has a very important exam tomorrow and too much work to do. Martin leaves in a huff, his parting shot is that Curly isn't much good as a linesman anyway and he'd better watch it or someday his brain will explode. (I'm left wondering if Martin will remember all this in the future when he sweats over his nurse's training.)
HOUSE: Percy is planning to be out of Emily's way this afternoon but she reminds him that she too will be going out. He makes a fuss over not wanting to clutter up the place, he's feeling very sorry for himself. Emily obviously feels bad about upsetting him as she helps him get his coat on. He's to catch the bus for Heaton Park.
GARAGE: Tom Casey arrives to find Kev hard at work under a car and jokes about Kev using the garage as a refuge to escape from home. Kev isn't in the mood, he has a go at Casey about still needing help and that's why he's flaming here on a flaming Sunday when he'd flaming rather be at home with his flaming wife. Flaming h***. Then who should emerge from the shadows behind the car but a young fellow with spiky gelled hair and earrings? Why, it's Mark, the new lad Casey has taken on to help Kev. Kev takes Casey aside and tells him he should have had some say in hiring. Casey says normally yes, but there are exceptional circumstances; this lad is none other than Mark CASEY, that's CASEY as in son-of-Tom. Kev is caught in a dilemma; now he has to decide just what to flaming moan about. Never fear, fair CS fans, he finds his answer later on.
PUB: Tina is teasing Jack about needing specs and Jack accidentally insults Dreary by quoting the nasty names he expects to be called once he has his glasses. She offers to let him try hers on but he says no, it must be unhygenic. Martin asks Jenny if she's going to the surprise party at Curly and Shirley's but she hasn't heard about it. Mavis is aggrieved that Emily wouldn't listen to her advice about Arthur, especially since Emily never hesitated to offer HER opinions. In fact, she'll always remember what Emily said when she was going to marry Derek. Of course, Derek wants to know just what this was but Mavis makes a tactical retreat, saying it's best forgotten now. Derek says Emily should just be left to her own destiny. Mavis is further upset when she questions Derek about how sure he is that Arthur is still seeing his wife, and it turns out to be something he has heard "around the office".
HOUSE: Emily answers the phone, it's Arthur ringing to say he's been called in to work on urgent business, and won't be able to see her after all. We see him in a phone box with a park-like scene in the background. Will it be Heaton Park, I wonder? Emily is gracious about it but we can see that she is very disappointed. Arthur rings off and then gets back into his car and who should be there but HIS WIFE. (I'm assuming it's her, he's quite grumpy with her so I don't expect it's yet another girlfriend.)
GARAGE: Sally and Shirley arrive to bring little Kevvie his sandwiches. Kev introduces Mark... and Sally wastes no time going on about how that Casey finally got his finger out after the way he's mucked Kev about, he was just being mean... etc. blah, blah. Kev keeps trying to interrupt so he can finish his introduction by providing Mark's surname, but she has taken on the proportions of the legendary Energizer Bunny, she keeps going, and going, and going... When he finally gets her up to speed, she's only a little embarrassed. They talk about preparations for the party and Mark manages to get himself invited before going on his dinner break. When Mark has gone, Kev has the nerve to complain... he's obviously made his choice from the List of Currently Available Moans: having the boss's son around puts him in a bad position and, wait for it... he was better off on his own!!!!!!!!
PARK: Percy is feeding the ducks and who should walk by arm in arm but Arthur and his wife! Percy says hello and Arthur replies curtly in kind. Babs asks if that was a friend of his and Arthur says it's just someone he's met a time or two. Percy stares after them, boring little gimlet holes into Arthur's rather large cranium.
FLAT: Despite Curly's best attempts at trying to have peace and quiet, Shirley is intent on tidying up and finally uses the vacuum to drive him out to work at the library. After he's gone she sets to work, starting by wrapping his gift, a nice pen.
PUB: Tina is still teasing Jack, wondering if the eyes are going, what faculty will be next? Mavis and Derek arrive, she makes a fuss about ordering a drink and he observes that she isn't quite her usual happy self. He says it's because Sundays lead to idleness, which causes introspection and melancholy. She says she wasn't aware that cooking and cleaning all day were considered being idle. She's still upset about Emily's reaction to her meddling. Alf, Ken and Rita talk about how quickly children grow, and Rita comments that Jenny is getting ready to go to the party at the flat above Alf's shop. Alf is horrified that there should actually be some socializing going on, and very worried about the effect of parties on people's private property.
FLAT: Sally and Kev have arrived with all the food, there is talk about how it can't be any fun being brainy, Sally asks Kev if he's glad he's not brainy! Shirley can hardly wait to see Curly's face when he gets home. We can see it coming, can't we? Monday is exam day and the last thing Curly will want is a load of people drinking and partying in his flat until all hours. Shirley is being rather insensitive.
HOUSE: Emily is at home when Percy returns and offers him some of the tea she has prepared for herself. She tells him she didn't go out after all because of a sudden emergency Arthur had at work. They sit down to eat and she asks if he bumped into anyone he knew at the park. He ducks his head and tucks into his meal, saying no, he didn't see anyone. She's quite surprised, this is unusual for him as he knows so many people.
FLAT: The party is in full swing, Mark has turned up with his snooty girlfriend Sharon who asks if they really have to stay there for very long. Jenny discovers she knows Mark from Weatherfield High, he was always getting in trouble. Shirley is getting worried that Curly hasn't shown up yet, and asks Martin to give it a half-hour, and then would he go looking for him?
PUB: Curly comes in for two bottles to take away, and Alf warns him there had better not be any damage what with this party going on at the flat. Curly knows nothing about it, he looks grim and leaves quickly.
FLAT: Curly arrives to cries of "surprise" and Shirley can hardly get a chance to tell him what the party is in aid of, when he asks her to come into the other room for a word. He is very upset and shouts at her (we knew it, didn't we?) saying she obviously doesn't know him very well. He's been working SO hard, and is nearly finished, tomorrow is much too important and he needs a good night's kip. She says he's being boring and needs to have a break and some fun. Curly goes straight back into the living room and tells everyone to just leave, the party's over. Martin makes a nasty crack; he says he knew Curly's brain would explode some day. When they're all gone, Curly starts complaining about the state of the place. Shirley runs into the bedroom, slamming the door and saying over and over, that he shouldn't have done that. Credits.
Written by PETER WHALLEY Directed by SARAH
HARDING
Mark Casey STUART WOLFENDEN Barbara (Babs) Dabner DOROTHY TOWNSON
Sharon Priestley ANGELA FREEAR
Cindy
Monday (2924, 5 April 1989)
FLAT: Curly has spent an uncomfortable night on the floor in his sleeping bag and Shirley's best efforts to discuss the situation are being rebuffed. The most important thing on his mind is passing his exam. He gathers up his things and goes without even having breakfast, slamming the door and leaving Shirley upset.
HOUSE: Emily asks Percy to absent himself tomorrow evening so she can ask Arthur over for dinner to make up for his disappointment at having to work on Sunday. Percy of course, knows Mr. Dabner wasn't at work and he asks Emily if she's sure she should be throwing herself at him; it makes her look cheap. She gets frosty and says she will carry on with her plans for tomorrow and that he should make plans to be out.
GARAGE: Mark and Kevin are discussing the party, Mark doesn't think much of Curly's behaviour. Kev isn't best pleased when Mark's girlfriend comes by to check that Mark can pick her up an hour early from work and Mark says no problem. Kev tells him he should check with his boss before going off making plans to leave early; Mark gives him some lip and says he'll make up the time later.
STREET: Vera is trying to get Shirley to go to the Rovers for her dinner but Shirley doesn't feel like it, she's very down. (I wonder if she's depressed partly because of the state of her hair. She should have left the scarf thing on her head that she was wearing this morning. Her hair could easily be mistaken for wildlife habitat.) Sally meets her on her way out of the shop and invites her round for a cup of tea, a chat, and a shoulder to cry on. Inside the house, Sally tries to put Curly's point of view forward; Shirley says that's the problem, she really can't see his side of it and he honestly can't see hers. She says Curly just doesn't see the sacrifices she has made over the last 12 months, slaving at the factory to scrape together enough to keep them both. Shirley feels books are Curly's life and that he has no space for her, they live in different worlds.
PUB: Vera is doing her best to gossip to Kev and Martin about Shirley and Curly, but Kev insists it's nobody's business but their own. Vera leaves them in a huff. Mavis and Derek arrive for lunch and Mavis discusses their ongoing house-hunting with Dreary and Ken. Mavis says the omniscient Derek thinks it is a buyer's market and he was right not to jump into a house earlier. Dreary asks what the latest information is on Emily and her accountant friend; Mavis gets a funny look on her face when Dreary says he has brought the colour back to Emily's cheeks. At the bar, Vera is nagging Jack to remember to go and pick up his new specs this afternoon.
HOUSE: Emily is off out shopping as Percy arrives; he asks if she has called Arthur yet but she has had to leave a message for him as he was in a meeting. Percy says then she won't have heard any more about what he was up to yesterday. Emily says there's no reason for Arthur to discuss his work with her.
PUB: Betty and Tina are trying to give Jack lots of opportunity to go and get his glasses, he is resisting claiming pressure of work, and his promise to Alec to keep things running smoothly. Betty and Tina aren't fooled by this; he just doesn't want to go.
GARAGE: Mark finally gets back, he was at the wholesalers for an hour when it should have taken 10 minutes. He casually tells Kev he ran into a friend who took him to where he works at another garage which had much better equipment. Kevin invites Mark to go and work there if he wants but Mark says it's too impersonal, he likes to deal directly with his customers. Kev says he'd better get to work as he's to be off in a half-hour. When Mark goes back to the job he'd left, Kev tells him he's finished it because he couldn't wait all day. Mark has the nerve to tell Kev he isn't a one-man band any more, and needs to learn to delegate! We can see that Kev is building quite a head of steam but he just doesn't know what to do about the situation.
HOUSE: Arthur arrives, to Emily's surprise. He has taken a break from work to speak to her in person. He comes clean about Sunday and assumes Mr. Sugden has already told her about seeing him with his wife. Emily is dismayed to hear that Babs called him and insisted on seeing him and so he lied to Emily about working. She is further dismayed and disappointed to hear that he and Babs are going to try to reconcile -- he says Babs needs him. Emily is mystified that Percy didn't say anything. She and Arthur can't even look one another in the eye, as he says goodbye and thanks for her friendship.
GARAGE: Casey Sr. drops by to see how things are working out. When he asks where Mark is Kev says he's slipped out for a bit to pick up his girlfriend. Casey is angry to hear this, he says Kev shouldn't let him come and go as he pleases so he tells Kev to act like the boss because as far as he's concerned Mark should be treated just like any other employee. Kev looks happy with this as he thinks about the possibilities it presents.
HOUSE: Percy arrives home to find Emily has prepared steak and onions (one of Percy's favourite meals). He says he has something he must tell her but Emily says she knows because Arthur came round and told her everything. Percy is very happy to hear they've seen the last of Arthur Dabner and he tells Emily how hesitant he was to say anything because he didn't want to see her hurt. Emily tells him she's touched by his concern and now they need to forget all about Arthur Dabner. She brings up the topic of his search for new lodgings but he says not to worry, there's no way he'll leave her alone at a time like this. She smiles as she goes into the kitchen.
PUB: Betty is still on at Jack about his glasses, it's too late now to pick them up. Kev is gleefully telling Sally he's looking forward to tomorrow, to dealing with Mark in the way he deserves. Vera comes in and asks Jack where he was this afternoon, and he tells her how rushed off his feet he was and had no time to go and pick up his specs. She says then it's a good thing she went! And she produces them from her handbag with a flourish. Jack is finally goaded into trying them on, Tina and Betty do an excellent job of keeping straight faces as Tina says she's put in mind of Michael Caine, Vera says they make Jack look distinguished, Betty says Alec would be upset if he were there because no one would know he was the boss with Jack around. Jack is swelling with pride by this time, further augmented by Tina sidling up to him to say she thinks it's dead sexy because just think, the specs will be the last thing he takes off before he gets in bed. Vera is glaring from across the bar but Jack is revelling in the aphrodisiac effects of his glasses and doesn't even notice. Jenny comes in saying she's just seen Curly buying the biggest bunch of flowers he could find. Martin is certain they won't be seeing Shirley and Curly tonight as they'll be too busy making up.
FLAT: Curly arrives to find Shirley packing her things. She's going home. He tries to apologise for not giving any thought to her feelings but Shirley tries to explain it wasn't just the party, she has realised they are poles apart. All he wants is books, reading, getting on in life but she wants to have some fun. They are too different. He tries to tell her that things will change now he's done college, he'll get a job, it'll be different. But she says THEY won't change and she doesn't see any future for the two of them. She leaves in tears and he is shocked and disbelieving. Credits.
Written by BARRY HILL Directed by SARAH HARDING
Cindy
Tuesday (2925, 10 April 1989)
Not a really dramatic day nor was there a lot of much interest today on WTN's classic Corrie. I guess it's a "filler" day but here it is anyway!
Jenny gets a letter in the morning post that seems to have upset her. We later find out it's from her dad, Alan writing her from jail. He wants to see her. She cajoles Martin into driving her the next afternoon with a little sweet talk since he's a bit reluctant after the last time he took her to meet her Dad and ended up surrounded by blue and red lights!
Poor Curly is having breakfast amid a pile of dirty dishes but has no apetite so he gets up to leave. Shirley rushes to work early to avoid Curly but he's waiting outside the factory at dinnertime, to try to talk to her. She has nothing to say and Mike Baldwin ushers Curly off his property. Vera and Ivy are worried and Ivy thinks Shirley should try to make it up with Curly but Don tells them they should both keep their oars out of it and let them settle it between them.
At the garage, Kevin is cracking the whip over Mark who arrives for work late. Kev lays the law so Mark retaliates by doing exactly and only what Kevin tells him to do, by the letter, not even answering the telephone since that wasn't in his instructions. Kev thinks Mark is acting like a spoiled 5 year old and at dinner, Sal tells him to play him at his own game. This goes on all day and finally Kev has had enough and after an arguement, fires Mark! In the pub that night Martin wonders what Mr. Casey will have to say about that but Kevin defends his position as sanctioned by Mr. Casey. I think he went a bit far though. From one extreme to the other. But that's RKevin isn't it?
Mavis and Derek have another house to look at. Rita notes that everytime they find a house that Mavis likes, Derek finds something wrong to kibosh the deal. She thinks he doesn't really want to move and tells Mavis so. Later Mavis and Derek view the house, a nice brick attached house on a quiet street. If it's as nice on the inside then Derek decides he will still have to dicker on the price. Mavis is exasperated and upset later when she tells Rita Derek has put in a bid £2,000 below the asking price and they'll be sure not to get it now!
Martin tells Rita about the outing to the jail, mistakenly believing that Rita knew all about it but Jenny had just told her Martin was taking her out for the afternoon. Rita later confronts Jenny and is more upset that she didn't tell her than what she plans to do. She doesn't think Jenny knows what she's in for but she isn't going to stop her. It is her dad after all.
After work at the factory, Curly is still waiting and tries again to get Shirley to talk to him. She tries to get him to leave her alone and they argue on the street in front of everyone, but he's desparate and grabs her arm and is now getting angry. She pulls away and gets Don to drive her home. Ivy and Vera speculate that it could have gotten a bit scary if Don hadn't been there.
Derek comes home gushing with excitement that his executive status has been confirmed. No, no pay rise or promotion but he's been asked to join the executive pension scheme!!! A one bedroom flat is surely not within their new executive image now! Mavis suggests they put a higher bid on the house but Derek says they can't...it's been sold. ... to them!!!!! Mavis is beside herself several times over and plans to let Rita know her theory was wrong, Derek is definitely on the move! Now of course we in 1997 know they end up living on the Street but even if we didn't already know that, I would be wondering how Derek is going to wiggle out of this one!
Writer BARRY HILL Director IAN WHITE
Diane
Wednesday (2926, 12 April 1989)
We open with Shirley crossing the street to work, casting a sad glance up at the window of the flat, turning away just as Curly lifts the curtain.
HOUSE: Jenny is asking Rita's advice on what her Dad might need! Insensitive or what? Rita is being very kind and understanding but Jenny seems almost excited at the prospect of seeing Alan. She and Rita engage in some "what if?" talk and Jenny takes it all the way back to "what if I hadn't been born?" Rita sternly tells her to never say that again.
KABIN: Mavis tells Ken all about Derek's EXECUTIVE pension scheme and says that Ken, being an Editor, should be in one himself as isn't this an EXECUTIVE position? He does an admirable job of humouring her and says he'll definitely look into it. Rita arrives and Mavis shares the fabulous news with her, house, EXECUTIVE prospects for Derek etc. She feels very optimistic about life, in counterpoint to Rita's sadness.
GARAGE: Casey Sr. arrives to find out how serious Kev was about sacking Mark. Kev defends his actions, saying Mark has been trouble from the start. Casey tries to talk Kev into re-hiring Mark after he stews for a week or so, but Kev says no way. Casey says Kev shouldn't let the power go to his head and Kev says if Mark comes back then it's him through the door, take yer pick. Casey says he just might have made a mistake about Kev.
STREET: Vera and Ivy observe that Curly is still "there", he's peering out the window once more, and looks like he hasn't moved since that morning. Vera reckons he's lovesick. Baldwin comes by and says Curly has been told to stay off his premises or he'll have him done for unlawful trespass. Ivy and Vera feel sorry for poor Curly.
REMAND CENTRE: Jenny arrives with Martin and is very, very tense and snappish with him. She goes up to the building nervously.
KABIN: Rita is surreptitiously wiping tears away as Mavis witters on and on about how masterful Derek is, with his EXECUTIVE organizational abilities. He is determined to make the process of buying their new home as smooth as only an EXECUTIVE such as himself can achieve. Mave finally notices that Rita is upset and wonders if it's to do with Jenny seeing her dad. Rita says yes, especially because she's afraid Alan the Accomplished Liar will turn Jenny against her. Mavis says surely he can't but Rita is seriously worried, she knows first-hand that his lies don't sound like lies.
REMAND CENTRE: Jenny passes through checkpoints and searches before finally entering the visiting room, just as her father arrives. She tells him she has brought some things for him and he thanks her, he's acting ever so withdrawn and quiet. She says he looks thinner and he warily asks how Rita is, and has she said anything about the situation. He says after all, he didn't rob Rita, it was the building society and he would have repaid them in time. Jenny says she's not bothered about that, it's the fact he could have killed Rita. He says that wasn't him, he doesn't know what happened but it wasn't him. After all, he's never laid a finger on Jenny now, has he? She has to agree. He then says he needs her to do him a favour. He wants her to talk to Rita and ask her to play down what happened, tell the police/court it was a domestic argument and that she was more shocked than hurt. That way, he would likely get bail at his next court appearance and perhaps he and Jenny could get a flat together, make a new start. He says he'll go mad if he has to stay in there much longer. Jenny is silent.
PUB: Curly is standing drooped over the bar like a vulture, silently staring into his glass. Ivy and Vera try to convince Shirley she's being too hard on him, she should at least talk to him. She says she HAS tried to explain to him and she's tired of him making such a public exhibition of himself. Jack has a quiet word with Don and Tina, asking their opinion on whether an experienced man such as himself should attempt to get through to young Watts. They think Curly should just be left alone, but Jack goes over to him and tells him he should really be celebrating such a lucky escape. Curly leaves the pub without a word; Jack just shrugs and asks what can he do if the lad won't listen to an expert?
GARAGE: Mark comes by to follow up on his dad's visit earlier, and Kev says forget it, he won't get his job back. Mark thanks him, as he wants shut of the poxy dump; he didn't want to work there in the first place but his father insisted. He goes on to say he didn't tell his parents he was sacked, he just let on that Kevin simply didn't like him. Kev says he's glad Mark is happy, now could he please get on with his work. Then, in a move which completely mystifies me, Kev gave Mark his job back if he wanted it! HUH?? No offense intended, but is this a "guy thing"? He says he misses Mark's spiel! They go off to put on the kettle, best buds all of a sudden. I rewound the tape several times, to see just what I missed in this exchange but I still can't figure it out.
KABIN: Derek is refusing to be the victim of official inertia, he expects all the red tape to be cut through and he and Mavis to be in their new house within the month, as befits the status of an up-and-coming EXECUTIVE and his wife. He goes further to threaten that if it doesn't go smoothly, he will do the conveyancing himself, more efficiently and more cheaply! And more EXECUTIVELY no doubt. He then tells Mavis that as he plans to become fit, he expects she'll want to do the same. After all, when they're together in private, he doesn't want her feeling physically inadequate compared to EXECUTIVE him! He declares they will get fit by jogging together. She gets that funny twisty look on her face as he trots off. Wasn't it only a short while ago that he complained about ex-wife Angela's love of "status"? And now all of a sudden he's going on and on about how *their* status will improve now that he's to be part of the EXECUTIVE pension scheme. How quickly things change. Rita meanwhile, is wondering where Jenny has got to but as Mavis is assembling the Condemned Woman's Last Pre-Jogging Meal (cream buns and tea) Jenny finally arrives. She tells Rita that Alan hates it in prison but he's not changed, he never even once asked her how she was doing, how she was coping. Rita thinks he probably knows she's fine living with her, but agrees he still should have asked. Jenny says he was very keen to tell her all his troubles, and wanted her to help him as he's innocent, and that he has no remorse. In reply to Rita's question, Jenny says Alan didn't say a word about her. Hmm. I wonder why she won't tell Rita what Alan said about making less of the incident.
STREET: Curly is still peering out the window and much to the surprise of Ivy and Vera, Shirley finally says she has had enough and goes up to the flat to see Curly. Vera thinks they'll make up; Ivy isn't so sure.
FLAT: Curly says he could sense that Shirley was coming, he tells her how much he's missed her, the place has been so empty, as if she'd died and he was watching her ghost every day. He'd thought a lot about them, realising she wasn't getting anything out of the relationship and that he hadn't been careful, in fact he had been complacent. He then says it's so logical he can't understand why he didn't see it before: would she marry him? She says it hasn't worked for her -- he says he really doesn't know what he's done wrong, but he'll change, he'll do anything she wants. She says he was right about one thing: she feels dead about them, and there's nothing he can do to change it. She wants him to leave her alone, and runs from the flat.
We end with Curly sitting hunched over the table, weeping.
Written by LESLIE DUXBURY Directed by IAN WHITE
Cindy
Thursday (2927, 17 April 1989)
Derek's professional status is on the rise and since there's a medical examination that must go with the exective pension scheme, he has Mavis out joining him on the jogging trails. She's a little stiff and sore after and leaves Rita to cope alone in the shop while she soaks her pains away in the bath. Derek is later quite enthusiastic as the great D.P. has noticed that he is looking spritely and fit and said so in front of his minions! Mavis is sceptical that D.P. was just being sarcastic as she suspects he often is. Really, Mavis has no faith in Derek does she?
Curly is wallowing in grief and depression and it breaks my heart! He is playing Shirley's favourite tapes over and over, especially the lines in a song by Simply Red that go "You're gone, your really serious". Only problem is it's very very loud and Alf and Audrey's ears are starting to ache and customers are complaining in the shop below! Alf stalks up and angrily scolds Curly and warns him that the place better not go to rack and ruin either. Curly says the loud music deadens the pain (her I am at 6:30 am wiping away a tear!) Audrey worries that he's suicidal and brings Emily in to help too. At one point in the afternoon the music stops and they fear the worst. We see a shot of Curly asleep (hopefully) in his chair. Emily tries knocking at the door but there isn't any answer. They contemplate calling the fire brigade or knocking down the door but Alf is too concerned about the cost! Then they hear another quick clip of music that only lasts a few seconds. At least they know he's alive. Percy is in the shop now and vows to follow Curly everywhere in case he heads for the river!
Over at the pub various and sundry are sympathising with the situation and Kevin expresses his comradeship with his fellow brother at the impudence of Shirley to dump Curly after all he's done for her! Meanwhile Bet mentions that Stella Rigby hasn't called in awhile probably because Bet fobbed Charlie "Chuckles" Bracewell off on her, and later flirts with Stella's husband who has come to check that she's getting on ok at the bequest of Alec. Betty and Jack notice that Bet is missing Alec who remind them of a garden gnome! Shades of future storylines!!! Bet flirts with Stella's husband and is later seen all dressed to the nines and going out but won't say where or with whom! Betty sees doom. But then Betty usually does!.
The funniest scenes today were of Curly moping about in the supermarket (Bettabuys perhaps????) with Percy manning a military spy mission behind him, scooting from pillar to post around the store shelves tracking him and attracting the attention of the story manager (well if it is Bettabuys, the manager isn't Reg at this time!). Curly doesn't notice Percy even when he knocks over a display. But the manager does. We later find out that the manager took Percy aside and questioned him as a suspicious character! Alf is quite put out when he hears all this because not only is Curly shopping elsewhere, but if he can afford to shop in the supermarket, why hasn't he paid his rent in 3 weeks???? Folk have been evicted for less! Uh Oh!
Mavis shows a bit of leg while fixing the display in the Kabin window and unfortunately Derek witnesses it! He is shocked and appalled that Mavis should be exposing herself and doing menial tasks as does not befit an executive's wife! What if DP should come by and see it! Mavis insists that it's her job!!! Well in the future she should wear trousers and at least once they move she can quit her job! Mavis looks shocked and appalled at this! Trouble is brewing!
Writer TONY PERRIN Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Diane
Friday (2928, 19 April 1989)
SHOP: Vera is inquiring after Curly, but Alf says he doesn't care: he is owed back rent and is tired of Curly's lack of consideration for everyone. Vera takes the high road out of the shop, saying how much easier it must be living your life without caring for a fellow human being. Alf says she'd see it differently if he owed HER 3 weeks back rent. Percy says during wartime, it was he who was relied upon to talk sense into young confused lads, and he'd have a go at young Watts later.
FLAT: Derek is prancing about in anticipation of his health assessment that afternoon. He's certain the doctor will be very impressed with his vitality. Mavis didn't sleep well, she's asking him if he's sure she should give up her job in view of the mortgage they are about to take on. He expects that his salary will jump when his position on the executive team is assured, and he will need her at home waiting with paper and slippers, to soothe him at the end of each executive day, which would be filled with executive decisions. Mavis is quite charmed by this picture of domestic bliss, but still concerned at leaving Rita in the lurch. Derek doesn't hesitate to remind Mavis that Rita has a selfish streak.
PUB: Bet still isn't up; Betty tells Jack she has no idea when she got in the night before. They gossip about Bet being out so late, what with Alec being away... Bet then comes into the bar looking hung over, she's quite cross to discover that they've already done the crossword in the newspaper. Some sly comment is made about her lateness and she tears a strip off Betty for blabbing. Jack is scandalized to discover that Bet has been out with Paul Rigby, Stella's husband.
SHOP: Shouting is heard -- it's Percy outside in the street, aiming his verbiage at Curly's window. This has some effect: Curly pokes his head out and asks to be left alone; he's staying inside to avoid busybodies like Percy. Of course, Percy says this is a clue that his "treatment" is being successful.
KABIN: Rita advises Mavis on bus schedules from the new house and Mavis says there will have to be some changes. Before she can say anything else, Rita assumes she'll want a pay rise which she gives quite cheerfully. Emily arrives to relay the news of the goings-on in the street between Percy and Curly, so Mavis has no chance to set Rita straight.
PUB: Alf is whinging on again to Kev and Martin about Curly, but Kevin defends him and even offers to pay the back rent owing, 60 quid. But Martin talks him out of it and says Curly won't like this insult to his pride. Alfie nearly had the money in his greedy grasp! Bet is on the phone, obviously it's with Paul Rigby as she stops talking when Betty walks by. Betty goes right to Jack to report this, and Jack is afraid that when Alec gets back and finds out, it is HE who will get the blame! Deirdre and Mavis discuss their husbands' desires to have them at home doing housework and The Drear gives The Mave some excellent advice: do what SHE wants, and not give in to either Rita or Derek. But it does help to actually know what it is you want.
FLAT: Curly replies to a knock with "I'm not in." It's Martin, who tells him he has a message from Shirley (the oldest trick in the book!) and so Curly jumps up to let him in. Of course there is no message and Martin gets the necessary sarcastic remarks about the state of Curly and the flat out of the way, before telling Curly he's come to straighten him out.
PUB: Afternoon closing at last, and Betty wants a word with Bet about going out with Paul Rigby. Bet apologises to Betty for snapping at her this morning and Betty tries to advise her against any further contact with Rigby. Alec will be upset when he finds out. Bet doesn't want to hear this, and makes it obvious the subject is closed.
FLAT: Martin is making tea, but there's no milk, in fact there's not much of anything. He chides Curly for not going into the shop below but Curly says he simply can't stand being around people right at the minute -- everyone wants to tell him what to do. Martin says Alf has been moaning on about the rent, and is thinking about chucking Curly out. Curly doesn't care anymore. Martin says he's acting like a 10-year-old and needs to start showing some maturity if he expects Shirley to take him at all seriously.
KABIN: Mavis finally manages to tell Rita she's going to have to give up her job soon. Rita can't believe it, and asks what's brought it on. She suspects right away that it's Derek behind it, as Mavis has always been happy working there.
DOCTOR'S: A confident Derek asks for the "verdict" but is told they will need to await test results for a final evaluation. The doctor asks if Derek worries about his health but Derek denies it right away. The doctor then observes that Derek is a newlywed, with a new job and a new house -- Derek says why yes, everything new except me! He then overreacts with joy when the doctor says he thinks Derek will last quite a while yet. (Poor Derek, he has the classic list of three of the top five stressors. He won't believe it when told he's subject to the effects of stress -- he thinks he's much too fit.)
PUB: Jack asks where Bet is and Betty figures she's upstairs sulking after hearing what Betty had to say about Paul Rigby. Percy announces that tomorrow is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Hitler; Audrey asks will he be sending him a card then? Alf is complaining again about Curly and his rent arrears and talking about evicting him; Emily then tries to write him a cheque to cover it. Percy reminds her what that would do to Curly's pride and she realises he is right, and puts her chequebook away. Poor Alf! Disappointed twice in one day!
FLAT: Derek is reporting on his successful health assessment, and decides they'll go out for Italian to celebrate, stopping at the Rovers first for a toast to the precious gift of good health.
PUB: Curly comes in all tidied up, and talks with Jack about the universe and the logic of creation; Jack looks bewildered and Ivy says it's nice to see the old Curly back again. Paul Rigby arrives to pick Bet up, and Jack tells him she's busy; Rigby waits at the bar. Mavis and Derek come in as Rita is just leaving but Derek insists she stay and have a celebratory drink with them. She's very grumpy and refuses, asking if they are celebrating his making Mavis pack in her job. She tells Mavis she'd better start standing up for herself or she'll lose her soul, then she leaves angrily. Derek says Rita is the last person who should be laying down rules for domestic harmony, given her record. Just then Bet swans in from the back, decked out in black chiffon with sequinned inserts and feather boa, accented by a hundredweight of rhinestones resting on her cleavage and dangling from her ears. She makes a grand exit on the arm of a gobsmacked Paul Rigby. Ivy asks just what she's up to with Alec away and all, and Jack says she's at IT!! He's sure SHE'S AT IT. Credits
Written by JOHN STEVENSON Directed by SPENCER
CAMPBELL
Paul Rigby JAMES TOMLINSON Doctor MALCOLM RAEBURN
Cindy
Monday (2929, 24 April 1989)
Today's show opens with Vera chiding Jack through the door that he has to dress better else what's the use of them being stone clad!!! She then commiserates with Vera about Gail and widowhood. Phyllis sympathises but Vera says Gail's better off on her own with her whole life ahead of her, except Ivy overhears and takes exception to this! They trot off to work with Vera apologising profusely!
At the Kabin, Mavis and Rita are looking daggers at each other. They alternate between cold silences and sarcastic remarks. Mavis takes everything Rita says to her or to others as a dig at her personally, even a remark to Martin not to distract Jenny from studying as it isn't good when one person stops another from working. Rita thinks Derek has married a nodding dog and blames him for Mavis wanting to leave the Kabin but Mavis insists it's her decision.
Over at the Rovers this morning, Bet is hung over from her night out on the town with Paul Rigby, Stella's husband. She isn't hiding it at all and Betty is getting more and more disapproving by the minute! Bet doesn't know for sure if Stella knows about Paul's nights out with her but rationalizes it as saying Alec asked Paul to keep an eye on her. I think Paul is taking it more than literally! Let's face it, doesn't Bet looks absolutely splendid when she's all dolled up to go out! Too bad Paul couldn't see her the morning after, looking like something the cat coughed up!
Even the staff at the pub are buzzing with speculation and the punters as well! Just wait until Alec gets home!
Alma has builders into the cafe doing work upstairs but is quiet about what and why, looking and acting the very posh and sophisticated business woman in her power suits! Later we find out that she's selling the house and building a flat above the cafe and moving in. And to save herself some money, she's considering working in the cafe herself. Of course that means, she tells Gail, that Phyllis may have to retire.
Back at the Kabin the temperature is lowering! Mavis is in a right fit and doesn't find any of the customer's efforts to joke amusing. She is moving the sooner the better! Derek skulks in, eyeing Rita with a bit of apprehension... I think it's the thought of that sharp tongue tearing him to shreds that he fears! He and Mavis go to the flat where Mavis blows off a little steam and frustration. Derek tries to soothe her with sympathy and identifies with her stress, comparing it to his own when his secretary makes mistakes or the coffee machine is out of order. This doesn't help Mavis's mood but when Derek reckons Rita is jealous of Mave's life about to get exciting while Rita faces lonely old age, Mavis perks up a little.
Stella comes in to visit Bet and throw a few fishing lines about, trying to find out what Bet is up to with Alec gone. She mentions that Paul has another floozy, she can always tell by the late hours and cheap perfume. She just hopes he doesn't catch anything from his tarty flashy cheap bit who, by the smell of the perfume, is well past her sell by date!!! Bet cringes but says nowt. Stella proposes a girls' night out and parts with smiles and sweetness, much to the consternation of the punters and staff who were looking forward to a right barney between the two women.
Rita and Mavis finally have it out about the whole thing, accusing each other of provoking the situation. Rita doesn't want to lose Mavis and still blames Derek, that pudding, but nothing gets resolved except Mavis's determination to leave.
Derek gets his health assessment results from Good Old Ray Griffiths at the office and it seems he has a touch of high blood pressure, increased heart rate and possible hypertension! The firm is concerned Derek may have a problem handling stress so they are moving him to dispatch out of the sales division. Derek looks at this as a demotion and of course the executive pension scheme is a thing of the past! He tells Mavis later and is quite upset, wound up and fidgeting like a top! Of course he can handle stress! Of course he can!
In the pub that night, Jack tries to warn Paul Rigby off Bet by saying that Alec knows some bad lads but Paul figures his bad lads are bigger than Alec's and don't take kindly to people speaking out of turn. Jack slinks back to the cellar. Paul heads out with Bet for another night out.
Writer STEPHEN MALLATRATT Directory MARY McMURRAY
Christine Carter TARA MORAN Paul Rigby JAMES TOMLINSON Stella
Rigby VIVIENNE ROSS Stan Taylor JOHNNY ALLAN Ray Griffiths JAMES
SMITH
Tuesday (2930, 26 April 1989)
Derek is still upset about his medical assessment and is reading up in the dictionary about stress. He thinks the doctor was paid off or else he would look like he wasn't doing his job. Derek plans to go to D.P. that very morning to protest that he is in top shape and can handle stess very well. Mavis notes that Derek can't stop blinking rapidly and is twitching furiously!
In the cafe the builders are a busy lot. Christine tells Phyllis what's going on as she heard it from the builder's apprentice with whom she's had a bit of a flirt. Phyllis later mentions it to Alma who thinks Gail betrayed a confidence. Gail gets a call from Nicky's school and has to rush off with Audrey. Alma, when she finds this out, thinks she really is over staffed and Phyllis thinks that Gail will be ousted!
Paul arrives to apologise for making a pass at Bet in the cab the night before. He certainly overstepped his mark and got carried away. Bet tells him, try it again and he'll be carried away on a stretcher! Can handle herself, Bet can! Paul offers to take her to dinner to apologise. Later, Bet defends herself to Betty successfully. She knows she can handle Paul and not to worry, her reputation has been in tatters for years! Why can't a woman just be friends with a man? She says they are going out that night for the final time. Betty now defends Bet to Jack and Tina and scolds them for gossiping.
Derek waits most of the day to see D.P. The secretary is apologetic but D.P. is a busy man you understand. He finally asks her to take the boss a memo from him which he proceeds to dictate to the secretary. It's quite blunt and to the point and says that Derek finds the transfer to dispatch quite unacceptable. Yes, he's sure he want's to say that! As the day goes on, he still is not invited into the inner sanctum and apparently has missed D.P. as he has left for a meeting then leaving for home as he is going to Amsterdam the next day.
The next time we see Derek, he is lurking in the parking garage waiting to intercept D.P. but is himself intercepted by Ray Griffiths who invites Derek to his office for a chat. They discuss the memo and Ray certainly understands Derek's position. Too bad he couldn't see his way to staying and so accepts his memo as his resignation with regret. WHAT!? Derek sputters and tries to tell Ray that wasn't his intention but Ray says they will give Derek a good reference and in view of his medical report, it's probably just as well!
Back at the pub that night, amid more gossip and play, Jack answers the phone. It's Alec and he's at Manchester airport! He's back! Early! and Bet is nowhere to be found! Uh Oh!
Writer PETER WHALLEY Directory MARY McMURRAY
John Savage IAN WILKINSON DPs secretary JULIA DEAKIN Paul Rigby
JAMES TOMLINSON Stan Taylor JOHNNY ALLAN Ray Griffiths JAMES SMITH
Wednesday (2931, 1 May 1989)
Panic Stations! Panic Stations! Where's Bet! Alec is on his way home from the airport and the staff scramble to find Bet. Betty sends Jack out in the rain to a nearby wine bar and makes a few phone calls unsuccessfully. Alec arrives home excited to see his wife and Betty stalls him saying Bet went to the movies on her own just before he called.
Elsewhere in the bar Alf is eyeing Curly who is buying a drink for Kevin but still he hasn't paid his rent to Alf!
Derek is home late but Mavis was helping out late in the Kabin so gets in just after Derek does. He's all gloom and doom, no he didn't see D.P. and simply won't be cheered up. Nor has he told Mavis what happened yet and she suspects they must have had a row.
Alf meets Audrey at Gail's and they discuss the problems Nicky seems to be having at school. Gail is having a tough time explaining to Nick and making him understand about Brian's death. Later on, Gail is asleep on the couch and Nicky comes down, waking her with cries and questions, where did you send me dad? She again tries to explain that Brian isn't coming home... but it seems to me she isn't doing a very good job of it. The way she puts it, i can see where a child would think his dad has just gone away, not died.
As it gets later, Tina introduces herself to Alec and he questions her about how long a movie takes these days. It's near closing and Jack has been out again in the rain watching for Bet's return to head her off at the pass but Vera just thinks he's after another woman since they don't tell her in the bar what's going on...Jack and Vera leave with Vera in full voice! Alec is getting anxious now, as it's near midnight. Bet finally waltzes in with Paul and Alec confronts them both. He knows what kind of man Paul is and just knows they were both up to no good! Paul defends his roving hands which Bet slapped away but Alec throws him out and he and Bet have a big row about it. Bet defends her position bravely saying she wasn't about to wall herself up while Alec was off having a good time and anyway nothing happened. She can handle Paul Rigby and anyone else and you can keep your flamin' presents and all! It looks like Alec is spending the night on the settee!
In hushed tones Derek is trying to call D.P. at home and finally gets to talk to him so he can explain about the memo but D.P. doesn't seem to want to back down and Derek humbly agrees that small cogs are easily replaces. There was a lump in my throat at that, i tell you, poor Derek admitting his lowly status! He thanks his former boss for talking to him and is just about to hang up when Mavis enters so Derek pretends he is seeing D.P. tomorrow morning, bright and early! YOu just know he's going to go off for the next week or two pretending to be working, now don't you but meanwhile what about the house? I hope Mavis hasn't burned too many bridges with Rita!
Later Derek is still up and now with an upset tummy and Mavis is very mother hen and gets him something to soothe it. There just might be something to this stress thing after all!
The next morning Alf catches Curly and gives him a dire warning about the rent.
Gail goes up to get Nicky out of bed but he's GONE!
Writer TONY PERRIN Directory IAN WHITE
Sarah Louise Tilsey LYNSAY KING
Thursday (2932, 3 May 1989)
It's morning and Gail and Audrey are searching for Nicky who wasn't in his bed when Gail went to get him up. Audrey brings Ivy as well so she and Ivy hit the streets while Gail waits at home in case he should return. Gail also calls the police and when the constable comes around, Gail tells her there had been trouble at school lately and how NIcky is having trouble understanding the death of his dad.
At the Rovers, it appears that Alec has spent a sleepless night on the settee. Bet is sorry he still doesn't believe that nothing happened. Alec is adamant, he doesn't believe her and is also angry that the staff tried to cover up for Bet. He expects all the punters know too and he'll be a laughing stock! Bet later tells Betty it was a long night but she can handle Alec and can she work tonight so that Bet can make a romantic meal for Alec to bring him around?
Curly speaks to Alf and hopes he'll take £5 against the £80 that he now owes in back rent! Alf will not! Later, he sees Curly arriving at the flat with groceries from the supermarket and gives him a hard time about both the fact that he can afford food, and that he didn't buy it at the shop!
Over at the Kabin Mavis tells Rita that Derek had a poor night, but she's looking forward to spending all her time with Derek once they move. She has happy memories of working at the Kabin however! As Derek goes off to "work", Mavis remarks that he expects too much of himself! Later the solicitor rings Mavis to tell her the paperwork is ready to be signed for the new house. Mavis calls Derek at the office and is told he doesn't work there anymore! She is stunned! Rita says she should wait for Derek and let him tell her in his own way and time.
Over at the garage, Mark arrives late, as usual and Kevin puts him right to work while he goes out to get a part. A little blond boy in school clothes wanders in. It's Nicky! He doesn't recognize Mark and Mark shoos him out. He returns however, and says he's allowed to be there, it's his dad's garage! Mark was under the impression it was HIS dad's garage but when the little fellow tells him his name is Nicky Tilsey, Mark understands! I guess it is your dad's garage, he tells the boy. Mark brings Nicky home to his relieved mother and grandmothers but when he returns to the garage, Kevin is there and tears a strip off him for skivving off. He does at least have the grace to look sheepish when Mark finally gets a word in and tells him what happened.
In the pub, Curly spends his last pennies on a half as Alf arrives to nag him further about the rent. Alf then evicts Curly, now! He doesn't have anywhere to go so Vera offers him her spare room without asking Jack first but she couldn't help it. She felt so bad that Alf treated the poor lad so harshly.
Ivy buys Mark a drink in the Rovers to thank him. She is not on the bandwagon that Gail should not be working, but staying home with the kiddies. Meanwhile Gail spends some time with NIcky, looking at family photos and letting him choose some for his bedroom.
Mavis waits for Derek. When he arrives he says how busy he has been... at the office? Mavis enquires? But he decides there will be no further work discussions tonight... Mavis is unsure of what to say next.
Bet has a lovely table set and waiting for Alec who comes in after a long walk and think. She welcomes him and asks can't they put this behind them but Alec is not to be appeased. He loved her but he just doesn't believe her and has decided he wants a divorce!
Writer PETER WHALLEY Directory IAN WHITE
WPC Mitchell BELINDA CHAPMAN
Diane
Friday (2933, 8 May 1989)
Jack is making breakfast. Vera suggests they pamper poor Curly a bit on his first morning and take his tea up to him. Jack is not impressed. How long is he staying!? Vera insists he's staying as long as he wants.
Derek is getting ready for work and Mavis asks what is on his agenda for the day. He waffles and avoids the question and she finally tells him she knows he's lost his job and how she found out by calling the office the day before. She urges him to talk to her. He says he offered to resign unless they would reinstate him at his former position but they wouldn't do it. She is more upset that he didn't tell her but Derek thought he could get another job before she found out. He didn't tell her because he loves her! Hmmph. (Love like that I can do without, I can tell you) He will take charge and sort everything out including the house.
At the pub, Alec is in a foul mood and when Tina asks if she's doing OK on the job he snaps that he doesn't give compliments and if she messes up, she'll know it. He implies to Jack that he may have to testify on Alec's behalf in divorce court. Jack sympathises with Alec, figuring he better pick the winning side. Doesn't know Bet very well does he? Alec compliments Ken's paper because he doesn't print scandal... does he???? I'm not sure if he wants this kept quiet or if he wants it out in the open to use against Bet! Toe rag!
Alf asks Gail how Nicky is doing and she tells Alf and Vera she's spending a few days home with him and anyway Alma is running the show at the cafe these days. Vera asks her in passing about sandwiches for the factory and Alf is insulted as that was his custom. Vera drags him over the coals for his harsh treatment of Curly so Alf realizes Vera is out to ruin his good name!
Later in the pub Alma tells Ivy there's lots to do at the cafe and though she understands Gail's situation, seems sceptical of Gail's committment to her job! Ivy gleefully has found another one to take her side and slyly tells Alma how she feels about Gail continuing to work, leaving them kiddies alone. It ain't fittin!
Alf confronts Vera about blackening his name but when she calls him on it, he admits he doesn't want Curly back as a tennant.
Bet is busy making her own appointment with a solicitor, first strike! Betty tells Alec his name might not be over the door for long with all this talk of divorce. He thinks Betty is just trying to play peacekeeper but she tells him about Bet's call to the solicitor. Later we see Bet at the solicitor's office reeling off lists of grounds for divorce starting with Alec's recent two months in the desert with a Welsh dancer and her 12 budgerigars! He tells her she must stay in the matrimonial home.
Derek arrives at the Kabin. Ken makes a remark about their new house and after he leaves Derek realizes Mavis has told Rita about his job! Rita asks how they can take the house if he's out of a job! But Derek insists he isn't, he is just between jobs, just hasn't found anything suitable and he's getting his dander up now, let me tell you! Mavis later tells Derek she doesn't think they should go ahead and buy the house. When he finds out that Rita has told Mavis not to quit her job as they'll need the salary, Derek goes ballistic at her for interfering! Rita isn't to let the poison in her poison everyone else, scaring Mavis and telling Mavis that he is inadequate and throws her recent mistakes with relationships in her face. No more sympathy from me! He insists that she keep her nose out and replace the card in the window, which was advertising Mavis's job. She does this and you can tell she's keeping her temper in check with great difficulty so as not to make it worse for Mavis.
Jack is home chatting to Curly who wantes to help pay for his board. He offers a 10-er every week and Jack takes it and says to give it to him, not Vera. Also he will have to do a little work for his keep and puts him out to muck out the pigeons. When Vera finds out she takes Curly into the pub for a drink and castigates Jack thoroughly for it!
At the playground, Gail and Pauline talk. Gail tells Pauline that she needs to work though has a bit of a nest egg now from the insurance and sale of the garage. But that won't last forever. It gives her some breathing room but she dare not risk dreaming of the future at the moment.
Alec, knowing Bet is at the solicitor is getting nervous because Bet has been gone a long time. She arrives back with her arms full of shopping, paid for at his plastic expense! She tells him about the solicitor and they snipe at each other for awhile, with her telling him she can take him to the cleaners so he decides to fire the second shot! You're late and I employ you to work behind the bar. You're Fired!
Writer STEPHEN LOWE Directory SPENCER CAMPBELL
Colin Dearing ERIC POTTS
Diane
Monday (2934, 10 May 1989)
Lots to tell today! Mostly Bet and Alec's wars and Derek and Mavis coping.
The morning begins with Derek explaining to Mavis the correct way to make scrambled eggs, along with a demonstration but Mavis is having none of that. She wants to talk about serious matters. She's brought up the job ads but Derek accuses her of lack of faith but she doesn't see how. He says she is too easily influenced by outside sources...meaning Rita but she is only trying to help! Derek feels Rita has made a staggering disaster of her own affairs and has no right to be interfering. Mavis accuses him of being unnecessarily unkind but he feels he has good job prospects and they will be just fine, this is not a sticky patch, just a temporary hiccup!
At the Rovers, Bet and Alec are barely speaking, and only in sarcastic sniping remarks when they do. Bet think Alec should back down but he insists she is still fired. She then gets angry and wonders if he will take her frocks and tights along with taking her home and job away from her? But he defends himself because she was the one that betrayed his trust. Well she's not moving out and doesn't care what the staff thinks. Alec says he'll tell them the truth if he has to (about her being fired), he has nowt to be ashamed of (oh really? Bet spits) but he doesn't. He tells them she isn't feeling well and won't be working today. Bet has anticipated that and swans into the bar and announces she's been given the shove! Betty figures it would be better if they didn't take sides and kept their mouths shut. Bet decides she might as well enjoy life rather than spending it on her feet behind a grotty bar and take Alec for 50% of everything while she's at it.
Mavis tells Rita she defended her to Derek and asks her opinion. Rita reluctantly gives it and feels the Wiltons shouldn't take on a big mortgage right now. Mavis wistfully sighs and says she thought marraige would be a bit easier though ups and downs are to be expected. She thought they would pull together. Not when one's pulling the other over a cliff, Rita darkly predicts.
Alma comes to Gail's. She's coping fine with the cafe and Gail can stop at home as long as needed. She seems to have bought into Ivy's belief that Gail should stay home with the kiddies and i think Gail realizes she'll need to get to the root of the problem quickly as Ivy is spreading her opinion to all and sundry as we see later in the bar when Ivy is still telling everyone who will listen.
Also in the bar Curly is still reeling from rejection and compliments Ken as a man who commands respect from others. They listen to your opinions. He reckons Ken hasnever had a women walk out on him. Ken looks thoughtful, as if to say, if you only knew!
Bet goes out and Alec is curious, you can tell, he tries slyly to get it out of her but when she calls him on it, no he doesn't want her back behind the bar. Bet's a lady of leisure now and is going ot enjoy it as the punters look on curiously. Vera questions Jack and he'll tell her if she promises to keep her gob shut....She's surprised he even needs to ask! (huh???)
At the Kabin Mavis takes a call from the solicitor and puts him off until tomorrow when he urges them to come finish the paperwork for the house. Rita clucks over this and Derek arrives. No, no responses yet to the job search. When told about the solicitor, he says they must go and finish the business but Mavis tells him not to be so stupid!!!! That little bit of backbone is not evident for long as Derek rounds on Rita for interfering again and telling Mavis he is a failure. He rushes up to the flat saying maybe she's right!!! Mavis scurries after him as Bet pops in and witnesses the tail end of this. She invites Rita to lunch at a very lovely restaurant with linen napkins and a waiter who's bum looks very inviting in his tight pants! (now,now, that was Bet's opinion,not mine! * cough *) They have a lovely lunch despite trying to avoid taboo subjects like "that little gnome" Alec and that nerd Derek. Bet agrees with Rita that Alec is probably bluffing and Rita sighs that Mavis wants her opinion then doesn't want her to give it! They reckon for two bright girls they can be right plonkers and should avoid men whose names begin with A... and the waiter's name turns out to be Anthony but he was a touch young anyway.
Alec goes to his solicitor and later when Bet comes home they make tentative attempts and civilized small talk because most marraiges can be saved if the parties are reasonable. He even compliments her on her outfit and it looks like they are almost about to break down but can't quite do it. Bet makes the mistake of saying "we" enjoyed our lunch and Alec immediately assumes she was with Paul and explodes, not even giving her a word in to tell him it was Rita. So she digs her high heels in and lets him think it and it's back to the wars. Alec drags Betty in as a witness and says Bet is guilty of adultery and might as well admit it. Bet accuses Alec of being guilty of being a totally irresponsible little toerag, an idiot who doesn't deserve a wife like her and leaves, having had the last word in.
Back at the Kabin, Phyllis complains to Rita about Alma and how she's running the cafe in Gail's absence. After she leaves, Mavis tells Rita that Derek has finally agreed they shouldn't buy the house. He's really quite volcanic you know, very emotional underneath that placid exterior. Rita raises her eyebrows and suggests volcanic, as in a seething mass of raging gas??? Oh yes, Mavis enthusiastically agrees. uh huh.
Gail has Ivy over for a talk and assures her she is a good mother but needs to work for herself. Ivy offers to subsidise her with money if she'll stay home like a mother should. She's kept the money from the garage for the kids' future and though Ivy thinks she's being selfish, she needs her own life too. End of discussion.
Writer ADELE ROSE Directory SPENCER CAMPBELL
Diane
Tuesday (2935, 15 May 1989)
Gail returns to work at the cafe and notices how busy everyone is. Alma appears to be cracking the whip, enforcing thrifty measures of sugar and butter and she's raised prices too. The staff is grumbling! Alma arrives for work all perky with big white ugly earings. Ivy has had a rough night thinking about her arguement with Gail the evening before and about Gail going back to work. Don suggests she give up work and look after the kids herself but Ivy loves her job and bringing home a paycheck! Oh, yeah, it's ok for you but not for Gail? Well Ivy doesn't have kiddies, does she? She tells Don she offered to subsidize Gail with her own money. Don lets her know he'll be late tonight as he's taking a customer on a long trip.
At the pub, Alec is suffering with a dicky tummy and gets quite annoyed that Bet is sharing a lovely plate of mushrooms on toast with Betty in front of him. Another grounds for divorce, gastronomic cruelty! After he leaves, Betty wonders how Bet can keep smiling. LINE OF THE DAY Betty this smile is the lid on a scream!!!!
Over at the cafe Audrey wanders in to chat to Gail and notices Alma's pushy and sarcastic comments about customers who never buy anything. Gail would be well shut of the place. Gail tells her of Ivy's offer and Audrey thinks if anyone is going to give Gail money it will be her! Audrey later has a word with Ivy in the pub and tells her she needn't put herself into debt for Gail, Alf and she can well afford it much better, to which Alf poses serious objections as Audrey hustles him out the door, leaving Ivy steaming.
Bet goes off and though Alec is curious he isn't able to suss out where she's off to. Stella comes in for a word with Alec about this ridiculous situation. But Alec manages to woo her over to his side against Bet and she waits for Bet to return. Stella accuses Bet and though Bet defends herself, Stella says none of them in their crowd are saints but there are rules and you keep your sticky fingers off other's husbands! They have a big row and Bet is hurt to the core to realize that Alec has turned her friends against her too. Well, she can always pack her bags and leave, can't she, he offers! Alec is quite satisfied with the outcome of today's efforts!
At the cafe Alma is on an extended break. Sally, Jenny and Martin are lingering and discussing Martin's future plans when Alma returns. Gail has let Christine go as they were quiet but Alma says she will make all management decisions now and what is Audrey doing here again (not buying anything). She then turns her sharp tongue on Phyllis. Gail and Audrey ignore her and Gail tells Audrey she doesn't need any help from anyone!!!
Don's punter seems to have lost everything on the dogs, including his own dog who was apparently not running up to her full potential. Don wants him to borrow the money to pay his cab fare but he ends up with the dog in lieu! He brings it home and Ivy is not impressed.
Writer LESLIE DUXBURY Directory SARAH HARDING
Harry Slinger - BERNARD LATHAM
Diane
Wednesday (2936, 17 May 1989)
Ivy's angry at Don, Bet's furious with Alec and he's at war with her! Gail's fed up with Alma! Is there no end to the strife today?
Don feeds the dog the sausages Ivy planned to cook for tea. That isn't helping matters, Don! She tells him the dog must go. He defends himself saying he isn't going to gamble but maybe they can make a bit racing her??? Get shut of it! Ivy orders.
Betty is getting exasperated with the whole Bet/Alec situation and tells Tina it's getting beyond all reason. Tina says she doesn't like jealous men and told Betty about an ex boyfriend who was following her everywhere and making scenes in the pictures and everything. Of course she was with his brother at the time! Alec arrives for the morning shift and tells them that Bet is still fired. Bet comes in and Alec snidely comments that she's still here is she? Bet insists it's her home too and nothing will shift her, no matter how childish Alec gets (he snatched the newspaper away from her, he pays for it, it's his!).
At the Cafe Alma is a busy bee and urges the others along too. She comments to Ken that she'd like to turn it into something posher but after all, Ken says, there are enough of those kinds of places but how many can make a good plate of toast like this? Alma is dubious. Gail charges Martin half of the new 40p price of a cup of tea and complains that it's a mistake to drive the old customer's away with the high prices. Alma thinks it will weed out the deadbeats but doesn't she realize it isn't going to draw any new customers? Audrey seems a bit over-satisfied to find out that the cafe is losing customers due to the prices as well.
Don offers Alf a half share in the dog but Alf declines. Meanwhile Alec is doing a bit of shopping at Alf's and snaps at Sally when she tries to tease him about doing his own errands.
In the bar at dinnertime, Mike is complaining about slow service and then hears all about the scandal from Vera who then tries to back pedal when Alec overhears and wonders how she found out! Vera is also of the opinion that now that he has that dog, Don's gambling days are about to begin again. Over in the other corner, Martin tells Jenny that Curly has it made now,someone to cook and do his washing but the disadvantage is he can't take a woman home with him. Martin offers to pay his own dad to stay out if Jenny will... No way she says. It was a half hearted effort on Martin's part anyway.
Ivy comes home for dinner and finds the dog on the sofa and shoos it off, only to see that the dog has chewed up her cushion and ruined it. She puts it out in the back yard as Don comes home. He treats it as just a bit of mischeif but Ivy is furious. Get rid of it before she comes back after work. Don goes out to the yard and sees the gate open and the dog, Lucky (right!) has run off so Don hitails it down the ginnel.
Alma gives Phyllis a hard time for sitting with an old reliable customer while things were quiet. She then insists that Phyllis and Christine work part time hours to cut expenses so Gail saves her the trouble and quits! At the shop a few minutes later, Audrey says Alma has been goading Gail into just that! Also she reckons Ivy will be quite smug that Gail has packed in her job.
Ivy is making the tea when the former dog owner comes to the door to try to buy the dog back and pay his cab fare debt. Ivy is all for that and Don comes back with the dog that he has finally located and refuses the offer! Ivy is left with jaw hanging and the punter threatening that they haven't heard the last of this.
Poor Alec is scurrying for a clean shirt and mind you, Bet could pull her weight around there a bit more since she's still living there, like do a bit of washing or cleaning up. No way, Bet says. Not after the way you treated me! I'm staying and if it's separate lives you want, then that's what you get and you'll do your own washing and cooking and cleaning. She makes this point again later when she sits down to a lovely plate of lamb chops. Alec comes in a sits down looking pleased and wondering where his is. You're not getting any. Alec threatens to get a live in housekeeper then! Go right ahead!!!! This round to Bet I think!
Writer JOHN STEVENSON Directory SARAH HARDING
Diane
Thursday (2937, 22 May 1989)
Is Don sliding back into the gambling habit? Will Bet win the war of Rovers Return? What did Alma's solicitor say that upset her so much?
Don is excited about the dog, Lucky, and training her three times a day although Ivy insists on feeding the dog leftovers from last night's tea. Don says he'll have to bet on the dog a tenner each way as he's the owner and besides, that's what Ivy spends on Bingo easily! He offers Alf a partnership and with Audrey's urging, Alf goes along with it. Audrey is just interested in what owners' wives wear at the track and can she get a new outfit out of it!
Alec is desparate for a clean shirt and begs Bet to help, saying can't we be civilized? After all he's a gentleman, now get some shirts done! No way. He even tries to cajole Betty but she's doing Bet's shopping instead and gets out of the line of fire. Bet doesn't dare leave the house herself in case Alec changes the locks! Neither of them is backing down!
At the cafe Alma is taking calls from people who keep asking after Gail and she's getting annoyed! The staff complain behind her back at her pushy ways but are sweet as pie to her face. Another call comes through from her solicitor and it sounds like bad news to do with her ex-husband! She takes off and the girls hope she'll be back for dinnertime as Christine has to be off on her butty rounds. Alma does return at dinner time but she's in an awful temper!
Tina is on her own in the pub as Jack has the flu. Alec tries to get her to work in the cellar but she flat out refuses much to Bet's delight. Alec is afraid he'll mess up his one clean shirt that he attempted to iron (badly) but has no choice. Later in the pub Vera and Ivy are really giving Alec a hard time about his choice of shirts and we see that yes, indeed, he must have gotten the other one dirty because he's now wearing a loud Hawaiian style print casual shirt!!! Tina begs the girls to go easy as she has to put up with it but Alec is near the end of his rope and ready to fire the next shot!
Rita and Bet have a sup in the pub and Bet says she almost felt sorry for Alec trying to iron a shirt. She thinks Alec will give in sooner than later but Rita thinks they're both being silly. Bet can't afford to give in else he'll assume she's guilty and hold it over her always. She cannot admit to something she didn't do so Rita offers her a bed should things get that bad.
After Percy Sugden too has a go at Alec for his wardrobe "don't" Alec calls an agency and to come in that afternoon.
Don wants Alf to help train the dog and he hesitates but when Audrey offers to walk the dog over by the shops, he decides he'll help out after all.
Phyllis is chatting to Percy at the cafe and tells him Alma's had bad news about her alimony but when Alma storms in and chews her out for dawdling with the customers (Phyllis only wishes!!!) Phyllis pretends Percy was complaining about his Eccles cake. No matter how much Percy objects, Alma decides she's had enought of him and everyone else and shoos everyone out of the cafe and closes it for the rest of the day. We later see Alma alone in the cafe crying.
Alec interviews a housekeeper, Mrs. Hargreaves and decides she'll do. Can she start now and do him some shirts? She can but it'll cost him. He tries to negotiate on her fees but the agency sets them and she gets top rates! Bet returns and catches Mrs. H. ironing and proceeds to terrorize the poor woman, confiscating the iron and telling her Alec is only after one thing, don't let him get you alone. Bet is a little afraid too! Once Alec has a shirt he needs to get off but Tina refuses to work the bar alone so, desparate, Alec takes Vera up on her offer to fill in as Mrs. Hargreaves can't be persuaded to fill in. I think we've seen the last of her!! Alec calls Bet a pub-wrecker and takes off to see about one of his acts. Bet looks triumphant, having won this round.
Writer TONY PERRIN Directory IAN WHITE
Mrs Hargreaves JUDITH DAVIS
Diane
Friday (2938, 24 May 1989)
Is Lucky really Lucky? Will Alec win the next round? Is Alma's cafe going to rack and ruin?
Don's out training the dog. When he ties up the dog outside Alf's shop, he accidentally hits Lucky on the nose and even if it was an accident I feel Lucky might just take offense!!! It's the day of the big race and Audrey's wondering what to wear. Don says the dog is eating well and he's quite optimistic but he is probably going to avoid betting on her because Ivy has just arrived and Don tells her she could bet on Lucky anyway but don't worry about him.
Later he and Alf are on a field (the Red Rec???) trying to get Lucky to run but she won't budge! Uh oh!
Alec asks Betty to do extra sausages at dinner as folk like sausages (so does Alec, I'll wager and it's the only way he'll get any dinner). Betty's heard about Vera helping out but won't agree to stay and do evenings anyway. Bet and Alec aren't even speaking except to swear now and then but Bet tells Betty about the housekeeper that she sent off theday before. Alec tries in vain to get another from the agency but from this end of the conversation it sounds as if Mrs. Hargreaves wasn't very complimentary about the working conditions and Alec is out of luck there. Alec hangs up the phone but then gets an inspiration and dashes off.
At the cafe, Percy returns to remind Alma that the customer is always right. Percy and Phyllis nag at each other a bit and Alma has another go at Christine for taking the initiative. Alma ends up firing Phyllis for arguing with Percy. Alma, Alma, Alma! First Gail quits and now Phyllis is gone too?? Will there be any cafe left to run??? Alma goes crawling to Gail's with her tail between her legs. She doesn't exactly apologise but makes excuses for her behavior...Personal problems, her ex stopped paying the mortgage since he found out Alma has sold the house (Imagine that!! *sarky look*). All she has left is the shop and flat and she knows she isn't suited to run it. Gail doesn't think it will work if she comes back but Alma offers her an equal partnership with a salary and all the management decison making she wants.
Bet is past being upset with Alec now. If he's set on divorce then she has to look out for herself. He wants her to back down and she'll never do it. Rita reckons that Alec will be guilty of unreasonable behaviour if he does get a live-in housekeeper because that's an affront to his wife! More for the lawyer's files! Meanwhile Betty and Tina note that custom is down in the pub and they must be staying away to avoid the shrapnel flying between Bet and Alec. Vera offers to help out when she can again and Bet asks Deirdre to keep an eye out for any job she could do.
Just then Alec waltzes in with a tall red headed woman and her baggage. It's Megan Morgan, one of his acts. It's the Welsh dancer whose stage name is Tania, the one Bet told the solicitor about i would think. Alec has hired her to be a live in housekeeper. Bet tries to get Betty to go into the living room to spy but she stays out of it so Bet goes in instead and verifies what's going on. Megan has never done housekeeping before but i think she's figuring she can get the entertainment jobs first crack as Alec hears about them by being in the right place at the right time. I'll also wager Madam won't mind getting her feet under the table and knows a good thing when she sees it! She's a bit taken aback at all the work but Alec reckons it comes naturally to a woman and warns Megan that Bet might try to scare her off.
Don and Alf commiserate in the pub about Lucky's lackless performance in training but they are optimistic about the race. Later at the track Lucky isn't. Lucky that is. If she ran any slower she wouldn't even have come in last!
In the pub that night, Curly is wittering on to Tina about needing human company but none of his mates are around. Bet takes him to one side as a "front" so she can keep an eye on what's happening behind the bar, or who's happening as Megan seems to be putting her hand in now and then to help Tina. Alec introduces Megan to the staff and a few punters and poor Bet grits her teeth over in the corner as Alec extolls Megan's virtues as a housekeeper, that is. Bet goes through to the house while Percy is telling Phyllis that he figures Megan is one of Alec's women. Many of the female punters think the same thing too!
Bet tells Alec she's leaving, bag and baggage. He's won. She knows Megan is more than a housekeeper and it's going to look bad in divorce court that he's moved his hard faced trollop in under her nose, she's taking him for every penny she can get! she leaves and Alec stands there looking pained. Only I can't figure if it's because Bet left or because he feels his wallet cry out!
Writer JOHN STEVENSON Directory IAN WHITE
Megan Morgan SUE RODERICK
Diane
Monday (2939, 29 May 1989)
Will Derek get his confidence back? Has Bet won the next round? What are Jack and Vera planning?
At the Rovers, Megan is being very domestic and I swear she's making eyes at Alec, doing her best to make herself indispensible by making his breakfast and sweetly saying she likes the quiet mornings before the staff come in, just the two of them but of course, she's just the housekeeper. Nobody else believes it, that's for sure. Betty comes in and sees Megan still there but when she finds out that Bet walked out, she slings her hook too and tells Alec she doesn't need this aggravation! She sees Bet on the street on the way out and tells her too. Bet is touched but tells Betty she needn't have done that but Betty has had enough.
Derek is shut himself in the flat and hasn't gone out in days. He is busy this morning doing a crossword as Mavis tries to urge him on to bigger and better things, or even just a walk out this afternoon since it's a bank holiday. Derek's confidence is at an all time low it seems and he thinks he may have to lower his sights. Mavis is encouraging but he's losing interest in the outside world.
Ivy is getting fonder of Lucky and is treating her like the family pet. Don is disgusted with Lucky's miserable racing performance and feels he will have to get rid of her, especially after Alf backs out of the partnership. Ivy takes the dog out with her on an outing with Gail and the kids where she tells Gail again that she's very glad she quit work and staying home with the children. You were missing most of their growing up!
Bet it seems, spent the night with Rita but then later persuades Alf to let her the flat over the shop and proceeds to pick up a few items on credit. When Audrey finds out she warns Alf that Alec will be watching Bet for any indiscretion so he'd better not get caught going up them stairs!
Jack tells Vera about Bet and Betty leaving and Vera wonders if the brewery knows what's going on what with Alec's woman making herself quite at home in the house, kitchen and even behind the bar.
Phyllis persuades Percy to take her out for the day. They spend the afternoon watching the bowls though Percy tries everything he can, he can't seem to rid himself of Phyllis! Even after he manages to get away and get back to the pub on his own, she tracks him down. Somehow they got separated when he pushed her on the bus and said it was too crowded and he'd take the next one!
Rita comes in at dinnertime to the pub and Alec questions her to find out if she knows where Bet went. Matters, does it? Rita asks! WEll just tell her i didn't force her or even want her to leave. It didn't bother Alec to move Megan in though. Well she admits that Bet stayed with her but now has Alf's shop flat. Alec doubts the divorce court will look kindly on Bet's desertion but Rita reminds him it doesn't look good for him and his "housekeeper" either.
Mavis finds a job ad that Derek would be perfect for but he stalls and makes excuses not to call. Mavis finally tells him she doesn't believe he IS exective material after all if he can't even face talking to an answering machine. This seems to give him the push he needs and he calls and sets up an interview for the next day at noon, confidence rising again.
Megan and Alec confirm again that they must be completely businesslike but Tina witnesses Megan cleaning off a spot LOW on Alec's tie and she backs out hastily! Megan certainly understands and they make a good team, wouldn't want to foul that up! Uh huh.
At the pub that evening Rita assures Alec that Bet will probably be back but only to pick up more of her gear. Rita says nowt to Vera but Vera takes it as confirmation that Bet has gone for good, anyway and she and Jack gleefully plan to let the brewery know what's going on. Jack you could have your name over that door! I'm miles ahead of you, Vee, he says. Well about 7 years ahead anyway! Isn't hindsight wonderful? (episode update written in 1997 but I'll say no more!)
Writer BARRY HILL Directory SPENCER CAMPBELL
Diane
Tuesday (2940, 31 May 1989)
What is Derek selling? Will Ivy and Audrey's partnership be successful? Will Jack and Vera realize their dreams?
Vera and Jack are working out a plan for Jack to visit the brewery. He has an appointment at 1 p.m. this afternoon and he'll manage to get off work somehow. Vera excitedly kisses him on the street and he shrugs her off, folk could be watching! Inside the pub, Jack compliments Tina on the results of her beauty sleep and comments to Alec that it's too bad kipping don't do the same for them! Alec calls a staff meeting and tells them Betty refuses to return so they'll all have to pitch in with the cooking. Jack offers his full cooperation which makes Alec suspicious! After they leave Megan offers to bring a smile back to Alec's face as she bats her eyelashes at him! See I told you she was after what she thinks is a pretty situation!
Bet picks up a few more groceries at Alf's on the tick before she must be off to a job interview at the Flying Horse. Betty thinks that's a come down from being landlady herself but needs must, you know. It's the one thing she's really good at!
Don tells Alf he'll have to sell the dog as a lost cause. Sally and Audrey think that's terrible and Ivy is getting attached as well.
Derek is spiffed up for his interview, fussing over which shirt to wear so he'll be completely relaxed. The interview gets put off until 3 pm so he goes to the Rovers with Mavis and has a beer and a whiskey chaser. He wants to put forth an image of "one of the boys" though Mavis thinks temperence is much better. I know I certainly wouldn't hire someone who had whiskey on his breath at a mid afternoon interview!
Jack comes over all queer and sick like, and decides he is having a relapse of the flu and must go home! Alec doubts but lets him go. This is probably about 12:30 I figure! Sure enough next time we see Jack he's in a suit and tie and sneaking off out the back way!
Percy is complaining about the quality of the food to Tina but Rita tells her to take no notice, Percy is always complaining about something. Later he is found discussing all the various vehicles he drove during the war with Kevin. Bet comes into the Rovers and heads behind the bar to the house but is stopped by Alec. He wants no strangers wandering round the house and sends Megan upstairs to fetch the shoes Bet has come for. Rita and Bet sit at a booth with their drinks and discuss the situation further. Rita can't get over how vindictive Alec is! She sympathises with Bet as Megan watches while making snide comments to Alec about the pair, which the pair realize she's doing so Bet sticks her tongue out at Megan! She confirms to Rita that she and Alec are dead and buried, finished.
Audrey visits Ivy and suggests they take over training and racing Lucky themselves. Ivy is dubious but Audrey wins her over and they decide to go for it! There's a partnership made in hell! Don is astonished later when he finds out!
Jack chats with Nigel Ridley about the goings on at the pub, making it sound like he's practically running things after Bet has gone off, Betty slung her hook and Alec in no fit state! Nigel thanks him for letting the brewery know, (all for the good of the brewery, Mr. Nigel!) and lets Jack kiss up some more before gently ushering him out to assurances that yes, he will keep Jack in his computer for further reference! Jack later tells Vera it went well and they may have their name over that door in no time! They make plans for changes and speculate on what they can get for their house on the market.
Derek returns from his interview and tells Mavis he is successful and now has a new job, merchadising general brands. He doesn't tell Mavis what he is selling but says he has a large territory! He avoids her questions until finally he brings in his sample case and opens it. Inside there are leaping toy frogs, oversized sunglasses and fuzzy masks (I'll just bet there are chattering teeth and Groucho noses too!) He is selling novelties! Mavis is dismayed!
You know, they couldn't have dreamed up a more undignified product for Derek to sell! Can't you just picture the writers sitting around brainstorming... What can we get him to sell? What's the most humiliating thing? Porno videors? No, how about nuts and bolts! I got it! Toys! Those stupid plastic joke toys? Can't you just picture it!??
Back to the story.... At the Rovers that evening it appears Jack is feeling better and pandering over Alec, making his take the weight of his feet and rest and being very helpful. Phyllis startles Percy who warns her he's a coiled spring and can be very dangerous if approached by surprise. (Can you picture me giggling as I write this?) They have a drink in the corner as Jack and Vera crow about their upcoming coup!
Writer LESLIE DUXBURY Directory SPENCER CAMPBELL
Nigel Ridley JOHN BASHAM Newton & Ridley receptionist KATHRYN
GEORGE
Diane
Wednesday (2941, 5 June 1989)
Will Lucky be luckier for Audrey and Ivy? Will Mavis admit that Derek is flogging toys? Will the brewery come down hard on Alec?
Ivy plans out Lucky's training diet and Audrey is suited up very fashionably to walk the dog on the Rec. Alf is skeptical. Audrey changes the subject and asks him how long Bet is staying because she wants to redecorate so they can get more rent for the flat! Alf goes to the flat to talk to Bet who's on her way to her first day at the Flying Horse. He asks is this permanent (meaning how long is she at the flat) and she said it is (meaning her split with Alec) and she's so grateful Alf gave her a place to stay. Oh and thank Audrey for offering to redecorate but she wants to settle in a bit first!
Derek is off for his first day in his sales territory. Not sure when he'll be back. He witters on about the clean hankie theory (Mum sent him off with a clean one every day and he continued that into adulthood). Mavis sends him off with good luck wishes but doesn't offer to do him a clean hankie every day! In the shop Rita asks her what Derek will be selling and mavis avoids the question.
Bet runs into Audrey outside and thanks her for her offer but will settle in first and goes off. Audrey finds out that Alf didn't get the information Audrey had hoped for and tells him he's just a soft touch!
Gail asks Mike for some business advice about the cafe as Alma has offered her a partnership. She's interested but needs to know if it's a good business deal. Mike will meet her later in the cafe to check things out.
At the Flying Horse a very snooty landlady shows Bet the ropes and tells her the rules (clean, clean, clean, and no over-familiarity across the bar). Call me Bet, it's more informal and the landlady gets in a strike about Bet's marital troubles!
Jack and Vera are dreaming again about the pub when Nigel Ridley arrives for a casual call. Jack practically licks his boots which Tina notices even thought Jack insists he didn't know who this young man was! Nigel asks to see Alec and goes through to the house for a chat. He puts on that he doesn't know what's going on and Alec tells him Bet is just away for a few days. Nigel questions Alec having a housekeeper "just while the wife is away?"
At the cafe Ken runs into Deirdre and makes comments about the rival newspaper competition. Hmm. This must be going somewhere, Ken under pressure at the paper? Dierdre very busy with the council? Tsk. Tsk. Something's afoot. I haven't watched soap operas and serials like this for years without picking up clues! Stay tuned...
Also at the cafe Christine is a bit short with Ken and Alma scolds her for not being more friendly with the customers. Mavis arrives to pick up an order of cakes in celebration of Derek's new job and again avoids questions about what Derek is selling (or merchandising!)
Martin asks after Jenny in the Kabin and Rita says she's busy with her exams. Martin thinks school never did him any good and would rather his life experience which has got him where he is today. Where is that? Rita asks (unemployed!). Ohhhhkayyy. Mavis arrives back and again avoids Rita's questions about Derek's new products. But he must be doing allright if he isn't back yet crying on Mavis's shoulder!
Meanwhile we see Derek demonstrating chattering teeth to a dapper little shopowner (I KNEW he had those teeth in that case!!!!) who isn't impressed as he has plenty that have never sold. Derek tries on that silly head thingy that makes it look like there's a nail through your head but that won't do either. He then totally offends the man by showing him one of those stripper pens that unclothe the "lady" with a click! The man thinks that's pornography and the men might think it's great but the ladies are offended and he thinks Derek should leave. Which he does apologizing profusely. Mr. Wilton? You have a nail on your head! More humiliation!
Betty visits Bet to see how her day went. Bet says it was just fine, landlady nice, staff friendly, punters of good quality (I thought the Flying Horse was a bit of a dive?????) but neither of them believes the good cheer! They just give each other that understanding look!
Derek arrives back at the Kabin and finds an excuse to send Mavis upstairs then proceeds to expound his sales pitch to Rita! She is astounded and sympathetic... I'll bet you wish you were selling mucky videos rather than this! Mavis is humiliated when she realizes Derek is selling to Rita but Rita defends Derek gently.
At the cafe an era begins! Gail and Mike are discussing the pros and cons of the cafe. Mike advises Gail to keep it to a business relationship as friendship will clutter it up! Alma spies Mike and she lights up like a Christmas tree!! She's further interested when Christine tells her that Mike owns the factory on Coronation Street!
At the pub, Jack is weaving and bobbing trying to find out what Nigel had to say to Alec. Tina has figured out that Jack did know who Nigel was and is up to something. We find out that Lucky has a race tomorrow as Ivy and Audrey discuss the training and feeding schedules.
Alec tells Jack that someone low and conniving must have tipped off Nigel because he has never had a "casual" visit before and why now right after Bet left! Jack gulps but it seems that Alec suspects Bet was the one who grassed him out! Whew!
Writer STEPHEN MALLATRAT Directory SARAH HARDING
Mr Gupta KALEEM JANJUA
Diane
Thursday (2942, 7 June 1989)
Will Bet and Alec find their way back to each other? How is Derek's new job working out? Is a new era beginning with more that one of the cafe staff?
On the street one morning, Megan gets a cool reception from Ivy. She later remarks to Alec that she doesn't think she is well liked around the neighbourhood. She isn't surprised and knows her position is rather tenuous at best and she starts hinting to Alec that maybe she could be the new manageress of the pub! But Alec is preoccupied with the visit from Mr. Nigel of the brewery the day before and susses that Bet must have grassed him! Jack and Tina speculate that Megan is after the pub even without hearing any of this and Jack treats her very abruptly in the bar as well.
Mike tells Ivy about Gail's potential partnership with Alma in the cafe and Ivy is quite dismayed at the thought that Gail didn't take her advice and stay home with the kiddies after all! I just know she'll have a quiet (?) word to say to Gail about this sooner or later!
Tina (in her very best early Madonna/boy toy hair do) lets Jack run on about how worried he is about Alec and how he could always step in and take over and Tina thinks that's a good idea and just think you'll be working with Veral ALL DAY LONG every day! Jack plans to let Vera to the cellar work but Tina certainly wouldn't have to worry about her job security!
There are rumours of the Weatherfield Gazette putting out a free sheet or newsletter and Ken is feeling the pressure to make his weekly paper compete with the big boys. Rita half heartedly tries to sell Ken one of Derek's little jumping green frogs which dismays and embarasses Mavis. She thinks Rita bought an order out of pity, you see. Derek sets off to work to the town of Southport (on the seaside, it seems), very optimistic about the opportunities that must abound there! Mavis thinks Derek has a kind of courage and bravery to put an uncomplaining best foot forward in spite of the rather humiliating merchandise he has to sell and Rita agrees. Is that a modicom of respect I see in Reet's eye?
Alec decides to go see Bet but she's not at the flat. He learns from Alf that she is working at the Flying Horse so sets off down the road. Don and Alf laugh about Lazy Lucky and neither of them plan to accompany Ivy and Audrey for their debut in the dog owners' winner's circle that night!
At the Flying Horse, Alec finds out from the snotty landlady, Marge, that she has fired Bet. She makes a few nasty insinuations about Bet and the state of the Gilroy marriage and Alec finds himself stoutly (how else?) defending Bet's honour, calling Marge a two faced nasty minded gossip and even says his marraige to Bet was the most wonderful thing that ever happened to him.
I smell a reconcilition, I do!
Gail and Alma negotiate a partnership deal, Gail's £9000 input for a salary and 40% of the month's profits. She doesn't back down and Alma agrees and then decides that Gail must have gotten all this business advice from that flash feller she was in here with the other day, Mike Baldwin. She invites Gail for a celebratory drink in the Rovers and encourages her to invite Mike along! You just knew she would! and after they have the drink, Gail takes herself off and Mike suggests they go get a bite to eat together. Alma almost giggles!
Megan is still trying to wheedle a manageress position, even slinking up close to him on the sofa. She doesn't think things can carry on as they are for much longer for either of them but i think she gave Alec an idea that she didn't mean to!
Derek is back from the day's efforts, not very successful at that. He sold a little but wonders if it's all worth it. But then he knows he's doing it for the both of them and is very glad he can come home to Mavis and unload his troubles and she is very supporting of this. Less so when he decides he'll spend the evening practicing his sales approach on her!
Ivy and Audrey are at the track having the dog weighed before the race and the official notes that she's gained 2 pounds from last race which is unusual since they both insist they've kept her on a strict diet. They later bring the dog into the pub to find Alf and Don and announce that Lucky is pregnant!
Vera lets Jack know that the estate agents valued the house at £16-18,000 but it turns out that the stone cladding devalued the house as much as £5000 so the estate agent says. Vera is sceptical. Tina and Jack hustle Megan to the public side of the bar rather than let her make herself at home on the business side and she stands there with a knot in her face over it!
FASHION ALERT! I never thought I'd see this..... Alec goes to the flat to see Bet and she's there in a peach and white SWEATSUIT, NO earrings and FUZZY SLIPPERS!!! Not a heel on them! Alec believes her when she says she didn't tip off the brewery and after a bit of small take about flats and the Flying Horse landlady ("That Ratbag" guess who's term that was!!!), Alec also admits that he believes Bet's denial of wrongdoing with Paul Rigby. He still loves her and that must be an addiction! She offers to make him a chop for his dinner and he gets comfy on the settee.
Writer PETER WHALLEY Directory SARAH HARDING
Flying Horse Landlady (Marge) YVONNE EDGELL Racetrack official
BRYN ELLIS
Diane
Friday (2943, 12 June 1989)
Are Bet and Alec Back together? Are there rumblings in the Barlow household? Will Vera thump Jack yet again?
Bet gets up in the morning and two bare feet creep up to her from behind. It's Alec!!! He brings her a cup of tea and a nuzzle on the cheek! Rumpeh Pumpeh has been going on, I'll wager! They regret how near they came to splitting up and later he says he wants her home where she belongs. One condition, get rid of Megan!
Jack gets Curly to call the pub and discreetly ask for Alec and his whereabouts. Megan doesn't know where Alec is or when he'll be back and Jack is gleeful, thinking Alec gave up and left, leaving the door open for him and Vee to move in! He just might call the brewery to make sure his name is still first in the potential owner's lineup!
Deirdre and Ken are sharing breakfast chat while getting ready for work. She relates an amusing tidbit from the council meeting the night before which had to do with naming or not nameing something or other after famous and infamous people, one of whom was Prince Charles.
Alma is chattering about her date with Mike the night before as Christine and Gail are working around her. She insists that his money is not important. Percy comes in and notices that prices have been lowered back to pre-Alma rates. Alma is very interested in knowing more about Mike.
Megan and Jack argue about him wanting to use the house phone, she is trying to make an early mark as manageress i think but just then Alec comes home and shoos Jack back to the bar, taking Megan into the living room. He tells her he was with Bet last night and they've made it up. Megan says Oh, I am pleased (but you should have seen the major knot in her face!). He thanks her for her help and gently shows her the door. She starts to dig her heels in until he gets out his chequebook to pay her some compensation. Next thing you know, she has made lemonade out of life's lemons and hauls it into a taxi and leaves, watched by Alf and Audrey down the street.
Alf knows Alec really does love Bet, Audrey is just glad Bet is out of the flat. int he pub Jack and Tina feel Megan had it coming but don't realize the reasons behind it until a triumphant Bet swans into the Rovers with Alec carrying her bags. She's Back! And there is a loud thud and Jack's chin hits the bar!
Later in the afternoon at the cafe, Alma is off to parts unknown but Gail tells Audrey that she's just as glad. Audrey decides to sit with Curly who is reading and he describes the story of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment to her as "life in the slums of 19th century Moscow, the lengths to which deprivation and poverty will drive a man". Oh, so how is life with Jack and Vera, Audrey comments!
Tina is scolding jack for not being pleased that Bet and Alec are back together just becuase he now won't get the pub. Phyllis and Percy have a chat at the bar and she finds out that Gail is back at the cafe so hopes that she can get her job back. Kevin is teaching Sally how to drive and she is tickled pink that it's so easy!
Jack tells Vera that Bet's back. Just let us be happy for them, he spits out!
Bet avoids the bar at dinnertime because she can't face it just yet, what with all the punters whispering. She also can't stand that she and Alec are so nice and polite to each other! He proposes a 2 week holiday in sunny Spain as a delayed honeymoon. She's chuffed when he assures her they can afford it.
Ken's paper carrys a story about the council snubbing Prince Charles and relates all the gossip he got from Dierdre that morning! She's pretty annoyed that he printed it without asking her first. He's pleased that the rival paper doesn't have an "in" with the council to feed them tidbits and that stops Deirdre in her tracks! Later in the pub she comments to Emioly that Ken is a born again tabloid journalist and she's going to have to be more careful of what she says around him.
At the cafe, Phyllis arrives at closing time to find Gail gone and Alma locking up. Alma tells Phyllis there is no job there for her as they are fully staffed (even though Alma skives off whenever she feels the notion??)
Curly is still trying to read Crime and Punishment (I've read that for school, and believe me the circus that is the Duckies' house is NO place to try to digest THAT tome!) while Jack and Vera are warming up to a slanging match over losing the pub. Vera is so sick and tired of Jack leading her down the garden path for one sceme after another all these years and she stalks off. Jack reckons he's a saint for putting up with her for all those years. Curly blinks behind those owl-like spectacles.
Alec asks Bet how if feels to be back. Like coming home!
Writer PETER WHALLEY Director IAN WHITE
Diane
Monday (2944, 14 June 1989)
Writer STEPHEN LOWE Director IAN WHITE
Bitparts: George Burgess MAX MASON
How obvious is Alma? Is Gail becoming more ambitious than is good for her? Who's running the pub now?
Bet and Alec are getting ready for their two week holiday in Spain and Bet says she must have some new clothes. Alec gives in and passes over his money and cards reluctantly after Bet threatens to go topless on the beach! She promises later on she'll go topless but just for him!
Vera is still fuming about losing the pub. Curly asks who's running the pub while Alec and Bet are away which is a surprise to Jack as he didn't know they were leaving. Curly suggests that if Jack runs things well it would put a good show on for the brewery. Jack and Vera are excited again because, after all, who else would Alec ask to mind the show? It's too short notice to get someone else in!
Ken and Dierdre are driving to work and he tries to pump her for more inside informaiton. She comments that she never knows which hat he's wearing, husband or reporter and he thinks he needs a snappy fedora like Spencer Tracy! Or one like Percy's crossing guard outfit hats, as they drive past the old galoot admonishing some cheeky child. Soon Phyllis comes over to him and asks his help in getting her job back at the cafe. He's much better at talking to management, she flatters. He doesn't really want to get involved but she won't take no for an answer. Well, she rarely does, does she?
In the meantime at the cafe, Christine is telling Gail how rudely Alma treated Phyllis when she told the old gal there was no way she was getting her job back. Gail agrees Phyllis was treated badly (but she doesn't say Phyllis shouldn't have been sacked!) A little later, Phyllis comes in with Percy in tow. Alma is out so Percy leaves Phyllis and Gail to sort things out on their own as we know it was Alma that was intimidating Phyllis. But though Gail apologises for how Alma treated her, she doesn't offer Phyllis her job back. She has definite plans for the cafe, not just letting it potter on as it always did. Ambitious little madam! Phyllis goes off in tears. Alma later appears and is getting ready for a date. Doesn't say who, and she's off to get her nails done just as Audrey arrives hoping to have a natter with Gail about the Gilroy reconciliation and impending holiday in the sun but Gail brushes her off. After closing, we see Gail proudly surveying her little kingdom.
At dinnertime Bet arrives back loaded with shopping bags. Emily sighs with just a touch of envy about Bet going away "just for a few weeks!" but Vera defends Bet. She deserves it and Vera wouldn't mind if she stayed away for a few months! Too right! Inside, Jack is fawning and trying to determin if he will in fact be in charge. He walks in on Bet struggling with Alec over a pair of very colourful beach shorts and compliments him on those as well. Alec isn't biting and lets Jack go on assuming whatever it is that he's assuming. Just make sure you lock up now and reopen later (today). But after Bet and Alec are seen off in the cab to the airport, Jack finds his chin bouncing off the bar yet again (second time this week! that's gotta hurt!) when Betty arrives and announces that Alec begged her to return to the pub and places her in charge!
Dierdre rushes out of a council meeting, discussing the newspaper leak with a fellow councillor who wasn't too bothered that her husband took a joke and exaggerated it but doesn't seem too keen for it to happen again! At home, Ken comes in wearing a silly looking hat though I suppose it's supposed to be like Spencer Tracy's but it looks too small and doesn't suit in the least! He half jokes with her and tries to get some information on a daycare closing and she wonders where he got that from because she only just heard about it that afternoon as it was so it wasn't from her! But he insists on protecting his source and she snaps back, No Comment!
Alf welcomes Betty back to the pub. Alma arrives with a "message for Mike" but he's not there (was it a date or was she just hoping to run into him I wonder?) She's seems a bit disappointed that he isn't around but not enough to have been stood up for a date so I'm guessing she was just hoping for a chance encounter! If you ask me she's acting like a high school girl with her first crush! We all did that sort of thing back then, contriving to casually bump into the object of our affections! So anyway, instead she buys a round of drinks with Alf and Audrey who realize she's set her cap for Mike and I think a friendship has been founded!
Diane
Tuesday (2945, 19 June 1989)
Writer TONY PERRIN Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Bitparts: Jean Casey MARY CUNNINGHAM
What is Kevin and Mark's new scheme? Is Ken really working late? How naive is Mike?
Mark arrives early to pick Kevin up for work in what looks like a rather average car to me but which impresses Sal and Kev! At the garage Mark tries to talk Kevin into gearing up an old banger to race it and make a bit of money, have a bit of fun, using the garage and it's equipment on off hours. He says his mom said it would be ok if it was ok with Kevin (Tom Casey is out of town so Mom's in charge of the businesses). Kev is a but reluctant at first but the idea grows on him and says he'll check with Mrs. Casey himself as well.
Deirdre is still on at Ken about his source, the one who gave him a tip about brand new council business the day before but he's keeping mum while trying to get more information from her. He's gleefully but figuratively rubbing his hands together in anticipation about beating out the Gazette's free sheet because he's got an insider in the council in the form of his wife. Tracy mutters on about the two of them arguing about who's wearing what hat. Later that day he rings Deirdre from a phone booth and tells her he's working late. She makes a joke about it.
Alma seems to be conveniently running into Mike a lot today. This morning it was on the street as she crowed from the other side hoping to catch his attention but he rushes into the factory without a word. Ivy snipes at her for chasing men and brass while Gail does her donkey work in the cafe. Ivy's still ticked off that Gail isn't home with the kids and feels Alma led her into a bad deal on top of it. Alma follows Ivy into the shop and they have a slanger over the cafe and Ivy's sarky remarks about Alma and her men chasing habits. Ivy leaves in a huff.
In the garage Mrs. Casey storms in and gives Kevin what for about the "banger" business. Seems she is under the distinct impression it was his idea and he talked Mark into it and assumed with Tom out of town, he could take advantage using company time and equipment. Kev puts her straight and spouts off to Sally who was there at the time waiting for a lunchtime driving lesson, which also annoyed Mrs. Casey to no end thinking Kev is being lazy with the working hours and all. When Mark returns Kevin insists he go to his mother and straighten things out. Which he does and tells his mom it was indeed his idea and actually talks her into agreeing to give them an old car for free off the car lot to fix up.
At the pub at dinnertime, in sashays Alma and who's there? Mike! he orders a whiskey and a vodka and pineapple juice which she assumes is for her and scolds him for not remembering what she drinks but he takes it back and indicates that he is actually with someone, who is quite a pretty woman sitting over in a booth. Alma sinks to the floor in embarassment (well not really but you know what that feels like, don't you!)
Elsewhere Ivy makes a few sarky remarks about Alma to Phyllis and Emily defends Ken's dubious journalism ethics to Jack and Tina takes pity on Curly's empty wallet and stands him another drink.
In the shop a little later, Alma is comiserating with Audrey about her mortifying experience in the pub, especially since Ivy was there smirking as was "that old bag I fired" (Phyllis! i wanted to slap Alma for that remark!) Get this, Alma feels she isn't being obvious in her persuit of Mike!!!! Audrey soothes her and tells her they're all just jealous around here of anyone with a little class like us! She then cooks up a scheme to have a dinner party and have Alf invite Mike and not tell him who's coming before he accepts. Betty is in the shop and overhears some of this as well. Audrey convinces Alf to go along with it or else be doomed to indefinite washing up duties! She fancies a bit of matchmaking!
Mark finds Kev and Sal in the back garden with Kevin attacking Sally's broken Hoover with various tools. He tells them that his mom is giving them a car and the plan's a go if Kevin is still interested. Kevin agrees but insists on driving. Sal perks up and says she must have a go too! The two lads think she's joking, not even having her license yet but she wants to live a little too! *sigh* I miss the old pre-mom Sally who dressed hip and wore makeup!
That evening Mike is in the pub after working late. Ivy takes him to task for giving Gail the encouragement to take the partnership in the pub but Mike defends it as a sound investment for her. She also makes a crack about Alma's money and men chasing habits and mentions the dinner party that she's heard about though doesn't know it's Mike that's the intended guest for Alma. Betty confirms Ivy's comments saying she overheard them fixing it up so Alma could get her hands on some feller that's proving a bit slippery. Shorty after, Alf and Audrey approach him and Alf invites him to the dinner party. Mike isn't stupid, he knows what's what! He asks if he's the only guest before he accepts. Alf says no they were going to make it a foursome only Mike has a date so can he bring her? Alf stutters and flusters and says of course you can. Mike leaves, probably laughing up his sleeve at this little manoever! Audrey is exasperated with Alf. He defends himself, "you said play it by ear" but she retorts, she didn't remember that he was tone deaf!
Diane
Wednesday (2946, 21 June 1989)
Writer ??? Director ??? (probably SPENCER CAMPBELL)
Bitparts: ????
Note there were transmission problems so some scenes at the beginning and end are lost.
Curly chats to Sally in front of the Shop over the fruit display but then the transmission goes funny and I don't know what else happened.
By the time it comes back we see a little bit of Alma at Audrey's house and Alma seems dejected. I guess it's because she thinks Mike has another date for the dinner party that night.
At the garage, Mark and Kevin are discussing Sally's plans to race the car too and Jean Casey comes in. She tells them she has a car they can have. They will have to pick it up and see Tony the salesman to show him which one. When they go to the car lot, the car shown to them is a big old boat type car and they don't want it. Mark talks Tony into letting them have an older Escort instead and promises to fix it with his mother. However, she hotfoots it over to the garage when she finds out and tells them they can't have the Escort. They try to talk her around and then Kevin offers to buy it. She deals in at £600 and Kevin says they'll work it out and get back to her on it. Mark doesn't want to spend that kind of money or they'll not have enough to use to fix it up!
Audrey arrives back from the salon (must not be Fiona's yet cause she looks like she actually had her hair done!!!). She's got a new do and a headache and tells Alf to make his own dinner. She also adds that he needs to buy a bottle of whiskey, Mike's tipple. Alf complains loudly about the cost of this dinner party and wishes they could just cancel it. But when Audrey says, go ahead, you'll probably catch them in the Rovers right now, he backs off into the kitchen to see to his cheese on toast.
In the pub at dinnertime, Kev is making do with a packet of crisps while Tina inquires after Mark. Alma arrives and who's there? Mike! He's putting up with Ivy having another go at him over the cafe business. Alma isn't as bubbly at this encounter but is stunned when Mike asks her to the dinner party after all. (That bird he was with at lunch yesterday was just a buyer.) Alma resists against the last minute invitation.... for about 30 seconds and then jumps in with both feet. Mike orders a bottle of champagne from Jack to be chilled and picked up later.
Emily comes to see Deirdre and shows her the current version of Ken's Recorder that has a story about possible building demolitions, including the community center on the Street, and says the information is from a "reliable source" which Deirdre stoutly defends as not her! Also the story is an exaggeration to boot! The center was only mentioned in passing. She's really steamed now and tries to call Ken but he's out of the office. Later she comes in with Tracy and Tracy takes a phone message from Ken before Deirdre can get to the phone. By the way, he won't be home until late and you can't call him back because he was at a phone box.
At the Roberts', Audrey shows off a very revealing new frock causing Alf further pain in the wallet. The doorbell rings and Audrey is delighted to see Alma with Mike! The four of them have a lovely meal and afterward Mike invites them all out to a disco club in town. Alf reluctantly goes as he is outvoted 3 to 1.
At the pub, Curly is feeling a bit lonely and ends up chatting to Tina about Mark and Kevin's racing plans. Tina seems enthusiastic about the plans and all (or is it just one of the mechanics?) Ivy has Gail out for a drink but before she can start in on Gail about working full time, Gail steers the conversation to Alma and her date with Mike. Over at another table, Sally offers Kevin some of her money from her Dad's insurance to buy the car. I can't believe he accepted it! Guess it's ok if it's something HE wants!
Back at the disco, Mike and Alma are tripping the light fantastic while Audrey wiggles in her chair aching to dance too. Alf is just cranky ..... But then the transmission dies again! From what happens the next day though I think Alf was finally persuaded to get up and dance. Oh I wish I could have seen that!
Also from what I could manage to make out under the hiss and static, the last scene was another confrontation between Deirdre and Ken... probably arguing that his unnamed source is going to be assumed to be her by the council and will get her into trouble.
Diane
Thursday (2947, 26 June 1989)
Writer LESLIE DUXBERY Director SARAH HARDING
Bitparts:
Peter Reynolds PHILIP ROWLANDS
Is Alma closing in on her prey? Will Deirdre crack under the pressure? Will Curly get his heart broken?
Clear transmission today :)
Alf is moving slowly and stiffly this morning after the disco
last night with Mike and Alma and Audrey. Percy can't figure out
why anyone would want to listen to all that racket and fears it's
causing all the problems of the day! I take it Alf must have been
up on the dance floor but due to transmission problems I didn't
get to see it!
Alma's feeling a bit fragile this morning too. Gail has no sympathy but asks about the date. Alma is only too glad to tell all. He acted like a perfect gentleman, following my lead. But she thinks he's halfway through the door and just needs a little push so she's going to invite him to a private flat warming tomorrow night. OH is that what she wants warming? Audrey finds out about the flat warming but assumes it's going to be a social occaision to which she's invited.
Ken's feeling smug and pleased with himself and Deirdre's steamed! He really does have the sort of face that can smirk in an East wind, she tells him. and indeed he does! She is really angry but he keeps on smiling and tries to convince her to be the leak since everyone already thinks she is!
Jenny, Tina and Sally are chatting about the racing plan and Tina makes more inquiries about Mark and tells the girls she's interested. Gail remarks that Alma is part hungover this morning and part lovesick.
In the garage Martin is trying to convince Mark and Kevin that they need a business manager to organize the races and keep all the women in line, for a fee of course. Just then Sally comes in and they quickly change the subject away from racer groupies. She tells Mark that she knows someone that's keen on him!
At the town hall Deirdre defends herself to George and Peter but Peter makes a rather unpleasant crack to do with woman and leaks and newspapers. She confronts him later and determines that he doesn't believe that she's not the leak no matter how much she says she isn't. He quotes a few lines from a rulebook that say that any councillor found breaching confidential information may be banned from committee meetings! This means war I think!
Alma bumps into Mike on the street (oh, we're back to that again are we?) and invites him to dinner. At the Garage, Tina drops in to bat her eyelashes at Mark as Mrs. Casey comes in. Seems like every time she comes around the lads are chatting some bird up, or having a cuppa or working on the Escort so she cracks the whip a little but does ask when the car will be ready to race? But get your own work done first! Don't tell me she's a racer groupie too! (well technically they are calling it banger racing but I thought banger groupie was a little too close to the line!)
Emily is sympathising with Deirdre though offers a defence on Ken's behalf that he must find it difficult to separate his job from hers. No he doesn't have any problem, his comes first! He takes the moral high ground and she gets the stick! After Percy has a go at Deirdre, believing that she too is the leak to the paper, she storms off.
At the cafe, Phyllis is moaning about being at loose ends now that she has no job (Alma must be out?) and the partnership won't last 6 months in her opinion. But Gail and Alma have just signed the legal partnership papers and are very optimistic. Martin, Jenny and Curly are giving Martin a bit of a rag for not having a job other than part time pumping petrol. Curly plans to spend the evening at the Rovers because he thinks Tina fancies him! After he leaves, Martin tells Jenny that Tina, in fact, fancies Mark but he isn't telling Curly so as not to spoil the fun! Audrey finds out that the flat warming is just for Mike only and she stalks off, offended.
In the shop a few minutes later, Audrey cattily tells Mike that Alma is sharpening her claws for him. Ivy tells her that it sounds as if she's trying to put him off Alma. OH I wouldn't think of it! yeah, right.
At the Barlow residence, Ken chides Tracy for casual language (all she said was Hi Dad), sounding like an American. Deirdre tells Ken what a bad day she's had, taking all the heat. Oh, you survived it didn't you? (I could slap that smirk off his face for her, I could!). She gives him an ultimatim. Stop using the source or stop the source from giving you the information! He whines on that it's just his job but she comes back and threatens to resign from the council. She thinks revealing secrets gives him a kick!
Diane
Friday (2948, 28 June 1989)
Writer JOHN STEVENSON Director SARAH HARDING
Bitparts:
Steve Rafferty IAN HASTINGS
Wendy Crozier ROBERTA KERR
Committee Chairman CLAUDE POWELL
Will Deirdre resign from council? Will Mike fall for Alma's oysters? Will the banger racer pass it's trial run?
At the Barlow's Ken is assuring Tracy that her mom is a principled lady and doesn't tell secrets. Deirdre comes in on this conversation and says she was awake all night wrestling with the situation and thinks she may have to resign since the council is always going to think the worst. Ken won't be broken hearted if she does, will he but he says he'll support any decision she makes. Tracy doesn't think Mom should resign and remarks if you can't stand the heat, you shouldn't be in the kitchen. Ken and Deirdre look at each other, stunned. Out of the mouths of babes, as the cliche goes.
Gail and Alma are doing fry ups...Well Gail is, and Alma is planning to pop out when it gets quiet. Gail warns her about Mike's reputation. Over at Alf's Mike askes Alf to put a bottle of champagne in the fridge for tonight while Audrey makes a few more catty remarks about Alma including one about thinking it suits Alma to be living in a flat considering her figure. (Diane's note: Look in the mirror lately, Audrey?) Mike takes it all in stride and leaves. Alf thinks Audrey's jealous even though she wanted Mike and Alma together in the first place. What she wanted, she says, was a social life. Sally is getting some time off to watch the boys give the banger a trial run that evening.
Tina greets Curly on the way to work. He asks her out for that night and she outright turns him down. In the garage, Mark and Kev are looking over the banger, now painted a boring beige or sommat like that. Kev plans on being the chief driver.
In the cafe Audrey's claws are in full view although Alma is not. She makes quite a few snarls about Alma and Mike and when Gail, commenting on Mike's reputation, says that no woman is safe from him, Audrey spits back that he loves attractive women so Alma will be allright. Hiss!!!! But Audrey is a sweet as sugar to Alma's face. Alma shows off a very sexy little black number she just bought and when Audrey comments on how short it is, she says, well of course you'd have to have the legs for it! And goes up to the flat. (good one!) Audrey is left with her mouth hanging open and declares Alma as dead common.
Martin and Curly are chatting about Tina with Curly still certain that she fancies him but over in the shop, Tina is expressing interest to Sally about Mark. She tries to hint to get herself invited to the racer trials but Sally doesn't bite so when she encounters Curly later, she tells him she doesn't fancy a movie but she has a better idea.
Audrey arrives back in the shop in full insult to Alma's taste in men andclothes and tactics (cheap, common etc.). She's glad they aren't invited afterall and Ivy gets in a good crack on about Alf and Audrey's age! Audrey then spins around and takes it out on poor old Alf!
Phyllis and Gail are chatting and having a cuppa and Phyllis has a few unkind things to say about Alma's makeup techniques. Poor Alma is really getting a going over today isn't she?
Deirdre is at home typing up letters and Ken asks if one ois a resignation. He has promised not to reveal his source even though she's getting hurt by the situation. Deirdre thinks Ken can't separate his professional and personal lives in this case, it's too close to home but he just can't change things. She has decided not to resign, in any case. She's sticking it out. Later in the shop, Alf has a go at Ken saying all his old council buddies are accusing Deirdre of being the leak and Ken comes to her defence. Mike puts his two pence in and Percy puts considerably more than that in, but defending Ken as being honourable and if he says it isn't Deirdre, then it isn't.
Out in the field, Mark is driving the banger as Kevin, Sally, Jenny, Martin are looking on. Tina and Curly run across and join them. Later Sal has a go at driving too and after, Curly wants to get Tina to go with him for a bit to eat but she stays with Sally, Kevin and Mark while Curly goes with Martin and Jenny who tells him Tina really does fancy Mark. Curly is surprisingly philosphical about it rather than hurt. Later at the garage, it's just Sal, Kev and Mark and Sal is dead chuffed at her driving skills. Mark however, isn't too keen on Tina it seems.
At Alma's flat, Mike start their eveing with champagne and oysters. He doesn't mind it just being the two of them and talks sweet to her. A little later, Mike begins to put the moves on Alma on the sofa and at first she's enjoying it but then backs away as she isn't feeling well. Turns out the oysters haven't agreed with her and she rushes off to get sick! Mike, faced with all this, backs off quickly and leaves her to rest and recover on her own.
At the Town Hall, just as the meeting is beginning, the councillors raise an objection to Deirdre attending even before the minutes are read from last time. There is a bit of an arguement and Deirdre decides to leave, under protest and you can make sure that's in the minutes and all! She waits at home but Ken is late. Emily arrives with Tracy, having had her out to a movie and commiserates with Deirdre who tells Emily that Ken doesn't know what happened yet. She just wishes she knew who the leak was and she's going to find out! Meanwhile on a dark street, a woman walks across the cobblestones and gets into .... Ken's car! It's the minute-taker from the council meeting, Wendy Crozier! (Uh oh!) She's the leak and she tells him about what happened with Deirdre as she hands over copies of some documents for Ken to print. He's going ahead with it and at least now Deirdre won't get the blame. Wendy says she will carry on supplying information.
Dum de dum dum!
Diane
Monday (2949, 3 July 1989)
Writer TONY PERRIN Director IAN WHITE
Who's going to drive the banger? Will Deirdre's career as a crusading councillor be saved? Does Tina have any idea who she fancies?
At the town hall, Deirdre arives to much speculation and anticipation of her resignation after more or less being drummed out of the meeting the night before. She is stonewalled after asking questions about the homeless hostel as it's confidential and they of course think she's leaking information to Ken. She feels like they think she's a hypocrite for backing the hostel but causing the residents of the street to protest because she doesn't really want it in her own neighbourhood. She questions Wendy Crozier if she has any idea who the leak is as it must be someone who was in the meetings. She stays well out of it, saying she's only the note taker (YEAH RIGHT Can you say "photocopy"???) Deirdre later defends her position as supporting a hostel to a hostile Percy who doesn't support it! layabouts, is all, that's what he thinks.
It's mid morning after the big date and Alma finally shows her pale face and wobbly limbs, still recoving from her bad reaction to the oysters. She teeters around trying to make herself useful while Gail takes a phone call...from Mike. Only Gail tells him Alma's out, hoping in vain to get a little work out of Alma before she goes galavanting off again. Jenny's over in the corner worrying about her exam results which haven't arrived yet.
At the garage it seems that Mark and Kevin are at odds over who's going to drive the banger when they finally race it. Mark pits his youth and energy up against Kevin's experience and settled lifestyle. OH, yes, and Mark does not fancy Tina, he's much too involved in cars and racing. Kevin dismisses Sally's desire to drive the banger (but not to her face, not just yet) but she can be the mascot! OH YEAH?
Mike and Alma are running around looking for each other, Mike in the shop putting up with Audrey speculating on the success of the date. Alma shows up in the pub but Mike isn't there either so she leaves sharpish leaving Betty holding a G&T which Alec tells her to save and leave on the cold plate for when she comes in again. Waste Not Want Not!
Bet and Alec are back and tanned from sunny Spain! In the bar, Tina has put aside the idea of Mark because he's too young and dismisses Curly as a nuisance so decides to have a go for Martin. Jack can't seem to keep his eyes off Tina these days and spends much time thinking up cute little flirtatious remarks to wind her up. She's very good at the put down though. Can handle herself, our Tina!
Alma returns to the cafe having obviously found Mike because she knows that Gail rerouted his phone call that morning. Alma's sarcastic, Gail's unrepentant. Alma reprimands Christine yet again and when a man comes in bellyaching about getting some service she starts to bellyache back but then sees it's Mike and comes over all sweetness and light! He takes her to a nice place for lunch and she apologises for the night before. She's seems to be pretty casual and understanding that she's probably one of many of Mike's women though he tries to prove he isn't as cavalier as reputed by telling her about someone who was 15 years younger that him, hard as nails and got rid of his baby, making it sound as if his heart was broken.
At the garage Martin is refereeing Kevin and Mark who are still arguing about who's driving. They try the coin toss but that doesn't work because Kevin loses the first toss and insists 2 out of 3. They settle on a timed trial around a track and winner gets to drive. Martin goes to tell Sally as he thinks it could be a dangerous way to decide things but she figures if that's how they are going to work it, she's having a go too! She later goes to the garage and tells Kevin, much to his chagrin!
Alf seems to be working up to asking Bet or Alec to pay for the groceries and ciggys that Bet "bought" during her stay at the flat above the shop. Over in the pub later, before he can bring it up, Audrey comments that all that divorce talk was just Bet's way of getting a holiday out of Alec!
Deirdre arranges to meet Ken for lunch, promising him a real story. she takes him for a walk by the canal where there's a homeless colony under an aquaduct. She points out their predicament and all the issues and taunts him to print real news instead of rumours and scare mongering. He backs down from that, his excuse being it's just a free sheet but just the same the people have a right to know what their politicians are up to! He doesn't do that sort of story or editorials, he isn't a crusader. To right he isn't! Just a cage-rattler! He thinks she's made her point about need for a hostel but he's unwilling to concede anything else. That night he is dressed up and off to a formal party where there will be advertisers and the like. Deirdre isn't going (last minute invite?). They discuss the leak again and he says this week's Recorder will vindicate her anyway because she wasn't at the meeting. He slips up then, confirming what she suspected about the leak being a member of the committee because he says, anyway you walked out, not kicked out! The only way he could know that was by someone who was there. She's even more determined to figure out who it is now!
Diane
Tuesday (2950, 5 July 1989)
Writer STEPHEN MALLATRAT Director IAN WHITE
Bitpart:
Stunt Arranger DAVE HOLLAND
Is Deirdre off the hook? How deeply into Mike are Alma's hooks? Is Sally hooked on driving?
Ken insists that Deirdre must be vindicated by the council when today's Recorder comes out and any one of them that doesn't line up to apologise isn't worth the paper the voters used to elect them! She says they would still think badly of her for being married to a man who thinks more of his job than his wife and he slinks off.
Sally is really looking forward to having her turn driving the banger in the time trial. She figures she ought to have her fair crack at it and wants to prove that she's not a useless female. Alf thinks she should have a go if that's what she wants. Martin is set to be the timekeeper while Mark and Kevin are each boasting about who's the better driver. Kevin figures he will win but teases Mark that Sally could put him to shame and Mark will end up in last place. Later in the shop Martin offers that Sally could probably bribe him to cheat and make her the winner but it's only a joke and Sally would want to win on her own merit anyway while Alf moans on about the shop becoming a social club, the amount of talking certainly outweighing the amount of purchasing!
Alma is still being so obvious in her pursuit of Mike, trying to track him down by phone from the cafe while Gail and Christine run around trying to keep up with it all and Percy Sugden standing at the counter waiting to be served. The person Alma is speaking to isn't very cooperative in revealing Mike's whereabouts to Alma. Percy overhears and comments that the person on the other end is just a busy body and is forestalling Alma just because they can. Alma agrees and says it's the old crow who keeps the books for him and she always hedges when Alma calls (how often is that, Alma, hmmmm???) and speculates that the old gal might have secret fantasies about Mike! Percy draws himself up with indignance and says if he hadn't already ordered he'd walk out of there after a remark like that. Alma is mystified but of course WE all know that the "Old Crow" is Emily (Mrs.) Bishop!
Alma later complains to Audrey that she can't find Mike and maybe he's avoiding her. You don't think i'm pushing too hard do you? But Audrey feels that at Alma's age you shouldn't be playing hard to get! Out on the street Mike drives up to Alma and invites her to lunch again and during the course of conversation finds out that Alma plays golf so it looks like Gail isn't going to see much of Alma yet again, between lunch today and golf tomorrow!
Ken brings the paper home to show Deirdre and yes, in the article reporting on the council's planning committee meeting, there is more leaked information and it's obvious that Deirdre couldn't be the one who spilled the beans as she wasn't there. She's still dubious though as the slant of the article is bound to stir up further trouble from the residents of another neighbourhood where the homeless hostel is now proposed for. She thinks he's trying to get the hostel project cancelled on purpose.
Jenny's worrying about her A-level exam results but Sally figures she'll do just fine. They chat about the time trials and Sally reckons she won't win but it will be a bit of fun anyway. At the track, Sal does her laps slowly and carefully and gets around in 3 minutes and 32 seconds. The men tease her about it but she's just chuffed she did it and got around in one piece!
Ken meets Wendy in a cafe. She tells him not to ring her at work again even if he doesn't give his name. He scoffs at it, after all he could just be her boyfriend calling couldn't he. They exchange a glance. I don't think they're already progressed to that status yet but I know Ken and i can see it coming, can't you? She feels sorry for all the heat Deirdre is taking and right now her name is mud in the town hall but she enjoys seeing the snooty councillors howling when the confidential stuff is leaked so will keep on at it. Ken thinks Deirdre understands the real issues down deep, of accountability outweighing the personal loyalty. Wanna Bet?????
At the cafe, Christine complains about being overworked and Alma not pulling her load when Alma swans in. Sorry i'm late from lunch but after all, she did have a date. Thing is, lunch is one thing but it's after 4 p.m. and Gail is distinctly unimpressed. She's getting fed up and tells Alma if she doesn't want to work there so why not just leave it off and let Gail hire someone who will work! Alma decides Gail must still be under stress from Brian's death and scuttles off to wash her hair.
At the track, Kevin straps in and takes off like a mad man, hot dogging around the track only he ends up stalling the car! Mark isn't much more successful, taking a turn too quickly and running off the track altogether! Sally insists that she's won and should get the job as driver! Who cares if she was slow! Kevin and Mark complain loudly, it isn't fair, we didn't make it around the track, you can't count that, it's stupid, you're stupid, you can't count that! winge, whine, complain! I wouldn't be calling my wife stupid if I were you, Kevin! She might have backed down if you hadn't done that!
At town hall, Deirdre is wondering where she stands and George Maxwell doesn't have time to chat, as he's going to see the Chief Exective. Later he comes to the house and is rather cool to Ken but apologises to Deirdre. He says Ken and Deirdre need to sort out their loyalties. Dierdre is informed that she has to meet with the Chief Executive the next day.
Diane
Wednesday (2951, 10 July 1989)
Writer PETER WHALLEY Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Bitparts:
Steve Rafferty IAN HASTINGS
Peter Reynolds PHIL ROWLANDS
Morning at the Cafe and Alma generously offers Gail some time off that morning if she wants it. Gail has her number though and Alma ends up admitting she's going to play golf with Mike after the dinner rush is over. She also shows off some new "classic casual" wear to Audrey. No the quandary. Should she lose or compete and of course she couldn't be caught trying to lose. What's a girl to do?
Deirdre is quite nervous about her scheduled meeting with the CEO of the council. Ken seems to be in major kiss-up mode this morning knowing she's finding the situation very stressful whether she was vindicated as the mole or not. He doesn't want this coming between them but she asks "is it?" and he huffs that he figured they would be able to keep their work and personal lives separate. He tells her he loves her and doesn't get any pleasure our of getting her in hot water.
At the shop, Dierdre takes more heat from Alf. Sally comments on Audrey helping Alma snare Mike, she thinks he's all money and bragging and she couldn't fancy him, could you? she asks Deirdre! Well, Deirdre offers the opinion that there's no accounting for taste as she almost visibly blushes!
Curly's passed his exams amid congratulations, free drinks (and indifference from Alma who's more concerned about her date). Percy treats him to what he thinks is a cuppa but was really a full breakfast! Curly just smiles. I would imagine the lad is wondering what happens next with his career!
IN the pub Tina is moaning on about the lack of fellas, or ones that want to get serious so soon instead of having a bit of a laugh. Jack has been buzzing around her since she started working at the Rovers and he's getting closer! He's trying to get her to go out with him now, just the two of them for a meal in a nice place. Elsewhere int he pub, Vera mentions that Don and Ivy's racing dog is due to have her pups any day and berates Jack for taking off to parts unknown when she was in labour with RTerry. Kevin is berating Sally's time at the banger race and telling her she can't race the car, she's too slow even if she was the only one to get round the track! Sally tries to get Curly on her side. Mike is getting ready for the golf game with an orange juice instead of a stronger drink so he can keep his concentration. Jack finally persuades Tina to go out with him, just as pals.
Deirdre is nattering on about her fears about the meeting to Emily because she doesn't know what's going to happen. She doesn't think Ken really knows the position he;'s put her in! Well they don't have the firing squad for treason anymmore anyway. And off she goes. At Town Hall she meets with Mr. Reynolds, the CEO who also apologises for thinking her the leak. They've all pretty much figured out that it's someone else on the committee and he asks Deirdre to consider spying on her own husband to find out who!!!!
On the golf course Mike and Alma seem to be fairly well matched though she has the edge which only makes Mike more determined but at the end of the day, Alma has won by 8 strokes. She offers to cook him dinner, no oysters! They have dinner and make small talk during which he mentions a disastrous marraige and that his future plans are always changing. He might buy a big fancy flat on the docks!
In the cafe Don convfirms that Alf wants no part of the racing dog and her puppies, wonder if he has buyers lined up????
In the pub, Sally isn't speaking to Kevin. Looks like he's gone a bit far! She tells Curly that Kevin says he is warning her against taking the driver's test because she might fail, not because he doesn't want her to not drive the banger but she knows better.
Back at the Barlow's, Ken finds out how Deirdre's meeting went and though she tells him about the apology, she keeps her lip buttoned about the spy request for now.
Diane
Thursday (2952, 12 July 1989)
Writer JOHN STEVENSON Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Will Deirdre find out who the mole in Town Hall is? How will Jack manage to take the time off to "date" Tina? Who's having breakfast with Alma?
It's morning and Mike is getting dressed for work, in Alma's flat and she peeks out from under the duvet. From her bare shoulders we are to assume that she isn't wearing her PJ'S !!!! OOooooh! He is leaving early to protect her reputation and is off to Leeds but will meet her in the Rovers for a late lunch.
Dierdre finally tells Ken that she was asked to spy on him to find out who is passing him information but that she's not going to do it. She thinks there's enough strain on their marraige as it is even if he doesn't see it. That gives him something to think about and he stays home the morning brooding. But when Deirdre returns later, he can't stay to talk about it because his informant calls and he must rush off instead of taking his wife to lunch. She realizes everything takes a back seat, including their marraige and almost gets Don to follow Ken in the taxi but doesn't. Ken meets Wendy in the car on a side street. She tells him there is a real witch hunt at City Hall now that they know Deirdre isn't the leak. (Truer words have never been spoken!!! ) The two of them go out of town to have lunch to discuss matters while Deirdre has lunch with Emily in the Rovers and says she's sick of all this.
Jack tells Curly he admires him for persuing his education. He never could because of the "ball and chain" that is "woman". tina comes along and compliments the two of them. Jack thinks she's a right little raver but Curly thinks she's just a tease. Inside the pub, Jack warns Tina against playing games with him! He realizes they have a problem however to organize their night out but keeps getting sidetracked from telling her what it is as they get busier. Vera is in at dinner sniping at Jack as usual and he tells Tina that Vera doesn't understand him (oh PLEASE!) while Vera tries to get Jack to cheer up but he feels like she's always there at the pub spying on him (for good reason, too, i would have to say!). Tina thinks he's just another hen pecked husband. He finally gets to tell her the problem is that their respective nights off aren't the same but he'll fix it! Just play along... Don arrives at the cafe to get a few sarnies from a ticked off Gail. Ticked off because Alma's skiving off again, over in the shop telling Alma (confidentially) that MIke spend the night. Kevin arrives to take Sally for another driving lesson as Alf tries to get Audrey to help him out. But she waltzes out the door with Alma to get more details.
In one of the funniest sequences I've seen for awhile, Alec is on the phone trying to persuade someone to take on an act to do with disappearing hamsters. No he does *not* really swallow them.... it *won't* put the punters off... your sales of chicken in a basket will NOT plummet... NO, it is NOT cruel to the hamsters, why it's the best act since Murphy's Educated Chickens! (I am Rolling on the floor laughing at this point!) Jack then comes by laden with crates and crashes in the cellar moaning about his back gone out! Tina first believes him but he manages a whisper to her that it's just a ruse!
At the cafe, Percy is exchanging baking tips with Gail as Alma arrives back after lunch ... at 4:00. Gail calls her on it and Christine sighs and doesn't think she can take much more of this overwork much longer.
At the Barlows, Tracy is looking forward to the planned family holiday in Northumberland though her mum knows the current problems will still be there when they get back. She tells Ken she almost followed him that afternoon and she hates this wall between them. She feels it is aobut them personally. He doesn't like keeping secretsand finally tells her the source is Wendy Crozier and swears her to secrecy! Deirdre is astonished at quiet little Wendy!
In the pub that night, Jack is still at work though favouring his "bad" back. Alec is suspicious that Jack is up to something even if he didn't skive off work that night. Vera says Jack insisted on coming in and Curly backs that up. Vera starts on about speculations about possible claims and compensation and that puts the fear of God into Alec and he tells Jack to go home and not come back until he's better. Jack confirms his date with Tina on the sly as he leaves!
Diane
Friday (2953, 17 July 1989)
A technical difficulty meant Diane couldn't write this update
- here are two versions written by Maureen and Anita
Jack convinced Alec that his back had gone out so he could have
the same night off as Tina. He promised to take her for an expensive
meal. He tells Vera he had to pretend to have a bad back because
he has to go to play in the snooker finals at the Legion.
Meanwhile Mike Baldwin takes Alma to see the luxury flat he is considering buying and Dawn Prescott (worked for Alan Bradley) turns out to be the real estate agent.
Jack is all dolled up for his night out with Tina and Vera says she has never seen him go to the Legion to play snooker looking so smart (she's almost on to you Jack!) He then starts to leave without his snooker cue. Vera reminds him. He also borrows Vera's car - what a nerve.
He goes to pick up Tina and when she climbs in the car she says "put your glasses on Jack". "You like my glasses then do you" Jack replies. To which Tina answers "No I just like you to see where you are driving"
They go to this really posh place and Jack has the nerve to ask if they sell Newton and Ridley ale. After the meal they visit a disco and then on the way home Jack tries to get Tina into the back seat for a "little of what you fancy" Tina is having none of that and Jack drives her home. On the way back from Tina's he runs out of petrol and has to push the car to the nearest all night petrol station which happens to be the one that Martin Platt works at.
Curly has been to the Legion and he gets home before Jack and tells Vera that he didn't see him and there wasn't a snooker final that evening (Jack - she is really onto you now)
Councillor Rafferty is now the chief suspect as the mole at the council because he had done that sort of thing before. Dreary is now off the hook.
Maureen Wynn
Writer JOHN STEVENSON Director SARAH HARDING
Bitparts:
Dawn Prescott LOUISE HARRISON
George Burgess MAX MASON
Steve Rafferty IAN HASTINGS
Waiter NIGEL CARRINGTON
Alec is disgruntled that Jack has begged off work due to his bad back. Of course, Jack isn't suffering from back problems at all, he's home getting ready for his big night out with Tina. When Vera comes home at dinnertime, she is surprised to find him ironing his shirt and demands to know why he is looking so cheerful and fit after last night when he apparently wasn't *in the mood'! He stammers that he was *saving himself' for the big snooker tournament tonight at the Legion. Vera grudgingly accepts his story as Jack manoeuvres her into finishing his ironing for him.
Alec is still grumbling over Jack not turning up for work. He asks Tina if she can fill in for Jack that evening but Tina says she is not giving up her night off. Poor Curly asks Tina to go with him to a bash being held at the college since it is her night off but she rejects the offer, saying she already has a date.
At the Barlows', Deirdre ruminates over Wendy Crozier being the Town Hall mole. Ken reminds her that she has promised to keep this information to herself but she says that she now wishes he hadn't told her who the mole is. She further contemplates the situation, conjecturing that she believes Wendy Crozier fancies Ken, which notion he summarily dismisses.
In the Corner Shop, Mavis gets a bit defensive when Audreh questions her about Derek's line of wares. When Mike enters the shop, Audreh remarks to him that the flat he's considering would be perfect for her and Alfeh. Mike tells her that he intends to have Alma come and view the flat with him so as to get the woman's perspective. After he leaves, Alf cynically comments, "That's not all he'll get!" saying that before she's through, Alma will have Mike paying her poll tax.
Back at the Rovers' Poor Curly continues trying to get a *date' for the evening but when he asks Martin, he is turned down again. Martin is working all night at his father's petrol station.
Jacko is nearly ready for his date. Vera's suspicions are again raised as he is taking such trouble for a snooker game. He tells her that he is very confident (that he'll score big tonight) and even talks her into letting him borrow her car for the evening. When she offers to go along with him to cheer him on, he uses the old *no women in the Legion' excuse. In his fervour, Jack tells Vera that if the Legion were to let Fergie in, ("which they'd NEVER do") they'd redecorate the place after she'd left! Being the trusting soul that she is, Vera accepts this and wishes him luck as he heads off. Jack almost blows the whole story when Vera has to remind him to bring along his snooker cue as he's leaving.
Deirdre's off to an environment sub-committee meeting as Ken and Tracy sit at the table planning the family's vacation. When Ken wishes Deirdre a fruitful meeting she retorts that at least this meeting will be held in confidence as Wendy Crozier will not be in attendance. Again, Ken cautions her to keep quiet about who the mole is. Her parting shot is that "council secrets are fair game while (Ken's) secrets are sacred".
Jack, persuaded by Tina's, "Let's go someplace nice - really nice", takes her to a haute cuisine restaurant, all the while bemoaning the prices. They order melon balls and scampi, and when Tina volunteers that champagne goes with scampi. When Jack tells their waiter that they'll have two glasses of champagne, he discreetly suggests a bottle instead.
Ivy and Vera sit watching telly at Vera's bored and wondering how else they could be spending the evening. Ivy would just as soon be at home as Lucky, the dog, is due to have her pups at any time. Vera's suggestion of Bingo is ruled out as Jack took the car and Ivy doesn't feel up to walking.
At the Town Hall, Deirdre takes flack from fellow-councillor Rafferty who is now being suspected of being Ken's source. Deirdre has a private chat with one of the other councillor's in which he tells her that Councillor Rafferty is under suspicion largely because he once fed information to the Gazette. She emphatically states that Rafferty is not the mole, then has to do a little back-peddling, ("At least, I don't think he is.") in order to keep from revealing what she knows.
Mike and Alma are at the luxury flat that Mike is considering when the estate agent, in the person of Dawn Prescott, walks in. They exchange pleasantries and Alma is left wondering just who this lady is to Mike.
Back at Chez Fancy Restaurant, Jack winces as he settles the bill. The meal has cost him more than he anticipated. Still, he thinks he is soon to get his money's worth as he now suggests to Tina that they take a drive along the moors on their way home. When he croons, "I'm in the mood for love" to her, Tina squeals that she loves dancing and she knows a great disco they can go to, not exactly what RJack had in mind. As they are leaving, their waiter tactfully wonders if Monsieur has "forgotten something" but Jack doesn't get the hint and the poor man is left sans tip.
After viewing the flat, Mike and Alma retreat to the Rovers, where Mike fills her in on Dawn Prescott, telling her about Rita's disastrous experience with Alan Bradley. Her curiosity is satisfied somewhat, but Alma still wonders silently if Mike has any interest in Dawn. Vera, who has popped into the Rovers on her own, is asked by Alec how Jack is faring with his bad back. She tells him that he is "probably struggling to get into bed at that very moment".
She's not far wrong, RVera. We next see Tina bopping her way to the car, disco tunes still playing in her head, as Jack doggedly follows. When he tells her to get into the back, she is gravely insulted. She wants to know if he thinks she's cheap. He replies, "Oh no, if there's anything you are not, it's cheap!" She angrily tells him that she is not *that kind of girl' and insists that he take her home NOW.
Vera is waiting up for Jack, anxious to hear all about the snooker match when in comes Curly. Turns out the college *bash' wasn't much fun and Curly ended going to the Legion. When Vera asks him about Jack playing snooker, he tells her that she must have misunderstood, there was nothing of the sort at the Legion tonight. Needless to say, Vera is not very happy at this news.
Meanwhile, Jack tries one last time with Tina. He'd at least like a goodnight kiss but again, he is disappointed.
At home, Vera is now in finger-tapping mode. As the clock ticks, "Flamin' half-past one in the mornin'!", her anger mounts.
To make Jack's evening complete, he runs out of petrol and has to push the car to the filling station, where Martin is on duty. Jack tells him that not only is he out of petrol, he is broke as well, and could he just take £1's worth of fuel? When Martin explains that the pumps are pre-set to dole out a 5 litre minimum, Jack talks Martin into letting him 'borrow' the gas, saying he'll pay the following day. Thus ends another exciting episode.
Anita
Monday (2954, 19 July 1989)
Writer JOHN STEVENSON (but maybe not) Director SARAH
HARDING (probably, she directed Friday's and they're usually
the same two shows in a row)
Bitparts:
Dawn Prescott LOUISE HARRISON
Peter Reynolds ??
Maurice Jones ALAN MOORE
Steve Rafferty IAN HASTINGS
Will Jack worm his way out of things? Does Ken get his lights punched out? Can Dierdre see the future?
Vera's trying to find out why Jack didn't come home until the wee hours last night. Now, WE all know he was out wining, dining and dancing with Tina but you can be sure he doesn't want Vera to find out. She already knows he wasn't at the Legion playing snooker because Curly was there and blew that excuse out of the water. So we all settle back to see the extent of Jack's imagination. No Vera, I wasn't at the Legion after all, it was an "away match" (hahahahahaha) at the Railway Club. Vera seems to accept this and is away to work as Jack pats himself on the back.
It seemst he Barlows may have to cancel their planned holiday. One of the other councillors, Steve Rafferty, is under the gun and suspected of being the leak due to a past indescretion. Deirdre feels he's a hothead and can't take the pressure and she doesn't think she should leave for holiday until it's all sorted. After she tries to impress upon him that things are unbearable, he still uses guilt and trust issue to keep her in line and not tell that it's Wendy that's the leak. Can't he see what it's doing to her? But he won't let her tell and gets out of the house unscathed.
Later in the morning Deirdre goes to the Recorder office and they go over it all again and he finally allows her to tell the CEO that the leak is NOT Steve Rafferty on his assurance.
Curly is getting ready to go on a job interview as a manager trainee and is stocking up on after shave at the corner shop. They really do carry all and sundry don't they? Alf and Audrey wish him well. Mike orders a dozen bottles of a German wine and Audrey wonders if it's to celebrate his new flat. Rita knows about the flat too (Alma's gob has been working overtime it seems) but is interested in maybe buying one of them herself. She finds it difficult to deal with the memories of Alan Bradley, especially in the house alone when Jenny's out. Thinks a change might be in order but Mike and Alf agree that uprooting herself and leaving her mates and familiar surroundings would not be the best thing. Just see how it goes.
Jack is really pleased at how their date went even though nothing happened. Alec notices Jack's back is miraculously recovered and can he shift some crates in the yard? Jack mutters about using caution and doing too much too soon but is scratching at Tina's skirts all day, flirting with her when Vera's not looking. Vera might not have noticed but Bet has. She later questions Tina who tells her about going out with Jack but she can handle him. That's not who Bet was worried about!
Alec questions Vera about Jack's recovery but she covers for him. Martin arrives for the drink Jack owes him and it comes out that Jack ran out of gas in a part of town he had no business being in if he was indeed at the Railway club playing snooker. Vera hauls Jack out of the bar by his ear and grills him about his lies but he wiggles out again by saying he had to drive some of the fellas home, ran low on petrol and didn't dare bring it back without gas so drove around to find an all night station and ended up at Martin's dad's station. Vera says she beleives him but i wonder...
Mike is checking out the flat (and Dawn Prescott) again at lunchtime although Alma doesn't know that. She's hanging around the pub hoping he'll come in.
At town hall, Dierdre warns Wendy to stay away from her husband and then tells the CEO that she has been assured that Steve Rafferty is not the leak. He accepts that but Mr. Rafferty is out of the office so can't be told he's off the hook. Where is he? in Ken's office harassing Ken! Ken was chatting up a potential advertiser, Maurice Jones (can the destruction of the factory and community center be far behind?), when Councillor Rafferty barges in and accuses Ken of ruining reputations and careers and attacks Ken. Mr. Jones holds him off, however while Ken tells him if he was at town hall where he should be instead of shooting off his mouth he'd know that he was off the hook by now! This calms him down somewhat but he leaves amid more threats. Mr. Jones is not put off and seals the deal.
In the pub that night, Mavis witters on to Alma about seeing Mike come out of her flat early one morning but of course wouldn't speculate as to why. Alma just shrugs and says "what some fellas won't do for a good fry up"! Rita asks Alf and Audrey not to say anything to Jenny about her being nervous in the house alone as Alma leeches onto Mike as he comes in. Alma, didn't your mother ever tell you not to chase the boys? They don't like it and generally go running the other way. You have got to be less obvious or Mike is going to feel like a rabbit in a snare!
Vera is really upset, she tells Ivy that she knows Jack is lying and is afraid he's got another woman and when she finds out who it is....
Diane
Tuesday (2955, 24 July 1989)
Writer ADELE ROSE Director IAN WHITE
Bitparts:
Dawn Prescott LOUISE HARRISON
Who's a clever girl, then? Who's having a midlife crisis? Who's sorry now?
Lucky the grayhound is due to have her pups any time. Don wants Ivy to stay home with her but Ivy insists it be Don, he's self employed and doesn't have to ask for time off. Besides Mike won't go for that excuse anyway. She's off to work with a very worried Vera who is sure Jack has another woman. There's just no other good reason for him lying to her.
At the shop, Sally is impatiently waiting for her driver's test but that could take a few months which, she says, pleases Kevin! Alma comes to get Audrey to help her go shopping for a drop dead gorgeous man trap,,, er... dress, even though Mike doesn't even know he's taking her out yet. Alf sympathises and says Mike is single, a free agent, he doesn't even have a wife, to which Alma mutters, not yet!
Jack is still panting around after Tina and she's beginning to realize he's more serious than she thought! He's dreaming of her, he helps her move chairs, puts sugar in her tea (she doesn't take sugar in her tea!), tells her that her hair smells like tropical nights (it's anti-dandruff shampoo!) tells her he's a misunderstood romantic soul and defends her to Alec when he starts in on her over something or t'other. She asks Bet for help because she now realizes he has a full blown crush on her and can't handle it after all, nothing she does or says turns him off.
At the pub at lunch, Alma asks Emily where Mike is, to be told he's at a business lunch but he's really seeing Dawn Prescott who called to see him on a personal matter, she wants to see Rita to apologise for dropping her in it with Alan but doesn't think Rita will see her if she goes. She asks Mike's intervention and he agrees.
Bet lets Alec in on the fact that Jack has a teenage crush on Tina, albeit 45 years too late. She's more worried about what Vera will do to his naughty bits when she finds out! Alec thinks the silly fool ought to know better at his age but Bet calls him on his own recent behaviour with a certain Welsh Dancer. The cringing look on Alec's face was priceless! Bet later tries to talk sense to Jack but he's not having any of it. He's in love and it's hit him like a lightening bolt.
Vera can't get past the other woman theory which surprises Ivy, as Vera is usually a fighter. Once she would have been glad to see the back of him, she tells Ivy but she doesn't want to be alone now. Vee has looked in the mirror and sees an aging woman. Jack has strayed before but never left her but now he's middle aged too and middle aged men often leave their wives for younger women. Over in the cafe, Curly tells Martin that sommat's going on but they are both sceptical that it might be another woman as Alma returns from her very expensive shopping trip.
Ivy slips home early for dinner to see how the dog is to find Don cooing over her, the clever girl, having produced 5 puppies with nary a hitch! They don't look like grayhounds to me but what do i know. The puppies are black and white but Mom Lucky is all one colour, a sort of beige. Later Alf brings NIcky by to see the pups and he picks out which one he wants as Don gleefully counts on how much he can get by selling the dogs. Alf thinks they're mongrels, Heinz 57 dogs but Don insists they are purebreds.
Rita doesn't want to see Dawn and dredge up the memories or get her nose rubbed in it but Mike insists Dawn is truly sorry and wants to make it up. Rita agrees to see Dawn and when she does, Dawn tells her the whole business when Alan tried to rape her and that she went to Rita because she was so angry. She never meant for Rita to get hurt the way she did but Rita forgives her and says she did her a favour in the end.
Alma is hanging around the pub later on hoping to run into Mike, expecting that he will ask her out when he comes in. She questions Emily again as to his whereabouts. Emily is very tactful as usual. Dawn and Mike leave the factory and when Alma leaves the pub, she sees Dawn getting into Mike's car (Mike has invited her out to dinner to prove that all men are not as bad as Alan Bradley). Alma's face drops and scrapes the cobbles!
Diane
Wednesday (2956, 26 July 1989)
Writer PAUL ABBOT Director IAN WHITE
Bitpats:
Dawn Prescott LOUISE HARRISON
Micky Lee CHRIS LARNER
How low will Alma go? Who's crying now? How much are the pups really worth? A man is at the Brennan house early in the morning. His name is Micky Lee and he seems to think he's expected, Harry Slinger should have called but obviously he didn't. Mickey's dog is the sire of Lucky's pups and he had a deal with Harry that he get two of the pups! Ivy rejects this theory. They paid good money for the dog and any deal he has with Harry doesn't carry over. Don tells Ivy, as she leaves for work, that Harry never even told him the dog was pregnant (no wonder he was so anxious to get it back!) and he'll sort it out. But Ivy comes back for dinner to a lovely meal that Don has prepared and he tells her he agreed to let Mickey have not only the two pups but all of them and Lucky too! Ivy's temper takes off and she's really angry because it all comes down to money and a deal with Don!
Mavis chatters on to Alma on the corner about Derek's suitability for sales but as soon as Alma spies Mike's car, she's off, quite rudely too, not even saying good bye, where's your hat or anything else to poor Mavis. Alma tries to find out why he hasn't returned her calls and he puts her off and says he's been busy. He might catch up with her in the Rovers at dinnertime.
Vera still thinks Jack has another woman. He wants seeing to, he really does and if she gets her hands on that woman... Seems she found a receipt for the expensive meal in Jack's pocket. Ivy thinks that's too obvious, even for Jack and maybe he's just trying to make her jealous. They discuss this further both on the street and at work through out the day.
Meanwhile Alma is updating Audrey on her own sad situation. Audrey thinks Alma should have just asked outright where she stands. If there's going to be competition from a young dolly bird you have to show him the advantages of a more mature woman! Alma wonders if she's overreacting but should at least find out what went on with Dawn and where they went when she saw them getting in the car the night before.
As Ivy and Vera discuss Jack, Alma walks into the factory and into Mike's office, interrupting Mike and Emily who are discussing a business problem. Emily tactfully withdraws. She confronts Mike, Why have you been avoiding me? Who's avoiding he counters. He's a busy man. Not too busy to take afternoons off to golf very recently she counter-counters. He gets defensive, thinking this is beginning to sound like an interrogation (worst thing you can do Alma, I'm telling you as a woman who's been there!). She just wants to know where she stands so he leads her out of the factory away from prying eyes and ears and they go to a canal-side park. He tells her in's inconvenient to drop everything everytime she wants to see him. He tries to diffuse the situation by telling her they are mates, golfing buddies! *(typical Mike)* She's blows, GOLFING BUDDIES??? You spent the night in my bed, that's a bit more than just golfing buddies! But he tells her he made no promises, they were consenting adults and if she was honest with herself, she'd know that! Well you know he's right. Alma got all infatuated and chased the man to ground in spite of his reputation and made no secret of it! Alma goes to Audrey in the shop as Alf and Audrey are waiting for Sally to come back after dinner so Alf goes on to the pub leaving the women to talk and stalls Sally's return a bit. Audrey later takes Alma back to her flat where we see that Gail has hired Martin to help out since Alma is of course nowhere near the cafe most of the time! Audrey sees a tearful Alma upstairs then tells Gail what happened, Mike gave her the shove after getting what he wanted from her. Gail isn't surprised and wants to know why Audrey is. She saw it coming! Gail will be glad when things are back to normal. After a bit we see Alma and Audrey having a walk in the park. Alma is feeling very sorry for herself and licking her wounds.
Meanwhile Mike is now persuing the lovely Dawn though she keeps him at arms length thinking he's attached to Alma. No he isn't, he assures her, she's just a friend who's opinion on the flat he wanted. He tells Dawn he's going to buy the flat.
Vera asks Curly if he thinks Jack is seeing someone or just trying to make her jealous. He doesn't know and as Jack comes in looking for a shirt, Curly takes off, after offering him a lend on one of his. Vera starts in on Jack, she knows he hasn't really got someone because he's too old, it's just a mid life crisis. On and on until she pushes Jack too far and he says he does too have someone that truly appreciates him... Tina! Give Over!!!! Vera laughs this off so Jack says he took her out the other night!
Jack tells Tina that Vera knows and starts spouting words about love. Tina is shocked and tells him he's dangerous! She tells Bet and asks her help as Alec is buzzing about in a frenzy. Bet says she can handle it and hopes that Vera doesn't believe Jack!
In the pub, Ivy is still angry at Don for selling the dogs until he hands her £800 promising another £50 in settlement of a gambling debt she paid on his behalf to Mike Baldwin and they make up. Derek is waxing on about the art of selling, telling Rita and Emily it's really performance art!
However making up is not on Vera's mind as she comes in to have a word with Tina, promising to Bet there won't be any aggro. Alec is worried they'll tear each other to bits but Bet says she can handle it. Tina tells Vera she never encouraged him but when Vera asks her about going out with Jack, Tina tells her it were for a laugh, to see how far he'd go! Vera starts shouting and criticizing Tina and everyone else for thinking of the Duckworth's as the "village idiots". Bet gets between them but Alec figures he will handle it. Just as Alec drags Bet out of the way and puts himself in the line of fire, Vera fires her drink at Tina and it ends up on Alec's face! He bars Vera and shouts at Tina to clean up as Vera drags Jack home to have it out.
She cries and weeps about Tina making an utter fool of him but he in his midlife crisis was too thick to see it! He just can't face getting older. He says he's sorry, he lost his head. She doesn't even know if he still loves her anymore, he never says so. He didn't think he had to but he mutters that he does love her and they hug amid Vera's warning that he never do that again!
Diane
Thursday (2957, 31 July 1989)
Writer KEN BLAKESON Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Bitparts:
Dawn Prescott LOUISE HARRISON
Maurice Jones ALAN MOORE
Who's armed and dangerous? What does Maurice Jones want with Mike's factory? Will Sally get to have her driving test?
It's Sunday, evidenced by the church bells but Alf has the shop open and Ivy and Done are in picking up some things for a picnic with Gail and the kids. Audrey complains they never go anywhere and Percy complains that there's no tinned corned beef, only Romanian tongue. Audrey offers him German sausages and he huffs off wondering why he fought a war!
Sally's reviewing her driver's handbook. Kevin tries to lure her back to bed but she's had a cancellation and her test is tomorrow and wants to be certain to pass. She tells Kevin he doesn't take her seriously! Martin arrives so she gets him to help her review instead as Kevin pouts off upstairs. When he comes back down she's reciting stopping distances. He asks her about one at a distance that isn't on the back cover where the others are and then points to the page in the book where the rest are. Sally's positive he doesn't want her to pass! She's hoping they can borrow the banger in the afternoon for another practice.
Nicky is off to play and Gail warns him to be back by 11:30 as Grandma Ivy and Granpa Don will be there to take them out. He stalls and later Ivy goes to find him in the back. They finally all get away and Nicky does nothing but complain about the seatbelt and needing the toilet all the way with Gail scolding him. At the park Don keeps him busy for awhile in a rented boat but after that Nicky is bored again and badgers someone to throw the ball so he can practice with his cricket bat.
Alec is wondering where Jack is? Tina wants to go check and maybe see if she can explain a little more about the whole date thing but Bet doesn't think that's a good idea. Alec volunteers but Bet says only if you have a death wish because Vera is probably in a rage against Jack.
So it seems. Curly is out chatting to the pigeons. WE see a pair of brown socks in the foreground so are to assume the laundry is hanging out. Vera comes out and dumps a pair of trousers in the bin. Curly lifts them out to see they are all cut up and notices she is about to attack the trousers on the clothes line! He steers her away from his as she cuts off the legs of Jack's jeans. She's going to make sure he won't be tempted to drop his trousers again or she'll cut something else of his up in little pieces!
At the shop Emily is picking up a few itemsand comments that Percy just doesn't approve of anything not English made or produced! Mike arrives for his cigars and Audrey gives him a cold look and gives him what for because of his callous treatment of Alma. Alf plays peacemaker and Mike doesn't seem to bothered and comments that Audrey seems more disappointed than Alma was!
At the pub Sally finds out that Mark has a date that afternoon but tries to convince him to let her practice first. Mike and Dawn are having a drink together when a man in a business suit comes in looking for him. Mike tries to put him off but he insists. He wants to discuss Mike's factory. Mike's curious so he takes the man, Maurice Jones over to the factory and Maurice Jones offers to buy the factory, name your price. Mike susses that he wants to pull it down and doesn't want to sell. But later in the pub, telling Dawn what went on you can tell he's curious and is thinking it over.
Also in the pub Alec is getting fed up and wants to go get Jack. Curly thinks that's a bad idea. He spent the morning in the pigeon loft, it was safer. He says Vera has cut up all Jack's trousers and is armed and dangerous with very large scissors!
Sal has a practice in the banger with Kevin in front directing her every move and Mark in the back. Kevin criticizes everything she does.
Back home, Nicky is upstairs playing and avoids coming down when Ivy and Don are ready to leave. She apologises for Nicky's behavior but Ivy tells Gail she must be more sensitive as he still misses his dad but Gail feels you can't give in to Nicky's tantrums. He has to learn to deal with things. After the Brennans have left Nicky comes down looking for something to eat. Gail scolds him for his behavior and not coming down and thanking his grandparents for a nice day out and he says it were boring! Gail sends him to bet without his supper for punishment!
Vera comes in for a drink. Alec is ready to throw her out but Bet stops him. Vera apologises for the scene she caused the night before though calls Jack devious and Tina a tart (not to her face though). Elsewhere Dawn tells Mike she may be able to find out about Mr. Jones through some estate agent contacts and Audrey asks Mike to introduce her to "his daughter", making snide comments about her past with Alan Bradley and the older woman always suffering.
Sally waits for Mark to bring the car around for one last practice but when he arrives he says the car has some major engine trouble and he can't get parts until the next day, this being Sunday and all. She thinks the two of them are in it together to wreck her chances of passing the test and Kevin figures she should have to cancel it! She's furious!
Diane
Friday (2958, 2 August 1989)
Monday (2959, 7 August 1989)
Writer ADELE ROSE Director BRIAN MILLS
Bitparts:
Josie Philips, Maurice Jones, Dawn Prescott
Will Jack find a pair of trousers? Has Mike got Maurice Jones where he wants him? Has Alma made a fool of herself yet again?
Jack is hovering in the doorway wearing his blue and white striped jammies while Vera calls at Ivy's door, asking to borrow a pair of Don't trousers for Jack to wear to work. Ivy chides her for backing down but Vera says it were all a joke. OH? Does Jack know that Ivy's enquiring mind wants to know? She won't lend out Don's clothes without Don's permission and Don's gone until teatime. So now what?
Kevin is giving Sally a hard time for letting the bathroom drain clog up with hair, her hair, while she is trying to get him to let her drive the race car tomorrow night at it's first official race. Finally he says he's the registered driver since he didn't think she would get a driver's examination appointment so soon. She's sure he'll find another excuse every time though. Men! She goes into the shop for work and Audrey gives her a bit of wisdom. Men would like us kept at home like little mice! Alf raises an eyebrow! Well that's what they would like, not the way it is! Alf offers to take Audrey out for a slap up meal but she can't this night as she's babysitting for Gail to give her a night out but they fix a date for tomorrow night. Well at least someone has something to look forward to tomorrow night, Sally grumbles.
At the factory Emily is told to rearrange some of Mike's appointments. Maurice Jones is coming at 12:30 so Mike then arranges to meet Dawn at 1 for an update. He tells her he hasn't succumbed yet (to the sale of the factory) but is allowing himself to be gently seduced, something he can highly recommend! The girls in the factory are chatting and Vera tells Ivy that Jack will have to squeeze into Curly's trousers or he'll lose his job. No she won't forgive him but she doesn't want to support him for the rest of his idle life either!
Jack is desparate and Alec is counting down the seconds. Jack rushes in 5 seconds after the deadline wearing a shirt and a pair of Curly's sweatpants. Only thing that will fit! Alec strings him a long a little then asks did Vera really cut up every pair of trousers he owns? Jack hangs his head and says she did, even his Vince St. Claires!!! Alec says he can come back even if he is dressed like a clown but won't give him a raise to replace his clothes. Bet welcomes him back and Tina tells him he can look but not touch!
Mike is getting into his car and says good morning to Alma who is walking by. She lays into him with a raft of sarcastic remarks and he tries to smooth it over, after all they were both civilized adults but she isn't having any of it so he says if that's how she want's it, fine and drives off. She instantly regrets what she says and goes into the shop to try to get Audrey to go shopping with her to give her credit cards a good banging and feel better. Audrey is going to have Nicky with her but takes Alma off back to the cafe. Alf wonders why women treat spending money like some miracle cure. Because it is! Sally says, matter of factly. Too right!
Jones comes to the factory with building blueprints of the block to show Mike. He notices it's a funny shape and that it's missing the lot where the community center is. Still, Jones says it'll be a great project, a real money maker, houses and small industrial units. They make a verbal agreement pending having the factory evaluated. After they leave, Emily, who has stayed back to have her home-brought lunch, answers the phone in the office and sees the plans!
At the pub at dinnertime, Dawn and Mike are catching up when Alma notices them and makes a catty remark to Dawn about Mike's stamina. Mike and Dawn leave and Alma bites her tongue again and says to Rita she really shouldn't have done that. My granny would call that cutting off your nose to spite your face, she would!
At the cafe, Curly tells Martin about the two job interviews he's had this week, at a fishmongers and a supermarket (Could it be???? Bettabuys????) neither of which thrills Curly much as he pictured himself in something more high tech for the coming 90's. Alma brings a bored Nicky in and tells Gail she's at a loss to try to find something to amuse him. But the Curly and Martin have invited NIcky to come with them to the putting green and Gail says it's ok. finally a smile on the little lad's face! He's been so difficult to manage lately. Later on the golf course we see the three enjoying the sunny day and Nicky makes a remark that his dad were brilliant at golf and taught Nicky how to putt. Martin and Curly glance at each other but Nicky races off to the next hole. Poor mite, misses 'is dad!
Emily asks Mike about Maurice Jones but Mike implies that the builder might be doing some improvements to the factory for him but i'm afraid Emily doesn't believe him. Later in the pub, Mavis is chattering on and realizes Emily isn't listening. Really you and Rita have a habit of never listening to a thing i say, you'd think all i talk was rubbish!!! But Emily tells her she's worried about the factory, she suspects Mike is selling up and though she is fortunate enough not to worry about money, most of the women who work there depend on their jobs.
In the shop, Sally is still annoyed with men as a species. Rita though women had more equality nowadays but Sally says only some of them! Rita tells her to stick to her guns like she always did with Len. She didn't always get her way but they had some interesting arguements. Audrey arrives and it comes out that she can't go to dinner tomorrow with Alf after all, she's promised to go out with Alma to try to cheer her up.
Later in the pub, Sally is being right sarky about driving and men in general, she might as well be a nodding dog in the back window!
At Mike's apartment, Jones arrives to find Dawn there also. The two of them are already aquainted. Mike has found out that Mr. Jones has got permission from the council to buy the community center so now has the last piece of property in the block. Jones plays his cards close to the chest but yes, so does Mike when need be and the men judge each other with mututal respect as businessmen. Mike still wants to sell the factory but the price has now gone up!
Diane
Tuesday (2960, 9 August 1989)
Wednesday (2961, 14 August 1989)
Writer STEPHEN MALLATRAT Director JOHN MICHAEL PHILLIPS
Bitparts:
Roy Flowers ANTHONY HAVERING
Who's spinning a web of deceit? Who's a dishrag? Is that the faint beginnings of a legendary feud?
Sally and Kevin are arguing in the garden about why she drove the car home, leaving Mark and Kevin stranded at the track to find a way to get the banger and trailer back home. Was she trying to prove a point? Sally shakes her head and announces he hasn't got a clue has he? She resents being treated like a zombie. Kevin accuses her of being smug and any way he thought she'd be happy to support him and be interested in how he did (like a good little wife?????? you're right, he hasn't a clue!!!!). "My Hero" she zings back sarcastically. She's happy to support his interests but he lied to her and heated her out of racing in the Ladies' race. Why didn't she say she wanted to race? She didn't tell him! (HUH????? i thought that was why she was so anxious to get her license so she could race!!! ) She resents that he can have all the fun and seems to consider her no more than a flippin' dishrag! Kevin goes down the ginnel in defeat as Jack, who has heard the arguement, tries to give Kevin some of his tried and successful advice but Kevin notes where that has got Jack... with Vera! Jack sighs and returns to his pigeons.
At the factory, the girls are still wondering what's on. Emily is saying nothing and Baldwin is being his usual self although he does apologise to Emily for putting her in an awkward position. They all know something's up but he's still denying it and tells Emily it's 95% unlikely that he's selling up. Trust Me! (why do i always get the shivers whenever someone says that?) He asks her to keep confidence a little longer and after she leaves his accountant comes in and Mike admits to him that he is indeed selling up but not to let that out until a deal is done.
The Barlows have returned from their family holiday in Northumberland, glad to get home although TracyLuv complains that Coronation Street is a dump! Percy greets them and starts in on Ken about how he was stationed in Northumberland. Inside, Ken promises Deirdre no more council leaks, no more Wendy Crozier then goes off to see if the Recorder is still standing!
Gail tells Audrey that Nicky is having a good time with Martin lately andt ehy agree Martin's a good lad. Nicky needs a bit of male attention to which Gail confides, Join the Club! Alma comes down into the cafe from her flat but rather than do any work sits down with Gail and they discuss the two handsome men they met at the bar the night before. Alma's intrigued (quick powers of recovery!) and Audrey's dubious since Alma gave one of them, Terry her number when he asked for it. Later when Terry calls to ask Alma out again, she tells Audrey he is bringing his friend and for her to bring Audrey. Audrey doesn't know about this. Nicky is brought back to the cafe and helping out by bringing Percy's teacake to his table for which he is rewarded by a tip. Really, Percy is quite nice to little children when he wants to be isn't he? He was very grandfatherly to Tracy earlier this episode too. But this good behaviour by Nicky is actually at odds with what he's been like lately, very hard to handle. Rita assures Gail he'll grow out of it.
Emily visits Deirdre to catch up on the news but she's distracted even though Deirdre and Tracy present her with a lovely cake bought in a shop in Northumberland. She needs to talk about the factory business so Deirdre sits her down with a cup of tea and listens. Later when Ken comes home Deirdre gives him a scoop from a reliable non-council source. Mike's selling the factory to a builder, Maurice Jones and probably for new development. Ken's very very interested and wonders what the community is about to have dumped on it as a result!
In the pub Ivy and Vera discuss if Mike really is up to something or not. THey have no union now for protection but Vera believes Emily really does know what's going on especially after Mavis overhears and makes a comment about their jobs being tenuous, information which can only have come from her friend Emily even though it really was just Emily speculating, not anything from fact. This fires up the women and Vera wants to confront Mike. She does get into it with Emily at the factory accusing her of telling her friends but not the worker's who will be affected but Mike emerges from the office to break it up.
Kevin and Sally have more or less made it up for the moment as Marting arrives to join them for a drink. Elsewhere Alma is trying to convince Audrey to come out with her to meet the men again and Audrey finally agrees to see what she can do to get out without telling Alf the real reason. Most of the pub scenes today have Jack bobbing and weaving about fishing for tips from everyone, unsuccessfully as it turns out which provides great amusement for the punters, Mike for one almost breaking out into a chuckle after foiling one of Jack's feeble attempts to get him to offer one for himself!
Later Alf tells Audrey he has been invited to a board of trade "do" though isn't planning on going. Audrey snaps this up and eventually convinces him to go without her and she's going to have a quiet evening in on her own.
Martin stops in the cafe and Nicky nags him on and on to take him along but Martin persists and Gail tells Martin to go along and scolds Nicky who then cries to his mom that he doesn't want her, he wants Martin.
Mike visits Maurice Jones and tells him he's getting a lot of flack. If it gets out that he's selling up then will the council back out on it's deal to sell Jones the community center and thus put the kibosh on the whole deal? Not to worry. Jones is providing jobs and improvements which the council will go for and he can handle Ken Barlow. Let's get to the deal, he's waiting for a price.
At the pub Curly is disappointed he didn't get the latest job he applied for but thinks Martin could be in for a very lucrative career, child minding! Ivy and Don are having a drink discussing the Baldwin rumours when who comes in but the very man himself! He does come over to Ivy and says he'll have a word the next day but Don gets his two penn'orth in and Mike tells him it's none of his business. But of course it is since it's his wife that would be affected. Why can't you just say now? You can see the conflict already! Don doesn't trust Mike but Ivy naively does.
Diane
Thursday (2962, 16 August 1989)
Writer BARRY HILL Director JOHN MICHAEL PHILLIPS
Bitparts:
Terry JOHN MELAINEY
Dave ROBERT GRANGE
Who's breaking promises? Is there a new romance on the horizon? Who's telling secrets?
Ivy and Vera are off to work as Percy is cleaning the windows. He mades a few comments about Baldwin and their jobs which only adds to the situation and fears. Vera thinks Mike is out of order but Ivy has confidence that whatever Mike is going to tell them that morning will clear matters up. At tea break time, Mike comes out of his office and tells them that the rumours are premature. He then proceeds to send very many mixed signals that you would catch if you were paying attention which Vera is but Ivy is not. He says no deal has been made oron the table. He's not denying an offer was made to buy thefactory but if he does sell, their jobs will be safe even if the factory will be pulled down (Huh?). Trust me! (shiver) Fancy footwork and sidestepping are the order of the day and Ivy's mind is put at rest but Vera's is not. She thinks some folk also still believe the world is flat! She doesn't trust Mike Baldwin and i think she's right!
At the Barlow residence, Deirdre is nagging Tracy to clean the pots before she goes out too meet her friend and Ken doesn't get in the middle of that. He tries to sweet talk her into finding out from the council what's going on with the factory and the deal with the builder but she adamantly refuses. He can just ask Jones himself but Ken doesn't want to rile a major advertiser and is sure Baldwin won't give him the time of day. At town hall, Deirdre warns Wendy again against any further leaks when they encounter each other.
Audrey and Alma firm up plans to go out that night but Audrey warns she wants an early night so as to get back before Alf returns from his dinner. Gail chats with Martin about his plans for the day which won't include Nicky this time. Gail warns Martin not to let NIcky get his own way as she knows he can be a little devil if he doesn't. Gail also wonders what Audrey is getting herself into with Alma but Audrey reassures her and is only providing moral support.
By the way, where's Christine??? Haven't seen her at the cafe since she mentioned that she wasn't putting up with the over work much longer. I don't remember anything being mentioned about her leaving but maybe she did???
In the pub at dinnertime Ken tries to get information from Ivy who stonewalls him and later even braves trying to get a quote from Mike who warns him that if he prints any unsubstantiated rumours, he'll sue Ken and the paper and ruin him and nothing would give him more satisfaction. Rita mentions to Betty that Jenny's exam results are due the next day and she'll miss her if she goes away to university but hopes she does well all the same.
Audrey sees Alf off. Alf is looking very natty in a dinner jacket, i must say! She then rushes off to get ready for her outing with Alma.
Ugly lamp award goes to Maurice Jones as Mike visits him at his flat and we see a big floor lamp looking like a palm tree in the back ground, complete with "bark" base, big palm leaves hanging over 3 or 4 big globes of light masquerading as coconuts! The two men discuss their similar poor childhoods from which they've risen to success. Mike tells Maurice that Ken Barlow has hold of the rumours. They discuss the factory sale and Jones says he needs an answer in 7-10 days. That suits him all right.
Ken is indeed on this story like a dog with a bone and sees Tracy off to a friend's house as Deirdre is at another committee meeting at Town Hall. Tracy is no sooner out of the house than Ken is on the phone to Wendy and succeeds in persuading her to meet him this one last time. She's reluctant so he says he just wants her to confirm, not give him any info that he doesn't already have. The risk will be worth it, Trust Me! (shiver shiver) He meets her and they drive out of town to have their discussion (what? no pillow talk? aren't you two a little old to be doing that sort of thing in the back seat of a car?)
Percy sits with Mavis who is chattering and complaining and defending Derek's tacky little job selling joke gifts which she seems to be doing all the time lately. Today she's complaining that he's spending more time on paperwork than on her. Percy thinks Derek is doing what he has to, a man's got to work and she should be past romantic ideas at her age even if she did marry late in life. Put her in her place i think! Kevin, Sally and Martin are commiserating about poor Curly and his lack of success getting a job when a phone call for Martin comes in and we hear that it's Gail as the camera then pans to Don, Ivy and Vera. Don seems to be on Vera's side in mistrusting Mike.
At the disco Terry and Alma are making puppy eyes at each other while Audrey is listening to Dave and making puppy eyes at her watch and trying to hurry Alma along, who is blatantly ignoring her.
Deirdre is back from the meeting late and Ken tells her all about his detective work and the resulting story that he eventually pieced together. He's got the whole story but no ,not from Maurice Jones. She knows he could only have got all the details from Wendy as only a few people at the town hall knew them and he didn't get it from Dierdre. Not her! Not after you promised! He knows he's in deep doo doo now!
Over at Gail's Martin arrives to see Gail at her wits end and Nicky calling down the stairs I want Martin (maybe he IS less plankish than he grew up to be but he's really REALLY getting annoying with that high pitched winging and whining!). She can't get him to sleep, he just refused to unless he saw Martin and Nicky comes downstairs. Martin scolds him and tells him he won't take the lad out anymore unless he starts listening to his mom. She's worn out. He takes Nicky back up to bed and reads him a story and returns to find Gail exhausted and exasperated. She's having trouble coping. Martin thinks she needs a good night's rest and things will look better tomorrow. Guess Nicky isn't the only one who needed a bit of support. Gail breaks down a little, grateful for someone to hold her and they end up in a kiss!!!
Diane
Friday (2963, 21 August 1989)
Writer BARRY HILL Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Bitparts:
Terry JOHN MELAINEY
Reynold's Secretary ROMY BASKERVILLE
Who's in the doghouse? Who isn't by the skin of their teeth (yet)? Who's spilled the beans?
Well Jenny's got her exam results and didn't do too badly but failed Biology so won't be able to get into university. She's off to school to see what she can do with those kinds of grades instead but Rita is proud of her anyway. She returns later with a smile on her face and says she'll probably be able to get into a Polytechnical and is planning to try to get into one a few of her mates are applying to...in Brighton! Rita's face falls!
Gail is hurrying Nicky along as she's trying to get out the door to work. He's tired but wouldn't be if he had gone to bed when he should have instead of moaning for Martin half the night. "I wanted to see Martin" (there goes another piece of my nerves!!!) Well Martin might not want to see you but then again, Martin had invited Nicky to go swimming later in the afternoon so that little admonishment falls flat. Nicky wishes Martin could have stayed all night, from the look on Gail's face i wonder if she does too?
At the shop, Alf seems a little worse for wear after his dinner out the night before. Audrey gets to use this as fuel to give him a hard time about coming home drunk in the company of a strange woman who was only the wife of the president of the board of trade who drove Alf home. Seems Audrey got in just 10 minutes before Alf staggered home so he didn't realize that Audrey didn't have a night in on her own after all! Whew!
Dierdre is very short and cool with Ken this morning for breaking his promise never to get information from Wendy again, accusing him of cavalierly going back on promises when it suited him. He didn't go to Jones because he thought he'd only get lies. He then tries to put it on Dierdre by blaming her and her precious principles (WHOSE principles????) She could have told hm but wouldn't (oh! oh! OH!) Folk whose jobs are affected have a right to know he feels and accuses her of getting like all the other councillors, it's like talking to an answering machine! He leaves her ironing furiously but then she sits down, quite upset. Tracy finds her and says they're always arguing and it's always over this council stuff.
At the cafe Gail reckons Audrey is out of her mind and playing with fire but Audrey says she was just doing Alma a favour. Gail hopes Alf thinks so too if he finds out. She warns Alma to keep Audrey out of it but of course Alma ignores that saying Audrey is an adult and capable of looking after herself. She's meeting Terry at dinnertime and tells Audrey Dave sends his best but is told she's on her own!
Alf and Audrey are in the pub at dinnertime with Alf still nursing his hangover and still defending himself. Just like Audrey to manage to turn the situation around to deflect the heat from herself! Ivy and Vera are still wondering about Baldwin and Ivy still believes the party line about safe jobs and Vera still thinks Mike's lying. Alec wonders why Mike is avoiding the pub but it's probably his workers he's avoiding, vera claims, darkly. Rita tells Martin about Jenny's exam results hoping that he can keep her spirits up but he has sommat on this afternoon. Rita decides to arrange a bit of a party for Jenny's very good exam results the next afternoon and all the young people thing that's a great idea.
Who comes into the pub but Alma and Terry! Audrey nearly swallows her tongue as Alma introduces Terry to Audrey's husband and Audrey hustles Alf out of there as fast as she can saying that's Alma's new man that she met in a wine bar. Alf thinks some women never learn as Audrey says she only met him over at the cafe when Alma was showing him off one day. Later she give Alma a piece of her mind as she lets Alma know what she told Alf. Alma was actually hoping Mike would be in the Rovers so she could figuratively show him he wasn't the only one found her attractive. (That's SO high school, Alma!)
Deirde is supposed to take Tracy shopping but gets a call from the CEO to come to the town hall NOW so she has to cancel the shopping trip with a very disappointed Tracy. (I suppose Ken will add that to his onslaught against Deirdre in defense of his actions!) At the town hall Deirdre and Wendy have a chilly but silent encounter on the staircase.
Gail greets Martin who is bringing Nicky home from swimming, to find out that Nicky also persuaded Martin to take him to the park as well. But Martin doesn't mind. THey talk about the kiss they shared the night before. Martin hopes Gail didn't think he was taking advantage of her emotional state but it's ok, she says, it was just a kiss. It didn't seem wrong, they agree and it was nice to have someone to lean on. Martin can't stay for tea but takes a rain check.
Ken arrives home exchanging words and threats with Mike on the street as Ken tries to get a quote and Mike saying again he'll sue if anything's printed. Ken also assures Percy, who is concerned about the rumours and the factory staff's fears, that all is in hand. He goes in to find a very cool Deirdre who doesn't stay cool very long. In fact things get very heated as she tells him about her meeting with Peter Reynolds who insisted on seeing her after Ken called him trying to confirm his story. Reynolds says Ken was putting words in his mouth, words that he could only have gotten from a very few sources, her being one of them so she had to defend her confidentiality yet again. Ken still doesn't see what it has to do with Dierdre. No of course he doesn't, she snaps. She denied being the leak and told Reynolds that it was Wendy all along as she's had more than enough and blames herself for letting it all go on too long, being naive enough to believe Ken cares more for her than teh paper and his blessed principles. Now Peter Reynolds knows it wasn't her and never was. Ken gasps, does she know what she's done to us???? Don't blame me, She shouts, Wendy's had it coming!
Diane
Monday (2964, 23 August 1989)
Writer KEN BLAKESON Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Bitparts:
Dave Sparks ROBERT GRANGE
Who's had close call? Who wants to have a close "call"? Who wants to have a close "call" but all the baggage is bound to get in the way?
A cold arctic wind blows across the Barlow Breakfast table. Tracy's doing the cross word and asks for a 7 letter word for "spoon" to which Ken, glaring pointedly at Deirdre says "stirrer!". That was the definite wrong thing to say and do, playing off points agains an innocent child who is a bit bewildered at her parent's attitude. Deirdre hustles Tracy off to get ready for their shopping trip that was promised but delayed as Ken makes another crack about at least she's keeping some of her promises. He should be making comments about breaking promises!!! and Deirdre lets him have it for using Tracy to score cheap points and all! He does apologise for that bit but she shouldn't have shopped Wendy and put her job on the line. What about Dierdre's reputation on the line??? They argue about how he got the story and his justifications as she accuses him of being on a big ego trip as a crusader, Ken Barlow, Editor and Savior of the poor and underpriveledged. Oh sure he prints the truth only, but printing the truth also scarpered a hostel that was really needed. She leaves with Tracy and things are not unresolved.
Maring is in the cafe and offers to take Nicky out but Nicky's with a friend. Jenny comes in and reminds him about the party Rita is throwing her in the Rovers that night and invites Gail too but she syas she has things to do. Alma is in and out again on a date with Terry and Jenny makes catty comments about older women and toy boys to which Gail looks a bit chagrinned.
Wendy calls Ken and it seems she is suspended though not fired yet. Someone found out she was the information leak. She is a bit shell shocked and the two of them arrange to meet at the usual place, which is a quiet little restaurant. She isn't sure if she'll be fired but has to see the union representative that afternoon. Ken offers to accompany her but she's fine on her own. He has told her it was Deirdre that told on her and she worries how he is getting on at home with this all out in the open but he sidesteps that, more concerned about her as he comforts her and holds her hand and (gag!) tries to look sexy but really is only just wiggling his eyebrows a bit and looking vaguely concerned. WEndy's not upset that Deirdre spilled the beans because she knew the risks and took them willingly. He thinks she's remarkable for caring what happens to him when her future is in such a shaky state.
In the pub Ivy and Vera keep and eye on Baldwin and then quiz Alec to see if Mike has said anything about selling up. Alec wishes he would because it could mean lots of trade if there was a building site across the street!
In the shop sally is complaining about Kevin and Audrey sympathises, telling her Kevin could use a bit of competition, it works wonders! Then she sees Alf who is outside on the street talking to a bloke who just happens to be Dave, Terry's friend and the very same man she was out with at the disco the other night, "chaperoning" Alma and Terry! Turns out he's a salesman who happened across the shop and is now trying to sell Alf and Audrey on a line of vitamins and shampoo and beauty products. Audrey is petrified but he doesn't let anything slip although plays a few mind games with her with comments about discos. Later out by the car he says he really did just happen upon her by accident.
Keving grabs a late lunch at the cafe and Percy complains about his scone to Gail, it's the wrong colour and it's gritty which is because it's made with whole meal Gail points out but he gives her a hard time about it as Audrey arrives ready and willing to shoot daggers at Alma if she finds her. when she does, she tells Alma she's stopping safely at home from now on, close calls are not her speed!
Tracy is showing off her new clothes at home and Ken arrives. He gets another cheap shot off at Deirdre using Tracy as bait and after Tracy goes up to have a shower she lets him have it again. He tells her Wendy was suspended but she's not all that bothered. She's tired and doesn't want to row again so he leaves in anger and tells her not to bother making a meal for him.
In the pub that night Jenny's party begins with champagne and nibblies but Martin is quiet and ends up leaving early saying he has to work. Sally tells Jenny she thinks Martin is upset that Jenny may be moving to Brighton but Martin has actually gone to Gail's instead. He makes it clear thathe's interested and thought the kiss wasn't one sided was it? No it wasn't but Gail lays out in explicit detail just how many responsibilities and people are involved in her life, she can't just do what she wants, ever! This is a sobering thought to Martin who hadn't really thought of it that way. The reality is that it really isn't as simple as he thought it would be and thinks it best that he leaves. He gets as far as the gate and turns to go back but the lights go out and he leaves.
Diane
Tuesday (2965, 28 August 1989)
Writer LESLIE DUXBURY Director OLIVER HORSBRUGH
Bitparts:
Marge Butler SHERRY ORMEROD
Who's done a deal? Who's living like a nun (but not for long!) Who's being a right prat?
Mike and Maurice Jones are signing the papers today and the deal is done. The factory will be taken over by a new owner tomorrow. At the factory Vera is fed up with her life and figures she can't change it now. Ivy doesn't help her mood by telling her she should probably just make the best of it. MIke arrives in the office and finds out that Emily is at the bank. He calls Dawn and tells her it's all signed, sealed and delivered but no, he hasn't told the workers yet.
At hte cafe Alma and Audrey chat about their "first time" (sex???) They tease Percy about being past it and living in the past which he defends because the past was a paradise compared to now, one reason is that women didn't talk dirty! Alma begs off the afternoon because she's going out with Terry if he's free and at Gail's sigh of exasperation makes a crack about not all of them live like a nun. Bit of a pointed remark. Really Alma is quite thoughtless, isn't she?
Mark won the banger race the night before and Kevin seems a bit "sour grapes" about it, jealousy i suppose. Sally insists she is going to drive and race the car as Kevin stalks off. Mark tells Martin that is a touchy subject with Kev. Obviously. Later Sally goes to the garage when Kevin isn't there and sweet talks Mark into agreeing to take her to the track for some practice runs as he's such a good driver!
At the factory, Emily returns from the bank and Mike has a word with her. He tells her he's sold thefactory to Maurice Jones and she wonders how Mike will get on without the business that's been his life. He's going to tell the staff after dinner so she'll be responsible for rounding them all up.
Jenny and Martin are in the cafe which is Jenny's idea, Martin tells Gail, in case she's a bit embarassed at the kiss and the talk they had the night before. She says there's no need to act as if she's out of bounds though he thinks it might be easier if she were. (definite sparks there!) Curly joins Martin and Jenny and they have a conversation about youth and cricket and the red rec, or at least Curly is on about it (Honestly do you ever get the feeling Curly is like "Cliff Claven" of Cheers with his endless trivia and armchair philosophy? At least Curly's got it right though! ) As they chat, Gail watches Martin wistfully and Martin keeps an eye on Gail as well. Alma asks Gail if it's ok to ask Martin to fill in for her this afternoon so she can take off. Martin tries to put Alma off saying he has things to do but Alma doesn't take no for an answer when it interferes with something she wants to do for herself and Martin soon finds himself behind the counter in a pinny grinning at Gail.
In the pub, Ivy asks Jack why Vera is so miserable these days and Jack can't understand it as she has everything going for her including he himself, a wonderful husband who only comes home at 2 or 3 a.m. and doesn't touch her as some fellas would thump their wives for not having breakfast ready when they stagger home at dawn. She rolls her eyes and reckons he's a Prince among men! Mike and Dawn come in. She's uncomfortable because the workers are there and don't know yet the factory's been sold but he's on top of the world. Emily stops by the table where the other women are sitting and warns them that Mike is calling an all-staff meeting that afternoon and they must be there. Vera thinks it can only be bad news.
Later at the cafe, Audrey tries to convince Gail to go shopping with her while it's quiet but she begs off. She and Martin sit down with a cuppa and a bun to rest their feet and he agrees that working there with her was better than running the errand for his mother as he was supposed to do. Near closing time, Phyllis brings the children into the cafe and manages to get a few sly remarks about Alma off to Gail. NIcky begs Martin to go out but he can't and Phyllis takes them over to Audrey's until Gail is off work. She pays Martin his due for working and he says, anytime! As he leaves, Alma arrives full of excuses and apologies as usual mentioning a car breakdown and that Terry called "your Brian's garage" in the end. Gail's face falls a bit at this reminder. What did i tell you about Alma being quite thoughtless! She's done it again!
At the factory all and sundry are gathered for the meeting. Mike tells them he's sold up and the new owner takes over tomorrow. Maurice Jones, a local, ummmm... businessman. He implies that the factory was sold as a working business and they'll just be working for a new boss instead of him but there are more than a few concerned faces in the crowd.
At the pub that night Alf, Mike and Alec are chatting about the sale of the factory (but not the impending development plans, MIke is keeping quiet about that). Elsewhere Don is very mistrustful of MIke's motives and Jack thinks a new boss could very well be just as bad as Baldwin. At another table, Curly is on (and on) about car accidents and drivers always being at fault to some extent but it doesn't put Sally off though Kevin wishes it would. She's not afraid to race that car and she'll do it better and faster even than him!
Martin arrives at Gail's. She isn't surprised to see him. He's skived off work for the night. (Playing it cool didn't last very long did it?) They smile at each other then close into a deep kiss which leads to????????
Diane
Wednesday (2966, 30 August 1989)
Writer LESLIE DUXBURY Director OLIVER HORSBRUGH
Bitparts:
Marge Butler SHERRY ORMEROD
Man at race KIERAN CUNNINGHAM
Flat Owner DENISE ARMON
Removal Man JACK CLARK
Why is the factory closed? Where's Martin? How did Sally's practice race go?
It's early morning and Gail turns off the alarm. She looks over at the other side of the bed which is empty but obviously been slept in!!!! She gets up and goes downstairs looking for "Martin? Martin?" but he's left a note and gone already. She finds the note which says he didn't want to wake her, etcetera, etcetera and it makes her smile. We see Martin strolling down a street and doing a little happy dance.
The workers are milling about in front of the factory. Gail and Alf wonder what's up and Alf thinks it might be a strike, perhaps they're trying one on with the new boss but they can't see from the shop that in fact, it's a lockout! There is a large padlock on the gates and nobody know's what's going on, including Emily.
At the cafe, Gail's all smiles but isn't saying much to Alma about why. Percy upsets Alma (and gives her a thing or two to think about!) by telling her her manner is too sarcastic and too quick with a repartee. People would take to her more if she were nicer. Just as she's about to murder him, Gail plays peacekeeper and breaks it up, telling Percy there was a strike at the factory and they could need a mediator. Off he goes to offer his services. Alma tells Gail what Percy said and she laughs and thinks he's great judge of character! Alma raises her eyebrows at Gail's skittish mood! Alma is also hoping Martin comes in later so she might be able to squeeze in a hair appointment.
At the factory, Maurice Jones finally emerges from the building and is very off the cuff about the lockout and just mentions that the factory is closed permanently as he gets into his car and drives away, leaving a great many gobs hanging open in shock! Vera, Emily, Ivy and one or two others gather at Ivy's for a meeting about what to do. Ivy tries to call MIke but there is no answer so they decide to go to his flat. When they leave, Don asks Emily if she really does know what's going on but she doesn't and is as shocked as everyone else and gets quite upset as everyone seems to think she's in the know. When the girls arrive at Mike's flat, there is a new tenant moving in. Mike has sold the flat and has moved. When they explain that they used to work for him she supplies them with Mike's new address. They locate his posh flat on the docks and knock on the door. Dawn answers (well it's mid morning by now, folks!! Now really!!) but before she puts them off, Mike comes to the door to see who's there. He acts as if he has no idea what's going on and tells them he sold the factory as a going concern with them included in the deal which upsets the women to think he just treats them like part of the fixtures. He collected his brass and never mind about them. Well, what about us redundancy and pay in lieu? They will just have to take that up with Maurice Jones, he's their new boss. He firmly closes the door and washes his hands of them and their concerns.
At the pub at lunch time Alec and Alf practically echo in there with trade fallen off substantially. They worry about the effect on their business a closed factory will have, knowing now it won't be reopened as there have been men removing machinery from the building all morning. Jack is hoping Vera will be down at the job center right sharpish that very afternoon! Alec is overly polite to all and sundry, hoping to keep custom up in any quarter he can as Deirdre is consoling Emily who thinks her co-workers think she's a traitor. Elsewhere Sally is looking forward to a practice run later. Kevin strings her along whether he'll go to watch or not but she doesn't care if he does or not. It won't stop her!
Over at the cafe Gail's face is starting to drop as Martin hasn't shown up yet. By the time Jenny, Curly, Nicky and Audrey in turn wonder about his wherabouts, her mood has definitely deflated. Alma's face has dropped because he hasn't shown up and she can't go off on her plans. Gail decides to go out with a drink with Audrey that evening after all (since obviously waiting for Martin is pointless).
That evening they arrive at the pub to find Jenny, Martin and Curly in the corner. Gail gives Martin an accusing look and he has trouble looking her in the eye. He basically ignores her and she thinks, is enjoying a big joke with his mates. Is she the but of the joke? I'm sure she's wondering! Audrey is glad Gail came out, she needs a social life. Sure it's still quite soon after Brian but if the chance of a new romance should come up, well... Gail's looking distinctly uncomfortable at the turn of the conversation with Martin so close by so suggests a different pub for a change and looks daggers in Martin's direction as they leave. Martin has the grace to look ashamed but his mates don't notice, only that he's a bit quiet.
At the track, Sally is having a go with Mark in the passenger seat. Kevin isn't very encouraging and makes a few disparaging remarks at her expense when she stops to get his reaction. A bit later, Mark is chatting up a track groupie and Kevin isn't around so she jumps in the car and takes off on her own. Kevin walks up with a pal and he realizes that it's Sally driving just as Sally takes a bad turn,spins the car around and flips it over!!!!
Diane
Thursday (2967, 4 September 1989)
Writer LESLIE DUXBURY Director OLIVER HORSBRUGH
Bitparts:
Kathy Ainsworth KRISTEN BAKER
How much more trouble can Ken make for himself? Will Gail and Martin make it up? Is Sally all right?
Next morning in the hospital, Kevin and Mark wait anxiously to hear if Sally's going to be allright after her accident in the car. Kevin is angry at Mark for letting her drive alone but Mark says she just got in and took off! Kevin is allowed in to see Sally and Mark goes back to the garage to check the car over. Sally is upset but Kevin's not mad at her, just so she's ok. Nurse says the worse is a broken ankle. Sally insists that there must have been something wrong with the car, she went out of control and couldn't stop it but Kevin hushes her to try to calm her down.
Martin stops by Gail's to explain about last night. He says he'll play football with NIcky but in a minute so Gail shoos Nicky out the garden to wait. He wasn't ignoring her in the pub, well, yes maybe he was but couldn't talk to her with Audrey there. She thinks he just used her and thinks of it as a joke, an older woman and a young fella, probably told everyone and that's what they were all laughing at. He says he didn't tell anyone but she's on a roll and finally he gives up and leaves.
Vera and Emily are in the shop and Vera plans to fight for the compensation due the workers. She tries to get her groceries on tick but Alf refuses, them's the rules so she'll have to send Curly round later to get them.
Ken and Dierdre discuss their plans for the day and she says she isn't planning on going to town hall. He is itchy to find out if Wendy's been sacked but she's not helping him out any on that score even if she does run into any other councillors, because she really doesn't care. Tracy comes in to hurry her mom along but it seems mom doesn't know what she's on about? What outing? Uh oh. Seems Ken didn't tell Dierdre that she and Tracy were supposed to go out with Katy and her mom, he says that she's just too busy with council business to care about Tracy's plans. Right to the kid's face!!!!! OOOOOHHH he's really playing dirty now!!! Deirdre apologises and gives her some money so she can go without her to which Ken makes another dig about conscience money. (Really he CAN sink low can't he?)
Mark tells Alf and Audrey about the accident and they're very concerned. In the hospital Kev has brought Sally a nightgown but it's a black lacy one! Turns out also, it's his birthday! Aw! She tells him she did so remember and there's a card in the sideboard. He laughs that he'll just have to sign it to himself. Sally's looking much perkier now.
At the cafe, Phyllis is trying to get served, all in her turn Gail says. Phyllis says it's not her fault they're short staffed! Still a little resentment there i think. She is sitting with Percy and Alma wonders if she'll ever catch him but Gail thinks Percy's not having that. Alma makes a comment about couples and age differences contributing to the success of said couples. Interests and energy levels being her focus, and figuring the very young and lovely Dawn won't last long once she realizes Mike is old enough to be her father. Gail looks pained at the age reference.
Matin's in the pub chatting to Tina about jobs as Emily and Betty discuss the factory closure. Betty thinks Emily should enjoy retirement but Emily isn't sure she's ready for it. Anyway, she's not retired, she's been sacked! Phyllis and Alf are trying to find someone to mind Nicky for the afternoon (so how come everyone is concerned about Nicky? Who's minding Sarah Louise that can't look after Nicky too?) Martin overhears and volunteers.
Back at the Barlows, there is more small talk about their day as Ken makes a remark about being short staffed at the Recorder and running the place practically by himself. Yes, he must be feeling the pinch now that there's no mole to help him out too! But he knows there's always someonen who won't want the politicians to get away with lies and evasiveness. Oh, by the way, Dierdre comments, Wendy lost the appeal, she is now sacked, not just suspended.
Jenny collects Martin for a planned outing but he's forgotten and asks can they go to the park first as he has Nicky. At the park, Jenny puts on a good lip (pouting). Martin apologises for forgetting but Jenny is annoyed. WEll at least are you getting paid? No it's just a favour for Gail but Jenny picks up on that as it was an agreement between him and Alf not him and Gail and she thinks he's a mug for it. Anyway he didn't ask for her opinion did he? Well now i think she's suspicious that there's something going on that she doesn't know about. Martin later brings NIcky back to the cafe where Alma and Ken are making small talk about jobs and bosses. He asks if Phyllis got another job but Alma thinks Phyllis is enjoying her (forced) retirement just fine. Gail and Martin are friendlier to each other and plan to meet later that night.
When Curly picks up Vera's groceries, there is also a box of cream cakes that Alf knows Vera didn't order but before he can cause too much ado, Audrey says they're for Sally in the hospital as a gift from them. Curly and Jenny and Kevin are at the hospital sharing the cream buns and tea with the nurse and celebrating Kevin's birthday. Jenny assumes Sally's racing career is over because of the accident but i get the distinct impression Sally's not afraid to try again and also the equally distinct impression that Kevin's going to really fight her on that accord!
Ken is visiting Wendy. She didn't tell him about losing her job or he could have come and comforted her earlier! Uh huh. Tender Loving Care, is it, Barlow? He says it was a dirty trick Deirdre played but Wendy doesn't mind being shopped. She keeps going on about how much pressure Ken must be under at home (what about the pressure Deirdre was under, i'd like to know!) but he brushes off mentions of his wife (he would!) He offers Wendy a job at the Recorder with him and not to worry, Deirdre won't care now that the whole business over the leak is over and done with. (i wouldn't be too sure of that, Petal!)
At the Barlow residence Tracy is giving her mom the silent treatment for forgetting about their outing and Deirdre is apologising. She and Dad have spoiled Tracy's vacation but there are bound to be days when they don't see eye to eye given their occupations. Sounds to Tracy like their arguing all the time now though. Deirdre thinks that should be all over now.
In the Rovers, Percy is comforting Emily. Kevin seems irritated with Mark who has been spending all day trying to find a problem with the banger. When Mark suggests it might have been a bad back axle Kevin says Mark's just reaching for straws to find a problem with the car rather than it be just driver error. Jenny is definitely starting to suspect something between Martin and Gail and plans to find out what it is. Meanwhile Gail and Martin have made it up and are getting comfortable on her sofa. He assures her he didn't tell anyone and she apologises for her attitude that morning. Thought she might have scared him off but he says no way. They agree to keep their "mad passionate affair" a secret.
Diane
Friday (2968, 6 September 1989)
Writer STEPHEN MALLATRAT Director BRIAN MILLS
Bitparts:
Nurse SALLY SHERIDAN
Cathy Ainsworth KIRSTEN BAKER
Joanne Cresswell JOANNE SIDWELL
Who's a fool for believing promises not kept? Who does Baby Bear see sleeping in Momma Bear's bed? Who's complimenting women that he shouldn't be?
It's early morning and Martin is snuggled up to Gail in bed. She wakes and then wakes him up in a panic. He fell back to sleep and should have been gone already! She goes to get the kids out of the way but NIcky is already downstairs having his cereal quite proud that he's made his own breakfast (and the table's by the look of it!) She manages to get Martin out the front door without Nicky noticing.
At the Barlow's, it's the first day back at school for Tracy. Ken is to drop off both Deirdre and Tracy as they're all going in the same direction. Ken slips out to make a call behind closed doors as Tracy asks who Wendy Crozier is and Deirdre says she is someone who Dad got confidential information from and got sacked for it. But guess who Dad is calling behind those closed doors? Yep! Right first time! Wendy!
At the shop, Jenny thanks Alf for the the cakes that they had at the hospital for Kevin's birthday and Alf asks after Sally, when will she be home? Martin comes in. Jenny asks why he wasn't at Kevin's party at the Rovers the night before. He didn't know about it but he would have if he had been around more often, Jenny chides him. Where's he been lately? He puts her off but Jenny wonders out loud if he has a girlfriend. You can tell he doesn't like that remark as Alf comments that he should stay sane and single! He follows her out of the shop and gets angry at her for stirring it up in front of Gail's mother with those cracks about girlfriends. She only mentioned girlfried, why? Does he in fact have one? or a woman? or a lover? She's pushing it and he tells her to stay out of it. She says she doesn't want to know anyway. (Really, Martin should just keep his mouth shut because he's giving out more information by cracking on about Gail in every conversation even when she wasn't meant to be part of said conversation!)
At lunch in the pub Dierdre is looking for Ken hoping to take him out for a proper meal since he often works right through. Betty speculates that the overwork has to do with the competition from the Gazette free sheet although it is a good paper isn't it? Just don't let Ken hear you say that! Tina finds out from Mark that Kevin is picking Sally up from the hospital to bring her home. The accident was definitely a fault in the car and could have happened anywhere to any of them. Lucky she wasn't going faster like he or Kev would have been. Alf's just put out because he's short handed as a result of Sally's wanting to be like the boys. Percy arrives as Mark moves away and gives Alf chapter and verse about the inner workings of differentials and axles and gearboxes. Alf only wanted a pint and puts him off. Percy gets the point, he'll say good day and says one thing more, he's never been called boring (*snort*).
At the hospital Sally is trying out her crutches with her lower leg in a cast up to her knee. Kevin is teasing her about pirates and parrots and the woman in the next bed reckons Kev can do the housework while she puts her feet up for a bit. Kevin makes jokes about that too and cracks on about her driving skills but that's still a sore point as Sally insists it was a fault with the car! The nurse sees her off and tells her to take it easy, Mr. Webster will see to the chores won't he? Yes Nurse he drones and Sally wants that in writing!
Dierdre has gone to the Recorder to take Ken out to lunch and who does she find there? Right again, Wendy Crozier getting the tour and sales pitch yet again for taking the job Ken's offered. He tells Wendy (before Dierdre comes in, lucky for him) that she's spirited and intelligent and very attractive too. Deirdre had come to take him to lunch, didn't realize he was occupied and she leaves saying she'll just make an appointment next time. He hurries after her. She accuses him of breaking his promise not to have anything to do with her again and she took it in good faith. Ken tries to defend himself saying but Wendy's not on the council anymore but it doesn't matter, Dierdre just doesn't like Wendy. Ken tells her she being stupid (uh oh!) and she agrees, stupid to believe a flamin word he says!
Jenny and her friend Joanne are chatting in the cafe and she's a bit quiet. Joanne thinks Jenny will miss Martin but she says no way. He's too immature and doesn't interest her. Gail is late back from picking NIcky up and Alma warns Nicky he should not be pestering the customers upon which he goes right to Jenny and asks her if she's seen Martin. But she doesn't know and tells him to ask his mother. Gail twigs that Jenny suspects something!
Emily has made plans to take Tracy to a Disney movie. Ken gets home just as they leave and things are very awkward between him and Dierdre who has her nose buried in the newspaper. He's sorry but she spits back, No You're Not. He defends himself (again) that he was just showing Wendy around. After all she helped him out. OH yes, she helped Dierdre too, she ruined her reputation! Ken says Wendy acted out of principles which Dierdre wouldn't understand as she's getting more and more like those secretive politicians every day! He finally blurts out that he's offered Wendy a job in his office and Dierdre stands there stunned!
Back in the garage, Mark shows Kevin the defective differential part and that seems to aggravate Kevin. They argue about Sally's driving and Mark tells Kevin he can't treat Sally like a kid, it could have been you or me in that accident just as easily. Over in the pub everyone is signing Sally's cast with Curly droning on about rites and rituals as usual. Jenny arrives and Martin decides to leave which prompts Sally to tell Jenny she should find out what Martin's up to these days to find out if he has a girlfriend? Alf observes from the bar that if Sally can be sitting up supping ale she could be working, she's got responsibilities and shouldn't have been taking such a risk in the first place and takes heat from Audrey on that callous self serving score! Alma comments that Gail's been in an odd mood lately, happy one minute and moody the next. Wonders if it's grief or irritation? Kevin arrives grouching because Sally should be home resting but really it's because his tea's not ready. Sally tells him she's an adult not a kid and knows when to rest if she needs it.
At Gail's, Martin is upset at Jenny's insinuations about girlfriends. She's putting 2 and 2 together and asking questions. Gail thinks Jenny's jealous (hit the nail on the head i'd say) but Martin says he never gave her reason to be, he never touched her (friends only i guess is what he's getting at). He likes his women older and are the kids asleep? They get cosy and he suggests she take the weight off her feet and carries her upstairs. They joke and laugh softly as they go into the bedroom but are unaware that Nicky is standing in the doorway of his bedroom and has seen Martin!
Diane
Monday (2969, 11 September 1989)
Writer ADELE ROSE Director BRIAN MILLS
Bitparts:
Mrs Seddon BRENDA ELDER
Joanne Cresswell JOANNE SIDWELL
Who's feeling a bit waspish? Who's feeling a bit bored? Who's in more hot water?
It's Sunday but Kevin has to go off on a job for a few hours as Sally reminisces about the days they'd spend all day in bed (wink, wink) but Kevin smiles and says there's always this afternoon! She threatens to spend the day with a lover but that's ok with Kevin as long as she leaves the Sunday roast and two veg in the oven for him!
Tracy wants to go out and says Mum and Dad are making excuses because they aren't speaking to each other! Ken begins yet again (and again) to defend his actions in offering Wendy a job. She was a great help to him and to "us". Some help to Dierdre getting her in boiling water at town hall! Why shouldn't Wendy help him, she's a damn fine secretary. Dierdre spouts the traditional women's come back, "If you don't know, I'm certainly not going to tell you" and Ken storms out.
Don and Ivy are taking the kids out for the day and even volunteered to have them overnight so Gail can have a nice break. She's probably just have a lazy day in but the phone rings as they leave and it's Martin. He comes over and persuades her to have a day out, "Martin's Magical Mystery Tour", he says. He has his dad's car and they decide to go far afield from Weatherfield to a lovely park where they hike through the trees and cuddle on the grass of a little clearing discussing their relationship. Gail doesn't want to get too serious even though she's glad it's happened, amazed and delighted and even though Martin says this is the best thing that's ever happened to him. He knows she's had a rough time of it.
In the shop Derek and Mavis are shopping for goodies for a picnic. Derek thinks he really should be working on a marketing strategy as he thinks someone is encroaching on his sales territory and anyway picnics just remind him of warm lemonade, soggy sandwhiches and wasps rather than a fun day out. Well maybe that was how they were when he was married to Angela but Mavis assures Derek of a lovely picnic and waxes on nostalgic about happier childish days, days that Derek would rather forget. Audrey thinks that's because he was probably fat and spotty and got called names. She asks what Alf was like as a child and he says fat and spotty and called names! Just then Sally comes in to help out. She's bored to tears with Kevin out on a job and could at least sit behind the cash. Only problem is all the customers that come in think Alf is a slave master insisting that Sally work while she's sick! Percy tells Sally she can get compensation and gives Alf a piece of his mind and then Sally's Mum arrives looking for her since she wasn't home resting and takes Alf on over that and all! Poor Alf can't get a word in to defend himself (should take lessons from Ken!) and surrenders, making Sally go home! Sally and Kevin later visit with her mom fending off inquiries as to if there might be any pending grandchildren on the horizon?
Ken is at Wendy's still trying to persuade her to work for him but she's still concerned that Dierdre doesn't want her around. It puts her in the middle and that makes her uncomfortable. Ken assures her Dierdre has her own life and he makes his own decisions. He talks some smooth words about the thrill of competition, David and Goliath and all that and finally gets Wendy to agree to take the job. Meanwhile back at Number 1 Coronation Street, Tracy is telling her Mum that she's not a baby and Dierdre should tell her what's going on rather than hide it unsuccessfully. Dierdre tells her about Wendy and the reason she was fired but Tracy doesn't see why it's bad that Ken hire her, he's only trying to do the right thing since it was his fault she was sacked. Dierdre tells Tracy she doesn't like Wendy and Tracy speculates that there is a bit of jealousy there and shouldn't be, Dad loves her. Deirdre finally sees that she's probably overreacting to the job offer.
When Ken returns Dierdre apoligises and says she can live with it if Wendy takes the job. Things take a nasty turn when she finds out that Ken has just come from Wendy's and she's taken the job. He was still offering it not knowing that Dierdre had backed down and changed her mind so obviously didn't care about her feelings. She shouts that he'll just have to run the Recorder his way and she won't get involved (when was she ever involved i'd like to know?????).
Well it seems Derek doesn't have a good picnic experience to change his mind about them. It seems that he sat on a wasps nest, according to him but Mavis insists that it was one little half-dead wasp but Percy feed the fire by telling Derek of possible complications so Derek orders a medicinal brandy. Joanne and Jenny are dreaming about their future and Jenny wants to travel the world and do everything so she'll never have any regrets.
Gail and Martin are back home after a brilliant day out. The first of many Martin hopes but Gail says only maybe, there are too many possible complications, what will people say? Stuff 'em, Martin says. I must say i really thought they would be seen in the park by Don and Ivy but they weren't. However....
As Ivy is putting Nicky to bed and telling him to say prayers for his mom who is on her own, Nicky informs her that Martin is with his mom. She let him sleep in her bed last night and it's not fair because she only lets Nicky sleep with her when he's poorly! It's true, he saw them! Oh boy oh boy oh boy. Now what!!!
Diane
Tuesday (2970, 13 September 1989)
Writer ?? Director RICHARD HOLTHOUSE
Gas Board Man DAVE DUTTON
Bernie Bagshaw BRIAN PETTIFER
Lyn MANDY MONTGOMERY
Mr. Anderton JAMES QUINN
Maurice Jones arrives at the factory this morning and Percy decides he must pick bones with him over killing local industry by laying off the workforce. Mr. Jones takes this all in stride, telling Percy he admires men like him, old soldiers and offers him a job as key holder to the factory gates to let in authorized people like electrical and gas men. Percy accepts even though Emily is a bit taken aback but better him than her as Maurice originally had planned to ask.
Since NIcky has twigged Ivy to the presence of young Martin in Gail's life, Ivy takes it upon herself to pump Nicky for information, like what does Martin have for breakfast. Don shuffles Nicky out of the way, scolding Ivy for putting the lad in that position. Don thinks NIcky's probably got it wrong anyway but Ivy is suspicious. She later reminds Don he has to pick Nicky up from school as she has a job interview that afternoon though you know what she really wants to do is to go grill Gail on the goings on!
Martin has been in Gail's house cleaning up while she was at work and he has to hide out of sight as Ivy comes to the door and calls through the letter slot to see if anyone's home. You know he's getting tired of all this subterfuge and secrecy!
Derek is off to work too, tense and stressed. He suspects someone is encroaching on his sales territory. Rita is bemused that someone else is also selling joke gifts but apparently this competitor isn't even selling items of any sort of quality. At noon in the pub, Derek tells Mavis his sales figures are going to be down for the month and he's still on a trial period with the company which is why this raider must be stopped.
Betty is comisserating with Tina about the trade being down at dinner and there isn't much call for hot pot these days. Jack spies a job ad in the paper for a machinist, can't get ahold of Vera so talks Betty into calling and setting up an interview for that afternoon for Mrs. Duckworth. Percy is of the opinion that the factory isn't to be pulled down afterall since he is the new keyholder and figures there are other plans for the building. Curly mentions to Tina that they all think Martin must have a new girlfriend going strong as he's been keeping himself scarce lately.
Vera comes out of the house all dressed up and meets Emily. She tells Emily she's heard of a job going at a posh dress shop but Emily regretfully tells her that one of her friends was just taken on at that same shop. Vera's face falls but then Jack whistles her over and tells her about the factory interview that afternoon at Browns, a shop that makes knickers. Well it's a job so off she goes to fill out an application and flirt with the manager a little when who else should arrive but Ivy! They fill out the forms and the manager says he was expecting an third applicant but she didn't show so it will be down to one of them. Only then a woman in a tight short skirt sashay's in and cosies up to "Pete" as an old friend and he ushers her into his office with no form to be filled out in sight. I guess we know who's getting the job then!
Derek spies his competitor's car with various joke items in the back outside a toy shop. He almost storms in to confront him but looks scared to death! He decides on an alternative form of action and calls Mavis, telling her he loves her in case the confrontation turns ugly! He then lies in wait for the man to emerge and when he does it's this little whey-faced Scotsman (not that all Scotsmen are whey-faced, just that this one happens to be!) They argue and the bandid is most certainly unrepentant. He's an independent who buys from bankruptcy sales, sweeps in, strikes and leaves. And he'll be back! Derek threatens the highest authorities as the man, Bernie Bagshaw, drives off.
Vera tells Tina and Jack in the pub about the little madam and Tina says she knows her, common as muck! Derek is in the bar looking defeated and having a strong drink. He calls Mavis who has been very worried about him. He's up against a hard bitten bandid and now it'sgloves off, no rules, no mercy and by the way, he'll be right home and would quite like some hot buttered toast (what a sook!)
Don runs into Martin in the shop and tells him what Nicky said and what Ivy and he think and even though it's strictly none of his business is it true that you are seeing Gail? Martin shuts down and says he's right, it's none of his business and leaves. Don tells Ivy about the encounter and says how stroppy Martin got. They know for sure now it must be true since Martin said owt but didn't deny it either!
Diane
Wednesday (2971, 18 September 1989)
Writer PETER WHALLEY Director RICHARD HOLTHOUSE
Bitparts:
Shop Keeper JOE BELCHER
Josie Phillips SIOBHAN FINNERAN
Bernie Bagshaw BRIAN PETTIFER
Is there anything left in the factory after the Duckies have a go? Will the Pirate "Novelteer" strike again? Who's on Ivy's side for once?
Emily steps out to admire the morning sun. Vera comes over and asks to be let in to the factory sh she can get her stuff but Percy says he has no intention of betraying the trust given him as keeper of the factory keys. Vera soon manages to persuade Emily to do it, though, after all, they were treated badly weren't they? Vera runs off to get Ivy too. Vera promises Emily, only what belongs to us but Emily is a bit unsure.
Mavis tells Rita that Derek has started having the odd glass of port, it's the stress, you see. But he doesn't drink as much as.... some people. Rita rolls her eyes as she sips a stomach remedy, possibly from a bit too much of the drink, herself, the night before?? She seems to take Mavis's pointed remark a bit personally after all. Derek has been quite upset about the person raiding his territory and he plans to treat the pirate with contempt. The small world of novelties is not big enough for two of them! Mavis sees Derek off to another day with a kiss.
Don makes Ivy promise not to say anything to Gail about Martin. He feels it's none of their business but Ivy thinks it certainly is, what must those kiddies be seeing??? Vera pops in to tell Ivy they are being let into the factory to collect their bits and bobs but Ivy declines the invitation. Vera leaves, promising Don to get owt that belongs to Ivy. Ivy insists that she cannot ignore Gail's "dizgoostin" behaviour but Don makes her promise not to speak to Gail while Don's not around and she very reluctantly does.
Martin tells Gail what Nicky said to Don and Ivy and how he answered Don's inquiries telling him it was none of his business. Gail is astonished, he's as much as admitted it. But he can't go back on it now, that would make it worse. She can just see an inquisition coming now! Martin doesn't care that people are finding out. Later Gail gently questions Nicky and finds out for sure what he told Grandma Ivy but doesn't scold him since it really wasn't his fault.
Bernie Bagshaw, the Pirate "Novelteer" is selling his pitch to a corner shop keeper when Derek arrives. Derek and Bagshaw argue and try to persuade the owner and his wife that each is the better sales product, Derek extolling the virtues of a quality product and sound company and Bagshaw insisting his goods are cheaper but the owner thinks it's all a joke and they are actually working together! IN the end both men leave without the success of an order.
IN the pub: Vera tells Jack that she and Emily and Josie are going in the factory and he wants to come along. Audrey tries to have a quiet drink but Ivy accosts her and drags her back to Number 5 for a word. She tells Audrey about Gail and Martin's affair. Audrey doesn't believe her at first but looks positively gobsmacked when assured it is true. (hope the face doesn't freeze that way, Audreh! oops! too late!) Over in the Kabin, Derek tells Mavis and tells her about the confrontation. The pirate has met his match and backed down. Derek was triumphant! (scuse me?)
Deep in the dark factory, Emily, Jack, Vera and Josie have a look around. The machinery is gone and all that's left are some bolts of cloth and odd curtains, and some tables. Emily goes off to her office to collect her personal belongings and Jack and Vera proceed to stuff unfinished curtains in a plastic trash bag. Vera and Josie spy the time clock and reminisce about begin a slave to it. They get Jack to pry it off the wall to take with them but just then Mike Baldwin walks in, having noticed the gates open. Although he sees just what this group are up to and also overhears a few uncomplimentary remarks about him, it doesn't seem to faze him in the least. He offers to help get their compensation from Jones and sympathises with Emily as she returns, a bit sad from the memories of her beloved Ernest who was killed in that factory many years ago.
Audrey and Ivy discuss what to do about Gail. Audrey supposes Gail must have been lonely and says that Alf won't want to get involved. They both seem to agree that this relationship is a big mistake. Audrey brings Alf over after the shop is closed and they have a talk with Don and Ivy. Ivy thinks Martin is using NICKY to get close to Gail but Audrey thinks that relationship is truly sincere. Audrey is a bit shocked because of the age difference and Alf thinks this is turning into a lynch mob as emotions run a bit amok. Ivy just wants to protect the kids' future! The men really do want to stay out of it and Ivy thinks Audrey ought to be the one to talk to Gail since she's promised Don she wouldn't and after all, Gail is Audrey's daughter so Audrey agrees since no one's come up with a better idea.
Jenny still isn't packed for Brighton and doesn't want to do it until the last minute so as not to upset Rita.
The girls leave the factory sharing a joke as Percy sputters about responsibility. Where's me keys!!!!??? Emily drops them in his hand and he's amazed to see that she was a co-conspirator. Later, in the pub mike buys all the factory girls a double brandy as they cluster around a table upon which sits the old time clock in all its glory.
Derek returns to the shop at the end of the day to find Bagshaw trying to sell his wares to Rita who wants none of it! Her life wouldn't be worth living if she bought his junk! Derek is outraged and the two men nearly come to blows until Rita breaks it up and chucks Bagshaw out the door, nearly sending Derek after him in her anger.
Gail worries about the gossip but she and Martin decide they aren't doing anyone any harm and they kiss.
Diane
Thursday (2972, 20 September 1989)
Writer PETER WHALLEY Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Bitparts:
Site Foreman ROD ARTHUR
Det. Sgt. Crichton JAMES VAUGHAN
Mrs. Seddon BRENDA ELDER
Ashes, Ashes, it all comes down! Gail's on the warpath. Is Kevin's Mother-In-Law really from Hell?
A great racket this morning as the wrecking ball attacks the factory, community center and other assorted buildings in the surrounding lots as the residents of Coronation street look on with nostalgia.
The phone rings early at Gail's. Audrey needs to have a word but Gail is too busy today and Audrey won't say what the problem is so she'll come over to Gail's tonight.
Martin is just getting off the night shift at the petrol station and drops into the Kabin. Rita thinks the shift work must play havoc with his social life. Derek was off early to Liverpool and has asked Mavis to apologise for his fight with Bagshaw the day before. Mavis has made Derek promise to walk away from future encounters as he is really not a violent type compared to a lot of men. (oops, put your foot in it there, Mave!) Rita flinches. Percy arrives for a packet of mints and tells them the factory is being demolished. They didn't know? (How could they miss the noise if nothing else, Rosamund street isn't that far away!).
The building site is now a pile of rubble and Mike tells Deirdre he is glad to be rid of it but he also has good memories about it, and her if truth be told as they share a smile for old times' sake. Sally's mum has brought out a chair for Sally to use while watching the demolition so as not to tax her broken ankle.
Det. Sgt. Crichton comes to see Rita but she's out and he comes in and says Jenny might as well know what he's come about anyway. We don't find out what it is until later.
At the pub, Alf is telling Don that Audrey is seeing Gail tonight and Don agrees that it's better Audrey than Ivy. Alf still thinks they should stay out of others' business. Don thinks Ivy can't see beyond Brian's death and can't see Gail as a free agent as she really is. Vera asks after Ivy and wonders if she's upset that the factory is down, Ivy dwells on things, you know (we know!). Betty asks if Vera is looking for work as the building site workers come in for a drink and they joke about tearing the whole street down, sharing a laugh with Vera and Betty.
Gail goes to the shop to see Audrey instead of waiting for later to talk, she's decided to get it over with now instead of playing games. She knows it's got to do with what Ivy told her about Martin so why isn't Ivy in on this confrontation too? Audrey stalls but Gail decides Ivy must be a part to get it all out in the open now and stomps out of the shop and down to Ivy's with Audrey hurrying behind. Inside, Audrey says they are all very concerned about what they've been hearing. Gail insists that what she does with her life is her business only and they can't sit in judgement with everything she does. Ivy and Audrey are concerned about the gossip and the effect on the kiddies but Gail accuses Ivy of using them kids to keep control over her. Ivy can't forgive Gail and blames her for Brian's death. Ivy proclaims, May God forgive you! Gail says He will but Ivy won't. Ivy believes Gail has already harmed the kids and Audrey tries in vain to play peacemaker to calm things down but she does agree with Ivy mostly about the age difference and the gossip. What happens when she and Martin break up , and they will, make no mistake about it. They only want Gail to be happy and have her own life. Gail says she would be happy if they'd only leave her alone!
Jenny comes into the Kabin. She'll be a little late home for tea since she has to go into Manchester to take care of a few things. She'll tell Rita all about it when she returns and they chat just a bit about the coming move to Brighton.
Back at Gail's she is getting Nicky ready for bed and telling him Martin won't be around tonight. He can't come every night and yes I know, grownups can spoil everything, can't they. Something tells me she's not classing herself in that grownup category just now, having her mother and mother in law both against her.
At the building site, Jones checks that there has been no problem with labour unrest from the women and receives the keys back from Percy who lets him know that due to subterfuge, there were trespassers in the factory. No matter now. Percy won't accept any money for his services. He recalls the many hours he's spent polishing the floors of the community center as Phyllis comes by and reassures him that no one can knock down your memories and offers to buy him a drink. Percy feels quite old at that moment but Phyllis looks forward to seeing the new development and even suggests that they put their pensions together and get a little house. Elsewhere in the pub, the Webster's and Mrs. Seddon are having a drink. Kevin and Sally wonder when Mum is leaving. She makes Sally feel like a kid again when she's a grown married woman running her own house. Kevin thinks they ought to say something. When Sally's mom returns from the bar, before anything can be said, she wonders if they would mind if she left tomorrow, can they manage? Oh yes, no problems, and Kevin offers to take her to the bus. Emily and Deirdre are having a quiet drink together and Deirdre is telling Emily how the Recorder is going through a sticky patch what with the competing Gazette's free sheet and competition for advertisers. But Ken treats the paper as his own little world and has been keeping Deirdre well out of it so she doesn't know too many details.
Ivy, Don and Vera come in to the Rovers to more complaints from Jack who's really only down because Vera isn't bringing any money in. Ivy eyes Martin who is standing at the bar and approaches him shouting at him to stay away from Gail, he's an animal! And then she hits him one across the side of the head!!!
Jenny arrives back home. She's decided to switch to the Manchester Poly so won't be going away to Brighton after all. She'll be able to stop here with Rita, isn't that good? Before she can explain, the inspector arrives. A date has been set for Alan Bradley's trial, October 19. You will both be willing to testify, right?
Diane
Friday (2973, 25 September 1989)
Writer KEN BLAKESON Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Bitparts:
Marg Butler SHERRY ORMEROD
Site Foreman ROD ARTHUR
Kate Winterton DIANE LOUISE JORDAN
Stuart Haley STUART ANDREWS
Mrs. Barber LIZ STOOKE
Lorry Dirver JAMES CULSHAW
Who's got a cause? Who's not on a mission for once? Who's making new friends?
Vera asks Ken to print a story about the factory worker's who didn't get any compensation when the factory was sold and torn down by Maurice Jones and there's Baldwin sitting pretty in a posh new flat! Ken says he'll look into it. Deirdre gets in the car as well and cracks on that the Recorder is always behind anyone as long as you've lost your job! Mustn't keep that new employee waiting!
Martin arrives at Gail's after another long night working. She tells him that Ivy knows about them and he tells her Ivy came into the pub and hit him the night before. RIGHT! Well we'll put a stop to that right quick. She's no right to do that. Martin thinks Ivy will get over it and says that it will take more than Ivy Brennan to put him off her! (right thing to say my boy!)
Don tells Vera she shouldn't have called Mike Baldwin a rat, he could have her for defamation but he's just having Vera on. Vera and Ivy make plans to go to the job center and see about their compensation and Vera makes a joke about doing it Ivy's way, making a fist as she does it, referring to Ivy's attack on Martin. Ivy is not amused. What she did was her own business (well not when you do it in full view of a crowded pub, petal!)
Jenny's off for her first day at poly with no breakfast. Rita gives her a gift of a new day timer date book and hopes Jenny made the right decision staying at school here instead of going to Brighton.
At the Recorder, Wendy is taking classified ads over the phone and persuading the caller to rent a more expensive box number. Ken admires her style. She's happy to be there. Ken tells her she's transformed the place. She asks him to tell her if she goes to far with her little redecorating touches but he says not to worry about that. (hrmph) He's now off to see what he can find out from Mike about the worker's redundancies.
At the Kabin Alma rushes in to get a new pair of tights for a last minute date with Terry. Mavis thinks Alma's such a silly woman, prattling on about nothing while Rita's there worried about Alan's trial. Rita says it's nice to know someone cares. She knew it had to come but she'd had him already tried and convicted in her mind months ago. She wishes Jenny had gotten away and hopes she can get through it too.
Meanwhile Jenny is finding her way around the campus and meets two new students who will also be in some of her classes. She runs into them in the cafeteria later but backs away from going out with them for a drink as if she doesn't really want to get too close to them. Later she tells Rita she's already made friends but she has the trial on her mind and doesn't want her new friends to know she has a father in prison. She's also afraid to give evidence against her dad that could put him away for years.
Vera and Ivy lead the girls off to the job center. Emily doesn't think they should confront the authorities in a mob although she does agree with them in principle. She thinks they ought to do things more civilized. Of course she would but Vera reckons she'd take the money quick enough wouldn't she?
Gail sidetracks Ivy to have a word and they go inside the Brennans house. Gail insists that what she and Martin do is none of Ivy's business, she and her nasty narrow mindedness are the one that is hurting the children. She tells Ivy she must stay away from the kids until she can behave like a decent person and maybe then she'll let Ivy see them.
Ken interviews Mike about the factory workers. Mike poses for a picture looking quite posh with his cigar and the expensive new flats behind him. Of course he feels bad for the women but it isn't his responsibility to pay compensation. He has no comment on who is. What he did was perfectly legal! And at the job center the poor worker is getting a headache from all the women talking at once and insists on one spokesperson so Vera sits down. They have investigated the situation and it is their opinion that Maurice Jones is responsible. They'll have to go to him or an industrial tribunal. Emily tells Deirdre in the pub that she does support the cause but not the method. Phyllis butts in and says she agrees but Deirdre says sometimes you have to shout to get notices. Phyllis wryly wonders why everyone ignores Vera Duckworth in that case!
At another table, Don tells Ivy she is indeed interfering and she should apologise for hitting Martin but this she refuses to do. Outside the women gather and shout abuse at the building site workers and Vera accosts a lorry driver who is only doing his job. They ask the foreman where Jones is and the foreman doesn't know and suggests they leave the site before they get hurt. They take this as a threat and shout and holler some more from across the street.
Gail is fixing tea for Martin and the kids and is a bit edgy with Nicky. Martin handles the kids and later NICKY sees the two of them kiss.
Ken tells Deirdre about an article he's printing about the workers asking for revenge against Baldwin but no, he's not bringing Jones into the article just yet. She thinks it's because he's a big advertiser even though Jack tells Ken the authorities have decided that Jones is legally responsible and owes the workers 12 weeks' redundancy pay in lieu of notice. Emily decides they really must approach this with a plan and a strategy and they hunker down for a strategy meeting.
Diane
Monday (2974, 27 September 1989)
Writer ADELE ROSE Directory SPENCER CAMPBELL
Bitparts:
Marg Butler SHERRY ORMEROD
Site Foreman ROD ARTHUR
Josie Philips SIOBHAN FINNERAN
Will the civilized approach work? Is there really a story? Will Gail continue to see Martin?
Jenny's getting ready for school and describing some of the odder students attending Poly. Rita laughs and says they're just going through a phase. Jenny says most are ordinary like her but Rita tells her proudly she's not ordinary. Jenny morosely agrees since most probably haven't got a father in the nick like her. Rita disagrees, saying that everyone has skeletons in their closet. She advises Jenny not to let her dad's mistakes muck up her life like they've mucked up his.
Emily encounters Vera on the street on her way to speak to Maurice Jones. Vera grabs Ivy to go along with but it turns out the site foreman won't let them in to see Mr. Jones as he's not here. Expected when he shows up. Mr. Sugden thinks he's giving them the run around and says he'll be back to help once he's finished his tour of duty at the crossing station. The ladies decide to wait for Jones as Vera hollers across the street to Ken, asking for some support from the power of the press. To Ivy's admonishment not to make a spectacle of herself, Vera states she'd be willing to walk naked through Piccadilly park if it would get their brass! (shudder)
Deirdre asks Ken if he is going to do a story on the redundancy problem. She is shaking with rage over the diabolical tricks being played on the girls. Ken does agree but says they haven't even seen Jones yet and he may even settle amicably. Since when did Ken wait for the facts to print a story, Deirdre wants to know? He's just trying to be a responsible journalist (for a change!!!) but Deirdre wonders when that meant sitting on the fence. What happened to publish and be damned? (yeah, that's what I want to know and all, after all that trouble he caused printing council confidential information because the little people had a right to know. What about these little people being wronged????)
Martin is kipping on Gail's couch as Nicky tries to wake him up. Gail shoos him away, Martin has worked a long night shift and will sleep more when he goes home. Nicky thinks Martin could always sleep in Gail's bed like before. She avoids that little situation neatly by ushering him off to school.
At the building site, Jones arrives. He doesn't even remember Emily from the factory and tells them they were Baldwin's workforce even if he did buy the factory. Emily tells him the workers aren't rubble to be pushed aside and they have rights. Jones brushes her off, he hasn't time so make an appointment with his secretary. Later the workers gather in Ivy's house, waking up poor Don who's worked all night. Vera tries to call for an appointment since Emily's late but she makes a mess of it. Emily arrives and says she's already made the appointment to see Mr. Jones at 2:30.
In the cafe, Gail finally lets Alma in on the secret. Alma's a bit surprised that Gail is seeing Martin. Alma can see why Audrey and Ivy disapprove because of the age difference as Gail agrees that most people will too when they find out. But Alma doesn't really give a fig, it's Gail's business and she admires Gail for having the guts to do what she wants in the face of public disapproval. As Gail says, if she thinks enough of Martin to have an affair she shouldn't be ashamed for people to know.
Later in the corner shop Audrey is comforting Ivy saying that Gail didn't mean it when she said Ivy couldn't see the kids but Ivy knows different. Audrey is afraid that Martin, at that age, is just out for having a bit of fun but Gail will tire of him soon enough, and tells Ivy to wait, it'll be over in a fortnight, you'll see. Honestly, Audrey tells Alf, where does Gail get that headstrong streak from ???? Alf decides not to answer that.
Deirdre drops into the Recorder and greets Wendy cordially, civilly, but not overly friendly. Ken arrives and Deirdre tells him of the latest developments, that Emily is seeing Jones that afternoon. Ken agrees it is a step in the right direction but Deirdre thinks the shaft is going to come down hard and she's with them on their side in this. Ken still insists there is no story to print yet, why anticipate disaster? But Deirdre is ready for a fight in spite of Ken waffling on the issue. Later she accuses him of worrying about the profit Jones's ads pull in, profit before principle. She thinks he ought to go ask Jones to get his side of things and then write that article!!!
Audrey goes into the cafe to scold Gail because she is keeping the kids from Ivy and then when she realizes that Alma now knows about the affair (and is obviously on Gail's side) she gets righteous and says Gail is hurting Ivy and she's on Ivy's side. Over at a table Percy is telling Phyllis that he admires Emily's fighting spirit although Phyllis thinks women shouldn't be so militant.
Over in the Rovers, tempers are short. Jack's upset that Vera and Curly are both out of work and Tina is stroppy too and thinks it's because of all the bother across the road at the building site.
Emily has her appointment with Maurice Jones and basically gets nowhere. She insists that he is responsible for the worker's 12 weeks redundancy pay and even the Job Center thinks it's his legal responsibility. He insists he only bought a building lock stock and barrel and it's Baldwin's responsibility. Any further inquiries can go through his lawyers and that's that. He ushers Emily out to the waiting crowd and she tells them they have a fight on their hands. Vera and the others say Sweet Fanny Adams to civilized negotiations and Emily decides the gloves must come off for phase 2!
Both Audrey and Alf individually visit Rita and offer support what with Alan's upcoming trial. Alf tells Rita she could be in for a rough time as Alan is bound to put up a fight and the lawyers will pull out every trick in the book. She has to be prepared to fight back! Rita is now more nervous than ever though she worries about Jenny putting a brave face on it all. It's her dad after all.
When Gail gets home she finds Jenny there and gets angry, telling Jenny it was a bit tactless to show up. Martin tells Gail about Alan's trial and Jenny just needed a friend. Gail apologises but it's too late. Jenny leaves in tears. She later tells Martin that Audrey has firmly taken Ivy's side and means business. Gail's decided to go public and doesn't want to end their relationship!
Diane
Tuesday (2975, 2 October 1989)
Writer LESLIE DUXBURY Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Bitparts:
Marg Butler SHERRY ORMEROD
Site Foreman ROD ARTHUR
Josie Philips SIOBHAN FINNERAN
Lorry Driver JAMES CULSHAW
Det. Sgt. Crichton JAMES VAUGHAN
Gazette Photographer TIM JOHNSON
Who's joined the fight? Who's a hypocrite? Who's filled with dread at what the near future brings?
Martin urges Nicky on to finish his breakfast. The phone rings so Martin answers is as Gail isn't downstairs yet. It's Alma and he hands the phone over. After a few lewd jokes about Martin being there so early or did he not have that far to come, like just downstairs, Alma asks Gail to come in early if she can, Alma has made a doctor's appointment. Gail later asks Martin not to answer the phone as they don't know who it might be. Martin gets rather put out by this (and so he should be!) He thinks she doesn't like it because it makes their relationship look too official. (Gail make up your mind, you say you're not ashamed of Martin then you want to act like he's a dirty secret!)
Emily sets up scouts at either end of the street to watch for trucks and such coming to the building site (this must be phase two!). Ken and Deirdre are off to work and Emily warns Ken that things are going to happen today, he should get a photographer over. Ken tells Deirdre that he thinks Emily is going a bit potty, how much could really be going on? Jones is only going to ignore them and go on building his little empire. No point to following up, there is no story! Deirdre doesn't agree and in the end decides to skip the town hall and join the women at Ivy's house where they are plotting strategy and Don is trying to have his toast and eggs in peace! Emily repeats, passive resistance, Ladies, no violence but Vera's ready for a fight, what if they start shoving them around?
Over in the cafe Percy is finishing his tea and rushing back to "headquarters" and runs into Alma who's just back from the doctor though he thinks she's just in after a night out! He warns her that her lifestyle leaves much to be desired and it's already showing on her face! Real gentleman is our Percy! Alma tells Gail the doctor says she's fine, just take it easy (oh right! now she's got official excuses not to work!) rather than overdoing it. Gail is amazed ... overdoing what? Surely not work! Alma doesn't know how Gail does it, in there every morning what with all and sundry. Gail takes that as a crack that her affair with Martin is keeping her up nights (touchy, touchy!). Alma doesn't really care about her affair with Martin, or even if he takes up permanent Bed and Breakfast residency but she should watch it, he could get his feet firmly under her table and even start wearing his slippers if she isn't careful. Alma understands that this is more of a casual affair for Gail I think.
In a rather touching scene full of friendship and support, Rita is distracted and not paying any notice of Mavis reminiscing about her gran and her 17 cups of tea a day, possibly including a drop of whiskey in several of them. Mavis tells Rita not to worry, she'll have a barrister on her side and he won't let the defence lawyer bully her. You just tell him to belt up if he gets sarcastic or pushy with you! A bit later Rita takes a phone call from the Detective who wants to see her so she arranges a time around 1 at her house.
At Ground Zero (the building site), the women rush inside the gates and stage a sit in and Deirdre is with them. The foreman sputters and threatens as Percy flails helplessly from the gates to be let in but the women stand (or sit) their ground.
At the Recorder, Ken is in a quandary. He says he shouldn't really go over to Coronation Street as it might only stir things up, with the women exaggerating things just for a story. Wendy thinks that's a pretty lame excuse for inaction and he says she's right and launches into a righteous speech about little people wronged, supporting them even if it means the end of the Recorder and Justice first, last and always. After being applauded for his ringing speech he firmly backs down saying he has mortgaged the house to buy the paper (does your wife know this?). But a phone call comes in alerting the paper to a riot going on in Coronation Street!
Riot, indeed. The women are continuing to harass the workers and gather in front of a cement mixing truck, preventing it from entering the site. The foreman is all for running them over with it but the lorry driver is having none of that. Ken arrives to see Deirdre in the thick of it all and a photographer from the Gazette scooping the Recorder! (and a lovely photographer his is too! Very handsome! sorry... got a bit sidetracked there) He takes pictures of the motley group including one of Councillor Barlow kissing the lorry driver on the cheek for his sympathies as Ken stands idly by wringing his hands in indecision. Deirdre mocks him and says it's a pity the picture won't be in the Recorder. When Ken returns to the paper he finds Mike who has made himself at home in Ken's chair. He's got a complaint about the snide comments Ken made about him in a weak article in the paper about the closing of the factory, with no mention of the new owner, just a crack about Mike's new luxurious surroundings. Probably doesn't matter now though, since the upheaval has made it clear that Jones is responsible and Mike's officially off the hook. He warns Ken about making snide comments about Jones though, stick to the facts.
Phyllis comes in the cafe and Gail offers her a cup of tea on the house (Alma's head nearly spins off its pins when she overhears that! hahahaha!) Martin comes in as well and things are a bit strained between him and Gail at first but he apologises for being moody about the phone thing. He is forgiven and Gail again says she isn't ashamed of him and he can answer the phone all he wants. They plan to go public with a date in the Rovers that night.
The detective arrives at Rita's house, all cocky and arrogant. He seems to be jerking his various body parts around too and I don't know what that was all about unless it is the actor's way of portraying the "I'm a big bad cop attitude". He warns Rita the trial could get ugly and she could be blamed for driving Alan to beating her by his lawyer's tricks. Jenny will probably be vague since it's her father and Martin might get a big head about being a star witness and end up botching it. She had better be firm with the truth and Rita suspects he wants her to exaggerate that truth so they can be sure of putting Alan away. Poor Rita is being torn into pieces over this and will be a nervous wreck by the time the trial comes. Jenny arrives as the Detective leaves and he makes some sort of smarmy remark about supporting her in her time of need too. Jenny then accuses Rita of plotting against her dad but Rita says she's just going to tell the truth.
Martin and Curly have a drink at the Rovers and Martin tells Curly he is waiting for a date. Curly is sceptical thinking Martin can only be meeting a bimbo when Gail arrives. Martin goes off to get her an orange juice as Curly tells Gail Martin has a date. Well he did but... Oh, Curly thinks Martin's been stood up. No, no, the date is her only she couldn't get a babysitter so they can't stay after all. Curly is floored as Jack clues Tina in on the new couple though he wasn't supposed to let the cat out of the bag, says Vera. Ivy won't like it and who do Martin and Gail run into as they leave? Right, Ivy! Over in another corner Deirdre is telling the ladies that Jones won't want the bad publicity of pictures of police frog marching women off his site. What's the next step? The women have organized sentries in shifts overnight to make sure no one can get onto the site off hours as well as during the day. Vera and Emily huddle before a campfire at the gates supping tea in the chilly night air.
Over at Gail's, Martin's brought a few things from home, clean clothes and his slippers! Hmm. Seems like Alma's predictions are coming true!
Diane
Wednesday (2976, 4 October 1989)
Writer STEPHEN MALLATRAT Director SARAH HARDING
Bitparts:
Marg Butler SHERRY ORMEROD
Site Foreman ROD ARTHUR
Josie Philips SIOBHAN FINNERAN
Has Martin got his feet under Gail's table? Will Ken get involved? Who's making threats now?
The Gazette article and photo makes the front page and the women crow on to the foreman and workers about it. The foreman threatens them, he wouldn't have been as nice as the lorry driver yesterday, he'd have run right over them. Don't push it! They continue to make a ruckus and now have pickets to carry as well. A bit later in the day Percy is passing around some food and proceeds to ask for payment of 30p for eggs and 40p for bacon as supplies. Well, after all he's a pensioner!!! Maurice Jones arrives in his shiny black Mercedes as does the cement mixer lorry. Deirdre tells him their fight has now gone public in the paper and he can't sidestep his responsibilities. He deals with Emily and Deirdre in his office, telling them they're not helping matters stirring it up. Especially Deirdre as a councillor, is she now championing the cause of injustice? Certainly is and he retorts that he's sick of you nosy parker do-gooders. He's breaking his back building homes and shops for the poor exploited people to live, work and play in. Deirdre thinks he sounds worried!
Martin helps dress Sarah Lou while Gail urges Nicky to hurry. The usual morning routine. She notices that he's brought more clothes over and wonders what his Mum and Dad have to say. Don't they wonder where you are? He says his Dad doesn't ask and his mom just follows his dad. They just don't seem interested (well his is a grown boy after all!). She asks him outright how long he's planning on stopping?
In the Kabin there is a run on the Gazette and thankfully Rita had ordered extra. Mavis is sick of it all, she's got to see enough of Vera Duckworth without seeing her on the front of the newspaper and all! Ivy comes in for one too and gives Rita a quiet word of comfort when she finds out about the trial. Audrey is in later to pay her paper bill and asks Rita how she's doing as well. Mavis arrives back with a couple of cakes and mentions that she got them at Gail's and Audrey makes a remark about it being hard sometimes to think of Gail as family. Mavis and Rita wonder what that was all about after she leaves.
Sally and Kevin are having a party to celebrate their third anniversary tomorrow and Sally is going over the guest list while Curly has a cuppa and a read over the paper at their table. She sees a long morning ahead if Curly decides to hang around and tries to get Kevin to take him with. But as they speculate who Martin is going to bring, Curly tells them Martin is seeing Gail! They are quite surprised and Sally sits Curly right back down with more tea, intent on getting all the details as Kevin leaves, amused at her change of heart.
Meanwhile Gail is pouring out her doubts to Alma. Martin's lovely to have around but she doesn't want him thinking it's forever. Alma says that's the problem with younger men, they're great fun but they tend to fall in love and while we could all do with a bit of that, they can get out of control and you don't want that do you? No she doesn't.
In the pub, Curly, Kevin, Mark and Sally have a drink and discuss the party. Sally found out from curly that Martin is spending nights at Gail's. In spite of the group being taken aback because Gail's older, Kevin says he quite likes Gail anyway. Sally is definitely going to invite them and will be ready for a party herself as the cast on her ankle comes off tomorrow!
Audrey comes into the cafe to chat to Alma but she's up to her eyes because Gail's gone to fetch Nicky from school. He might have the mumps!
Ken visits Jones at the building site. Jones is glad to see Ken hasn't jumped on the bandwagon and printed stories against him (yet, Ken says) and makes a few remarks about Ken's wife getting in the thick of it causing more trouble. Ken tells him he always supports his wife and respects her opinions and isn't responsible for her actions. Jones threatens to break the Recorder if Ken doesn't get Deirdre to back off, not just pull his advertising, he has a lot of contacts! Later at the house, Ken listens to Deirdre ranting about the whole situation but keeps mum about the threats. He does tell her she should call the Department of Employment in her official capacity of councillor on behalf of her constituents. Good idea!!!!
Martin visits Rita to discuss the trial. She's worried and he's apprehensive and she's fearing the worst. He doesn't know what to testify. Just the truth, Martin, Rita tells him, she's counting on him! He then tells him he's seeing someone and is getting a bit of a hard time because she's older. Rita says to take no notice, but when he tells her it's Gail, she's flabbergasted.
Audrey tells Alf that Gail will be in a fix now with a poorly child and having cut herself off from her family so won't have help to fall back on. Gail and Martin check Nicky over but aside from a but of puffiness, he seems ok so far, no mumps yet. But she's still worried, there's mumps in the school. Nicky answers the door as Martin and Gail have a snuggle and in walks Audrey, very cool to that sight. She's heard Nicky was poorly and wanted to check on him. Later that night Gail tells Martin she's moving Sara Lou in with Nicky because she'll probably get the mumps anyway and if Martin's stopping he should have his own room, at least for official status though he can still spend his nights with her. He's a bit put off with that but she says he's rushing her.
In the pub, Deirdre buys Ivy, Vera and Emily a drink after a long day on the protest lines and they toast to the day's successes. Today was a turning point, they feel. It also comes up that tomorrow is Ken's birthday which Deirdre almost forgot but did remember at the last minute so does have a card and a gift for him.
Alf and Audrey have a drink and Audrey's face couldn't possibly get any longer (could it?) over the Gail and Martin situation. Audrey decides she had better tell Ivy about Nicky but before she can get it out, Ivy gets angry with her because Audrey broke their pact to boycott Gail until she comes to her senses. By the time Audrey is able to tell her that Nicky is ill, Ivy sputters that she is the last to know, only being the dead father's mother and stalks off.
Diane
Thursday (2977, 9 October 1989)
Writer PETER WHALLEY Director SARAH HARDING
Bitparts:
Site Foreman ROD ARTHUR
Stuart Haley STUART ANDREWS
Stephanie LAURA KEIGHTLY
Who's in love? Who's been betrayed? Who's victorious?
Sally has her cast off and is gingerly trying out her ankle on the stairs with Kevin close behind. But there's a knock on the door interrupting their potential private anniversary celebration and it's Curly. They wonder if Martin and Gail will come and can Curly bring a date? Well sure but he hasn't asked anyone yet. He does stop into the Rovers and ask Tina but she's working and says maybe she'll drop in after. In the cafe Martin is trying to convince Gail to go but she sidesteps it with excuses about Nicky and the other younger guests. He gets upset and says if she doesn't want to go just say so without excuses. She says so.
Ivy is still angry with Audrey for going to see Gail but Audrey tells her to keep out of it, Gail is her daughter and she'll see her if she wants to. Ivy gives Alf a hard time in the pub about it too, asking what he has to say about it but Alf says he's saying less and less these days.
It's Ken's birthday but he's let Deirdre have a bit of a lie in. She realizes and apologises and gets his card (unsigned) and gift (unwrapped, a shirt) and apologises again saying she's had that much on her mind. I think he's sulking a bit because she hasn't made much effort as she gets ready for another busy day crusading, having updated him on the goings on with Jones and the Department of Employment who have said they'll investigate.
Deirdre has another meeting with Jones in his office at his request and he makes a righteous little speech about buying the factory from Baldwin who knew he was going to pull it down and Jones assumed Mike took care of the redundancies. Deirdre, being a politician, has heard many a speech in her time and knows when she hears a load of flannel and she's just heard it! He backs down and says, yes the women will get paid by him and she realises the Department of Employment has been in touch with him to which he admits. He also admits threatening Ken which Deirdre did not know about and he apologises for that too. She insists he tell the women gathered outside his decision and they have a rousing cheer at their victory!
Meanwhile Ken tells Wendy it's his birthday and asks her out for a drink after work as Deirdre is probably too busy to bother having something for him at home. She offers to cook a meal instead and he takes her up on it.
Nicky thinks Gail should go to the party and Gail knows Martin's put him up to that. She rethinks her decision since it means so much to him and says ok, if she can get a babysitter, she'll go.
The guests arrive at the party. Jenny has brought Stuart from the Poly and Mark has yet another pretty girl on his arm. Kevin wonders how he does it and jokes that he could have brought one for him too! Curly arrives stag and says Tina will be along after and Gail and Martin arrive! Sally and Kevin welcome them.
Deirdre is telling Emily about the victory as she is doing a nice dinner for Ken who seems to be still at work. Emily is thrilled and Deirdre gives part of the credit to Ken whose idea it was to call the Dept. of Employment which seems to have given the final push.
But Ken is having dinner with Wendy who asks how things are at home. He says their boundaries have been redrawn and the shared area is smaller but the gap was widening before the council leak problems. It all started when he got the paper and she got elected to council, each following different paths. He quizzes Wendy on past relationships and why she never married. They move toward the living room but stop very close together. He asks why she gave him the council information and would she have given it to anyone else? No she supposes not and he moves in and kisses her. (YUK)
At the party Gail is having lots of fun dancing as is everyone else. Curly is giving one poor bloke advice and he is very glad to be asked to dance by Jenny to end that conversation. Kevin picks up Sally and twirls her around, they look so happy it brings a tear to your eye! Sally thinks Martin and Gail make a perfectly lovely couple after all as Martin and Jenny chat in the kitchen about how well or how little they do remember from the Alan incident.
We see Deirdre waiting for Ken as it grows later.
In the Rover's Vera's playing on the lottery machines and planning on how she'll spend her redundancy even if it's only 50p. They won and that's the main thing. Curly pops in to see if Tina will be coming. Bet asks Tina if she wants off early but Tina pointedly remarks to Bet that they're so busy they can't possibly do without her and Bet picks up on this and agrees so Curly goes back to the party alone. Ivy apologises to Audrey for being angry over Gail but she's had so much on her plate hasn't she?
The party is over and the guests are leaving. Martin has gotten quite drunk loud and obnoxious but Gail good naturedly frog marches him to Mark's car as he protests his love for her for all the remaining guests to hear. Out on the street Ivy has left the pub and Martin spies her and totters off down the road to tell Ivy that he loves Gail with all his heart. Ivy didn't really want to hear that, I suspect and Gail's good humour has left the building!
It's very late now and Ken finally arrives home to a dark house. When he turns on the light he sees the decoratively set table and realises that Deirdre did indeed have a lovely dinner planned for him. So you see what happens when you assume (or rather when you make excuses!!!)
Diane
Friday (2978, 11 October 1989)
Writer SUE ASHBY Director SARAH HARDING
Is Martin more than hungover? Is Deirdre gullible? Will Rita's nerves hold out until the trial?
Gail wakes Martin up with the alarm-in-your-face approach. He's very hungover and apologises. She says he's got a big mouth to go with his big headache and tells him about his behaviour telling all and sundry, Ivy included, that he was head over heels in love with her. He says his throat is sore, probably from all that proclaiming and would she please make him a cuppa tea? She finds his misery amusing! later he brings his tea in the bedroom to find Nicky having a cuddle in bed with Gail, as he's still a bit poorly. Gail shoos Martin back to his own room for appearances sake.
Ivy goes for Alf and asks him what Audrey is going to do about Gail and Martin, Audrey should make Gail make Martin apologise to her for embarrassing her on the street the night before. Alf says nowt!
Sally and Kevin clear up after the party as Kevin complains about the mess. Oh, but we had such a brilliant party says Sally and she tells Kevin he's got to rouse Curly up as he's kipped on the sofa.
But at the Barlow's, Ken is on his way up the stairs with breakfast on a tray for Deirdre (suck up time!) but she comes down. He starts laying it on thick and says it's the least he could do after missing his birthday dinner but he was working late on the accounts. He thought she was more interested in picketing Jones than worrying about his birthday. Well he thought wrong didn't he and Deirdre wonders when they'll stop getting their wires crossed. He also didn't tell her that Maurice Jones threatened him and the Recorder and also the dinner was to celebrate the worker's victory and all! Ken's chuffed for her as she tells him all the details and they make up with Ken looking very relieved that she bought that load of hogswaddle!
Bet arrives at the Kabin to pick up this month's Cosmopolitan magazine (you just KNEW Bet was a Cosmo girl, now didn't you?). Rita's not in today as she just couldn't face it. She's very upset and depressed about the trial so Bet says she'll see to Rita as Derek comes down on his way out to work, very annoyed that Mavis hasn't taken his suit to the cleaners. Doesn't she want him looking her best? Mavis cuts him short by telling him she's alone in the shop and just hasn't the time so he gives her the old Stand up to Rita speech . Mavis makes excuses to Bet for Derek's behaviour saying he's under a lot of pressure! And you're not? Snaps Bet? Mavis doesn't have an answer to that!
At Rita's Jenny is trying to get Rita to eat breakfast but she just can't face food. Jenny decides Rita needs a treat and offers to cook something special for her tea tonight.
At the Recorder, Ken tells Wendy about his missed dinner and which lies he told to Deirdre. Apparently the lies will be better thought out next time, um, there WILL be a next time he asks Wendy? (OH! OH! OH!)
Gail's back working at the cafe. Nicky's almost better and she's not taking time off to minister to Martin's hangover. She tells Alma about Martin's announcements to Ivy and the world that he's madly in love but Alma thinks that was dead romantic! Gail doesn't think so, she's embarrassed but Alma's of the opinion that it was a big step that Martin took.
Meanwhile Jenny's in the Kabin updating Mavis on Rita's state of mind as Martin comes in. He picks up a magazine and has it put on Gail's bill prompting a few nasty cracks from Jenny along with some teasing about last night. After he leaves Mavis scolds Jenny roundly for treating Martin like that. What if the two of you were in love? You wouldn't want people talking about you like that! Good on you Mavis!
Ken and Wendy have a drink at a pub and he tells her about the victory with the workers and Jones. Wendy admires Deirdre for her commitment and insists that Deirdre shouldn't find out about their affair so she's decided to resign from the paper to lessen the chances of being found out. He objects but she thinks that if she works for him, she won't always know for sure if he's using her or if he really cares for her. Of course he cares for her but she insists she needs her space and he can't refuse her can he?
Audrey and Alma had their dinner in the Rovers and on the way out Ivy comes by and drags Audrey off to have a word. She hasn't got her apology and realizes that Audrey hasn't said anything to Gail yet. Audrey believes it needs delicate timing, tact and diplomacy. Ivy commands Audrey to sort it out now! Get her an apology! So Audrey pops into the cafe where a busy Gail tells her if Ivy wants an apology from Martin, Ivy should ask Martin, who is, by the way, standing at the counter waiting for a cup of tea. Audrey gets all huffy and warns Gail of the effect her irresponsible love life is having on the kids. Martin notes that the claws seem to be out and sharpened! Alma just wishes a young fella would be that romantic about her as Martin complains that his throat is still sore, to very little sympathy from Gail.
Derek pops into the Kabin and Mavis recruits him to stay while she runs out to the bank and she couldn't even get the shop closed to do it herself before, how busy she'd been all morning. But, he sputters, he's meant to be demonstrating the new line of indoor fireworks that he's just there to pick up but Mavis is out the door. Later we see that Derek is managing to cope in the shop, advising Curly that experience is a better instructor than magazines, all the while unknowingly shortchanging Curly who points it out. Mavis returns and Curly mentions that there may be more money in the till than she expects. Mavis takes that to mean business was booming and witters on about how good a shop keeper Derek is. Derek avoids correcting her!
At Rita's Bet is giving some much needed moral support. Rita, in spite of herself still feels guilty that somehow she drove Alan to nearly kill her and is worried sick about what the barristers will do to her on the stand at the trial. Every detail of her life will be laid out for scrutiny. Bet tells her she's got to think positively. Alan's the one on trial, not her! Later, after the shop closes, Mavis drags Derek over to visit Rita so they can try to cheer her up. Rita makes tea and apologises for not coming in and leaving Mavis on her own. Not to worry, Mavis and Derek have it all well in hand as Mavis extols Derek's virtues as a shopkeeper (that should have made Rita run back to the shop in a panic!!!). Derek assures her she is better off resting and gathering her strength for the coming ordeal. Derek always knows just the wrong thing to say doesn't he? Rita ends up breaking down in tears. The trial is always on her mind and she relives that awful night over and over. Mavis is almost in tears as she tells Rita she wishes there was something they could do and of course they'll keep running the shop without her until this is out of the way.
Gail comes home after work to find Martin sleeping in her bed. She admonishes him for that as he should be in his own room while the kids are around but he says he really does feel poorly still and complaining about his throat. Gail has a look and realizes that he has mumps too!!!
We see Ken reading a book as Deirdre irons and she bubbles on that she is enjoying the quiet evening, just like they used to have and they should do it more often. But he says that won't be possible as Wendy has resigned from the Recorder, she just couldn't take the pressure. Deirdre swallows this (forgetting the pressure Wendy withstood at the town hall while she was leaking information and managed just fine until she got caught out and sacked!) Deirdre is pleased though that she won't be under Ken's feet even if it means he has to work more hours but persuades Deirdre to believe that Wendy leaving will allow them to get back to normal! AND SHE BOUGHT ALL THAT!!!!! *sigh*
Diane
Monday (2979, 16 October 1989)
Writer TONY PERRIN Director BRIAN MILLS
Bitparts:
Det. Sgt. Crichton JAMES VAUGHN
Doctor GRAHAM COLCLOUGH
Who's got the wrong end of the stick? Who needs help? Who will be there for Rita?
It's morning and the racket from the building site is deafening as the jackhammers break up the pavement and dust is everywhere, much to Audrey's annoyance. Inside the shop Audrey is telling stories out of school about Alf's finances telling Sally how he counts his brass then cries poor and won't spend any of it. She thinks if Mike Baldwin, who everyone knows is flush with it, can buy new posh digs, so can they. They don't have to live over or next door to the shop after all. Ivy arrives, steaming still over Audrey visiting Gail though Audrey assures her she is still on her side in disapproving of Martin's presence in Gail's life but there's Gail with Nicky poorly with mumps, no child minder so can't go to work.
Over at Gail's, Martin is quite sick and feverish. Gail calls in to Alma to let her know she can't get in, expecting Alma can cope on her own as she's had to many times when Alma goes swanning off. She tells her Martin's sick now too. Martin appears, dressed and wants to go home but Gail makes him go back to bed, he's just not well enough to be out and around and she plans to call his family doctor.
Rita goes through the morning post and Jenny rushes to get to school. Jenny worries about Rita, she shouldn't be stopping at home alone dwelling on the trial but Rita would not be able to concentrate at work anyway for thinking about it all the time. Jenny says she just doesn't think about it because it's too hard when she does, thinking about giving evidence that will put her Dad down for years. She is determined to not look at him while testifying, that's the only way she'll get through it. Later Alf visits Rita. She's afraid she can't hide her fear and hatred when testifying and knows that Jenny won't be able to send her dad down the river. She'll probably be upset at Rita for doing it though. Alf offers to come to court for support and Rita is very grateful for it.
Vera and Ivy have dinner in the Rovers. Percy tells them there was a queue in the cafe in Gail's absence. Ivy's determined not to go round to Gail's to offer help, digging in her heels but Vera says it's not like her,not when the kids need their Gran. Bet is asking Alf at the bar about Rita. Percy thinks attempted murder charges take some proving but even if Jenny caves, they all agree that Martin will be a good witness.
But Martin's fever is making him delirious with Gail trying to settle him and Nicky underfoot. He thinks he's home in his own room, that Gail's his mum and mum has changed the wallpaper in his room! When the doctor comes, he confirms it's mumps and he must stay put. Martin was muttering about giving evidence and Gail tells him about the trial. The doctor says he can't testify and if the court needs, give them his number to confirm it.
Mike drives up the noisy, grimy street and greets Deirdre and Emily with his usual bravado, bragging about the good life. Too bad Ken can't afford the same. Emily tsks that showing off like that is inexcusable and Mike criticizing Ken is like vice mocking virtue.
VIRTUE???? Not bloody likely! We are now treated to a sickening display as Wendy has come home "to change her top" as she has a speck on it. Ken has driven her home and persuades her that she has lured him there to have her way with him. They end up snogging and having an afternoon-er much to my disgust!
Audrey calls Gail to see how Nicky's getting on. Gail tells her she's got two invalids now but guesses she can manage. She'll have to. As Audrey hangs up the phone in the shop she comments to Sally that sommats up, maybe the affair with Martin is over. Alma pops in for a minute to invite Audrey for a drink that evening and Ivy arrives. Alma tells her she's not being fair to Gail and the more she opposes the affair, the faster she'll drive Gail into Martin's arms. Ivy is furious at Alma sticking her oar in but Sally agrees. Audrey breaks up the potential fight and tells Ivy they should put pride in their pockets, Gail's got two sick children, the doctor at the door, Alma fretting and Martin like a ship passing in the night. (two sick kids? Audrey's made the wrong assumption there!)
Ken bounces down the staircase buttoning his shirt (gag) and rushing off because it's past 6 and he's to meet Deirdre in the Rovers at 6:30. Wendy says time flies when you're having fun! No guilt, no regrets. She'll work out her notice at the paper and then what? nights? lunches? weekends if possible? Ken says, we'll see. He grabs his tie and leaves. When he arrives at the Rovers Deirdre notices his tie is crooked and as she makes a comment about it, Mike drifts past and says, "He's got a woman!" I swear Ken's face went whiter than his shirt! but he's in a good mood for a change, busy day, got lots done (uh huh)
Det. Sgt Crichton tells Rita that Martin is down sick and with Jenny's testimony uncertain it will be all down to her. Martin's sworn statement isn't really going to be enough.
Jenny meets Curly to go for a movie. She just can't be in the same house with Rita these days.. Bet asks after Rita but Jenny tells her she and Rita are really just best off apart until after the trial. Then what? depends on the outcome doesn't it?
Vera, Alma and Audrey are having a drink and Vera tells them she's convinced Ivy to go round to Gail's in spite of her feelings for Martin to help with the kids. After she leaves Alma tells Audrey that Martin's living there, didn't they know? Whoa! Well Ivy sure didn't and she arrives at Gail's to find Gail in Martin's room giving him a drink. She realizes it isn't Sarah Lou that was sick but Martin and asks Gail what she's playing at! When she realizes Martin's moved in she tells Gail she must be cracked, she's not stopping here one more moment and has a mind to take the kiddies with her. Gail admits Martin's living there now and yes, she's in a fix and can use some help. Ivy does offer to mind the kids but at her house and Gail flatly refuses so Ivy leaves. She warns Gail that she made her bed and now she must lie in it.
Bet is at Rita's and Rita is a wreck. She's terrified. It doesn't matter how much she drinks she still has to face the trial and would rather die. She has to relive it all and give testimony that will put Alan away. she wonders if she has that much hate in her and knows that Jenny will blame her for it if Alan goes to prison.
Diane
Tuesday (2980, 18 October 1989)
Writer BARRY HILL Director BRIAN MILLS
Bitparts:
Det. Sgt. Crichton JAMES VAUGHN
Usher ANN ARIS
Judge BERNARD ALEXANDER
Mr. Lewis ANTHONY WINGATE
Mr. Myers ROBERT WHELAN
Clerk of Court BILL CROASDALE
Who's on trial? Who's done a deal? Will Ivy help out?
It's the day of Alan's Trial. Rita hasn't slept much for thinking about it but Jenny says she is all right. Rita seems to have her mind more settled and plans to say her piece, she's got to do it though it's the toughest thing she's ever had to do. If she doesn't, she won't be able to move on with her life. But Jenny is defending her dad already and she isn't even in the court yet! He didn't mean it, he just snapped!!!
Gail is barely coping with Nicky pestering her to see to Martin who is still poorly. Audrey calls to see how things are going. Gail swallows her pride and asks for a few hours of Audrey's time but Audrey can't leave the shop this morning. Alf is in court and Sally can't manage on her own with the wholesalers coming with a lot of stock to unload and price. Ivy stalks in and again takes Audrey over the coals accusing her of knowing Martin was living in but she didn't. Gail needs help and if Ivy isn't going to offer, who's going to suffer? Not Martin Platt (but the kids, which is implied).
At court, Sgt Crichton is conferring with the prosecutor on how the case might go and when it might get heard. Sgt. Crichton is uneasy that it's really coming down to Rita's testimony only. Is it possible Bradley might plead guilty to a lesser charge asks the prosecutor but the Sergeant isn't willing to go with that yet.
Rita tells Bet she gave three years of her life to Alan, her home, business, self respect and she was humiliated, cheated, used, had him go to another woman and then he used Len's good name to defraud the Building Society and nearly killed her if it weren't for Jenny and Martin. It's his turn to pay. It looks like Rita is shored up and ready to face Alan in court. She feels hatred for him and for herself for letting him treat her that way and she has to get it out of her system by testifying.
Nicky lets Ivy in and she offers to help with the kids but only the kids. She won't even listen for Martin, she says to herself as Gail is off to the Cafe. But later Nicky calls for her to get a drink for Martin. She very reluctantly does, brings it in, lays it down firmly and leaves the room without a word as Nicky notes Granny's very bad mood today.
At court, Alf, Bet, Jenny and Rita are waiting outside the courtroom. An usher tells her it could be after dinner before they are ready to start. Rita is ok, she can wait. Det. Sgt Crichton has a word with her and realizes she's on the edge and getting tenser. He has a word with the prosecutor and tells him of Rita's state of mind and that he thinks she'll do anything to put him down. And your point is? I thought he wanted her to make sure Alan got put away but maybe he's afraid she'll break down. Anyway the prosecutor says he'll have to talk to the other side (defence). I smell a plea bargain.
Over in the Rover's Sally and Audrey see Mike and the lovely Dawn Prescott having a drink. She asks Mike what it's like living by the docks and says she and Alf are thinking of a change, well it's her really (and Alf knows nowt about it!). She arranges to see Mike's new flat that afternoon to check it out before Alf comes back from court. When she does, she's very impressed but doesn't know how to get Alf there without him figuring out what's on her mind. Dawn's plan is invite Alf and Audrey for dinner and drinks. That would get him there to see the place at least. good idea!
The trial is ready to start. Bet and Alf go to the viewers gallery and spot Percy and Phyllis also there. Percy is there to see justice done, not trusting the papers to get it right and Phyllis says it's a change from afternoon tea at town hall! Bet says the courtroom gives her the creeps.
The trial starts but Rita and Jenny must wait outside until called. Alan is brought in and sees Bet and Alf. The charges are read and he pleas guilty to fraud and assault. The prosecution accepts the plea. The usher comes out and tells Rita and Jenny it's over, they can go, he's plead guilty. Jenny is pleased and thinks he did it to save them the hardship of testifying. Bet comes out to take Rita and Jenny home but Alf stays for the sentencing. Bet drops in the Rovers to get some brandy and tells everyone who is anxiously waiting about Alan's guilty plea but she doesn't know what the sentence is yet. She mentions Percy was there but Ken wasn't.
As they wait at Rita's for the verdict, Jenny again defends her dad. She still thinks he plead guilty to save them the stress of testifying, admitting he did wrong but Rita says he still cheated her etc. Jenny gets angry and says her dad's not evil and she won't believe anything else. She stomps upstairs as Bet arrives. Bet suggests Rita and Jenny could be good for one another if they would give it a chance.
Mike offers Audrey a glass of wine as she has a first look-see over the flat. Dawn gives Audrey some brochures but Audrey is sceptical about Alf's reaction. Dawn decides they should invite Alf and Audrey for dinner and drinks and thus get him into the flat for a look and Audrey is thrilled!
Gail arrives home and checks on Martin. He says he's better now Ivy's left and decides she's loved every minute of it, giving him the cold shoulder. Lucky job she's coming back tomorrow then, isn't it?
Rita can't understand why Jenny can't see her point of view, surely deep down she knows what her father is. Alf finally arrives. Alan's got 2 years! Jenny gets upset and tells Rita she got what she wanted. But wait, Alf says he plead guilty to assault not attempted murder which is why it was only 2 years combined with the fraud charge since it came down to Rita's word against his (and her bruises I should have thought!) so he's got one year suspended and one year to serve. He's been in the clink 7 months and the rest was waived for good behaviour. Alan Bradley is a free man!!!!
Diane
Wednesday (2981, 20 October 1989 - first Friday episode)
Writer JOHN STEVENSON Director BRIAN MILLS
Bitparts:
Florist SASKIA DOWNS
Percy is on duty at the cross walk where Phyllis finds him busy at his duties. She asks him if he'll be in the Rovers dinnertime so of course he says no but she won't leave! She stops in the middle of the street with him so she can keep him company so there they stand arguing while traffic backs up!
Jenny comes down in the morning to find Rita looking out the window. Rita didn't sleep at all though Jenny did seeing as it's all over and they didn't have to give evidence after all. Rita would have though, as hard as it would have been and now she's worried because Alan's out there. Jenny defends her dad again and she and Rita agree they shouldn't fall out, they all have to live their lives. She thinks her dad is probably ashamed of what he did which is why he hasn't come to see her yet. Later, just before Jenny is off to college, there is a knock on the door. Rita jumps and cautiously answers it but it's a florist delivering a lovely bouquet from Alf and Audrey. Jenny says, see, nice things do happen and you don't have to hide your face under a cushion every time there's a knock at the door! OUCH! Talk about a faux pas!!! Rita lets it pass and chains the door after Jenny leaves. Later, Rita jumps at the ringing phone but it's only Mavis checking up.
Audrey is looking forward to the evening at Mike's even if Alf knows she wants to talk him into buying one of them posh flats.
Gail tells Martin he still has a temperature and please try not to aggravate Ivy when she comes to look after the kids for her! Later on Ivy is playing Eye Spy with Nicky but Nicky decides he wants to play with Martin. Ivy tries to keep him downstairs but the little brat does what he wants anyway.
Percy sees Deirdre in the back garden and asks after Ken and why he wasn't in the courtroom for the very relevant local story about that Bradley business. Ken comes out and defends his absence with the excuse that by the time his paper comes out (it's a weekly sheet) it will be old news. (yeah, right, Excuse number 18 I'd say!). Deirdre asks him if he'll be available for lunch but he's working through (Excuse number 24).
In the pub, Emily tells Deirdre she misses having a job and isn't ready for retirement. Percy arrives just as Bet and Alf are expressing indignation at the light sentence Alan received and tells them attempted murder is hard to prove unfortunately. Phyllis took a chance and finds Percy in the pub after all though he said he wouldn't be there and is delighted to buy him a drink. Audrey is telling Alf that she is looking forward to tonight and feels Dawn is just right for Mike, so well suited. Much more his style than Alma was. Alf points out the age difference but Audrey says it's not important. When Alf points out further the age difference between Martin and Gail, Audrey says that's different, Martin has no money!
Martin is on his feet and out of bed, playing Monopoly with Ivy and Nicky. Ivy takes notice that Nicky minds when Martin speaks to him about behaving. Later on she brings Martin a cup of tea when he goes back to bed to rest and notes that the little lad takes notice of a man but nobody can take Brian's place (not accusing Martin, just putting her point across). A point which Martin takes, assuring her he's too young to be Nicky's dad and wouldn't try to fill Brian's shoes. Ivy looks satisfied as she goes back downstairs. Points scored, I'd say.
Wendy has finished working at the Recorder but Ken is expecting her any moment when Deirdre pops in with a picnic lunch and he's shaking in his boots. Excuse number 47 feebly pops out with a made up appointment at a wine bar with a potential advertiser. She decides to walk him to his appointment and as they go down the block, Wendy pulls up and starts to get out of the car but sees them before Deirdre spots her and jumps back in her car, though Ken saw her and whisked Deirdre around back to the office, with Excuse number 33, Forgot his money. He goes to Wendy's later to apologise. Anyway, no more talk of Deirdre, he just wants to be with her!
Alf comes to see Rita to cheer her up and soon tells her folk will find something else to talk about besides Alan but she's afraid of Alan and knows he won't forgive and forget. Alf thinks Alan will be on best behaviour because he is only on suspended sentence and could go back to jail very easily. Nope, Rita says Alan always thinks he can get away with things and blames her for everything.
Gail gets home and sees Ivy off with thanks. Ivy mentions to Gail that Martin's good with Nicky isn't he? Gail smiles as she leaves and tells Martin that Ivy's actually said a good word about him!
Alf and Audrey settle in for an evening with Dawn and Mike, Alf ignoring all Audrey and Dawn's remarks about how lovely the flat, the view and the area are. Audrey confides to Dawn that Alf really is keen down deep but it doesn't look like it to the rest of us as Alf hustles Audrey out early.
Bet sells Deirdre a bottle of wine to take to Rita's and tells her to let Rita know she'll be along to visit a little later. Ken arrives as Deirdre is leaving and when she asks about the advertiser, he covers and says it's not quite set just yet. When asked if he'll have his usual half, he says, no, he'll have a full pint tonight. (worked up a thirst, 'ave you, Barlow?) Deirdre has a quick visit with Rita and leaves to make Ken's tea. Rita, having been sipping at a drink on and off all day, forgets to chain the door when Deirdre leaves. At the bar, Bet is too busy to get away until closing time and Jenny's gone to a disco at school and won't be home till late. There's a knock on the door and Rita opens it, expecting Bet and it's Alan who pushes his way in the door!!!
Diane
Thursday (2982, 23 October 1989)
Writer JOHN STEVENSON Director IAN WHITE
Bitparts:
Stuart Haley STUART ANDREWS
Bet is trying to get away from the Rovers but Tina's off early and Alec is away somewhere so she can't get over to Rita's until later. Too bad since Alan Bradley has pushed his way in the door! Rita backs away from Alan who says he's just there to see Jenny. She won't be back until late and they have nothing to say but it's no go, Alan decides he'll wait. He's calm the whole time he's there, doesn't lose his temper or outright threaten Rita but makes sure he lets her know he blames her for smashing his world to bits. Rita wants him to leave but he insists on waiting even after she threatens to call the police. He does accuse her of being good at putting the law on him and doing her best to destroy him. Even though she points out what he did to her, he passes that off and says she's the kind of woman who doesn't know how to give a man anything. He offers her the phone from behind him to call the police but she's too frightened of getting close to him to take it.
Over at the Duckies', Vera is ironing Curly's jeans while he anxiously awaits, wanting to get to the pub where his mates are waiting. She tells him he's now a manager ("brackets, Trainee") and should keep his image up from now own. Despite Curly's protestations of his free spirit, Vera comments that people will wonder what on earth he can manage to do if he can't manage to look smart. Point taken?
At the Rovers, All Curly's friends and Emily congratulate him on his new job as Assistant Manager (brackets "Trainee") at the local supermarket Bettabuys. Alma buys Ivy a drink to thank her for looking after Gail's kids so she could work and help her out at the cafe. Alma, who is waiting for her latest man, Terry, remarks that boyfriends are more trouble than they are worth so Ivy makes a point of telling Alma that Alf and Audrey are having a social evening out with Mike and Dawn.
Rita tells Alan he blames everyone else but himself but he says he knows he has made mistakes and the biggest one was getting involved with her. He shouldn't have hit her but he's paid for it (not much he hasn't!) But then (and my blood is boiling now!) he says she's the kind of woman who like men to hit them so that they can despise them. !!!!!!! He will always be around as long as Jenny lives there. There's a knock at the door so Alan leaves out the back way, saying he'll be back as Rita collapses in hysterics in Bet's arms.
At the pub, Sally and Mark are discussing shops and grocers and managers and poor Curly can't get a word in! When he finally does, he explains (in great detail!) that managing is the art of organization, handling the workforce whether it's a supermarket or a corner shop. Jack gets an idea and remarks to Vera that maybe they will be able to get damaged goods from the supermarket!
Bet settles Rita down with a drink and a shoulder to lean on, apologising for not being able to get there earlier. Rita was terrified but she can't really go to the police because no real threats were made, Alan will only say he just wanted to see his daughter but she knows Alan hates her. It's not Jenny's fault so she can't chuck her out either.
Alf and Audrey arrive home and poor Alf has to endure another scolding from Audrey for leaving early and balking at not wanting a nicer house. She tells Alf he works too hard and she knows he's got the brass, she'd found his building society books when he had the heart attack awhile back. He says that's his hard earned savings for a rainy day but she kiboshes that with remarks about him being the richest man in the cemetery! They can afford new digs!
Alan waits for Jenny outside the Poly and takes her for a quick drink and feeds her a line about not wanting to ever lose her and wanting to start up a security business again, get his life back together. It's too bad Rita can't forgive and forget, he certainly can (Excuuuse me????)
Jenny gets home and Bet tells her Alan was there and scared Rita. Bet leaves and Jenny feeds Rita back the lines, Dad just wants to get his life back together. Jenny thinks Rita should let it go and forgive and forget like he did. Forgive and forget???? Rita wonders what the hell he has to forgive???
Diane
Friday (2983, 25 October 1989)
Writer KEN BLAKESON Director IAN WHITE
Bitparts:
Mr. Simpson NICHOLAS FRY
First credited appearances:
Kimberly Taylor SUZANNE HALL
Reg Holdsworth KEN MORLEY
Vera is cooking a lovely fry up for Curly's first day at Bettabuys as Jack looks on hungrily over his bowl of cornflakes. Curly comes down looking rumpled so Vera tells him to take his pants off to be re-ironed. He's got to look smart his first day. But when Curly realizes he's the only one getting the full breakfast meal deal, he can't finish it. Jack and Vera are quite willing to make sacrifices for him, he's just like family and they are chuffed for him and wish him good luck. Vera even drives him to work so he doesn't get his good suit messed on the bus. Phyllis comes by as they leave and asks Jack who died? She can't get over the fact that the lad has a job, people will die of shock when this gets out, she predicts.
Audrey is on at Alf yet again, why he cries poor when yes, they can afford the flat. Alf tries to get around it, protesting that people lose their money and assets all the time. Well he'd better get to work then! Alf tells Audrey they don't even know how much their house is worth so how could they sell up? No problem, ring the estate agent and he'll come round! Later at the shop she decides since he's being so cheap she'll pay for her purchases and they sink into that old "Tell Her/Tell Him that..." with Sally in the middle. Audrey tells Alf he's so worried about pennies that he's missing out on the good things and could lose them all!
At the Kabin Mavis is dealing with the customers and Alan comes in and gives Mavis quite a start. She tries to bluff that Derek is still upstairs. he natters on about the video end of the business being his idea and asks after Rita as Mavis slinks around the walls and corners keeping her distance. Tell Rita he called and he'll be around again ok?
At Bettabuys, the local supermarket we are introduced to Curly's manager, Reg Holdsworth as he presents "Norman" with his ID tag for his lapel and a lecture on consumer psychology of supermarkets and they seem to speak the same language, even finishing each other's sentences! The beginning of a beautiful relationship!
Phyllis tells Mavis about Curly's job as Rita helps a customer with the videos. After the shop clears, Mavis finally has a minute to tell Rita about Alan's visit. Rita tries to be calm so as not to let Mavis know how scared she really is.
Meanwhile a taxi lets Alan out by mike's new flat. He finds Mike outside and Mike takes him in for a drink. Alan tells him about the security system he wants to start but he needs capital and want's Mike to buy in. Mike is reluctant and tells him nobody will buy a security system from an ex-con. Nothing personal, that's just the way it is, it doesn't matter if he's done his time. Just then Dawn arrives and freezes at the sight of the visitor. He makes a few snide comments about her and leaves.
Vera tells Betty and Jack they were right proud of Curly. He'll be a winner, that lad. only too bad it weren't their Terry landing on his feet. Alf remarks that Curly still owes him back rent which doesn't go down well with Phyllis and Vera but just then Sally arrives to tell Alf that the estate agent is at the house so he leaves. Betty asks Vera if Curly will be staying on with them and hopes he doesn't get ideas above his station now he's a manager. Jack gets an idea!
The estate agent, Mr. Simpson has a look around as Alf arrives. The agent also offers to show them some properties and tells Alf the house is worth £25,000 but he may have to take less if they want a quicker sale. Alf says, no, put it up for £25,000 so the sale sign goes up over number 11. Phyllis finds out what they are asking and tells Alf he'll never get it in the housing market the way it is and he seems pleased to hear that.
Over at Bettabuys, Curly is complimenting the staff canteen to Mr. Holdsworth, lots of food, cheap prices. They find Miss Kimberly Taylor setting up a display and Curly is asked to correct her technique for better focus.
Rita greets Mike and Dawn who have come to tell her about Alan's visit. She already knows he must have asked for money or was it one of his schemes? Rita is intimidated by Alan and Dawn sympathises. Mike seems to think Alan is going about as if prison never happened and Jenny overhears the conversation and again defends her dad's right to a fresh start.
At home, Jack and Vera ask about Curly's first day. Vera takes the washing upstairs and Jack moves in. He wants Curly to get Vera a job at Bettabuys, such a good friend as Curly is to help Vera get her pride back!
Diane
Monday (2984, 27 October 1989)
Writer BARRY HILL Director IAN WHITE
First credited appearances:
Jim MacDonald CHARLES LAWSON
Liz MacDonald BEVERLY CALLARD
Who's got a job? Who's got a buyer? Who's stalling for time?
Curly's off to work with Jack urging him to get Vera a job, laying on the guilt well and truly thick by using Vera's generosity to Curly. Later at Bettabuys, "Norman" practices managing on Kimberly Taylor. he gets a call to the manager's office. Kimberly makes eyes at him as he leaves. Methinks a crush is in the offing?
Gail pays her paper bill at the Kabin including some magazines for Martin. Mavis flusters as her comments weren't meant to be prying about Martin's residential status at Gail's but Gail takes it in good humour. Rita is in late, having overslept once she finally got to sleep in the wee hours. Mavis thinks it isn't worth getting into a state over Alan, he won't stay round for long she thinks. Rita is sceptical however and in the very next scene we see Alan catching up with Jenny at the college to give her his new address which means he plans to stay in the area. Jenny says she'll come to visit.
Audrey tells Alf he must manage without her so she can get the house looking good for prospective buyers. Alm complains that she'd find the time to go off with Alma for an hour, wouldn't she, and he doesn't think they'll get a buyer so soon anyway. He secretly hopes if it does take a long time, she'll lose interest and drop the idea altogether but we know Audreh don't we?
In the pub Ivy is waiting for Vera as they planned to go to the job center but Vera's not around and Jack doesn't know where she is so Ivy sits with Emily who is hoping for a job somewhere, herself if only to get out from under Mr. Sugden's feet. Mike and Dawn come in and he offers Ivy a job reference with a snide comment on her work ability - Good when she wants to be. Dawn mentions that she is taking Audrey to see a new phase of the flat development that afternoon.
Meanwhile, back at the shop, Alf is in a pricing frenzy because Sally's busy to get to it. Dawn and Audrey arrive and Audrey gushes over the new flats that they can have first crack at. He doesn't want to go with them to look and puts them off firmly so they leave and he goes for his dinner but not before Sally points out that he's priced a whole shelving unit wrong! Got your mind on other things Alf?
So where is Vera anyway? Well she's sitting in Mr. Holdsworth's office when Curly comes in, having been paged to report. He is told he was a reference for Mrs. Duckworth's job application. Curly's eyebrows disappear into his hairline !!
Audrey gushes to Alma about the lovely new flats she has seen and then goes in to tell Alf but he's more interested in filling an order he has received. He says he just isn't interested until they sell their house to start with and he just knows this place will cost him all his brass! Sally puts her 2p in and all and poor Alf is getting it from all sides!
Vera comes home from her job interview. Jack is there waiting, not knowing where she's been and he starts going on about how she needs a job to keep her mind sharp (and help fill his pockets, I'll wager, though I would admit, I'm sure things are pretty tight budget wise with just the one salary coming in). She tells him she has a job, at Bettabuys! She got the job on her own, not with Curly's help but he did give her a reference and they celebrate with a can of ale "Anything you say my little Swampduck" (I love that!).
Back at the supermarket, Mr. Holdsworth expresses doubts that Vera will be a good worker since she has no retail experience but thinks she'll probably catch on. After all, Norman wouldn't have recommended her if she wasn't hard working and efficient, would he? (Ummmmmm) Later in the evening Vera buys Curly and his mates a drink to celebrate her new job. Curly confides that he's not really looking forward to it but Sally thinks Vera will do ok and not embarrass him. (I'm a bit dubious, meself!)
Rita is distracted and Mavis tries to get her to go home and rest, she can manage. Jenny arrives to tell her she'll be late home and also that Alan has a room nearby. Jenny is please and glad her dad is starting fresh but Rita seems filled with dread. And Alan is trying to get Maurice Jones to buy a security system from him for the building site but that's already sorted, Jones tells him. He only wants labourers with strong backs.
Betty picks up a few things at the corner shop and tells Alf he'll probably have a hard time selling the house the way the market seems to be these days which doesn't bother Alf in the least! But Audrey is answering the door and she finds a nice couple, in their thirties who saw the house in the window of the estate agents and decided to take a chance on coming to see it without an appointment. It's Liz and Jim ("Call me Mack") MacDonald! They are looking to get out of army housing and yes, they have a family, twin boys almost 15 years old. She rushes into the shop at closing time after showing them the house and is all excited, telling Alf all about the buyers who want the house and willing to pay the Asking Price!!!! Alf looks defeated!
Diane
Tuesday (2985, 30 October 1989)
Writer JULIAN ROACH Director RICHARD HOLTHOUSE
Bitparts:
Site Foreman ROD ARTHUR
Dr. Crawford PAUL LALLY
Renee Dodds CHRISTINE COX
Who's in trouble? Who's got a job? Who needs a holiday?
The Adventures of Bettabuys begin in earnest.
Vera's getting ready for her first day of work at Bettabuys. Curly reminds Jack that nicking stuff from the store means immediate dismissal, fearing he might encourage Vera to go after the damaged goods.. Later, Mr. Holdsworth instructs Norman to show Kimberly and Vera how to stack shelves properly and delivers a lecture on the theory of shelf stacking along with it. Through the day, Vera is making friends with Kimberly and they talk about bosses. Kimberly thinks Mr. Watts is stern and masterful but probably very nice but is shocked when Vera tells her they live together!
Audrey is quite chuffed about the potential buyers for their house but tells Sally that Alf came over all dizzy that morning and is off to the doctor. She and Sally discuss the emotions of men, there are only three you know, fear, pride and lust if you're lucky (truer words never spoken!). Alf is fearful about the journey to a new flat, the unknown. Sally wonders what it will do to the third emotion (lust) but Audrey doesn't have high hopes.
Alf is indeed at the doctor who tells him his blood pressure has gone way up and gives him the usual instructions about diet and stress. Alf tells the doctor the wife wants to move house and about his money worries and the doctor agrees it's stressful but won't give him the excuse that he shouldn't move which is what Alf was hoping, you know, and later when he tells Audrey the doctor says his blood pressure's up, he tries to imply that the doctor said it was because of the stress of moving house but she knows better. She knows the doctor just gave him the same old warnings about watching his weight so that didn't work, did it Alf?
Ivy clears up some confusion over her paper bill with a distracted Rita and Mavis explains Rita's irritability due to Alan's presence in the area. Alan is back to see Maurice Jones but this time to ask for a job as a labourer on the building site.
At Bettabuys, Vera gets into an argument with a woman in the store who Vera decides is Lady Muck, not good enough to take a shopping cart that Vera offered and makes a big fuss. It turns out it's the store detective, Mrs. Dodds who is quite insulted with Vera's attitude and plans to take it up with Mr. Holdsworth. Curly scurries after her to try to smooth things over which he does manage to do eventually. This time.
Mavis and Derek have dinner in the Rovers and she wonders if they can persuade Rita to take a holiday. Derek thinks Mavis is taking on too much and needs time to herself, to pursue her own interests and passions like cooking (his meals????) Audrey and Ivy come in. Ivy patiently listens while Audrey goes on about Alf, and the flat and the new owners and decides they are a nice couple and at least won't be hooligans. (hmm. did she just jinx things?)
Mr. Holdsworth and Mr. Watts cruise the store aisles and Mr. H. shudders at the loud cackle of Vera's laugh. Couldn't Mr. Watts ask her to tone it and the makeup down? Just after Vera tells Kimberly that Curly's her lodger, he does come over to warn her on the boss's behalf and wants her to apologise to Mrs. Dodds. Vera grudgingly gives one but Mrs. Dodds doesn't think it's very sincere so Curly's on damage control once again in an attempt to keep Vera her job.
Mavis tries to convince Rita to take a holiday, as it might help put things in perspective but Rita says she won't be licked! Alan gets a visit from Jenny at his grotty little flat with it's crooked floor lamps and purple walls. He tells Jenny he's proud of her achievements, getting into college and says he's not as bad as they all say. He's got a job and vows to make her proud of him one day. She falls for it. Does anyone out there really believe he's sincere? I don't!
Poor Alf's stress level reaches new heights as Betty warns that house sales often fall through and it's one of the most stressful things in life. Later Dawn is visiting Audrey and when Alf comes home he loses his temper seeing her there trying to sell, sell, sell. Audrey apologises for him and Alf tells her she's gone overboard about the flat.
Rita goes home early, planning to make a little hidy-hole in her bedroom with the tv and the gin bottle. Since Mavis encourages her heartily, Rita jokes that she may suspect Mavis of wanting to make off with the takings! On the way home Rita sees Alan on the building site and her eyes widen in horror.
Diane
Wednesday (2986, 1 November 1989)Writer TONY PERRIN Director RICHARD HOLTHOUSE
Bitparts:
Site Foreman ROD ARTHUR
First credited appearance:
Eddie Ramsden WILLIAM IVORY
Who's being messed about? Who wants money? How's Vera getting along on the job?
Jenny fends off a few flirty construction workers and has a word with her dad about his new job.
Audrey calls Dawn to apologise for Alf's behaviour and says she's still interested in the flat and she'll talk Alf around. But in the shop Alf is telling Sally how he has firmly put his foot down. Phyllis complains about the price of bananas, much to Alf's exasperation ("they don't grow on trees, you know!" "They did when I were in school") Phyllis also discovers that Vera is working at Bettabuys now.
And Vera is there wondering when it's break time and hollers down the aisle to Curly who scrambles to tell her she must call him Mr. Watts at work. Vera thinks he's putting on airs but Kimberly stoutly defends him.
At the Kabin, Mavis straightens out the video shelves as the post arrives. There's a letter for Rita from Alan. Rita holds her breath as she reads it. He is asking for a cash settlement for his past contributions to the video portion of the business which was his idea. When pigs fly, I think! Mavis makes a comment to Ivy about the comic that is being held for Nicky, as it's quite a grown up type and don't they grow up quickly? Ivy reckons it's Martin's with a snide remark that he's still just a lad himself. After she leaves, Mavis wonders if Rita shouldn't pay Alan and then he may go away but thought it's a polite letter, Rita sees it as a threat, that and the job across the road from her home. He's after revenge, he blames her. Mavis looks alarmed at the extent of Rita's venom!
At the Rovers at dinnertime, Alan comes in with the work mates. The regulars thing he's got a right neck being there and when Mavis and Derek arrive, Derek hastily agrees they should leave at Mavis's suggestion. But no, Mavis decides not to let Alan drive them out, she is determined. Derek tries to avoid going to the bar but the only spot available is right beside Alan who bares his wolf-like grin and passes the time of day, pulling Derek's leg a little, telling him he's got a grudge against him. Derek nearly has heart failure bu Alan says it's for not bringing him a cake with a file in it when he was inside. Poor Derek returns to Mavis with the glasses clattering in his shaky hands but he puts a brave face on it saying he put Bradley in his place!
Ivy runs into Gail in the shop and asks if she needs more help and asks after Martin. Audrey dashes in and says she wanted to confirm with the MacDonalds on the asking price of £25,000. Gail is put out that she knew nothing about it whereas the jungle drums sound every time she makes a move! Audrey gets angry at Alf again for stalling and mucking the MacDonalds around. Alf tells Audrey she should have told the buyers that the deal is off, the flat is too upmarket for them. That's quite an insult in Audrey's book and she calls him a bully and vows not to surrender. A little while later, Jim MacDonald comes over to Audrey's wanting to know what's going on and why they are being messed about. Seems even though Audrey says the deal is still on, Alf had called him and said it was off. Jim confronts Alf on it at the shop after Audrey reassures him. He and the wife would appreciate a definite answer now that Audrey's offered them the carpets and curtains in the deal!
At the supermarket during a casual conversation, Curly asks Kimberly about her name and who chose it. it comes out that she is officially Louise Kimberly, abandoned as a baby in the balcony of a cinema that was playing Bonnie and Clyde at the time and later fostered out and she was baptized at 15 so really she chose her own name.
Alan stops by Rita's house as she comes home. His question as to if she received the letter is ignored as she rushes inside and locks the door. Alan later tells the foreman on the site that he used to live around there and got into trouble but he did his time for it. The foreman's not bothered though.
Vera clowns around and causes a bottle to break but Kimberly takes a sharp word from Mr. Watts for it instead and her feelings get hurt. Vera notices and later tells Curly that Kimberly has a crush on him. He passes it off as fraternization is frowned upon.
Rita shuts up shop and decides not to go to dinner with Mavis and Derek. She unlocks the door at a knock thinking Derek has returned for an umbrella but it's Alan asking about the video compensation. He'll get nothing from her Rita insists and keep away from her! Alan accuses her of ruining everything by hanging on to her money and his too, like grim death. Well she can keep it if it's that important to her! She locks the door behind him, shaking. She goes home, sees a note from Jenny saying she'll be late and pours herself a drink for strength.
In the pub that night, Curly wonders how a confirmed Marxist like himself could have ended up working in a capitalist environment. Sally tells Kevin that Audrey is determined to have that flat and over at the bar, Jack wonders about getting any of Curly's first pay cheque as room and board. Curly notes that he has a few outstanding debts to clear up first. Audrey has resorted to giving Alf the cold shoulder and accuses him of always changing his mind (but he never really wanted to sell up in the first place!) She actually threatens to leave him!
Mavis and Derek are settling down to bed. She hears a noise but Derek thinks it's just the plumbing. Downstairs we see it's obvious that someone has broken in and we hear rattling and it looks like the shop has been ransacked.
Diane
Friday (2987, 3 November 1989)
Writer TONY PERRIN Director RICHARD HOLTHOUSE
Bitparts:
Site Foreman ROD ARTHUR
WPC CAROL NOAKES
Police Constable JONATHAN JAYNES
Det. Sgt Crichton JAMES VAUGHN
Mrs. Charlesworth MAUREEN HAYDEN
What's happened to the Kabin and who's responsible? Will Alf change his mind?
Phyllis comes to the Kabin and finds the front door a mess! They've been burgled! Rita arrives to assess the damage. Mavis thinks just some cigarettes, magazines and videos are missing, but not the naughty ones (Rita! You have naughty magazines and videos in the Kabin????) There was nothing in the till so there was no cash stolen. The alarm didn't even go off though Mavis is positive she set it. When the police arrive to investigate, they establish that Mavis did indeed set the alarm and no, Derek doesn't sell videos in his line of work (to which Derek is quite affronted to think they could suspect him).
Audrey has a headache this morning from sleeping on the sofa. Alf wonders did she really mean she'd pack her bags if he didn't give in on the new flat? Later in the shop Alf isn't feeling well either. Sally thinks he'd be happier if he bought the flat, you can't have both, a happy marriage and a chubby bank balance!
Curly hurries Vera along. jack asks him how she is doing and thinks she's never happier when she's working. After they leave Jack goes back up to bed though Vera had left him with a list of chores to do.
Phyllis has a grand time telling all and sundry about the break in and warns Betty and Ivy you can't be too careful, expanding on all the security measures that Percy advises. Ivy tries to find out from Audrey if she's sold the house yet and how Alf is doing but Audrey isn't talking to her about it. She is however, telling Alma that she threatened to leave him, what's money for but to make life easier? Alma tells Audrey she should be very careful, she might lose in the choice between her and Alf's money! That gives Audrey something to think about.
The police are seen taking Alan Bradley away from the building site and Jenny wonders what's on? She goes to ask Rita and is horrified to find out that Rita thinks Alan broke into the Kabin and is trying to frighten her. He knew all about the alarm system since he installed it!
In the shop, Jim MacDonald comes int to ask Alf about the house again and Alf asks him to come round to their place later as Sally tells a curious Ivy and another customer who Jim is (potential new owner of Number 11). Alf goes and waits for Audrey at the house and when she arrives he tells her he's been doing his sums and they can just about afford the flat with a hefty mortgage, if he can get one at his age and health. She backs down too and says she'd be just as happy with a nice little house in a nice little area and it seems a compromise has been made.
Jenny tries to see Alan at the police station but is made to wait and wait. Alan is questioned but he denies breaking in and never loses his temper even after being accused of holding a grudge against Rita.
At the supermarket, Vera anxiously awaits quitting time. She tells Curly that Kimberly likes him and tries to get him to ask her out. Curly decides to nip that in the bud and begins to witter on to Kimberly about socialism and revolutions and he can't ask her out because he's her boss and she's a nice person, that's in there somewhere, too, but poor Kimberly gets hopelessly confused. (so did I and I'm used to Curly's philosophical rantings)
Audrey fixes some refreshments for the MacDonalds while thinking about a new house and making improvements to it. The MacDonalds arrive and are quite pleased to be told they can buy the house after all!
Jenny comes home, unsuccessful in her efforts to see her dad. She's very angry at Rita for accusing him of the break in and Rita doesn't seem to be able to convince Jenny to see her side of things. It looks like they're holding him overnight at least as we see Alan being led to a cell.
Diane
Monday (2988, 6 November 1989)
Writer ADELE ROSE Director SARAH HARDING
Bitparts:
Les Smith CRISPIN LETTS
Stuart Haley STUART ANDREWS
Who's innocent? Who's causing trouble innocently? Who's rattling cages?
Jenny wants to call her dad's landlady to find out if he's been back (from the police station) but just now it's too early to call and he's probably still in jail anyway. Jenny gives her a dirty look and calls a little later and no, he's not in and hasn't rung. Rita can't understand how Jenny can have any illusions, Alan's doing all this to get at her and why? Well maybe he's got mental problems. This really sets Jenny off and she rants at Rita that she's the vindictive one, not Alan, she wants Alan behind bars! Rita counters that she just wants to be left in peace!
Curly and Vera are getting ready for work and we see the debu of the slicked back Mr. Norman Watts "professional" hair. Vera tells Jack that Mr. Holdsworth has lovely dimples and only told Jack he was horrid so Jack wouldn't get jealous! Jack is wondering if Curly plans to pay them rent or owt to contribute to the household and Vera firmly tells Jack that she has refused Curly's offer to pay. He has to have a bit of money in his pocket if he wants to take a girl out if he wanted to, after all!
Tina fields the cat calls and wolf whistles from the bricklayers on the building site on her way to work. Percy reckons it's sexual harassment and tells Rita that men have no respect for women anymore, they just don't put them on a pedestal like he was taught. Rita agrees with that! Before she can leave, the site foreman calls her over to ask if Alan has been released yet. How would she know? Well seeing as it was her shop, he thought she might. Percy follows the foreman for a natter about crimebusting while the poor man tries to get on with his job.
At the supermarket, Curly gives Kimberly a lecture on customer relations. Vera butts in and lets Kimberly in on some of Curly's interests such as astronomy and tries to get him to ask Kimberly for a date but he can't since he was asked to stay late and reorganize some of the freezers. Never one to miss an opportunity, Vera offers Kimberly's services helping him and she does agree to work a little overtime with Mr. Watts that evening. Later Vera gives her a pep talk and steers her to the makeup aisle, poor besotted girl!
In the Kabin, Mavis is admiring some of Derek's Christmas novelties as Rita is considering abolishing Christmas this year and maybe going somewhere warm. Emily comes in and asks about Jenny and lets them kn ow that Percy is closely monitoring the situation with Alan, predicting incarceration as likely. She agrees that it does seem like Alan is persecuting Rita, at least from what Rita is saying. Mavis decides that once Alan is back in jail, Jenny and Rita will be back on good terms.
But Jenny and her friend Stuart are walking along a lovely little path, probably on campus and she isn't paying much attention to him, checking her watch constantly. Stuart knows something's wrong but she won't talk about it and asks him to be patient with her, she'll manage it on her own.
In the Rovers at dinnertime, Eddie, one of the construction lads, is fiercely coming on to Tina who is holding her own, smiling and passing it off as just another randy customer, part of what comes with being a barmaid. Percy thinks the lads want throwing out but Alec is horrified at this thought, considering the amount of ale the workers sup! Jack does agree with Percy for once and says they have no respect for the weaker sex. Like your Vera, Alec wryly puts? Jack comes back with "I said the weaker sex, I said nowt about Our Vera!". Over at another table, Derek is admonishing Mavis for worrying about Rita too much. But Mavis defends herself saying that Rita has been through so much. Derek petulantly explains that he has too and you don't see him needing a nursemaid and really, Rita is in danger of becoming a clinger. Mavis has other obligations now that she's part of a couple. (Really, it's scenes like these, that happen all too often, that always made me dislike Derek more than i could ever appreciate his eccentricities! Grow Up Derek!)
Jenny's been tot he police stations again and comes to tell Rtia that Alan's free. The police found the lads that broke in red-handed trying to sell the videos in a market. Jenny wants her to apologise and let Alan get on with his life in peace!
Eddie tries to get a date with Tina but she wise cracks him along and it turns out she's working tonight so he promises to come in though she isn't encouraging him to. Sally doesn't konw how Tina can stick it all, it's like a verbal grope but it's an occupational hazard, Tina tells her. Most of them would run a mile given any real encouragement. Mark thinks Tina manages to handle it ok and Kevin makes a few loud pointed remarks directed toward the builders about them just showing off. Emily pops in to tell Bet about Rita wanting to skip Christmas and they haven't heard that Alan has been released when they both hope alan will be inside for a long time. Inside he is, too, right inside the Rovers as he walks in for a drink to the amazement of all! Alec smiles at him and welcomes him back on behalf of himself and Bet and later takes a rounding from Bet for speaking to that louse on her behalf! He is a scum that hurt her friend!
Rita gets home as Alan watches from behind the fence surrounding the site. She sees him and scurries inside, locking the door.
Curly nearly forgets to tell Kimberly that the overtime is cancelled, he having been requested to do a report by Mr. Holdsworth instead. He also politely mentions the dirty marks around her eyes (blue eyeshadow). She is crushed but Vera comforts her and asks her round to tea tomorrow instead for a meal and a match make!
Rita and Jenny are at odds yet again. Jenny says she just can't stand being in that house with Rita blaming her dad in the light of purely circumstantial evidence. He's got no chance to start fresh with her on him constantly.
Curly meets Sally, Kevin and Mark for a drink before they are going to 10 pin bowling tegether. Eddie comes back in to try his chances with Tina again but he gets a bit out of hand, grabbing Tina for a kiss as she passes so Mark and Kevin come to the rescue and hustle him out to dire warnings of "We'll meet again!" from Eddie.
Rita is hitting the bottle, hard as she seems to be doing a lot lately. A knock on the door has her wobbling slightly as she goes to open it, thinking it's Jenny but it's Alan again! He wants to see if she'll apologize for stitching him up. Course not! He picks up her dropped glass for her and leaves her in frightened tears.
Diane
Tuesday (2989, 8 November 1989)
Writer PETER WHALLEY Director SARAH HARDING
Bitparts:
Les Smith CRISPIN LETTS
Fight Arranger CHRIS WEBB
Before she goes off to work this morning, Vera makes sure Jack will behave himself tonight when she has Kimberly to tea. Jack accuses Vera of interfering wtih Curly's life unasked which he can well do without but Vera won't be put off as Jack discovers that Curly doesn't even know about this evening's dinner guest.
Jenny asks Rita if she's going to the shop today and gently discusses that Rita needs something to occupy her because, honestly, she's getting obsessed! It's all in her head, really, this paranoia about Alan. Rita doesn't take this well! Jenny leaves and walks over to her dad at work, making plans to visit that eveing for tea. Alan has to put a coworker right when he wrongly assumes Jenny is a girlfriend. That's me daughter!!! Oh. Nice girl!
Emily and Mavis discuss the outcome of the breakin, with the culprit not being Alan and what Rita's reaction to it all was. Mavis pouts that nobody has bothered to ask about her! She and Derek were in much more danger as they were living right upstairs and Rita wasn't even on the premises. Emily does attempt to defend Rita but Mavis considers the possibility that if Rita was wrong about alan breaking in, she could also be wrong about her fears that he's persecuting her. Rita arrives at the tail end of this and there are a few awkward moments as Emily covers and says they were just discussing the break in. Emily gathers her things and is on her way. Mavis tries to sooth things by asking Rita if they should reorder replacement videos and tries to get Rita to sit down and browse the catalog but Rita won't be patronized. She thinks that Mavis, too, probably thinks she's obsessed, same as Jenny. Mavis asks Rita outright, was she hoping it was Alan? Yes she was, she wants him put away forever so maybe she is obsessed, Rita concedes defensively.
Tina gets a pep talk from Bet after last night's near bust up with Eddie. Bet tells her she'll pick up the trick of spotting the lads that are safe to flirt with and those that are trouble. Tina is instructed to avoid serving the construction lads for awhile until things cool off. Jack is hoping to get a bit of overtime from Alec to avoid the dinner party but Alec doesn't want to pay Jack just so he can get away from Vera! Then of course, when Bet suggests Tina have a few nights off, leaving Jack to work, Alec is against that right quick. Besides she brings trade in, no matter if they are a bit high spirited, and Bet is annoyed that all he's bothered about is the money the brickies spend, not the trouble they could cause.
Vera assures Kimberly that it will be ok with Curly that she comes to tea as a surprise guest and tells her they don't stand on ceremony at their house so not to be nervous. Curly comes by and sees a loaded cart next to Vera and warns her that staff must shop on their own time but Vera lies and says a customer must have left it. He redirects Kimberly to the pet food aisle. A little later, Jack has a visit to the supermarket, intent on telling Curly about the surprise guest but he wastes too much time asking about damaged goods and commenting on the availability of all those female clerks working there so by the time he gets round to the real reason for his visit, Vera catches up with him and sends him to the checkout with her basket of groceries! Curly also remembers to let Vera know that he has a meeting after work and will be an hour or so late.
Tina serves Derek and Mavis as the brickies come in for their dinner. Bet has Alec serve them while Tina ignores them. Mavis and Derek moan about the rowdy atmosphere. Derek comments that he was never like that as a young man, in fact, he informs mavis, he took the pledge when he was 17 and didn't drink at all. His uncle was with the Salvation Army and Derek did a little tambourine playing with them now and again! (I can picture that, can't you?) Alec attributes the esprit de corps as just high spirits but when Tina tries to take over Mavis and Derek's dinners, the lads surround her. Who comes to the rescue? You'll never believe it! Alan Bradley, as he enters and sees the commotion and cautions the boys to have a bit of respect. That gives Bet something to think about, as she has that "will wonders never cease" look on her face. Later in the back, Bet and Alec discuss Alan. Maybe he's ju8st biding his time? Alec philosophises in the best traditions of barmen everwhere with the bit of unexpected (for him) wisdom that the worst place you can live is in the past and Bet should maybe talk to Rita and try to get her to see that. Bet's duly impressed.
At teatime Jenny visits Alan and asks him why he went to see Rita, that he should just leave her alone, in peace since he knows it upsets her. It's piled high and deep when Alan lays it on thick telling Jenny he only went really, because he still cares about her. He doesn't hate her at all and he hopes Rita won't turn Jenny against him! Never!
Vera brings Kimberly home to a hungry and growling Jack who is not happy when he finds out tea will be late because of Curly's meeting. He greets Kimberly thought, and fills her in on some of Curly's past history in jobs (binman, door to door sales) and love life (We took him in after his girlfriend left and his landlord chucked him out for back rent). Vera chides him but Kimberly thinks it's dead romantic! Curly is actually pleasantly surprised to see Kimberly, doesn't mind a bit and they get into a discussion about work matters while Vera gets the tea on.
Bet visits Rita, declining the offer of a drink though Rita has one anyway and tells her how alan got them out of a bit of bother at dinnertime. Rita is beginning to realize that Bet now might think that Alan has changed and bitterly accuses her of taking everyone else's side against her too! It's not just all in her imagination, Rita insists. Alan's out to get her! Jenny hears the last bit and loses it. He only comes round because he still cares about you! Why does Rita HAVE to be right and everyone else wrong about her dad? Inside your head he's a monster, and you're the one needs help not him! Well, Rita decides, that about sums up what everyone is thinking about her doesn't it? She finishes her drink.
Bet returns to the pub as Alec is serving the building lads who have come in for the evening. She tells Alec that Rita was really in a state and wasn't hearing any of her arguements and she was also drinking! Tina avoids the lads again but Eddie comes up to the bar and apologizes nicely for their behavior, no hard feelings. Tina says she'll let them off with it this time then. But as they return to their table they seem to be waiting for someone...
Over at the Duckies, Vera sends Curly and Kimberly off to the Rovers while she and Jack do the washing up, much to Jack's consternation, having felt like a quick half himself!
Kevin and Sally come in and it looks like Kevin is the one the boys have been waiting for as they surround him and pick a fight in retaliation for the way Kevin and his mates rousted the builders out of the pub the night before. Kevin gets the worst of it though Phyllis gets manhandled a bit when she tries to swat one with her handbag and sally gets pushed around. Poor old Curly walks right into a fist and goes down hard before the lads run out with Kimberly crying out for Mr. Watts!
Diane
Wednesday (2990, 10 November 1989)
Writer STEPHEN MALLATRATT Director SARAH HARDING
Bitparts:
Sgt. Harrison PHILIP WILDE
PC Wilson MARK JORDAN
Who's a coward? Who's been drinking? Who's been barred?
Cleaning up the morning after the fight in the bar, Alec is calculating the loss in broken chairs etc. Bet's seen worse she says, but Alec thinks the lads want doing what they do to tomcats to stop them from fighting. He rants on as Jack arrives for work with Tina right behind. Alec hopes she's satisfied and thinks she's more trouble than she's worth. Alec has a right go at poor Tina, blaming her and calling her Mata Flamin' 'Ari even though she's only trying to be pleasant to the customers. jack leaps to her defence to no avail. Bet says nowt through it all but follows Alec out back and t threatens him with a smack around the face for treating Tina like that. Alec blames her for egging the lads on, smiling like a red light in Hamburg, enjoying it. He says, a with a bit of a derogatory tone, she's a barmaid, she can cope but Bet says of course she can, she has to (to keep her job).
At the Kabin Mavis offers Rita a cup of tea but Rita is cranky and later apologises. Derek comes home early and offers to staff the Kabin with Mavis so Rita can have a day off. Of course it was preplanned and of course Rita can see right through it. She loses her temper then breaks down in Mavis' arms.
At Bettabuys, Kimberly is telling Vera how brave Mr. Watts was in the fight the night before. Curly comes by with a big shiner and sends Vera on an errand and apologises to Miss Taylor about the fight. Kimberly enthuses that it was the best night in ages!
At the garage, Kevin is also sporting a black eye and good naturedly contends with a bit of ribbing from Mark about his "beauty mark".
On the building site, Eddie is bragging about the fight but Alan's just glad it was bother that he wasn't involved in for once. Percy and Phyllis walk toward the Rovers and discuss the quality and low class of the venue of late but rather than stay out, Phyllis decides she has to go in to protect Percy in case more trouble should arise. :)
Inside the Rovers, Tina is looking pretty down in the dumps and takes guff from Alec about being po-faced! She can't win! She serves the pensioners, who remind Kevin that he should be ashamed of himself for fighting. Alec is still complaining that he can't stand troublemakers but Bet says to leave it out, he's got a building site full of them across the road. She goads Alec into going across to talk to Maurice Jones about the fight by calling him a coward who can slag off Tina but not stand up to the real troublemakers. Alec tries to play both sides against the middle by telling Jones his lads are welcome, course they are but he can't have all this brawling. Maurice says it's nothing to do with him what the men get up to on their own time and asks if Alan Bradley was involved. No, no it were them over there, pointing out Eddie and a few others. Oh, well it's just lads, what did you expect? Jones laughs.
As Eddie turns his back to a task, Alan slides out between the fence and he gets into Rita's house through the back door which he seems to do with a lock-picking-thingy. He walks in and grins. (you know he really does look like a Big Bad Wolf when he smiles like that!)
Derek cautiously approaches Rita and says he'll stay if she wants to go have her dinner. She accepts and apologises again and decides to take the afternoon off after all. As she leaves Derek mentions to Mavis that he thought he could smell alcohol on Rita's breath. Bet gives Tina a pep talk in the living room. while Tina defends herself, Bet understands that she didn't egg the boys on into a fight. Bet tells her she's been through it all, groping, leering, smut and ale poured down her dress. They do it because they're little boys back in the nursery if we smile at them and because we're helpless to do owt. They are louder and stronger. You just have to try to keep your dignity and keep out of the way when you see trouble. Tina thanks her and goes back to work as Alec comes in scowling and he tells Bet that Jones did nothing. Bet figures Alec didn't really try very hard and probably didn't ask for compensation either for the damage. She tells Alec he's a coward, stop picking on Tina, whom he continues to blame, and face the real culprits. Right! Alec stalks out to the bar with purpose. He storms up to Kevin and Sally who are playing a harmless game of darts and bars them both, insisting they started the fight and Kevin's mate, Mark is barred and all (even though Mark wasn't even there but Alec figures they're all as bad as each other!) Sally and Kevin leave, highly insulted. Alec turns around and sees Bet, Tina and Jack all staring at him from behind the bar as if he's lost his mind!
Rita arrives home and sees a biscuit tin on the table, the one that the mortgage was kept in and the very same one she always keeps in the side cupboard! It's been moved! She runs out in a panic and gets Don to call the police on his radio because she is convinced Alan must be inside. The police come and Don tells them Alan nor no one else is inside, he checked but Rita is adamant that Alan did it. No, there's nothing stolen and the back door is open but not forced. But the tin was moved! It was moved don't you see!? She sounds quite paranoid, telling them Alan's out to get her and he tried once to kill her and even has a job nearby to watch her. The constable is sent to the building site to check out Alan's whereabouts but both Eddie and the foreman vouch for him because they didn't see him leave the site all morning (we did!) Rita is beside herself begging them to believe her but since there's nothing taken and Alan has witnesses, there really isn't anything they can do. As they leave they also comment to each other about the smell of alcohol and think to themselves it's a case of revenge.
Curly stops by and tells Kimberly that he enjoyed their "date" and next time they should go somewhere more quiet but asks her not to tell Vera. Well we all know Vera would have her nose firmly in their business don't we?
Maurice comes in the bar and Bet takes the opportunity to get in a few digs about the troublesome crew. Jones finally hands over some cash to contribute toward the damage and then later suggests to Alec they have a football match between the Rovers lads and his to settle the score. Alec sees two thirsty teams filling his coffers but Bet reminds him that he's barred half the team!
Jenny comes home and it's plain she knows the events of the day. She's well and truly fed up and tells Rita she's leaving. She goes upstairs to pack her bags leaving a hysterical Rita crumpled on the stairs. She packs her bags and walks out. Rita peers through the curtains and catches Alan's eye's upon her as he watches Jenny leave!
Diane
Thursday (2991, 13 November 1989)
Writer STEPHEN MALLATRAT Director BRIAN MILLS
Bitparts:
Robert Prescott JAMES GADDAS
Where's Rita? Who's going about it all the wrong way? Will Alec have a football team?
Maurice Jones rattles Alec's cage about his football team, knowing he's barred most of the members. Alec covers by saying they're in training and brags the abilities of the team.
Mavis is opening the shop on her own while Curly and Vera wait to be served. Rita must be having a lie in. Vera notes that it's them skivvies that end up doing for the management, keeping things running.
Eddie approaches Tina on the street and apologises for the fight and his behaviour. She still calls him a prat but enters the pub with a smile on her face, telling Bet he's really quite nice. Is her frozen heart melting just a little bit??? Alec asks Jack about Curly and is told that all the former regulars are now drinking at the Flying Horse in support of Kevin and Mark's barring and Alec can stuff his football match, much to Alec's consternation.
Mike is making a few calls but can't seem to make any definite plans with his old business contacts and seems to be at loose ends. Dawn pops in and tells him she must miss lunch because she's meeting her brother at the airport and Mike is left on his own again. He sighs.
Tina collects the glasses from Eddie's table several times and then realizes after Bet comments that she's being obvious in her interest. Maurice ups the ante with Alec and talks him into a bet but Alec lowers the initial suggested amount from £50 to £25 (seeing as he hasn't got a team yet!!!) Now Alec is really hot to get the boys back into the fold! Good Luck!
Mavis goes to Number 7 but Rita isn't answering the door. She asks Alec who is passing if he's seen Rita but gets a rude remark about it not being any of his business for her trouble. He's on his way to Sally and Kevin's hoping to catch Kevin and Mark at dinner to persuade them to play football. However his powers of persuasion are rather lackluster as he tries to talk the boys into coming back, saying all the wrong things I might add. He implies that there was a misunderstanding on both sides but all is forgiven if they come back and play and of course they can drink anytime they want. There's two sides to everything, he's been a bit hasty, just a shade and he'll forget if you play. He'll do them a favour if they do him one. .. does that sound sincere to you? thought not! They finally break their silence with praises of how well they're treated at the Flying Horse and Sally is indignant that Kevin was hurt in a fight picked for no reason by people drinking in Alec's pub as we speak!!! Alec gets tired of the abuse and what he sees as their "attitude" and leaves in a huff. He returns to the pub and tells Bet he should bar the whole smug lot and could get several teams from the rest of the regulars but Bet points out that Percy, Alf and a few drunks probably wouldn't perform as well. Alec threatens Jack. He's to persuade them to comeback or he's in trouble (what a weasel!)
Dawn returns and Mike persuades her to invite her brother Robert for a meal. She's reluctant because she doesn't think they'll get along and she'd be bored as they try to outdo each other with their business conquest stories. They'd bring out the worst in each other but he promises to behave and is tired of being alone all the time.
In the Kabin Mavis is getting more worried by the minute about Rita who still hasn't checked in. It's unlike her not to at least call. Phyllis offers to help Mavis when she comments about how much responsibility there is to running the Kabin on her own but Mavis declines. Later she and Derek are about to knock on Rita's door, seeing a light when Jenny comes out and says Rita isn't there and she couldn't care less if she were dead!
Jack goes to the garage and only manages to persuade Kevin and Mark to come back with promises of free drinks and a personal apology from him if not from Alec. They decide that's a pretty good deal but one wrong word from Alec and it's over.
Dawn, Mike and Robert have an awkward meal and the inevitable competition with Robert and mike bragging about making money and business. Robert has made a mint in dealing with Spanish real estate the easy way while Mike has worked for his brass. Robert makes a crack to Dawn about the age difference and she is angry at her brother for not trying harder to get along with the man in her life. He seems to spark Mike's interest, however.
Martin, Curly, Mark, sally and Kevin return to the fold. Jack serves them trying not to let Alec find out about the free drinks but of course they all let it slip much to Alec's consternation. Sally asks if there is a problem because if there is they could go back to the Flying Horse. But Alec fawns over them, threatening to take it out of Jack's salary and when Percy asks if all the regulars will get free drinks, he snaps, Only when you put on a pair of shorts and dribble a ball down Coronation Street! (There's something you wouldn't see every day!)
It's 11 p.m. and Mavis can't get to sleep so she gets up and tries to call Rita gain but Number 7 is dark and the phone rings on unanswered in the night.
Diane
Friday (2992, 15 November 1989)
Writer JULIAN ROACH Director BRIAN MILLS
Bitparts:
Robert Prescott JAMES GADDAS
Gazza Cartwright DAVID J. NICHOLS
Has something sparked Mike's interest? Who's the ringer? Why is Mavis worried?
This was an absolutely brilliant episode with classic Bet and Alec scenes and dialogue and I thoroughly enjoyed it! You can tell when there's chemistry between two actors who have worked as a team for a long time, how they play off each other and their superb timing!
Mike waits for Dawn on the docks by the flats while she chats up potential customers. He compliments her on her sales technique. She thinks he didn't get along ver well with her brother because they're too much alike. Mike thinks Robert is cocky due to making so much money at a young age unlike himself who worked for it.
Before opening time, Alec checks the ale while Bet reads the morning paper with her morning coffee and cigarette, coughing a little. Alec asks her if she ever thinks of giving it up? What the fags? All the time but working up to a cough is the only exercise I get! No, the business! Alec retorts. She replies that she'll give it up when they screw the lid down on her. Even with all the trouble, and apologising for barring folk and grovelling and free ale? But then of course that's Alec's problem isn't it? And he still thinks bloody Kevin Webster is at the eye of the hurricane (as it were). They both stand behind the bar, Bet continuing to read her paper when there's a knock on the door. They nudge each other, Alec leaning and Bet not looking up from the paper but since Bet's not moving Alec sighs and goes to answer the door! (perfect timing on this bit!) It's Maurice Jones who comes in to show off the new team shirts (strips) and tells Alec that the man who did them up will make them for Alec's team and all (good publicity Alec!) for 80 quid which shocks our tightwad!
Mavis continues to try to telephone Rita to no avail and is getting more worried by the minute. Derek decides that Rita knows she's made a fool of herself and took off on her own. Mavis defends Rita and seems to believe her fears that Alan broke in and moved things and she's scared out of her wits of him. Just then Alan comes in for a paper and some chocolate bars so Derek takes the quickest escape route possible through the door, leaving Mavis to defend the castle (so to speak). Bravis Mavis stands up to Alan and asks why he's come all this way when Alf carries chocolate as well and is closer (assuming he's really come to "stalk" Rita, I would imagine). She is told that Alf doesn't carry that particular brand and the lads on the site are fussy about their candy so Mavis strongly suggests he ask Alf to get them in for him! Well done Mavis!
Alec gripes about the cost of the team strip and Jack is horrified that Alec doesn't want the team to look smart. The lads are serious and there's things to be settled out there, they don't want to look rag tag! Alec is adamant however as Tina is all aflutter that Eddie has asked her out yet again although she turned him down and Bet sighs.
Percy comes in the shop and has a natter with Mavis about the new development, possibly attracting the wrong sort to the street since it will encourage more traffic depending on what kinds of new shops will be included but Mavis is more optimistic, thinking the street could use a face lift and it will be nicer than the old factory wall. They argue about the break in at Rita's house with Percy deciding it couldn't have happened as they have a very good neighbourhood watch program but Mavis retorts that maybe they should keep watch a little better! The phone rings and Mavis jumps on it but it is just a customer to complain about something or other.
Robert comes to Mike's flat and apologises to him for being rude (on Dawn's orders, I've no doubt). Mike's ok about it and they chat about brother - sister stuff and he invites them both to dinner at his hotel where he tells Mike how he'd make a million in the rag trade by latching onto a fad such as skirts to men, have someone like Mike make them but get into the retail end where people would come in to see the fad/trend, probably not buy it but will purchase plenty of shirts and trousers. Then he'd sell out to one of the big boys and get out quick. But Spanish real estate is easier, you just have to be clever enough to figure out which land will be wanted for development down the road and shows Mike some pictures but when Mike offers to put in some money, Robert declines, not wanting to share. (Now, how many of you are thinking what I'm thinking, Robert is setting Mike up to get rid of some bum property???)
The lads come boisterously into the pub in full strip (uniform) as the Rovers' team looks on in contempt. Jones tells Alec the boys are being civilized tonight and Alec considers it's just being hypocritical given their past behaviour. Bet injects a brilliant, Classic Bet line, "That's what civilization is, Organized hypocrisy, nothing more" and swans past. Alec watches her go and comments to Maurice, "I don't know where she gets 'em, I really don't!" Maurice asks Alec does he want that new strip because he has to get back to the fellow and Alec lets on that they already have one and don't want to change it for fear of changing their luck! But the boys tell Jack they want new strip and make Jack tell Alec that they insist or they won't play. Alec threatens to cancel the match altogether but Jack puts forth images of laughingstocks.
Jenny tells Mavis that Rita's car is still the in the rented garage and now Mavis thinks Rita's disappeared so Jenny offers to check the house and Rita's bedroom.
At the garage, Martin, Mark and Kevin discuss if they should paly or not but they still need a fifth man. As they discuss possibilities, a bloke in a red car skids up the road and spins to the stop by the garage and gets out. It's Gazza, a banger racing mate. Kevin and Mark tell Martin that Gazza is King Kong with a driver's license and almost played pro football but he's a very aggressive player. Well! hmm! nudge, nudge, wink, wink, he's been drinking in the Rovers for years!!! (As a regular he would be eligible to play!)
At Rita's, Jenny says there is a suitcase and some makeup gone. Mavis is just worried that something happened to scare her away and later as she and Derek have their tea she tells Derek that Rita is terrified and probably left because of Alan. Derek thinks she didn't ring anyone to punish them for taking against her side and let's face it, people don't take their makeup wipes if they plan to chuck themselves off Beachy Head do they? (i.e. do away with themselves as Mavis fears).
Alec decides to get new strip for the team but it's got to be smart, doesn't it? He holds up a white T-shirt with Alec's Rovers painted on with what looks like crayon or fabric markers. They'll look like a day care team if you ask me, wearing that! Gazza arrives and is introduced all around. The Team later drinks in the Rovers, more free ale. Alec tells Bet that whats-his-name, er, Basser, is a longtime regular, don't forget that! Bet calls out to Basser, how's your mom, love? That's Gazza he corrects her, and Bet says they can do wonders for that nowadays, give her my love!
Deirdre is enjoying a drink with Ken and remarks how rarely they do that these days, he's so busy. Maybe we can get back to normal now. Ken evades her and asks what's normal, this is just a quiet patch. No doubt it will be over soon. (you want to believe that, Sunshine, when Deirdre finally susses out what's been going on behind her back!)
Diane
Monday (2993, 17 November 1989)
Writer LESLIE DUXBURY Director BRIAN MILLS
Bitparts:
Det. Sgt. Crighton JAMES VAUGHN
Gazza Cartwright DAVID J. NICHOLS
Les Smith CRISPIN LETTS
What does Mike know and what will he do with it? Who are the champions?
It the morning of the football match. Sally and Kevin do a very good imitation of pre-schoolers as they trade childish insults with the brickies on the site over who's going to win the match. Sally wrinkles her nose up in an expression that perfectly conveys "Nya, nya, who me? couldn't be! No, you! You're the losers, no you! no you!" finishing off with a very ladylike Up Yours! ("That's no lady, that's Webby's wife" is Builder Les' very original caustic comment, resulting in Sally's sneer).
In the pub before opening time, Jack tests the beer as Alec wonders who's going to referee the game. Jack volunteers even though Alec thinks the builders might object but then they haven't put anyone forth have they? But does Jack know anything about refereeing? Oh sure he's been watching football for years! Jack suggests Alec should nip out later and buy him an official whistle and assures a worried Alec the team is invincible.
Mavis is perusing the mail and practically frantic about Rita. She tells Derek Rita wouldn't have left without telling her what to do with the mail. Derek is reassuring, confident that Rita is just fine but is told for his trouble that he has an amazing capacity for ignoring unpleasant facts. Bet arrives as Derek leaves and she too thinks Rita has just gone off to avoid Alan but seeing how upset Mavis is gives her food for thought and she suggests Mavis might call the police to report her missing.
Mike's interest has been snagged by Dawn's Brother Robert's Spanish dealings and he looks at the pictures of the various Spanish properties, one in particular containing a petrol station. Dawn realizes what's going on and knows he's got the money to invest. She jokes that her boss has contacts in Spain and she could get a commission. Mike smiles and tells her she's learning fast!
The team is having dinner at the pub and trade more good natured digs with the builder team across the room over the impending match. Maurice makes sure his team drinks water so as to be in training I guess while he and Alan have a pint. He notices Gazza and asks about him. Jack and Alec make out that he's a long time regular but Alan looks on with suspicion, knowing fair well he's never seen Gazza in the Rovers in all the time he's been going there in recent years, former resident that he is. Derek arrives hoping Mavis will be there and after the builders object to Jack refereeing and decline Percy on his offer, volunteers to ref the game. He's got lots of experience having always been the odd one out at school when teams were chosen ("Can't think why" he wonders! I can!). This satisfies all and Derek is given custody of the whistle which he proceeds to use happily and deafen those around him with an enthusiastic chirp. Jack attempts to object but Alec shushes him saying Derek's even thicker than Jack is (and that's going some if you ask me!)
Mike meets Dawn too late for dinner and tells her he's going away for a few days to London to catch up with some old friends. She thinks all that talk of making money with Robert has got him interested in business again and offers to go with him but he would rather go alone and will see her when he sees her as he doesn't know how long he'll be away. She says he'll see her if she's still around when he gets back (Now where did that come from? She didn't seem *that* ticked off that he was going without her and doesn't know him well enough to figure out if he's lying or not!)
Mavis reports Rita missing to the police and Det. Sgt. Crichton is assigned to follow up. Mavis isn't overwhelmed to see him ("Oh, it's you") but he seems to the be one that always gets assigned owt to do with Rita Fairclough. Mavis states just the facts and the sergeant, too, doesn't believe her and thinks Rita has gone away to get away from the stress she's been under. He thinks Mavis should wait a few more days. He struts out as Derek returns to find Mavis running upstairs in tears because nobody believes her.
At the gymnasium, bragging rights are about to be settled as the teams get ready to play, the builders in their professional-looking strip and the Rovers in their white T-shirts "Alec's Rovers" (though the lads DO look quite cute in shorts, I happened to notice Kevin had pretty good legs as a matter of fact!) Pep talks all around and Derek arrives ready to referee the battle with encouraging comments to the soldiers about good sportsmanship.
The game begins with the brickies getting the first goal. Sally, Tina and Kimberly are on the sidelines hollering and cheering, Percy and Phyllis look on and decide Percy would have been the better referee and Alec sprints back and forth in a tizzy warning Tina, who's cheering for Eddie, to remember which side her bread is buttered on. The game gets rough with Gazza taking out Eddie by the knee with stern warnings from Derek. Kevin scores a goal and all are excited as the match continues.
Mike is packing for "London" but the pictures of the Spanish property are in his briefcase. Think he'll manage to get a Mediterranean tan in London???
At the Rovers, Deirdre is commenting to Bet how hard Ken has been working with all the late hours. The doors open and the winning team enters, cheering! It's "Our" side, Alec's Rovers have been victorious in their quest for bragging rights on Coronation Street, 6-2. The losing team arrives as well and they all share free food and ale which Alec gladly pulls out, collecting his £50 bet from Maurice Jones who reluctantly pays up, stating his objections to the team "ringer", Gazza.
And is Ken really working late? Not likely, he's meeting Wendy at the airport. She's just back from a Greek holiday, and she comes down the arrivals corridor with her luggage, pleasantly surprised to see Ken. Apparently she's been up and on the go travelling since 4 that morning and it's now dark outside so of course instead of going straight home (remember, she's already got her luggage) they go to the coffee shop (like she hasn't been fed endless cups of tea on the plane, but, as you soon see, this is to facilitate a very obvious plot manoeuvre). He insists driving her home and then leans over to kiss her. But as he pulls back, who does he spy out the door of the shop peering in at them? Mike Baldwin! Mike smiles evilly and turns away while Ken looks shocked then pensive, wondering what Ken will do with this little tid bit, no doubt. Mike is seen entering the international departures area rather than domestic so it's a fair bet he isn't going to London as he told Dawn.
Diane
Tuesday (2994, 20 November 1989)
Writer PETER WHALLEY Director IAN WHITE
Bitparts:
Mrs. Hargreaves JUDITH DAVIS
What does Mavis suspect? Will Ken reveal all?
Well, the victorious team is rubbing it in by hanging a big sign printed on a bed sheet between the Duckies' and the Websters' upstairs window. The builders reckon that's provocation, that, as Vera questions Jack to where he got the sheet and it better not be from the airing cupboard. Jack insists it's an old one, not to worry, but let's face it, they're all old and Vera counter-insists that even if they're old doesn't mean you can write all over 'em. The brickies are a bit rueful but Maurice Jones tells Eddie that Jack's missus will deal with him better than they ever could!
Derek tells Emily that Mavis contacted the police about Rita's disappearance and Mavis adds that it didn't do much good, they all think she's got an overactive imagination. What bothers her is how little imagination "some people" (glaring at Derek) have and precious little concern too. Emily offers to help in the Kabin but since she seems to be less concerned as well, Mavis says she can manage on her own, she'll be quite happy here alone with her imagination to keep her company. (Right on Mavis, I knew she had a sarcastic streak in her!)
Wendy comes into Ken's office and his arms. He's still concerned about Mike seeing them but Wendy doesn't know why. He finally reveals part of the history between he and Mike, telling her that Baldwin was married to his daughter and he had tried to prevent the match, knowing Baldwin to be exactly the wrong sort for his daughter and it only lasted 2 years in the end. Nope, that's not enough, decides Wendy, not enough to hold a grudge over but Ken insists she doesn't know what he's like!
Mavis is coping on her own when Jenny comes in to give Mavis a piece of her mind about going to the police and now they'll be on to her dad again. Mavis doesn't care one whit about Alan, he deserves it because he's the reason behind all this, he started it. Deirdre hears the tail end of it and sympathises and thinks Mavis did all the right things, including going to the police to report Rita missing. Mavis deals with a difficult customer and then Deirdre sends her upstairs to put her feet up and offers to cover for her.
There's a crowd in the bar at dinnertime. Eddie limps in and tries to get Tina's attention but she's running like a chook with it's 'head cut off. She takes some crates out back so he dashes out and around the back, pops up over the fence and asks her out! She'll think about it (smiling). He returns for his pint and pie and fends off inquiries with a story about having to see a bloke on the site but Tina blows his cover by accepting his invitation. She'll meet him in the Rovers at 7:30.
Mavis serves Derek his dinner and tells him Deirdre has offered to help out part time for the duration and she believes Mavis's concerns even if Jenny doesn't. If then occurred to Mavis that Alan may be more responsible than ever, Maybe he's murdered Rita!
Deirdre stops in at Ken's office to see if it's all right for her to help out Mavis part time. Sure it's all right, not a problem. She's surprised and wonders why they don't row anymore. She asks him if he's happy with the way things are between them now? The way things are now? Very happy indeed (of course you'd say that you pillock, having it all ways!) He tries to manage a modicum of a guilty look after she leaves.
Jenny comes back to Number 7 with her things, planning to stop for the time being. Alan sees her arrive and looks puzzled so he stops in at the Kabin for a reconnaissance, fishing for information which he doesn't get. He only manages to frighten Mavis who sees murder in his eyes now, and she tries to persuade Percy to stay for a cup of tea so Alan gets the hint and leaves.
At Wendy's, Ken tells her his excuse du jour (boring meeting). They make small talk and he tells her Deirdre mentioned that they don't fight anymore, that's because neither of them can be bothered. Well I think it's more that he can't be bothered. Probably doesn't have the energy! Eventually the conversation returns to Mike Baldwin and finally Ken tells Wendy the rest of the story, about Mike's affair with Deirdre. It was the worst time of his life (oh you mean besides your first wife electrocuted to death and your second one committing suicide????) and that's my there is such mutual hate. Wendy asks what will he do now but he doesn't know.
Alan takes Jenny for ad rink, a bit of information and gives her a bit of money. He's got a job and doesn't have anything else to spend it on, after all. He wonders what Rita is playing at, going off like that without a word.
Tina arrives to meet Eddie, who shows up a little late. They go to a little pizza joint and get to know one another. she finds out that his is 24 and he lives with his mom.
Mavis asks Derek to go to the police with her so she can tell them about her suspicions that Alan has murdered Rita. Derek thinks it's all in her imagination and he won't go with her so she storms out of the house, planning to ask someone else. She goes to Deirdre's house, surprising her with her suspicions but Deirdre says she will go with Mavis.
Diane
Wednesday (2995, 22 November 1989)
Writer PETER WHALLEY Director IAN WHITE
Bitparts:
Det. Sgt. Crichton JAMES VAUGHN
Is this Mavis' worst nightmare? Will Ken change his mind? Will Tina go out with Eddie again?
Tina's got another date with Eddie tonight but it's not her night off. What to do? She tries to get Jack to swop nights off with her but he says he's got sommat on. She doesn't believe him, he never has anything on, he just doesn't want her to go out with Eddie and he's small minded and pathetic! Guess Jack won't get that cup of tea Tina offered to butter him up!
Sally checks on Jenny. She too just thinks Rita has gone away for a bit and thinks people round here should just mind their own business, with a very snotty attitude! My, my very brash was our Sally before Motherhood brought a little responsibility and maturity to her life! She offers their house to Jenny or a meal whenever she wants.
Deirdre tells Ken what is going on in Mavis's head and is going with her to the police this morning but yes, she will try to get Mavis to tone it down rather than make out and out accusations. She does agree with Mavis that Rita's just not like that to run off without a word. Ken won't be able to accompany them because he's got a busy day with comments from Deirdre about never hearing of anyone with so many busy days! (and nights! if you only knew!) Those glasses are starting to take on a decidedly rosy tint! At the Kabin, she goes over with Mavis what they should say, pose a few suspicions and let the police make the conclusions. Derek arrives to watch the shop while they're gone.
Ken is disappointed - Wendy's starting a temp job this afternoon and won't even have time for lunch! He wanted to talk about Baldwin yet again, she does realize he really is a threat? Then he says he thought about telling Deirdre himself, better coming from him than Mike, more honourable (oh, that really takes the cake, he wants to be honourable by admitting to his wife he's having an affair before someone else can tell her. kind of like the crook that's only sorry because he's caught!) She wonders does he really realize what would happen just so he doesn't let Mike get one up on him? What does he want, really, forgiveness? absolution and a clear conscience? No he's just thinking of Deirdre not of himself but she warns him not to pretend he doesn't know the consequences. Does he want his marriage to end? No. Does he want to finish with her? No. Well one of those things would happen if he tells Deirdre and they don't know yet that Mike will tell.
Tina has another go at convincing Jack to swop with her, apologising for her temper that morning but he starts in on Eddie's cheap date compared to when he took her out so Tina gets angry again. Later Betty tries a little reverse psychology on Jack and tells him she thinks Vera will conclude that Jack doesn't want Tina out with Eddie because he still fancies her himself. Jack pooh poohs this but then has a quick change of heart and tells Tina he'll work for her. She's tickled pink and goes off to get ready. After all she only has 4 hours!
At the police station, good old Det. Sgt. Crichton is assigned to speak to Deirdre and Mavis. Deirdre reassures Mavis before the interview that they will make sure they tell the police their continued concerns and what they are doing about it. The sergeant hears Mavis and Deirdre out, with Councillor Barlow putting for all logic and frankness but when it looks as if Deirdre is about to bow to the policeman's logic that it's probably nothing, Mavis cuts in with the suggestion of murder. That makes the Sergeant sit up and he questions her suspicions. Mavis restates Rita's terrified state of mind and even though the break-ins were not Alan's fault it goes to show you how afraid of him she is, considering what he's already done to her in the past. Crichton decides she has a point and says they will look into it, stir things up and see what floats to the surface.
At the bar, Audrey chats to Emily and Betty how thousands of people literally walk out their door and are never heard from again, starting new lives fresh with new names and everything. Wouldn't it be interesting to start fresh? Emily thinks most people would probably end up the same anyway but Audrey thinks that's quite boring. She certainly wouldn't live life over as a grocer's wife though it's ok for this life. Betty decides she wouldn't change one minute of her life which Audrey thinks shows a distinct lack of imagination! Audrey wonders if Rita has started fresh without a look back but Emily doesn't think so, what about Jenny, the shop and house? Well Jenny's not her daughter and the house and business can be sold.
Derek is coping with Percy and the shop and when Deirdre and Mavis return, Mavis is dismayed to find out that Percy has been told of her suspicions. Percy is delighted to assume there will be a full scale investigation into Rita's disappearance and shuffles off happily (to spread the word I would imagine). Derek is surprised to hear that the police believe Mavis but now that she's got them to believe her, all Mavis really wants is to be proven wrong.
Jenny offers to make her dad a meal but he thinks he probably shouldn't be in the house while Rita is away and will take her out for a burger and chips instead.
Wendy goes to Ken's office after a busy and hectic afternoon temping. She apologises for being nasty earlier but she's on edge. She's right, he says, he won't tell Deirdre. Wendy tells Ken she doesn't want to lose him. He decides not to come round tonight as he was out last night.
Tina waits in the bar. Eddie's late and eventually she realizes she's been stood up. Percy lets all know about the investigation (see, I told you!) and how much Rita's been through and how that man ever got away w....Betty interrupts him loudly to serve Alan who's just come in with Jenny. He has overheard and states that he will fully cooperate with the police in their investigation as will you all , I'm sure.
Wendy lurks on the street in her car and witnesses the Barlows playing happy families as Deirdre is off to help Mavis. Oh is Wendy getting possessive now?
Deirdre and Mavis clean up the shop but there's a knock on the door. It's Crichton come to collect Mavis. There's a woman in the mortuary found in a derelict house, quite mutilated but could she come and see if it's Rita?!!!
Diane
Thursday (2996, 24 November 1989)
Writer BARRY HILL Director IAN WHITE
Bitparts:
Det. Sgt. Crichton JAMES VAUGHN
Det. Insp Jordan JOHN GRAHAM DAVIES
Les Smith CRISPIN LETTS
Jamie Ramsden ALEXANDER GRAHAM
Mrs. Ramsden LINDA BROUGHTON
Is Ken getting tired of Wendy? Is Eddie bending the truth? How's Mavis holding up?
Derek and Mavis take that long walk down that short corridor to the mortuary. Derek offers to go in her stead to identify the body to see if it's Rita but Mavis decides it's something she must do on her own. (Much as i dislike Derek as a selfish overgrown child at times, he wins BIG brownie points for his steadfast support of Mave in these scenes.) Mavis is led into the mortuary. When she emerges she's weak with relief, it isn't Rita. She doesn't want to sit and recoup, just wants Derek to take her home and he puts his arm around her and helps her back out and away down the hall.
Jenny and Sally enter number 7. Poor Jenny seems on edge. (Maybe she's worried about Rita after all???)She does say she is finding it difficult to concentrate on her studies, wondering why Rita would cause all this bother. Sally offers a bed at the Webster's if she needs it but Jenny declines the offer.
Jack closes up the pub and Tina moans about her "brilliant" night off. Jack does more hamr than good with his attempts at comfort but Tina's fed up with Eddie. (now, now, she didn't wait for him all night but rather than go home, she stayed at the Rovers to have drinks with her coworkers and the locals for company once she'd realized she'd been stood up). She and Betty leave in a taxi.
The next morning, DS Crichton and his supervisor, DI Jordan knock for Jenny. Mr. Sugden notices and tells them they missed her and tries fishing for information as he's the local neighbourhood watch man and not much gets past him you know! He fought in the desert and being observant would save your life! He's very curious that the Inspector now seems to be in on the case but he doesn't get much information out of the two men who are polite but cool to him.
Ken answers the phone at work. It's Wendy but he doesn't have time to chat, he's up to his ears in work so it's a bad time to call. From this end of hte conversation, Wendy seems to me to be on the road to clingy, questioning if he's really busy or if it's family stuff etc. He puts her off lunch and doesn't know when he'll see her (waht happened to that temp job she was supposed to be "starting" yesterday? Shouldn't she be working? It didn't sound like it was just a one afternoon-off! *sigh*) Ken rings off with a bit of frustration and almost seems to be relieved.
Tina ignores Eddie on the street when he tries to apologise and he tells her his mom was sick. She doesn't buyy it, hasn't he ever heard of hte telephone? (Heh heh. I've used that one too, and suggested the stander-up must have had broken arms too!) Later he tries again to explain but she won't have it. He says he'll stop in after work anyway.
Mavis is barely hanging on in the Kabin. She's a nervous wreck and can't get the image of that poor woman she had to see in the mortuary out of her mind, thinking what if it had been Rita etc. She collapses in Deirdre's arms in tears and Deirdre sends her upstairs to bed and takes over.
DS Crhichton and Inspector Jordan visit Alan at the building site to question him further in Rita's disappearance. Jones reluctantly allows them to use his office. Alan insists heknows nothing about Rita's disappearance to their repeated questioning. he does get impatient, too, to all of the accusations. When they finally leave, Alan encounters Maurice Jones on the site who says he's getting tired of all the interruptions and delays. I think Alan's working up to a good temper. You can almost see him grit his teeth and set his jaw when he tells the boss, he's had about as much of this as he can take and all!
Derek stops in the Kabin to check on Mavis but he can't stop though he does thank Deirdre for helping out. Deirdre has to go to a meeting though but Emily saves the day by arriving just then and takes over the helm.
Ken visits Wendy later (I'm still wondering about that temp job but maybe it's now after work because she has a few groceries that she could have picked up on the way home). She thought he couldn't do lunch because of family but he insists it was just a busy day. He decides if and when Mike spills the beans, they'll handle it together. he tells her Deirdre is helping out at the Kabin along with the rest of her busy schedule so he can spend extra time with her! (who's watching Tracy!)
Sally invites Jenny to tea, there's lots, and tells her the police have been to see her dad again but also everyone else connected with Rita. Jenny doesn't take up the invitation so Sally leaves just at the police arrive. They want to check the house for clues.
Audrey comes into the pub and announces their offer on the house was accepted! (What house? last I heard she and Alf compromised on looking for a house instead of buying the flat but there's been no mention of a likely prospect. I think I'm in a time warp today!)
Eddie hasn't shown up after work, typical, Tina figures. But one of the other men comes in and tells her Eddie's mom called him home, really! He took the call for Eddie himself. Tina realizes she might have got it wrong, finds out where Eddie lives and asks Jack and Betty to cover for her while she just nips out for a minute. She arrives at Eddie's just as his mother is going out to visit Auntie Edna and Tina yells at him for deceiving her about a sick mother. Finally he goes in and brings out a lovely bouncing baby boy of about 9 months in age. This is Jamie and Tina ends up assuming it's the child of Mrs. Ramsden, a little surprise. Eddie looks a bit awkward when he sees what she thinks so i think it's going to turn out to be his son not his brother, don't you? I mean you can see that coming! Eddie didn't want to tell Tina he had to babysit instead of go out with her, wouldn't look macho would it? She thinks he's got a soft side to him and is all friendly with him again but she really does have to get back to work now.
Mavis is receiving visitors, Deirdre and she really looks done in (Mavis, that is) Not to worry, Mavis, Deirdre and Emily will keep the shop running for a few days until Mavis is back on her feet again. Mavis really wants to keep the shop open, it's the least she can do for Rita until she turns up. Deirdre thinks they'll manage just fine and Derek is volunteered to do the early morning papers much to his chagrin.
At the Bar Jack and Betty are wondering where Tina has got to when she rushes back. Deirdre and Ken are enjoying a drink together and he reassures her it's OK to keep working at the Kabin for now. Dawn comes in and Jack notes she's on her own but she happily explains that Mike will be back tomorrow. Guess she's over that fit of pique about him leaving and not taking her! Ken overhears this bit of news and looks quite distracted. He should be!!!
Diane
Friday (2997, 27 November 1989)
Writer ADELE ROSE Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Bitparts:
Det. Sgt. Crichton JAMES VAUGHN
Det. Insp Jordan JOHN GRAHAM DAVIES
Site Foreman ROD ARTHUR
Mrs. Ramsden LINDA BROUGHTON
What is Mavis' state of mind these days? Has the fire of Alan's rage been stoked? How many hints will Mike drop?
Ken and Deirdre start their day. Deirdre is off to the Kabin and wondering about Mavis' state of mind today, she's been in an advanced state of dither lately. Deirdre notices that Ken seems distracted. He shoos her off, avoiding her questions then after she leaves he calls Wendy and wants to see her at lunch time, telling her that Mike is back today.
Derek tells Deirdre that Mavis didn't sleep well with nightmares. Deirdre assures him she and Emily will have all well in hand. Derek commends people that chip in to help as Audrey comes in and agrees with him, people couldn't do enough for her when Alfeh had his heart attack. This brings on a correction from Derek who thinks that's different, he was sick. He calls this a willful disappearance leaving Mavis to cope. Deirdre interrupts, saying they don't know what happened to Rita, it might not be of her own volition! But Derek is on a roll starting off about his Mavis handling everything, identifying dead bodies but sinks back to his usual level by stating aside from losing sleep to get up early to do the papers, he doesn't know when he's last had a home cooked meal. (no more brownie points for you!) Audrey calls him a swine after he leaves, only concerned for his own comfort and convenience! (Yesss!)
Jack asks Tina what happened with the visit to Eddie. He keeps on about Eddie not spending much brass on her like he did and standing her up twice but she defends him as having his reasons. She quietly tells Betty about him babysitting his little brother.
The police are back and the foreman grouses. Alan tells them he's got no more answers for them but they decide to lean on him a bit more and insist he come to the police station for more questioning. and they drive off under Percy's watchful eye.
Mike's back and in the Rovers (hoping to see Ken?). He chats to Audrey about her new house. Audrey's story now is that they didn't buy the flat because Alf really wanted a garden. MIke hints that he may be selling and going on to bigger and better and sunnier things but doesn't expand upon it. Jack comments about the new houses going up and the new tenants in number 11 and hopes they are a good lot, nowt worse than noisy neighbours (methinks this is a bad omen!) Percy arrives full of the news about Alan's being taken away and reckons he's been arrested. Eddie says there hasn't been an arrest and they just want to question him but Percy thinks it's just a matter of time. Tina has a few quick words with Eddie and Maurice Jones arrives. MIke buys him a drink and starts bragging about making millions in property deals but won't let Jones in on where the deal is. He's only make a toast to Viva l'Espagna (well however that's spelled).
Ken and Wendy are having lunch somewhere nice. Ken obsesses about Mike and WEndy's getting tired of it. She decides the situation is getting too messy for her taste. She has decided she wants a committment but he can't and makes the usual excuses. She's not going to be patient and knows if they keep on, it'll be 2 or 3 years later and he'll just have different excuses next time. He says he's been with Deirdre for 8 years and there's Tracy too and he can't just walk out. Why not? She questions. Deirdre must suspect (no she doesn't. Those rose coloured glasses are just too dark) She isn't telling him to leave Deirdre but he has to make a choice and she'll live with it either way but she decides she doesn't want to see him until he does. She gives him the kiss off and leaves. Let her know when he's decided.
The cops question Alan over and over and go over his history with Rita. He tried to kill her even if he got off with just an assault charge. No alan corrects their terminology, it was just a domestic tiff! So why did he go right back tothe street, get a job across the road to wawtch her? It's persecution, that's what it is, and it's all in her mind, alan defends himself. They put it to him that he blames her for all his troubles, everything including her latest accusations that could have put him back in jail. He's known as a violent man but Alan defends that he didn't kill her if that's what they're getting at. So where is she? Well that's their job, he says cockily.
Mike drives up to the docks and catches Dawn, interrupting potential clients but it's ok, they weren't serious anyway. They go up to the flat for coffee and he opens champagne in celebration of his deal. When she realizes he stole Robert's latest Spanish deal she loses her temper at him. It was a dirty trick. NO it wasn't, he just got in there first with a better bid. He lied about where he was going and said he pulled a lousy trick which Mike terms Enterprise, darlin' that's all! She has now seen the true Mike Baldwin and i wonder if we haven't seen the last of Dawn!
Tina calls Eddie off the site for a quick word and invites him to a party Friday night. But he seems to put her off, saying he can't plan that far in advance which annoys her!
Percy is regaling the customers and owners of the corner shop with various ways to hide a dead body. Emily thinks he should keep his opinions to himself and his imagination in check! Sally's just worried about Jenny, when she finds out that her dad's been taken in and questioned again. Alf reminisces that this used to be a nice quiet friendly little street but now the whole world's changing.
A depressed looking Ken greets Deirdre in from working at the Kabin. They discuss the latest in the Alan Bradley case. He makes a few false starts to try to tell her something (and we know what that is) but she keeps on about her news and he doesn't manage it.
Sally runs over to Jenny when she sees her coming home and gently tells her about her dad. Jenny rushes out intending to go to the police station when she spies Alan coming up the street and runs to him. They couldn't charge him, no evidence. He will be back for a cup of tea but has to pop over to work to check in but when he gets there, the foreman tells him he's sacked. He needs reliable blokes! (One more thing to hold against Rita i shouldn't wonder because after all nothing is Alan's fault is it?)
Nice bit of history injected in this next scene, nice to see some historical continuity now and then! In the rovers, Ken and Deirdre chat to Jones about the new houses. Deirdre says that Ena Sharples would be rolling over in her grave. Who was she? Oh she ran the community center, no actually she ran the community! And Ken's Uncle Albert would find plenty to moan about with the construction, too. She's looking forward to change, herself, thinking the street could use a nice face lift, better than looking at that old factory wall. She only had a problem with that mess over the laid off worker's redundancy money is all. Ken seems to be out of the loop with this conversation with nothing to contribute. Something on your mind Ken?
Jack thinks Eddie must have another bird resulting in his avoiding any committments. MIke shows up alone and in the course of the conversation mentions he bumped into Ken at the airport. Ken covers by saying he was doing a human interest story. I think MIke is going to enjoy stringing Ken along! Alan storms in and confronts Maurice Jones about being sacked but Jones keeps out of it. The foreman is in charge of hiring and firing and he must have had a good reason. Alan rants on about victimization and needing the job but Jones won't do anything so Alan leaves, very angry. Uh oh.
Tina goes to Eddie's house but is told by his mother that he's out having his tea at his sister's, taking Jamie with him. It soon comes out that Jamie is not his brother but his son which leaves Tina with her chin on the ground!
Diane
Monday (2998, 29 November 1989)
Writer JOHN STEVENSON Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Det. Sgt. Crichton JAMES VAUGHN
Det. Insp Jordan JOHN GRAHAM DAVIES
Robert Preston JAMES GADDAS (Last appearance)
Who's puzzled? Who's been suckered? Will Tina believe Eddie?
The residents are very curious to see two police cars full of cops arrive on Jenny's doorstep this morning. It's the forensics team wanting to go over number with a fine tooth comb. Later on the team arrives at Alan Bradley's flat and he's none too happy about it. He tells them they won't find anything there unless they brought it themselves. You can tell he's really starting to simmer now!
Dawn is really upset thinking Mike has played one behind her brother Robert's back by stealing his property deal and warns Mike that Robert has a terrible temper but Mike isn't too bothered at all. He suggests Dawn invite Robert for a drink that evening and he'll break the news "gently" (and obnoxiously no doubt) Later he calls Robert himself and invites him with promises of things to tell him.
Ken wasn't too happy with Wendy's announcement that she doesn't want to see him until he decides what to do about his marriage so he goes scurrying back to her doorstep this morning, trying to prevent her from going to her temp job (that job's back! unless she's just doing day work here and there). She reckons she's his temp and doesn't want to talk since that's all they do and nothing ever gets settled. She thinks he really wants Deirdre to make the decision for him so he won't have a guilty conscience from telling her about their affair himself and he doesn't deny this!
Jack complains that Tina never did return the night before after she "just nipped out" to see Eddie. Tina tells Betty that she found out about Jamie being Eddie's son, not his brother and Jack assumes automatically that Eddie must be married, the swine. He says it's a lesson learned, men like that only out for one thing. Tina looks at Jack in disgust for all his gloating and says he's just the same to which Betty adds, she's right!
Percy is busily spreading the news about the forensic team in the Kabin but Mavis isn't there, she's upstairs in bed with a migraine. Deirdre and Emily caution Percy not to be so forthcoming in his gruesome observations and not upsetting people by making such assumptions about Rita's fate. Deirdre prefers to hope for the best.
At the pub Mike comments that Tina looks a little down. When Eddie comes in, she shuts him out and goes out back while Jack and Betty give him what for so he leaves. Deirdre comes in hoping to catch up with Ken and Mike lays out a second piece of a puzzle on the table, the first being the mention of seeing Ken in the airport. He comments to Deirdre's complaints of Ken's long working hours that married men who work overtime often have a bird on the side. Deirdre brushes him off but is that a flicker of doubt shadowing her rose coloured spectacles?
Jack tells Tina he gave Eddie the boot and a dirty look but Tina gets angry at him for that too! (why? she's supposed to be angry with Eddie!) Ken does eventually arrive to meet Deirdre after Mike leaves. She asks him to take her out that evening but he says he has to work so she tells him jokingly about Mike's other woman theory. This hits a little close to home and causes Ken to call Mike several nasty names, accusing him of interfering and that he should keep his nasty opinions to himself (protesting rather too loudly).
Sally comforts Jenny, why do the police keep looking here, Jenny cries. Rita isn't here? They're just doing their job, Sally soothes, and offers their spare room to Jenny but Jenny doesn't want to leave, wanting to be there when Rita comes home. Because she will, you know, they all think Alan is responsible for Rita's disappearance but he's not, he's just not. Sally agrees that Alan isn't responsible but I think that was a little white lie to comfort her mate.
Audrey settles her paper bill with Derek and then wonders who stands to profit from all this, the money, the shop, the house if Rita really is dead. Derek points out that this is rather bad taste and Audrey agrees but wonders just the same if Rita has a will. Alan Bradley arrives just then and wants to see Mavis, pleased to hear she is unwell and hoping it's painful. He blames all this latest aggro on Mavis and her calls to the police accusing him of being responsible for Rita's disappearance. He gives a few veiled threats about meeting up with her sometime and does she realize what this is doing to his daughter (the least of his concerns I would imagine, it's just another excuse for his rage). He goes off, leaving Derek and Audrey stunned.
Ken goes to Mike's flat to warn him away from Deirdre with his insinuations putting ideas in Deirdre's head and trying to ruin their marriage (oh and you're not adding to the ruination of your own marriage?????) Ken insists Wendy is just a friend he ran into but Mike doesn't believe a word. Ken's threats to keep away from Deirdre don't frighten Mike one little bit. Ken leaves (protesting even louder) with Don't say you haven't been warned. Mike is chuckling as Dawn returns and accuses him of getting into loads of trouble since he sold the factory. Ken's angry and Robert's going to be too.
Audrey's comments about the will leave a little spark lighting Derek's eye briefly and, when Deirdre has arrived he decides to go upstairs and ask Mavis if she knows if Rita has made a will. Oh that will really buck Mavis up, Deirdre comments sarcastically. He goes upstairs and the shop door opens and who should walk in but Wendy Crozier having a look see at the competition no doubt. Oh, just in the neighbourhood, wanted to pick up a paper. That's the sound of another puzzle piece falling on the table. Will Deirdre put them all together?
Eddie waits for Tina under a lamppost and tries to explain, saying he's not married but she won't believe his protests so he gives up and she goes inside just as Audrey is telling Alf he should have a will. Alf thinks Audrey's making this move to the new house more stressful than it needs to be. (wait a minute, with Alf already having one heart attack and being the owner of many things and assets, you would think he would have had a will made up by now!) Ken and Deirdre come into the pub and she mentions seeing Wendy in the Kabin. Ken startles but covers when Deirdre asks him what Wendy is up to lately, no idea he bluffs. Hmmm.
Jenny comes to Alan's flat to find him packing, planning to take off somewhere. He thinks the persecution won't end and he's an easy mark with his history but Jenny persuades him to stay, telling him it will look guilty if he leaves and he does see the reason in that argument. She hugs him and wonders where Rita is. Alan wonders why they always ask him that, and think he knows the answer and I wouldn't doubt he now thinks Jenny is not on his side either but she is.
Robert arrives at the flat with a bottle of champagne. Mike drops a few hints about Spanish bubbly and though Dawn tries to divert them to an evening out at a club, Mike eventually brags up his "accomplishments" in buying the land Robert wanted and offers to sell it back to him at a modest profit. Nope, he can keep it all Robert says. The other shoe is heard to fall when Robert says that the petrol station was HIS property and Mike actually bought it for £150,000 from HIM and he'd been trying to get shut of it for awhile after it seems that the developers changed their minds and plans for that area. (all according to plan! I think Robert got tired of Mike bragging his business smarts and decided to sucker Mike into buying the land off him which is exactly what's happened, hasn't it?) He grants Mike his just desserts for trying to do a dirty deal behind his back and make a profit from it and tells Mike he should stick to his own league in future, if he has one.
Tuesday (2999, 1 December 1989)
Writer JOHN STEVENSON Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Det. Sgt. Crichton JAMES VAUGHN
Det. Insp Jordan JOHN GRAHAM DAVIES
Jamie Ramsden ALEXANDER GRAHAM
Les Smith CRISPIN LETTS
Dawn Prescott: probable last appearance
How loudly doth Ken protest? Who got drunk and ugly? Where's the body buried?
Mike is up early and unshaven and trying desperately to undo the property deal but the Spanish lawyer who spoke perfect English last week seems to have problems with it this week! Mike's positive that the previous owner was not listed under the name of Prescott. (probably under a Spanish corporation no doubt). Neither can Mike's own lawyer help because after all Spanish law is different from English law (no kidding!) Mike drinks steadily through the day as we see him accusing Robert of being a con man and Dawn offering to go see Robert to try to convince him to buy the property back for the price Mike paid but Mike says, don't hold your breath.
Ken goes on the offensive with Wendy to find out what she was playing at, visiting Deirdre at the Kabin last night. Doesn't sound much like a man who wants to tell his wife he's having an affair to me! Sounds very much to me like Ken want's to have it all ways. Anyway, She defends her actions because she was just sussing out whether he has told her yet and obviously he hasn't. He'll tell her when the time is right he says but she wants to know just when things will get sorted. Soon, Ken promises.
Jack comes up from the cellar howling a sad love song and Betty orders him to shut it, he's upsetting Tina (not to mention any of the millions of viewers that are NOT tone deaf!) There seems to be more unanswered questions to Eddie's situation than not!
Jenny tells Sally she's not in hiding but hasn't been to college for awhile because she wants to be There when Rita comes home or calls. The waiting is driving her mad and what must the waiting be like for her dad she wonders.
Well it seems to be picking on her dad's last nerve and all as we have already seen him skulking about in the pre-dawn darkness with the milkman not far behind and now he's off to the building site to try to convince Maurice Jones to give him his job back. But he won't even though Alan protests that it weren't his fault at all, just police harassment but Jones holds his ground so Alan lunges at him only to be held back by Les and Eddie. He stalks off and Jones shakes his head and remarks that he wouldn't want to meet that one down a dark ginnel at night.
DS Crichton and DI Jordan come into the pub at dinnertime to much speculation from the regulars. Betty wants Jack to ask them if There's new of Rita but Jack doesn't want to get involved and Percy reckons they're soaking up the atmosphere and keeping their ears open all on the taxpayer's pound! The construction lads come in for their dinner and Tina is informed that Eddie won't be in as he is eating his lunch on site and sulking over her. She doesn't care, she says. (no, really?) Who are the police waiting for? Maurice Jones. They buy him a drink and have a word about Alan Bradley and why he was fired. Jones tells them part of it was their interest in him but also There was just something about Alan he didn't like, nothing he could put his finger on.
Tina decides she's had enough and rushes out of the pub and over to the building site to get the full explanation from Eddie. Well it turns out that no, Eddie really isn't married. Jamie's mother was a girlfriend from the neighbourhood who didn't want to marry Eddie nor wanted the baby when he was born. She threatened to abandon him so Mrs. Ramsden and Eddie took him on. He didn't want to tell Tina because his last girlfriend, whom he thought was a nice 'un, dropped him cold when she found out about him being a single dad.
Deirdre nips into the corner shop to leave an order to be picked up in a few hours. She mentions how busy Ken has been at the Recorder but Maurice Jones, who is in as well, says he'd like to know where Ken has been as he's tried three different times this week to call to put advertising in and he's never There. Well he's heard the Recorder is a sinking ship anyway, Heaven only knows where the captain's spending his time! (this must be puzzle piece number, what? 5?)
In the pub later that afternoon, Percy is off to his crossing guard duties and manages to insult Phyllis on the way out, more cruelly than usual I thought. He said he'd been tempted by other women different times but they had something to tempt with so she has no chance! That wasn't very nice at all! Tina is back and all smiles now she's seen Eddie and tells Betty and Jack a brief version of the explanation. Betty decides Tina is well out of it, too complicated.
Derek tells a distracted Deirdre that Mavis is coming down to the shop after he instructed her to pull herself together, she wasn't being fair to him (SLAP!). He thanks Deirdre, saying Mavis will be alright as long as she has someone with her so Deirdre decides Derek can stay with her and leaves the Kabin and Derek sputtering about his career and low sales figures. She's on a mission and goes to the Recorder only to find Ken's office locked and a phone ringing off the hook inside. (Suspicions mounting here and I know she's close to figuring it out).
By the time Dawn gets back from seeing Robert, Mike is well on his way to being "drunk and ugly" She couldn't manage to persuade Robert to buy back the land and anyway Mike did try to rip Robert off. MIKE sinks to new depths under "alcofluence of incohol" and accuses Dawn of partnering with her brother to set him up and take his money. He calls her a scheming little bitch and she gets angry and defends herself and tells him he set himself up. She packs her belongings, throws his keys at him and leaves, saying she doesn't have to take this and at least was smart enough to have kept her flat. She's learned a lot from all this. She leaves to his threats of making them both pay for this.
And where is Ken Barlow if he's not at his office? Trotting down Wendy's stairs followed closely by her in her robe. Guess her resolve to not see him anymore didn't last too long did it. They are all smiles and giggles in their afterglow and he tells her it won't be much longer.
Tina goes to Eddie's just as he's arriving home with Jamie and tells him she's ok with the baby and would he like to start over? He sure would and invites her to tea, telling her they can have a night in as his mom's going to bingo later.
Ken arrives home, late for tea. Deirdre sends Tracy next door with a magazine for Emily and takes the opportunity to catch Ken in a lie. She mentions that Maurice Jones was trying to reach him but he insists he's been around and when she says she was at his office, too, around 4 he says he just nipped out for 5 minutes. No, she says, I guess it was around 3, had you nipped out then too? Then she musters her courage and asks does he have someone else. Now it would seem to me to be the perfect opportunity that Ken has been waiting for but does he tell her? Nooooo! The coward hums and haws and starts off stalling for time with a "Where's this coming from", warming up with accusations about Mike Baldwin putting ideas in Deirdre's head and it doesn't matter where he was, the Recorder isn't run from the office it's run from his head and barrels into the attack full steam by laying on the guilts, accusing Deirdre of believing Mike over him, that really hurts! Poor kid doesn't have a chance in the face of such sheer cowardice and apologises for thinking what she did. Ah, but the suspicions are There now, aren't they, I say! And once the idea is in your head you watch every move and listen to every word in search of another lie. Anyway, Tracy returns so they drop the subject but if Ken is smart (which I doubt) he'll realize he isn't off the hook yet.
In the pub, Alan is looking a little drunk and ugly too but he's probably only had a couple of pints at this point but in a fine temper. The regulars are astonished that he has a nerve to keep returning to the Rovers and Percy decides to give him a piece of his mind. Alan rounds on him and threatens to belt him one (true colours!) but Percy isn't afraid and takes off his spectacles, ready for it, after all he's no helpless female. Don joins in to support Percy and as Alan starts uttering threats, Jack and Alf gather around too and corner Alan who raises his fist to defend himself. Mind you as brave and honourable as the four men are I would think Alan could do a lot of serious damage even if it IS 4 against one! Anyhow, before the fight can really begin, Sally rushes in screaming that the police are crawling over the building site and are going to dig it up looking for Rita's body! The pub empties out in a flash, all but Alan. Audrey puts her drink on the bar and turns to leave but looks at Alan wondering why he isn't out There looking to, or does he already know what they're going to find? Alan eventually joins the crowd watching the police move to the spot on the site that was filled in on the day Rita disappeared.
Diane
Wednesday (3000, 4 December 1989)
Writer BARRY HILL Director RICHARD HOLTHOUSE
Bitparts:
Det. Sgt. Crichton JAMES VAUGHN
Cyril Partridge PHIL McCALL
Piano Player BRYAN CALVERT
Who's in the money? Is it Rita? Rita who?
The police are still digging on the building site so it was a long cold night for SD Crichton. Boss Jones arrives and finds a very chilled Crichton who's hoping for a hot cuppa after the all nighter. No body has been found but they're not done yet much to Jones' consternation!
Audrey is using the move as an excuse to clean house and toss out a lot of old trash including many of Alf's things and some old furniture. Poor Alf is having palpitations at the loss of his treasures as well as his brass needed to buy new furniture. When he finds out Audrey got Kevin and Mark to move an old oak wardrobe out the back yard he has a fit! To no avail. He's not going to win this battle I can tell you!
The factory redundancy money has finally arrived! Vera's cheque for almost £1500 pleases her so much she makes Curly tell Mr. Holdsworth that she's sick. After all she's got some celebrating to do and some spending and all! Curly doesn't like it, not one bit. Jack is hoping to get some share in the money but all Vera promises him is a pint, on her. He does end up with a brand new suit to match Vera's new dress. She wants a slap up meal out somewhere really nice and she did, after all cut up all Jack's trousers a few months back! Jack thinks the suit is ok but wishes he'd picked one out for himself but Vera says his taste in suits is exactly why she bought it on her own!
Don chats to Sally in the shop about how pleased Ivy was to get her cheque, especially with Christmas just around the corner. Sally relates how Jenny hasn't had much to look forward to lately. Poor kid, what did she do to deserve a father like... and who walks in? Jenny of course. She scolds Don for having nothing better to talk about and tells them the police have packed it in and didn't find anything. Find someone else to crucify besides her dad will you?
Betty and Emily chat about Jenny being glad nothing was found on the site and then Emily goes to have a drink with Deirdre who's just arrived. Vera is laughing loudly with Jack and Tina is telling Eddie she'll let him know later about her Christmas plans because she's got to see her mom at least on the big day. Emily and Deirdre discuss how good Jack and Vera's relationship seems to be in spite of all their trials over the years. It works because they need each other, decides Emily. Oh so that's the secret, Deirdre wonders. She tells Emily that she and Ken are so wrapped up in their own lives and careers there doesn't seem to be time for each other. She even thought Ken had another woman but Emily exclaims she really was stupid to think that! Never Ken! (wanna bet? Bzzzz! You lose!)
Alec takes a phone call from an old pal, Cyril Partridge, who tells him something rather startling. He rushes into the back where Betty has just sat down for five minutes with Bet and pushes Betty back out into the bar. He proceeds to tell Bet in a long winded way about the call and Cyril, who he is and where he is (hotel in Blackpool). Yes? Yes? And??? Well it turns out there's an older woman who's been staying there who's been on to Cyril about wanting to sing in the piano bar. Cyril's worried she might be a bit past it and since she said Alec Gilroy was her agent, he's calling to check! The woman's name is Rita Littlewood!!!
Could it be??? Our Rita?? Alec couldn't get more information at the time because Cyril got called away and will get back to him. Nope. Bet instructs Alec to call Cyril back, don't wait, he's got to keep that woman there. Alec seems more worried about his reputation as an agent but there's more at stake than that! Alec calls and confirms that Rita Littlewood isn't past it and will do a fine job, by all means let her sing. He rings off and asks Bet where do they go from there? Blackpool! Alec sputters about running the bar as Bet marches up the stairs to pack.
Alan is brooding in his flat when Jenny arrives to tell him the good news. No more digging, and they didn't find owt, the police were wrong Dad! Alan assures Jenny they won't give up and there's only one person that can put a stop to it all and get the cops off his back. But she won't turn up, will she, she's out to ruin his life by setting him up like that, wanting to drive him into the ground. He's got himself worked into quite a state and poor Jenny is rather taken aback by his vehemence.
Curly, Mark, Sally and Kevin commiserate in the pub as Curly is distracted. He's upset at his compromising position having to lie for Vera at work. After all he's her supervisor there but only her lodger at home. He doesn't like lying for her. Alf arrives and Audrey prompts him to buy the young folk a drink as well as one for her and Alma to celebrate their last night in Coronation Street. Alf mentions that there's one person missing and he wishes she were there (Rita).
Bet and Alec arrive at Cyril's hotel in Blackpool. Alec is chiding Bet about not contacting the police right away but she doesn't want to just yet, Rita will need a friendly face at first. Cyril greets them and Alec introduces him to Bet. They make some small talk as you hear the piano starting up from the piano bar just off the lobby. Bet and Alec go in to see the act and sure enough, there's our Rita belting out a song!
After Rita finishes her set, Cyril escorts her to the bar to greet Bet and Alec. She's quite pleased to see Alec and look! Bet! I am honoured! How nice you came over with Alec. But something doesn't seem quite on does it? Then she says she didn't think Bet and Alec were that close (huh?) What clinches it is her mention of Len, how he's getting on by himself but no matter, he'll be over at weekend anyway. She goes to the bar to get drinks as Alec whispers to Bet if Rita is playing some game? Not from where Bet is sitting, she thinks Rita means every word she said. And looks quite shocked for it too, does Bet!
Diane
Thursday (3001, 6 December 1989)
Writer BARRY HILL Director RICHARD HOLTHOUSE
Bitparts:
Det. Sgt. Crichton JAMES VAUGHN
Det. Ins. Jordan JOHN GRAHAM DAVIES
Cyril Partridge PHIL McCALL
Removal Man BILL LUND
Mr. Ballantyne DERRICK GILBERT
Nurse CHRISTINE MACKIE
First named appearances:
Steve MacDonald SIMON GREGORY (at some point he changes it to
his stage name of Gregson)
Andy MacDonald NICHOLAS COCHRANE
Why is Audrey horrified? Where's Rita (again!) What's on Alan's mind?
Bet and Alec have stayed the night in Blackpool at Cyril's hotel. Alec wants to call the police to let them know Rita's alive but Bet is more concerned about Rita's apparently broken state of mind. Bet thinks she can tick Rita's memory gently and reconnect her to the current world but Alec is sceptical and very impatient to get back to his bar. Rita still thinks it's years before and wonders what Len would be having for his breakfast were he there (kippers). A little later Rita is teasing Bet about Alec saying she's quite the dark horse. Nobody knew she and Alec were having a thing so Bet takes the opportunity to gently tell Rita that she and Alec are married much to Rita's surprise. But it doesn't trigger any memories. Bet tries again by asking Rita how she got to Blackpool. She took a train, didn't she because Len was too busy with work. Nothing Bet says makes any difference. Rita's mind is firmly entrenched in a more distant, happier and safer past. Alec is getting more impatient so he decides to leave but Bet is staying and will keep on trying.
It's moving day for the Roberts as Audrey is directing the removal men. Alf waits this phase out in the shop.
Betty has stayed the night to mind the fort so to speak. Alec has only told her so far that he and Bet stayed over to check out a few acts. Tina and Betty tease Jack over the reasons for his being tired and out of strength today. Too much celebrating last night??? Vera hasn't told Jack yet where they're going to their posh dinner out.
Alf later dresses in a suit to make a good impression for the new neighbours who will see them arrive (Audrey's idea, but then you knew that!) Phyllis inquires about the new neighbours moving into number 11 but Sally doesn't know much about them except they have twin teenage boys and the father is in the army. Alf leaves the keys with Sally to lock up later and the Roberts embark to follow the van to their new home with waves and well wishes from the residents.
At lunch in the pub, Eddie wants a date with Tina who tells him no chance, not with Bet and Alec away and it's Jack's night off. Vera's been shopping again for a classier top to wear for a classy restaurant, Dino's where they're going. Jack squawks a bit at the potential price but Vera's paying so there's an end to it. He'll have a good time if it kills him!
Alf and Audrey arrive at their new house but what's this? The previous owners haven't moved out yet! Why not? There's been a hitch in the chain, the people they're buying from can't move so they can't move so the Roberts can't move in! Audrey is horrified! They sneak back to Coronation Street by side streets only to see the MacDonalds' moving van unloading. Didn't waste any time did they? Drive off so no one sees their predicament! How embarrassing! What to do now? Well the removal man calls his company and says they can store their furniture there temporarily so it's off to a hotel for the night, the hotel which is too posh for Alfeh's pocketbook and not posh enough for Audrey's!
Yes the MacDonalds are moving in bag, baggage and twins who are moaning about the small bedroom they have been assigned to. Liz and Jim are dismayed to find all the Roberts' castoff junk, trash and old furniture in the back yard! Right, he'll sort that out but Liz goes to the shop instead to avoid a row. Only I guess she isn't going to get anywhere because we know Alf and Audrey aren't there.
Alec arrives home, still not saying much at all about Rita and he gets periodic telephone updates from Bet who isn't having much luck with Rita. Bet decides it's hopeless to keep trying on her own so will try to get Rita to some help. Alec rings off and makes a decision, ringing the police station, telling them, when they arrive, where Rita can be found.
Sally tells Curly, Kevin and Mark about the MacDonald twins and they all think the twins will probably be better behaved than most tearaway 15 year olds since their army father will have disciplined them into submission (I really get the feeling we're being set up, more and more!) Curly expands a bit on the problems of being 15, just on the cusp between adult and childhood but Mark reckons Curly wouldn't know, he must have been born middle aged!
Audrey and Alf sit down in a restaurant. Audrey is furious about the mix up and the small hotel room and the only saving grace is that nobody they know has found out about their embarrassing position. Spoken too soon as Jack and Vera arrive for their meal out! Alf gives them a brief rendition and since Audrey's appetite is spoiled now that the word is bound to be spread, she rushes out of the restaurant. Alf sighs and follows her.
Jenny visits a depressed and morose and on his way to getting drunk and ugly Alan. He's just fed up to the teeth and puts it all on Rita, quite scaring Jenny as his temper works up. He's quite hateful in his statements saying one day he'll make her pay, he promises!
Bet finally gets Rita to the casualty department by letting Rita think it's Bet that's ill, come on quite suddenly. Bet explains to the nurse the real problem being with her friend but when she goes back to wait for a doctor, Rita's disappeared!!!
Diane
Friday (3002, 8 December 1989)
Writer JOHN STEVENSON Director RICHARD HOLTHOUSE
Bitparts:
Det. Sgt. Crichton JAMES VAUGHN
Det. Ins. Jordan JOHN GRAHAM DAVIES
Cyril Partridge PHIL McCALL
Mr. Lotterby RON MEADOWS
In one of the most exciting episodes I've ever seen, the climax of the Rita and Alan Bradley storyline comes to a crashing conclusion that left me breathless!
Where will the Roberts set up camp? Who's on a mission? Who's been sleeping in Rita's bed?
Alf and Audrey face a new day in the hotel room. Audrey just wants to stay in bed until it's all sorted and is horrified that Vera Duckworth knows all their business. Alf's just concerned about being charged for another night but Audrey just wants a home!
Crichton and Jordan are in Blackpool pulling an all nighter with Bet as they wait for Rita to show up and question Bet about the situation. They tell her not to blame herself, especially after Bet's described Rita's state of mind, knowing Rita was probably frightened when she ran off. They leave, deciding it's in the hand of the local constabulary and they can clear some of the case up when they return to Weatherfield Bet insists on staying on but is exhausted. She'll call them if Rita comes back but in the meantime Cyril offers her a bed, sleep in Rita's room why don't you as she isn't in it now. She'll call Alec to update him and then get her head down for a bit of a kip.
Alec wants Bet to come home but she stands her ground. He's already told Betty about Rita and Betty hopes Rita doesn't do herself an injury and she thinks it is best that Bet stays there for Rita to be a familiar face when Rita does return. Alec says it's ok to tell folk about Rita's whereabouts, people will be glad she's at least not physically harmed. Betty thinks Alma should be told, he's had such a hard time from all the fold thinking he killed Rita. Alec states he's too tolerant to sink to joining in with the mob mentality that caused people to gang up on Alan and really, a good man would do the right thing and tell Alan wouldn't he (now what does Alec expect to get out of that?) He goes to Number 7 looking for Alan (and what makes him think Alan would be there?) and does tell Jenny that Rita's been found. Jenny is greatly relieved but sends Alec round to Alan's flat to tell him and suggests he can be the first one to apologise for treating Alan like a leper and murderer. Alec does go but Alan has sunk to desperation and fury and gives Alec a load of abuse about Rita. Alec tells Alan where Rita is specifically but that she's not at all well but now is missing again. Alec is highly put out that Alan hasn't been at all grateful for the good news so he leaves. Alan then looks thoughtful and gets his coat on. Jenny sees him drive off as she arrives.
Alf and Audrey come into the shop and Alf tells Sally about the hitch that prevented them from moving in to their new house. Audrey interjects with many sarky comments about being homeless and caveless (accusing Alf of not doing his duty by providing her with a home).
The Rovers is buzzing with all the news, the Roberts aborted move and Rita's reappearance and breakdown. Percy says he's never jumped to conclusions about Alan Bradley and defends himself as Emily soundly scolds him as one of the worst offenders! Alec returns from telling Alan about Rita and tells the punters that Alan's moaning about it being all Rita's fault. Jack comments that he wouldn't have told Alan but Alec wonders what harm could it have done? (Don't you hate when people say things like that! You just know something's going to happen!)
Jenny comes into the pub to check that Alan hasn't gone there to give them all a piece of his mind for making his life hell, talking behind his back and to his face. Well she hopes they're all ashamed of themselves Hmph, consider yourselves told off, states Betty, admitting that she did think the worst of Alan Bradley as Don and some of the other join in agreeing. Percy doesn't agree, Jenny was just defending her father but let's face it, he might not have done some of the things we thought but look at what he did do, giving Rita a right hiding and always thumping people, he's a bad 'un, is Alan Bradley. And feeling vindicated of their short lived guilty consciences, they all agree. (Apparently Alan must have thumped Terry Duckworth as Jack made a comment to that effect but that was before my viewing time).
Alf and Audrey see their solicitor who tells them there isn't much they can do except wait. It shouldn't be that long and no, they won't be able to successfully sue for compensation for their extra expenses unless they have a deep pocketbook which puts Alf off that idea quick enough. Alf accuses Audrey of causing all the bother because of her incessant rushing! Wanting everything too soon. They return to the shop, arguing and take the discussion up to the shop as the MacDonald twins ask Sally who that was. When they hear it was the previous owners of Number 11 they comment that their dad has a bone to pick with Alf!
Up in the shop, Alf presents Audrey with her new home, they will stay in the flat for now until things are sorted out. Audrey is further horrified and embarrassed at what people will say to this little turn of events but Alf will not be moved on that. She points out that the flat is filthy so Alf hands her a broom and mop and returns to the shop for a little peace which he doesn't get because Jim MacDonald arrives to pick his bone! What about all that rubbish in the back yard? He wants it shifted and the two men realize they have diametrically opposed priorities set on that little chore, Alf low, Jim hight.
Alan arrives at Cyril's hotel. There's no one at the front desk so he looks in the register and finds Rita Fairclough's name listed under room 14 (huh? I thought she was going by Littlewood but I suppose that was just for professional purposes). He sneaks off upstairs and tries the door to Rita's room. It opens and there's someone in the bed so he pulls the covers back, intent on pulling Rita out of the bed but is surprised to see Bet instead! Alan demands to know where Rita is but Bet doesn't know and bravely stands up to him, ordering him out and away from her and Rita both! Alan says he only wants to take Rita back with him to Weatherfield to prove to the police that she's alive and he didn't harm her (well not physically right?). He leaves, with Bet sinking weakly to a chair to catch her breath. Alan runs down the stairs and out of the hotel as Bet follows and tells Cyril to ring the police. Alan gets in his car, intent on driving around to search for Rita when he spies her walking up the pavement toward the hotel as if she hadn't a care in the world and not been missing for 24 hours and all! He gets out and grabs her. I'm not altogether sure she's remembered who he is yet, she still has a rather vacant look in her eye other than being frightened that a strange man is trying to kidnap her. Alan shoves her in the car but she gets out before he can drive away and runs across the road, dodging cars with Alan in hot pursuit. On the other side of the road she veers sharply and just misses being hit by a tram pulling up. But Alan doesn't miss it and bounces off the front of the tram and onto the street with a satisfying thump (well it was pretty darn satisfying for me as I held my breath watching this scene!) Rita stops and looks around, confuse as she tries to work out where she is and what's been going on and why she's not on Coronation Street as her memories come flooding back. She collapses in hysterics in Bet's arms as the credits roll over a shot of the rolling sea front in Blackpool.
Gasp, pant! Wow!
Diane
Monday (3003, 11 December 1989)
Writer PETER WHALLEY Director BRIAN MILLS
Bitparts:
Det. Sgt. Crichton JAMES VAUGHN
Mrs. Foster OLIVE PENDLETON
How's poor Jenny? Will Curly be honest? Why is Audrey hiding?
DS Crichton brings Jenny back from Blackpool after having her officially identify her dad's body. He tries to be concerned and sympathetic and actually manages not to strut and bob his head like the rooster that rules the roost for once! But Jenny won't be comforted and just wants to be alone. He doesn't really want to leave her and offers the services of his constable, Anne (hmph, they gave her a name but didn't even give her an acting credit!). Well if that won't do maybe there's a friend he could get to come and sit with her?
In the corner shop, Alf tells Sally and Phyllis he's upset too about the moving day catastrophe. Phyllis remarks that in her day they bought one house for life, none of this business about getting a better one. Just then DS Crichton comes in to fetch Sally to stay with Jenny for awhile.
Bet tells Tina and Jack what happened in Blackpool and Alan's death. Rita's in hospital sedated. Jack is rather amused that it should be a tram of all things, of all the luck. (why? you always hear about people joke about getting hit by a bus or is it different because it's a tram?) They cluck sympathetically over Jenny as Jack relates a gruesome story about a fella that chucked himself off Blackpool Tower. The girls don't see the relevance and Tina asks about the funeral. Alec comes by with a sly remark about not many people being interested in Alan's funeral besides Jenny who won't be able to afford much, will she? Bet gets an idea.
Sally isn't much comfort for Jenny either but tries her best. Jenny asks her to leave but asks her also if she would tell people what happened so she won't have to
Curly passes the staff assessments in to Mr. Holdsworth early and then asks Kimberly to the pictures. He tells her about the assessments and the praise he got from the boss for an early delivery and feels quite good about himself today. Vera pokes her nose in for a minute and Curly indicates he was rather creative writing up some of the reports in order to find nice things to say about some (Vera).
Liz is rummaging through the trash in the back yard and finds a couple of salvageable items though Jim is against taking them. It's the principle of the thing. He relents on one item but insists Alf must shift the rest of it.
Bet sits with Sally in the pub and asks after Jenny. Sally doesn't think it's really sunk in yet, she's keeping it all bottled up. Bet sidetracks Alec on his way out and tells him of her plan to offer to pay for the funeral since it was Alec that told Alan where to find Rita in the first place which ended with Alan's death at the bumper of the tram. They have some responsibility to see things are done right. Alec thinks they shouldn't be hijacking someone else's funeral but Bet is adamant and is going round OT Jenny's to tell her. Only Jenny's not in.
Jenny is in her dad's flat. The landlady, wearing a purple cardy that matches the colour of the purple walls exactly, (!) knocks on the door and asks if Alan will still be wanting the room as she hasn't seen him around in a day or two only she's had inquiries. But she is all apologetic and sympathetic when Jenny tells her Alan is dead. She mentions that he always seemed a gentleman, always had a polite word for her. She tells Jenny there's no rush to clear out his things and asks was it an accident, sudden like? Jenny bitterly replies that it was no accident, that folk just wouldn't give him a second chance and it were them that killed him in the end.
Mr. Holdsworth tells Curly the assessments weren't written with the right audience, head office, in mind. They are too kind and must be redone. If head office sees that the staff are so efficient and perfect they will wonder why they need management at all and Curly must show the deficiencies, the short comings of the staff that management has made heroic efforts to show them the error of their ways. And done by tomorrow please. So Curly has to cancel his date with Kimberly. Vera pokes her nose in again and suggests that Kim come over and wait until he's done then they can both go for a drink after. This is acceptable and plans are set. Mr. Holdsworth comes by and he and Curly head down the aisle watched by Vera and Kimberly. Vera remarks that if there were three of him he still wouldn't amount to much (meaning Mr. Holdsworth).
Later at home, Vera tries to get a look at the new assessments as Curly is trying to finish up but he keeps them from her and later heads out for a drink with Kimberly.
Audrey pops into the shop while it's quiet to pick up a few items for tea. She is avoiding the neighbours so she doesn't have to face them and their jokes at her expense. Alf thinks let folk say what they want but Audrey insists she is much more sensitive than Alf who has a hide like a rhinoceros! She runs into Jack who's there however and his joke about Alf not wanting to move in order to keep his brass in the bank hits a little too close to home and Audrey darts out of the shop and upstairs. Now see what you've done, moans Alf, following her up. Audrey wonders if that remark wasn't more true than not but Alf says no of course not, he's just as upset as she is. They should face the neighbours together as a united front so they will see we are together on this, put a smile on it and go to the Rovers. She agrees and actually apologises for her behaviour and they go to the Rovers and put a happy families face on things until Jim and Liz arrive to ask about the rubbish removal. Alf says he thought Audrey was calling the council but she didn't and though he was. That upsets her again and she leaves abruptly. Poor Alf is having a hard time getting a meal or a drink it seems these days!
Elsewhere in the bar, Alec is parading a little box labelled "Alan Bradley Fund" in order to beg a little offsetting funds for the funeral. I don't think he'll make enough for a cuppa, do you? Curly comes in and introduces Bet to Kimberly and Bet makes one or two jokes at Curly's expense but tells Kimberly not to mind her, she's well known for her humour.
Bet is off to see Jenny and offers to pay for the funeral but Jenny flatly refuses, more or less accusing Bet of offering up blood money out of guilt. Why couldn't you help her dad when he was trying to start fresh? She doesn't want any of them who are the ones who really killed him. She breaks down and finally cries in the kitchen as Bet listens with a heavy heart.
Diane
Tuesday (3004, 13 December 1989)
Writer JULIAN ROACH Director BRIAN MILLS
Bitparts:
Elderly Shopper JOSEPHINE ANTOSZ
Mr Lotterby RON MEADOWS
Who's there for Jenny? Why is Curly horrified? Who's there for Rita and who's not?
Audrey is still depressed about the whole house situation and having to live at the grotty flat over the shop and decides to stay abed this morning.
Martin visits Jenny and lends a shoulder to lean on. she's got a lot to think about, sort out doesn't she? The funeral for starters. Martin offers to do anything he can to help and she asks him to go and help her clear out Alan's things from his flat. She will do whatever she can to see he isn't buried in a pauper's grave even if she has to borrow the money from the bank to do it.
The cafe is quite busy with Christmas shoppers and Alms thinks they need an extra pair of hands. Gail knows that they probably wouldn't if Alma spent less time moaning and chatting up folk and more time working but does agree to ask Martin to help out for awhile. He is supposed to meet her in the Rovers at dinnertime and she'll ask him then.
Over at Bettabuys Vera is warning a deaf elderly shopper against spending her pennies on some frozen goods as old stock, at the top of her voice too, overheard by Mrs. Dodds the store detective. Vera's had a run in with her before, you will remember on her first day there! Meanwhile Curly informs Mr. Holdsworth that he's laid the newly re-done assessments on his desk. Only later, Curly is horrified to discover that the assessments are to be used, not for head office but to determine the seasonal layoffs!!! Vera included! Curly objects! Mr. H. said they were just an exercise for head office! Curly tries to defend Vera and says he's sure she can improve if he talks to her. But the decision is final. Vera is one of 6 to be laid of after Christmas.
Jim is on to Alf again to get rid of the junk in the yard. Liz's presence stops him from really losing his temper when Alf tells him he's been on to the council and they can't remove it until after Christmas, probably the New Year. Jim just wants it gone but does apologise for the upset to Sally before he leaves.
Tina pleads for the night off and Bet makes a deal with her. She's going to visit Rita in hospital and Tina can go when she gets back or when Jack comes in ok? ok! Gail comes in looking for Martin but he hasn't been in so I guess he forgot about meeting Gail. She goes back to the cafe where she tells Alma Martin didn't show up so she couldn't ask him about helping out. Alf was in the pub too and asks Kevin and Mark if they could get hold of a truck or van and move the rubbish for him, he'll make it worth their while.
They do that, obligingly, as Jim defends himself as not being unreasonable, so he isn't! Alf notices that there is more rubbish in the yard than what he left there himself but Jim doesn't expect him to remove what they have discarded and that old wardrobe goes too, don't forget!
Curly hears Mrs. Duckworth being paged to go to the administration office and grimaces. Vera thinks it's about a check out job she applied for and goes into the office smiling But the next time we see Vera she's at home telling Jack that she will be getting her cards after Christmas, putting the blame on that cow, Mrs. Dodds, and the next time we see Curly he is in the Rovers drinking a pint to avoid going home!!
The Roberts' solicitor comes into the shop and tells Alf and Audrey, who's come out of hiding for 5 minutes, that the deal is off. The people from whom Alf and Audrey were buying the new house have pulled their house off the market and aren't going to sell anymore. This leaves Alf and Audrey stuck in the flat until they find something else. That's the last straw for Audrey though I suspect Alf would have been quite happy to live in the flat over his beloved shop. Audrey snatches a bottle of whiskey from the shelf and heads upstairs, retreats to the bathroom and proceeds to get drunk, locking everyone out of the bathroom in the process. Even Alf and Alm can't talk her out!
Gail waits impatiently and increasingly annoyed for Martin at home. When he finally arrives he is full of news about how he spent his day helping Jenny clear out Alan's digs and helping her at the undertaker. But they found an insurance policy so she'll be able to pay for a funeral. He's very apologetic when he realizes he forgot to meet Gail at dinnertime. Gail's built up quite a resentment over the day and isn't very understanding in spite of the fact that Martin is practically Jenny's Only friend and support line besides Sally. Why did he have to get all involved? Well he IS her friend and she doesn't have many and he happened to be there at the time. They discuss the funeral, which is costing her £678, and Martin tells Gail he wants to go to it, surely she won't object? No of course not but she doesn't like it, I can tell. Bit of a cow isn't she? Really she ought to be more sympathetic seeing as it hasn't been that long since she buried her husband but I suspect jealousy is more the motive than anything else.
Jack arrives a bit late for work and sees Curly and asks him if he knows what's up with Vera's lay off. Curly says it's just a seasonal thing, names out of a hat and Jack suggests maybe Vera's name could be put back in the hat??
Bet and Rita visit in the hospital. Rita looks all done in, no makeup and very groggy and distracted which she puts down to the drugs they've given her. She might be home tomorrow though and that's something. She asks where Jenny is, the poor kid. She thinks Jenny must be in an awful state with all her illusions shattered now she must realize what her father was really like. She'll have to look after her, it's up to her, Jenny's all that's left for Rita now.
But Jenny is moving out of Number 7 and back to a room at college. Sally wonders why but Jenny says she wants nothing to do with Rita anymore and blames her for her dad's death. She hates Rita and feels Rita can just rot! She hugs Sally and puts the house keys back through the letter slot and walks down the street.
Diane
Wednesday (3005, 15 December 1989)
Writer SUE ASHBY Director BRIAN MILLS
Bitparts:
Vicar RALPH LAWTON
Who's snogging who? Who's in the doghouse?
Vera decides not to go to work today. After all they can't sack her, that's already been done so what's the difference? Jack defends Vera's work ethic (well he would, it's better than his and that's not saying much!) and he asks Curly who's responsible. Vera suspects that cow Mrs. Dodds. Curly sidesteps the question saying Mr. Holdsworth is responsible for the hiring and firing, it isn't up to him but Jack wants him to try to get Vera reinstated. Vera vows revenge on whoever has slandered her good name!
Bet's picking up a few things for Rita who's coming home later this morning. Bet's hoping once Jenny gets past the funeral and gets over her dad's death that she and Rita can have a fresh start but Sally tells her that Jenny has moved out of Number 7 back to college. The funeral will start from there. Bet's wondering what she's going to tell Rita!
Kimberly is quite proud of her artistic display of Christmas baskets but Curly doesn't even take any notice as he's preoccupied with thoughts of how he's going to manage to get Vera's job back. Mr. Holdsworth and Mrs. Dodds walk by and do notice, complimenting Kimberly. Very nice Miss Taylor, don't you think so Renee... I mean Mrs. Dodds (what's this??? First name basis?) Curly asks to have a word with Mr. H. about Mrs. Duckworth's assessment but he has no time and canters off leaving Mrs. Dodds to compliment Curly on the fine job he's done with his assessments as told to her by Mr. Holdsworth. (*perk* no! now I KNOW summat's up. That little smirk on her gob and what's Reg Holdsworth doing telling the store detective about staff assessments anyway?)
Bet and Rita arrive home in a cab. Rita looks and sounds a bit vague and bewildered to be back on Coronation Street. They see Kevin and Sally leave their house all dressed up. The Websters are a bit non-plussed to see Rita and awkwardly leave. Rita then realizes they're going to Alan's funeral. Bet notes it's only for Jenny's sake though, the rest of the neighbours are staying away out of respect for Rita and then Bet has to tell Rita that Jenny's moved out. Rita looks a bit taken aback as she enters the house.
In the cafe, Alma and Phyllis are discussing who's paying for the funeral, Alma having heard that the Gilroy's offered. Phyllis heard Jenny threw that offer back in her face and Gail puts them both right by telling them Alan had insurance. Phyllis relates a story about a friend who went on a four-star holiday to Spain after her husband died and came back with a fella in tow. She jokes that Gail should have done that after Brian died! Gail says what does she need to go to Spain for when she has a perfectly good fella right here. Martin has arrived dressed for the funeral and Gail compliments him but he's not really in the mood for it, funerals always get to him (well of course!) Gail SAYS she understands that Martin has to spend time with Jenny but she's got the most po-faced look on which pretty much says she doesn't like it one bit and her eyes are looking distinctly green.
Bet makes tea for her and Rita. Rita says she's had lots of time to think about it all, Alan, his death and his hate for her. She's finally past that but has been dreading seeing that same hate in Jenny's eyes. She knows Jenny hates her and blames her for Alan's death and that's why she won't be back. Bet thinks Jenny will get over it in time but Rita is sceptical.
The funeral procession starts from the college and only consists of the hearse, the limo for Jenny and Martin and Sally and Kevin's car. Jenny puts flowers on the coffin before they proceed to the internment at the grave site. I would have though more of Alan's mates from the building site at least would have come as he seemed to get along with them just fine but the four of them are the only attendees. Jenny holds up all right and the four have a drink in a bar later where Jenny points out that none of Alan's former work mates and business contacts never came and the only reason the Websters and Martin are there is because of her. They didn't care for Alan any more than the rest of the community. They don't really disagree but Sally soothes Jenny with more condolences, knowing how upset she is and she and Kevin leave soon after. Martin tells Jenny getting bitter won't help but she can't help the way she feels.
Curly is still moping around the store, his temper getting a bit short with all this worry. He walks into the stock room to stumble on a couple snogging in the corner. He is shocked and appalled to find it's Reg Holdsworth and Renee Dodds!!! He makes embarrassed apologies and backs out quickly. Later Reg and Renee see him chatting to Kimberly and think he's telling on them, what can they do? Later, after Curly has told Kimberly what happened with his assessment causing Vera's lay off notice, Reg approaches him. Curly had just been about to approach Reg to ask for Vera's job back when Reg beats him to the punch and tells him he was just a bit hasty laying off Mrs. Duckworth and she will be reinstated, hinting that Curly's a man of the world and knows how to turn a blind eye (about what he saw!).
Later when Curly goes home to celebrate Vera being reinstated he finds Jack and Vera looking at him with accusing eyes. They already know she's got her job back, Mr. Holdsworth rang up but Vera found some notes Curly made while she was cleaning in his room and they realize now that it was his assessment of her that caused the layoff. They look on Curly as a Judas, a traitor. Though Curly defends himself, even almost lying that it isn't true, they see through him. Later in the pub Jack wonders if they couldn't use Curly's guilt to get Vera that check out job she wants!
Alf chats to Gail in the corner shop about Audrey's depression over the house. Gail says it's just hurt pride and she'll get over it and lo and behold down comes Audrey from the flat and says she's going Christmas shopping. Alf is so pleased to see she has accepted the situation that he gives her £50 to spend. He is astonished later that evening in the pub when Audrey arrives. He had just finished telling Alma that Audrey has settled down and realizes they can be perfectly happy in their little flat when she comes in armed with a thick pile of houses on the market, currently vacant so there would be no delay in moving in before Christmas! He can live happily ever after in his grotty flat but she's not going to!
Martin sits with Jenny in her room while Gail waits and waits at home as it grows later and later. Martin makes a move to leave but Jenny cries on his shoulder about her dad's bare grave and headstones and begs him not to leave her so what's a man to do? At home, Gail watches the end of a snooker match (which mentions that the reigning champion, A CANADIAN, will be difficult to beat! YES!) and then goes up to bed.
Diane
Thursday (3006, 18 December 1989)
Writer LESLIE DUXBURY Director IAN WHITE
Bitparts:
Bar Girl JENNIE SUMMERS
Terry Conway JOHN MELAINEY
What are mates for? Who's got to sling his hook? Has Deirdre got another piece of the puzzle?
Martin has stayed the night in Jenny's room after her dad's funeral. He wakes up after 8 a.m. and rushes to get his shoes on, knowing Gail won't be pleased. Jenny thanks him and says she'll have to be ok, life goes on except for her dad's, that is. Martin says what are mates for?
Gail's in short temper with Nicky in a rush to get off. Martin arrives but Gail's already arranged for Don to take kids to school, sitter and Gail to work. Martin says he couldn't leave Jenny in the state she was in. Gail goes with Don anyway, leaving no uncertainty that she's pretty angry.
Vera gives Curly the silent treatment while directing sarky comments toward him via a conversation with Jack on how punctual she is, how un-lazy etc. How could some people think she was all those things and report her for them? Well, she's off to work but locks Curly out of the car so he has to take the bus.
Rita returns to the Kabin much to Emily and Mavis's surprise. She's sure she is ready to start back to work but much too soon in Mavis and Emily's opinions. Emily thinks Rita's trying to prove how tough she is. Rita asks how trade has been and thinks the window display is a bit dull (Derek thought it was tastefully seasonal so there you have the root of the problem!). Emily tsks that Rita is probably living on nerves and pills, too.
Percy instructs Gail on improving her service technique (poor) then sits with Phyllis with a cuppa tea. She offers to pay for hers but he says she can pay next time. (He can be so nasty to her at times but then turn around and do something nice that acknowledges their friendship!) They discuss Christmas, and the fact that Phyllis has bought Percy a gift, a pair of red and green braces. Percy wants to know how she knew he wore braces (never takes his jacket off in public then?) and she reveals that in her fantasies of him sitting across the breakfast table from her he's always wearing braces. Percy looks at her in amazement and pronounces her barmy! She sighs that when you're in love it's a form of madness but he snipes at her to stop looking at him like that!
Elsewhere Alma is trying to find out what Gail is wearing to the office/cafe Christmas party that evening though Gail doesn't seem much in the party mood. Alma gives her a pep talk though she doesn't really know what the problem is.
Ken is Christmas shopping with Tracy at the perfume counter and who do they run into but Wendy Crozier! Ken introduces Tracy and then apologises to Wendy once Tracy moves away, for not calling but he's been busy.
Sally visits Jenny at college. Yes, she's seen Martin but she would have come anyway. How is she feeling? Well Jenny says a bit morbidly, how would you expect, she's just buried her father in a cold hole in the ground. Jenny doesn't want to come to Sally's for Christmas, doesn't want to be anywhere near that street or "her". She'll get over it, won't she, life goes on. She tells Sally she doesn't know how she would have gotten through last night if it hadn't been for Martin, as he says, they're mates.
But Martin is trying some peacemaking with Gail at the moment, to a cool reception. Alma tries to find out what's wrong and tells Martin she hopes he can cheer her up because Alma wants to enjoy their party. Gail sits down with Martin and he tells her that Jenny only wanted a shoulder and then they crashed out. It was a rough day after all. Gail relents and says she's being selfish because she knows how effective his shoulder can be. She smiles and they've made it up.
Tracy's digging through some Christmas decorations and wakes Ken who's snoozing in the chair to help but he realizes the time and must rush back to the office. Deirdre asks him to fetch the Christmas tree from the back yard first in spite of his protests of getting dirty. While he's out there Tracy tries to find out what she's getting for Christmas in exchange for telling Deirdre what she bought her and in the process spills the beans about meeting Wendy in the store. Deirdre does a bit of a double take on that because Ken never mentioned it, did he?
Jack and Vera are very cool to Curly when he arrives home and, never taking their eyes away from the telly, tell him that they both think he should look for other lodgings under the circumstances. He's not welcome there anymore and they think he should ling 'is 'ook. "Sling me 'ook?" he replies, astonished (I laughed out loud, I guess you just had to be there!) End of the week will do as he's paid up till then. Curly doesn't really seem too surprised.
in the pub that night Mavis and Emily tell bet that Rita was exhausted by dinnertime and went home, doing far too much on her first day back. As the scene turns to Ken and Deirdre we see Jim and Liz come in and, not really knowing their neighbours yet, make a few observations on the regulars. Liz is rather surprised at the two old girls quietly knocking it back (Emily and Mavis) and thinks Ken is a mystery, too slick, too "shiny shoed" for Coronation Street but Jim rather fancies Deirdre, he'd like to breathe on her glasses, so he would. (I'll leave you with that rather odd picture). Liz also mentions she feels a bit responsible for Alf and Audrey's predicament but Jim sure doesn't. Audrey is a bit miffed that she wasn't asked to babysit for Gail because it would have got her out of that flat and she proceeds to be quite scrooge-like about spending the holiday not in a new house. Meanwhile Deirdre is asking Ken why he never mentioned meeting Wendy in the store and he just shrugs that he never thought any more about it, as if it were the least important thing in the world!
At the disco, Gail is a dancing fool, keeping Martin on the dance floor until he's ready to drop. She picks on Terry next as we see Mike Baldwin arrive in the background, well on his way to a bender. Martin and Alma chat a bit and later after a successful party the four are leaving the disco when they notice Mike about to get in his car and drive himself home. Alma gently takes his keys from him as he's quite drunk and happy but in no shape to drive and puts him in a cab.
Gail and Martin get home, ready to continue their own private party when the phone rings. It's Jenny and she's in a worse state than the night before. Gail forbids him to go and says if he does, don't come back. That backfires when Martin gets his coat and leaves to help his mate.
Diane
Friday (3007, 20 December 1989)
Writer ADELE ROSE Director IAN WHITE
Bitparts:
Sid Cooper ZALL ANTHONY
Chloe TRACY BRABIN
Nicky wakes Gail just before her alarm goes off, wanting to know where Martin is and we see that he hasn't come home this morning either.
Vera's putting on her face as Curly wonders if he gets any breakfast. Of course he does, he's entitled having paid up the week. Vera at least, believes in being fair. Curly tries again to defend himself as having to keep staff on their toes but Vera reminds him on their toes is one thing, on the dole is another! All this aggro ruins poor Curly's appetite.
Tracy wants to go somewhere exotic, like skiing for the holidays, maybe next year? Deirdre says maybe if the Recorder is doing better next year and there is more discussion on the health of the newspaper until Deirdre decrees they shouldn't talk about troubles until after the holidays. That suits Ken just fine but you know he's not thinking of the newspaper, the philandering fool!
Rita asks Sally in the shop what Jenny's doing for Christmas. Sally doesn't know and asks Rita about her plans. Well, Emily and Mavis are both vying for the honour of Rita's company and she says the two of them are clucking over her like she's an invalid. liz arrives in work clothes and mentions that they've been painting and re-wallpapering. Audrey seems to take this as a slight against her decorating taste as Liz says the old paper in the bedroom just didn't go with their duvet cover.
Curly frantically calls around to find digs but isn't having much luck.
Tracy approaches young Andy MacDonald in the cafe as he's playing an arcade game. He doesn't really appreciate the attentions of an almost-13 year old. Alms answers the phone and it's Martin but Gail refuses to take his call. Alma tries to get Gail to open up but just then a now sober and rather embarrassed Mike arrives to thank Alma for not letting him drive the night before and to fetch his keys. He invites Alma for a drink after work, mentioning that Dawn won't be there. Alma says she might but not to hold his breath. She later tells Gail that if Mike had still meant anything to her she wouldn't have been able to play it that cool. Isn't life a swine? Gail will drink to that.
Ivy seems a bit shirty about Gail today over the Christmas plans. It looks like the Brennans and Roberts will be going to Gails for Christmas dinner and what seems to be bothering Ivy most is Martin sitting in Brian's place. Elsewhere in the pub, Derek is looking on three laughing tipsy women with disapproval. He's hates to see women drinking to excess and feels office parties are just an excuse to get legless. Mavis chides him as being an old Scrooge.
Eddie brings little Jamie into the bar after having his booster shot, to the oohs and ahs of Tina and Bet and over the objections of Alec who looks disgusted at the gushing over that sweet little baby (well, I'm allowed to gush aren't I?)
Martin arrives at the college as Jenny's called him again. When she tells him she wants him to take her to the solicitor's to sign a few more papers, he tells her he can't be holding her hand 24 hours a day. He has to get on with his own life. She gets upset, thinking they were friends and friends are there for each other. fine then. (Well really Jenny, it's only just signing a few papers, not the reading of the will, after all, says I)
Martin tries to talk to Gail at the cafe but she tells him to get his things later when the kids are in bed.
Derek is at the company warehouse stocking up when a pretty blonde worker ambushes him with mistletoe and a kiss and manages to persuade him to attend the office party the next day. He's embarrassed about the display of affection though sort of enjoys it too.
Ken is visiting Wendy. She's going to be alone for Christmas but it was a decision she made a long time ago. She could have been married with children by now but now that she's found Mr. Right he's taken! He wants to be with her but must make an effort for Tracy. She wonders if it would be better if both in an affair were married, it would even things out. She's only being flippant because she's trying not to cry, it's such a sentimental season.
Bet and Alec warn Tina to think seriously about taking on the responsibilities of a man with a baby. His mom only helps because there's no one else and as soon as Eddie got a new wife/girlfriend, she'd be lumbered with the baby. Mavis and Derek arrive and he says he's only going to the office party out of obligation. Mavis admires that he's so punctilious about doing things right (just let me get me dictionary out...) Emily arrives with Rita who is welcomed back. Bet's even going to join them for a drink. Alma arrives to find Mike waiting with a G & T for her but only stays long enough to find out that Dawn's no longer in the picture. She figures Mike is hoping to start off where they left off but he's got another think coming, she's not stupid! She leaves him gaping as she walks out with a smile.
The Brennans and the Duckies are playing cards while Curly is still making calls in the front room with no luck. He keeps popping in making brave statements but the one that catches everyone's ear is when he starts telling them it wasn't Mr. Holdsworth that changed his mind, Curly persuaded him because he found out something that Mr. H. wanted to keep secret. Oh, Yes, He's having it on with Mrs. Dodds and Mr. Holdsworth gave Vera her job back to keep Curly quiet about it. Now he didn't expect gratitude but didn't expect to be thrown out on the street....at Christmas. He leaves them to think about that and stalks upstairs to his room. Vera and Jack look at each other ashamed.
Gail has Martin's things packed and ready for him to take when he arrives. He again defends himself, nothing happened and he and Jenny are just mates, it's Gail he loves. She feels he chose Jenny over her. He didn't even stay the night, he says, he came back but she had put the chain on the door so had to crash at the Websters (has Martin's family suddenly disappeared? Surely he must still have a house key to his parent's home). He tells her there won't be a next time as he told Jenny that enough was enough because he knew Gail objected but he'd have done the same for any mate, male or female. Gail didn't want the kids to get too dependent on him after losing Brian but they're losing him and all, Martin points out. Gail starts to relent after more words of love except Martin has conditions. No more treating him like a lodger, a skeleton in the closet. she agrees and they kiss and make up.
Diane
Monday (3008, 22 December 1989)
Writer STEPHEN MALLATRATT Director IAN WHITE
Bitparts:
Sid Cooper ZALL ANTHONY
Chloe TRACY BRABIN
Student GRETA MIKAELSON
It's the season of good will after all. Where was ken and who was he with?
(This episode aired on Dec. 22 but appears to be Christmas Eve in the show)
Nicky wakes Gail and Martin, snooping on presents and doesn't seem bothered at all about finding Martin in his mother's bed.
Mavis doesn't seem too chuffed that Derek is going to the office party. He doesn't know when he'll be back but must attend, it would be very bad form otherwise and expects to be back by 5. Mavis figures he's going to get legless or otherwise enjoy himself at a party to which she isn't invited, I would guess that's more the reason for her being so miffed!
Gail has got a bloom in her cheek and Alma notices, teasing her that there is only one way to get that and she must have had a good night! (See what sleeping in the same bed will do for you?) Jack is chatting to Tracy and Deirdre about Father Christmas and Christmas requests. Jack wants a full breakfast like the one he just ate there at the cafe only served at home by Vera smiling at her Lord and Master. Deirdre doesn't think he has much chance, nor do I! The phone rings and Alma gets it and it's Mike who we later learn has an invitation for her.
At Bettabuys, Curly is scolded by Mr. Holdsworth for not keeping the bread display stocked up faster. (of course this time of year with Christmas and turkey stuffing on the wake, bread is a prime consideration and the customers swarm around the bread displays like flies on honey!) Vera makes a sly crack to her boss about goings on in the stockroom and Curly looks like he could just die. Vera infers to Kimberly that Mr. Holdsworth is no more than a dirty old man like them all but won't reveal more details because Curly swore her to secrecy!
The Chuckles company office party is under way at their warehouse which is housed in an old mission church. Father Christmas is drunk with a cute blonde on his lap, telling her he is fit for any ride and nuzzles her neck. What's this? It's Derek under that white beard! Someone gives him a small brown envelope that his boss dropped off for him and he pockets it for later.
Sally is still trying to persuade Jenny to come to them for Christmas but she refuses. The only reason she's even there at the Rovers is to see Sally and thank her for being there for her. Sally says Jenny has lots of friends there, Martin included but Jenny seems a bit dubious about him and all. The Brennans arrive and see Jenny and have a sympathetic word for her, if there's anything they can do you know where they are. After Jenny's condemnation of the street residents just minutes before are we to be witness to a "sod off"? No, Jenny just says Ta and gets up to leave, cutting Mavis dead very rudely. Elsewhere in the pub Audrey is warning Alma about Mike's invitation to spend Christmas dinner with him at his apartment. She figures Alma is only second best, one of his fancy bits probably let him down. After all, Alma's hardly the love of Mike's life is she? Over at the other side, Mavis tells Bet and Tina how rude Jenny just was and after Tina compliments her on having Derek, she decides fat lot of good he is, off to office parties. Bet and Tina sigh and comment about how glad they are not to have to go to all these parties like executives have to, must be the bane of their little lives!!!
Over at Chuckles, the party is over and the lights are being turned off by Chloe and Sid. They think Father Christmas (Derek) has long since left but after they leave and lock up we see Santy Claus asleep in a dark corner. Quite some time later he wakes and groggily realizes he's been locked in!!! Chloe? Sid? MAAAAAVISSSSS! He howls!
Vera has brought home loads of goodies for a right splash out for Christmas dinner but she does wish Terry were going to be there. Vera has plans just for the two of them for the evening to decorate and get the turkey ready for tomorrow and they discuss they must do something nice for Curly to make up for nearly tossing him on the street after he got Vera's job back. Jack then turns around and invites Curly to go with him for a night at the Legion, his treat and Curly accepts! Vera doesn't look pleased!
Alf puts both feet in it at the Kabin by first mentioning how Christmases always seem to be so stressful, last year food poisoning and this year he and Audrey are homeless, like to have a nervous breakdown! Oops Sorry! Rita smiles and says one in the street at a time please! Well he gets off but not without mentioning poor Jenny orphaned at Christmas and he heard she had been in the Rovers at dinnertime. Rita asks Mavis about it but Mavis hadn't wanted to tell Rita as Jenny was so rude. But Rita thinks any news of Jenny is better than none. Mavis has a good rant about Derek not being home yet and it's past 6:30 while Rita is still thinking about Jenny, alone at college for Christmas. Later on she calls Jenny but when Jenny takes the phone and hears Rita's voice, she hangs up on her without saying a word.
Emily is watching Tracy do the Christmas tree. There is talk of fixing fuses if the lights go out and the topic of Ken comes up. Tracy hopes her dad won't be working, surely not on Christmas. Well, Tracy says, he's always there. She goes to her room to play a "tep" (I remember Tracy ALWAYS playing her "teps" (TAPES) and it got on my nerves back in 1989 and it's going to do now!) Emily knows Tracy is missing her dad, well she would at this hour of the day when he should be home. And Deirdre is cluing in I think.
As we see Ken and Wendy relaxing on the floor (in front of a fire? why else would you be laying on the floor in December) She gives him a painting for his gift but he says he better keep it at her place. Oh just tell Deirdre a client gave it to you, she'll believe that won't she? He doesn't seem to sure. He promises to call her on Christmas day somehow but has to be there for Tracy's sake.
At the Rover's that evening there is a Christmas carol singalong in progress although Derek is still among the missing. Mike arrives and buys a drink for Alma and she tells him she isn't going to accept his invitation even though he assures her she wasn't his second choice after being stood up or anything. She's not falling for that but wonders after wards if she should have accepted after all. Mavis is quite put out that Derek hasn't shown up yet... Where is Father Christmas?
Well, Jack and Curly are staggering back from the legion, Jack promising to pay Curly back for money borrowed I guess. They discuss Christmas not being the same as it used to and even little Tracy not believing in Father Christmas anymore. Shame. Just then Jack looks up and sees Santa Claus making his way around a ledge on the nearby church roof (that would be Derek trying to find a way out of the warehouse) and thinks he's is seeing things because Curly doesn't see it as Derek has already gone around a corner!
Ken finally arrives home after Tracy is in bed. Deirdre is cold and angry. Ken has this stupid grin on his face and compliments her on the tree but soon realizes things are not all they should be and asks what's wrong. Deirdre wants to know where he's been and who with? His face falls and she asks another woman? Yes. Was it revenge for her and Mike? No of course not. Is it serious? He hesitates and half nods. He didn't want to hurt her...She knows it's Wendy but doesn't scream and shout. She just gets up and tells him she doesn't care where he sleeps but it won't be in her bed. She goes upstairs and Ken sits down in his chair and cries. (Don't feel sorry for him, me, he's just sorry he got caught if you ask me).
Diane
Tuesday (3009, 25 December 1989)
Writer Stephen PETER WHALLEY Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Bitaprts:
Student LING TAI
Is Ken staying or going? Why has Jack taken the pledge?
It's Christmas day. Gail's kids are playing with their new toys and Martin is playing with Gail and the mistletoe. Gail fusses over how long the turkey will take to cook and Nicky needs more batteries which Gail will ask Alf to bring from the shop.
Ken and Deirdre are pacing around each other warily. Tracy models her new dress and decides to have a bath with her new bath pearls before dinner. Every time she leaves the room Deirdre glares or hisses at Ken. Is he seeing "her" today? Of course not! Ken doesn't want Tracy involved and that little comment sends Deirdre off into another whispered rant so Tracy doesn't hear. How stupid is he? Why else did she wrap presents and is cooking Christmas dinner if not for Tracy? Certainly not for her or his sake. Don't be lecturing her on anything after what he's been stupid enough to do but it looks like Tracy is already feeling some of the tension.
Vera's peeling spuds and planning dinner for when Jack comes home from the Rovers at 2. Jack though, has decided to swear off the booze forever, treating his body like a temple from now on. It's poison to the system. Curly informs Vera that Jack thought he saw Father Christmas on a church roof the night before. Vera scoffs and doesn't think his pledge will last, not on Christmas day after all! But Jack surprises more than one person during the day at the pub by turning down an alcoholic drink when offered to have one with a patron, opting instead for tomato juice. Alec thinks Jack has something up his sleeve somehow.
Audrey and Alf meet Ivy and Don to go to Gail's for Christmas dinner loaded down with gifts and batteries. There are Merry Christmas greetings all around and Audrey manages to get a dig in at Alf for their homeless state at the holidays but they all get in Don's taxi and are away.
There are more shots fired across the bow of Number 1 while Tracy is on the phone with a mate. Ken seems to think Deirdre believes he had the affair specifically to hurt her. She has said she already guessed weeks ago so why is she acting like it's a big surprise and all accusing and bitter about it? Guessing is one thing, knowing is another (take that!). It seems to me Ken doesn't think he should be treated like an outcast! Tracy begins to avoid their company so they realize she's twigged there's something big going on as Ken feels like he's already been tried and convicted (well isn't a confession reason for that!!!) Deirdre doesn't really care about the affair, being lied to is worse, betrayed and made a fool of. She asks him to just leave her alone to get through today.
Rita has her dinner with Mavis and Derek, who doesn't seem to much worse for the drunken escapades while in the guise of Santa Claus the night before. Perhaps just a bit apologetic and sheepish, it was all just conviviality, does he have to wear sack cloth and ashes all day? Mavis quips (rather cleverly I thought) that she though he liked to dress up! Rita tells them she hasn't heard from Jenny but it's Jenny's own choice to be alone at college. After dinner Rita leaves and decides to pay a visit to Jenny in the residence. Jenny isn't pleased to see her, however. Rita tries to make up, hoping Jenny had stopped blaming her for her father's death but she never will, not the way Rita treated him, Jenny counters. Rita tells Jenny she loves her and she'll always be welcome back home.
Dinner at Gail's is going well. Ivy is behaving herself admirably, admiring the bracelet Gail received from Martin and seconding toasts to both Martin and Gail as co-cooks though you can tell she is missing her Brian on this, the first Christmas without him. Nobody else seems to have a mention for Brian which saddens Ivy though she says nowt and later she finds Brian and Nicky's picture in a drawer but Don thinks it was just to make room for the bottles of wine and other Christmas drink on that side table. He's sure they'll put it back up after the holidays. Ivy hopes so.
After Christmas dinner, Ken tries to lighten the mood by reciting a verse from Christmas in the Workhouse, as Uncle Albert always used to but it falls rather flat. Tracy wants to leave to get out of the way so they can get on with their row which breaks Deirdre's heart. She scarpers to Emily's followed by Deirdre who finally allows her to stay with Emily for an hour while she and Ken have it out.
Ken attacks Deirdre as not giving a damn about what was going on in his life for a long time and she caused the gulf between them. why? Because she's not what he wants her to be, the little woman stuck at home. He says he supported her bid to be elected but she believes only because he didn't think she'd get on and stick it out and he doesn't like it because he says it has taken over her life. So he blames her? (oh she's working up to something), He thinks she is responsible for his affair? He tells her Wendy is not an alternative to his life with her and Tracy. OH so she's what? just a bit on the side? (point for Deirdre's side). he says she just doesn't want to understand, she WANTS to feel morally superior (last ditch effort if you ask me). But she stands her ground and tells him he is the one responsible for his own actions, not her.
Vera and Curly have an after dinner drink while Jack inspects the ceiling, still sober. Vera doesn't understand why he won't have a drink on Christmas, it's just not the same and his body needs alcohol. Nothing persuades Jack to change his mind and Vera gets ticked off, he's getting on her nerves now!
Alf, Audrey, Don and Ivy stop in to the Rovers for a drink on the way home. Ivy wonders how long Gail's relationship with Martin will last, not very optimistic but Don thinks it were a very happy house there today. Ivy says there's what's happy and what's right and wrong but Audrey knows children are only concerned if they are happy right that minute. At the bar, Alma runs into Mike. There were both on their own and Mike offers to cook Christmas dinner the next day for the two of them in lieu and Alma accepts after all her protestations of the day before, not wanting to be second choice, etc.
Mavis, Derek and Emily chat and Derek tells Emily about his adventures as Santa Claus, owing his locking in to just high jinks from the partiers and relating how he had to climb out the window and across the roof of the factory which is housed in an old Mission church. Jack is clearing glasses and overhears this and confirms the details with Derek. He is so overjoyed to know he wasn't losing his mind from drink after all that he has a pint to celebrate the fact that he really did see Father Christmas on the church roof! Derek remembers the envelope that was given him by a co-worker and opens it, thinking it would be a bonus but instead, it's a letter, sacking him!!!
Tracy is sent to bed later and thanks her Mom and Dad for a nice Christmas (such as it was). Deirdre confronts Ken and says there isn't much left to discuss, she just wants to know if he's staying or going and leaves him to think on it.
Diane
Wednesday (3010, 27 December 1989)
Writer STEPHEN MALATRATT Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
How long is Ken's memory? Does Deirdre make her point?
Rita's come to visit Bet as Alec makes a condolence phone call and arranges to attend a funeral. It seems to have upset Alec more than you'd think for someone he didn't know all that well. Rita tells Bet about her visit with Jenny on Christmas Day which didn't go well. In Jenny's eyes, her dad's death is Rita's fault, everything would be roses if it weren't for Rita. Rita doesn't blame herself, she knows what Alan was but she loves Jenny who doesn't have anyone now.
Ken tells Tracy not to have any more chocolate before dinner but Deirdre comes down, sees a bored daughter and suggests she have some. Ken rolls his eyes but Tracy just sits at the table and hooks up to her headphones as Ken pours himself a scotch (Yes, it's only 11 a.m. but it's Christmas isn't it. Bit of Dutch courage perhaps?) Ken sends Tracy upstairs so he can talk to Deirdre and Tracy wonders why they can't just be happy, they aren't sorry they've been rowing and it's been a rotten Christmas as she runs out, followed by Deirdre.
Mavis wants to go for a walk in the park but Derek is despondent over losing his job and says he wants to get seriously drunk. (Didn't learn his lesson I guess). Mavis gives him a pep talk, there's no shame in losing his job. Turns out he is ashamed of sponging off his wife (not a man of the 90's apparently) but Mavis doesn't think any less of him. He feels humiliated that he couldn't even sell enough plastic doggie pooh - Nonsense, declares Mavis, he's sold plenty of it (ppptttthhh hahahahaha) and besides there was bound to be layoffs after the busy Christmas season and he'll get hired back on. Well he doesn't want to work there anyway and Mavis decides to agree, who wants to sell that sort of stuff anyway (oops). Oh but of course she was proud of him. He reluctantly goes with her to the park and she thinks he'll have a job in no time. Doing what? he postulates (predicts the future?) selling garden gnomes???
Ken is drinking in the pub and listening to Jack bragging about being on the wagon a whole day. he avoids answering Jack's query, did he have a nice Christmas (no wonder). Ken buys Jack a drink and continues to imbibe, himself. Bet notices Ken propping up the bar morosely and tries to buck him up but he's not having it. Ken then buys Percy a drink and another for himself as Alec gets off to the funeral. Percy has a few concerns about Tracy having a better time at Mrs. Bishop's house than her own but Ken is fed up by this time and leaves.
Audrey is trying to persuade Alma off Mike lest she have a damp shoulder again. Alma thinks, Why not Mike? she doesn't want "safe". Audrey points out that Alma's no competition for a 21 year old and doesn't want her to get hurt again but anymore of Audrey's "advice" and a few more drinks will probably have Alma chucking herself off the viaduct. Never mind. She's not going to let Mike hurt her this time, so what if she can't trust him, he's got charm and she could use a little of that. Audrey forebodes that he only wants one thing, to get her in that flat and Alma says she can't wait!
Deirdre is having Emily take Tracy out for the afternoon so that she and Ken can have it out. She's very upset that Tracy's bearing the brunt of the tension. As Tracy and Emily leave, Ken arrives and hands Tracy some (guilt) money. He and Deirdre get stuck going round the same circles over again, not accomplishing anything really. He tells Deirdre the affair was recent, not going on for a long time and at first their relationship was strictly business. Deirdre figures that's called foreplay! (good one!) Oh don't be clever, Deirdre, he didn't mean to hurt her. Who says you have, she counters. She thinks it was revenge for her affair with Mike but he says the only connection is that he knows what she is feeling, hurt, rejection, jealous, longing for her, he remembers it as if it were yesterday. That doesn't talk her around and she counter attacks, saying he knows nothing of what she feels, which is just contempt. He tries turning it around on her saying at least he fought for her. Well she's not begging him to stop seeing Wendy. Turns out he wants Deirdre to wait until he's got it out of his system! Oh yeah? Like he keeps his family and has a warm body waiting around the corner? Like you and Baldwin....(finally got your own back didn't you, you toerag!) Right, it's been 7 years and she feels he's still holding it over her, proven by what he just said.
Alma is enjoying Mike's company but on her guard a bit. She confirms that Dawn is truly gone for good and twigs something must have happened because Mike seems bitter. Later after dinner he tells her about the Spanish land deal/mess and that he's all but broke. She doesn't think he's a fool and is very sympathetic.
Martin, Gail, the Brennans and Alf are having a drink later that evening with Audrey absent, as the babysitter. Martin tries to buy a round but Ivy insists Don pay. At the bar, Martin chats to Curly and Kevin who tease him about spending time with the boring "in-laws" and persuade him to dump them later and spend a little time with the lads. Just then Alec returns from the funeral and goes through to the back. He tells Bet it really bothered him, struck a nerve really. The deceased was a year younger than him and died suddenly. Me thinks Alec is facing his own mortality and past regrets?
Back to the Barlow's the discussion continues. Ken asks Deirdre if she can't fight for him at least wait for him or is he not worth waiting for? (you know what my answer to that would be!!) She looses it completely then and tears into him, if he thinks she's going to cook and clean and iron his shirts for him while he has it off with her then he is arrogant, self satisfied and totally thick! (YES! GO GIRL!)
Martin, Curly and Kevin leave the pub and strike up a pickup football game with the MacDonald twins on the street, much to Percy's disapproval. Alf and Audrey walk home a bit later, the older lads have gone on their way but the twins are still kicking the ball around. But the football takes a bad bounce and smashes Alf's corner shop window!!
Ok, a bit of opinion here from me about the Barlow bits. All this reaction of Deirdre's, the hurt, the pain, the sarcasm, the sniping and biting remarks she slings off, it's totally in character. Speaking as someone who's been there, watching this unfold has brought back a lot of memories and Deirdre's reaction is spot on! She is expressing all the hundreds of emotions that fight to come out in that situation and Ken is trying his best to defend himself, justify himself, blame her or anyone else rather than shoulder any of the guilt himself. I'm trying to keep my own cutting remarks to a minimum or that's all you'd be reading! This has been a very realistic breakup and my unobjective heart breaks for Deirdre!
Diane
Thursday (3011, 29 December 1989)
Writer KEN BLAKESON Director SPENCER CAMPBELL
Who's alone on New Year's Eve? Who's got regrets? Who's out of pocket?
Jim and Alf are assessing the damage to the shop window, boarded up at present. Jim offers to pay and Alf accepts though Audrey says they have insurance. Jim offers to cover what the insurance won't.
Vera has Liz in for tea, a get to know you cuppa I guess and they discuss the boys and their high spirits. That's what lads are like but Liz wanted to make a good impression on the new neighbours (so, ok, she got off to a bad start and things will go downhill from there, mark my words). Vera says broken windows are nothing really, Alf will have insurance and Jack heartily agrees, Alf is the type to be insured to his underpants in case they drop off in the middle of the street!
Bet is going down a list of things and food needed to get in for that evening, New Year's Eve. Alec isn't in much of a festive mood. Bet asks him what's wrong, still the funeral? He didn't even know the man very well. That's right, a man dies and you hardly even knew him. (wha?)
Mavis drops off a gift voucher for Tracy, a late gift, on her way to Emily's. Everything seems fine and happy families until after she leaves. Tracy wants to be alone to play her "teps" and goes to her room. Deirdre has another go at Ken again. Ken doesn't want Tracy involved and thinks she's only upset because they are fighting. Deirdre insists Tracy IS involved, she'd have to be deaf, dumb and blind not to know something bigger isn't going on. She can't be reasonable and expect to share her husband with another woman. He thinks she should accept it and behave like an adult but she doesn't feel adult and reasonable, she's hurt and angry. Why pretend everything is fine, he's got a cheek, he's asking the impossible of her so make a decision, it's his family or his mistress!
Next door, Emily asks Mavis how were the Barlows but Mavis didn't detect anything untoward and tells her they are just fine. Emily knows there's problems, appearances can be deceptive. Mavis understands that to be true but doesn't realize Emily is referring to the Barlows and she witters on how hard Derek is taking his job loss.
At the pub, Jack is making insinuations as to why Derek was on the roof of a church dressed as Father Christmas, was there a bird involved (woman, that is)? Well sort of but it was only a Christmas fling and a bit of a joke, he got locked in. Anyway Derek says he's tired of selling novelties and decides to look for something new, more challenging in the new year. Elsewhere Alma tells Audrey and Alf about Mike's Spanish disaster and resulting debt but doesn't realize that Vera overhears the whole story. Tina and Eddie chat about their Christmas with Jamie. Alec interjects, full of post funeral blues, and tells them to enjoy the lad while they can, he'll be grown and gone soon enough.
Ken arrives at Wendy's as she's having lunch. Deirdre knows, she's put it together on her own (of course he wouldn't have the guts to actually tell her, now would he. They rarely do) She's devastated but at least it's out in the open now. Wendy asks isn't that what he wanted? He doesn't seem really warm and fuzzy about the two of them though and I notice though she always tells him she loves him, he rarely says those three little words himself, sidestepping it with a "me too" sort of reply.
Meantime Tracy is asking her mother where her father is. She tries to make out that he's at the office but Tracy's also pieced it together about Wendy so Deirdre sits her down for a talk. Tracy doesn't understand why her dad prefers someone else to her mother. It sometimes happens but Deirdre wants Tracy to try to stay out of it if she can, it's between the adults now. She does have a say but there's a time and place. Tracy states dad can't stay here and mess with her, can he? What is her mother going to do? But Deirdre is at a loss.
Ken tells Wendy he wasn't ready for Deirdre's reaction, the hurt and anger. (Oh, really, now! Did you think she'd be all sweetness and light????) So is he moving in with her, she invites? He'd be welcome. He's doesn't know, he still has Tracy to deal with, doesn't know how to tell her. (Well we already know that she knows. I think he was hoping he could have had Tracy believe that fold always split up for no good reason! He'd not look bad in her eyes then) Ken says he's having a hard time dealing with it all happening so suddenly but the worst is over now (not quite).
Alec is still in a big blue funk and finally tells Bet it's about past regrets. His friend died suddenly with no time to make amends. Alec wonders about his daughter, Sandra, ashamed to say he's not seen her in 20 years and she'll soon be 32. He doesn't even know if she's alive and he wants to find her and try to make it up to her.
It's starting to get late, Ken thinks he should go and try to sort things out with Tracy. He doesn't feel he can just leave it all. He still cares about Deirdre after all but Wendy asks what he's going back for, another row? Probably. He allows himself to be persuaded by her welcoming ways to stay with her the night. Only later after they have , well, you know, he decides he better go home and sort things out. It's on his conscience, mostly about Tracy. But does admit he didn't go earlier because he wanted her. (what? no mention of love?) Wendy reminds him she wants a whole commitment.
The Websters, Curly and Kimberly, and Mark and his date head to the Rovers to bring in the New Year, 1990. They are all in high spirits and plan to start the party at the Rovers and continue on in to the wee hours. At the pub they discuss resolution, which Curly does not make. Sally teases him and says his new year's resolution should be to propose to Kimberly!!! Betty looks disapprovingly on the young folk drinking their faces off and offers them some food to soak up some of the alcohol! Jack is of the opinion that the young 'uns shouldn't drink so much, prompting a sarcastic Alec to put to Jack, that he's one to talk! Physician heal thyself!
Mike and Alma have a drink but aren't staying to don funny hats and see in 1990 with the regulars but before they leave, Vera tells Mike she knows all about his misfortunes and is glad for it, couldn't have happened to a nicer guy! Alma takes the brunt of Mike's temper, thinking she told Vera when it was Audrey she told and now Alma thinks Audrey blabbed to Vera.
Emily is comforting Deirdre. She doesn't think it's in Ken's nature to leave her and Tracy. He might not be with "her" even if he isn't home after all. Not much chance of that. Emily thinks men like Ken take their responsibilities seriously, after all he adopted Tracy and he won't walk away from that. Deirdre decides she might not give him a choice. She's not sure she wants him to stay after what he's done.
Bet tells Betty that Alec wants to find his daughter and we get a little of the back history. Alec's first wife, Joyce, ran off with a footballer, taking their daughter with them. Alec hasn't seen his daughter since. Bet wonders if she had been able to give Alec a child would he be so intent on this quest?
It's midnight and everyone in the bar is cheering and kissing. There are hopes for a better new year ahead. Alf presents Jim with a bill for the window, Happy New Year! Alec has decided he is definitely going to track down his daughter to Bet's obvious misgivings.
Over at the Barlows, Deirdre is sitting in front of the telly sobbing her heart out.
Diane
Friday (3012, 1 January 1990)
Writer SUE ASHBY Director RICHARD HOLTHOUSE
Bitparts:
Mrs. Battersby FRANCES COX
The clock strikes midnight ushering in 1990. Deirdre sobs in front of the telly alone and bitter when in walks Ken. She knows he's been with Wendy and asks him what he's decided (remember? the family or his mistress?) and he has the unmitigated gall to ask what she means? decided what? She is gobsmacked and tells him he couldn't have spent the whole day with "her" and not talked about it but he protests that these things take time (he can't think he can still have it both ways, can he? apparently so...) She has given him more than enough time and isn't sharing him. If he doesn't have the guts to decide then she'll decide for him. Get out! Now! Oh but Ken thinks she's being selfish (??!!!!! don't even ask what is going through my mind and out my mouth at the telly at this point, I'm sure you can guess) he says what about Tracy and is equally gobsmacked to find out that Tracy knows all about his dirty little affair, she's worked it out for herself and didn't need to be told. Go now! He leaves and ignores Don's Happy New year greetings as he's arriving home from a late night taxiing party goers and he drives off leaving a puzzled Don behind.
Bet and Alec are clearing up after the pub has close and the revellers have moved on. He's determined to find his daughter. Bet warns him, should he really dig up the past? What if she doesn't want to know two clapped out old pint pullers like us! Speak for yourself! No he's thinking it's a risk worth taking. He's getting older and so is Sandra. He has to take the chance.
Tracy comes downstairs after Deirdre locks up after Ken and is told her father is gone. Deirdre begs her daughter to understand that she had to make him leave, she just couldn't take anymore lies. Meanwhile Ken spends a sleepless night tossing and turning on a chair in his office.
The next morning, Jim has a word with Alf about the bill for the window. What about his insurance? Well, Jim did say he'd pay it all, yes but he thought he'd just have to pay the first £50 or so that the insurance won't cover.
Tina and Betty discuss Alec's new quest for his daughter. What might she be like they wonder. Could be a model... or she could look like Alec, they laugh. Bet thinks Alec will have forgotten all about it by today and it will blow over, she hopes. No such luck though, he's on the trail and playing detective already. He's even ignoring the pub in his optimism and Bet has to change the barrels because Jack has somehow lost his teeth between the pub and his front door and isn't coming in until he finds them! Now there's a picture!
Jim makes the twins cough up every cent they have including Christmas money from relatives and grannies much to their resentment. He supplements the rest out of their own bank account, writing a cheque. He makes the boys clean their pit of a room for penance.
Emily is shocked that Deirdre made Ken leave, at least he was coming home, some sort of stability for Tracy. She waited all day yesterday for her father to come home, how much stability is that, Deirdre snaps. What about her feelings? Emily sights that it's so final. Deirdre thought she was being so strong but maybe she's playing right into Ken's hands, giving him free reign to go live with "her". Tracy comes in and thinks dad'll come home if she asks him but there's not much chance, according to Deirdre. If he wanted us he'd have given "her" up long since. The poor kid. Emily clucks, maybe you should let her try, you can't deny her access to her dad, after all.
In the pub Don tells Ivy how Ken brushed him off the night before and was leaving rather than arriving home at that hour. Alf and Audrey come in and Jim gives Alf an envelope with the £50 in bits and pieces and the cheque. Alf spills it onto the bar to count it and remarks that he hopes the cheque is ok, much to Audrey's embarrassment and Liz and Jim's chagrin. They leave the Robert's at the bar, highly insulted. Percy doesn't think the boys are being punished hard enough, well you know, in his day.... yes, yes, we know...
Deirdre tells Tracy that she can't share Ken with another woman, you just can't live with someone you can't trust but assures Tracy her dad still loves her. She can still see him so Deirdre then reluctantly allows Tracy to ring up her dad at Wendy's to speak to him. Only Wendy insists he isn't there. Deirdre is positive she's lying to Tracy and grabs the phone to give her a piece of her mind but no, Wendy says he isn't there and is rather surprised when she hears he left the house the night before. (He obviously hasn't contacted her at all yet! Hmm. Wonder why? Is he one of those who only wants what's forbidden and when he gets it, loses interest???)
Alec chats to a former neighbour on the street where his ex wife lived for awhile, a Mrs. Battersby (older lady). He explains that he's looking for Mrs. Gilroy or it could be a different name. She does remember the footballer that Alec describes, Stan Shaw. He wants to know if she remembers what happened to the child.
Steve MacDonald is skiving off his chores as Andy prudently soldiers on. Steve wants to escape and try out one of his old man's Christmas cigars and it looks like Andy is persuaded when mom and dad come in so the boys pretend they are still hard at it and head back upstairs. Audrey makes Alf go to the MacDonald's and apologize for implying their cheque might bounce and he has a drink with them, chatting about the boisterous lads who aren't all that bad really, just lads. But the "just lads" are climbing out their bedroom window and shimmying down the drainpipe as they speak!
Tracy wants to call the Recorder office to see if Dad's there but Deirdre insists he's with Wendy and she was just lying, he's always with her if he's not with them. Be patient, they will have to wait for him to get in touch now. But just then Wendy finds Ken at his office and tells him Tracy called looking for him. Why didn't he tell her? Well he didn't leave on his own accord and she did say she wanted a total commitment from him, not a rejected husband. She wants him anyway, she tells him lovingly. Wendy insists he come home with her and he goes along.
Alec finally returns and has a name to follow up on, Timothy Arden, the man his Sandra is married to. Find Arden and he'll find his daughter.
The MacDonald boys find their way into the building site and experiment with the cigar. Steve is sitting in a big piece of machinery. No feather duster that, it looks something like a front end loader though they called it by some initials [probably JCB - Graham]. Anyway, Steve messed with the ignition. Alf is leaving Number 11 when the three adults hear the engine start up. Knowing there would be no work on New Year's Day, Jim tears out across the road, realizing the lads are up to no good and sure enough the truck bashes through the fence and the bucket on the front of the loader smashes into Alf's newly fixed shop window, shattering it once again! Jim pulls Steve out of the machine and turns it off, rousting both lads back home as Alf looks at the scattered glass in dismay.
Diane
