Corrie Canuck

We've Moved

2008-01-13T16:48:00.000-05:00

We're officially over at Wordpress now.

To find Corrie Canuck, come on over to www.corriecanuck.wordpress.com

Grab your drinks and join the party over there.

Update- Friday, January 11, 2008- The Insomnia Episode

2008-01-12T13:53:00.000-05:00

Most of this was composed between 3-5 a.m., when everyone in the world was asleep. Except me. Onto the update.

It is early in the morning, and the seamstresses are wrapping things up in the Factory. Kasia finishes the last pair of dungarees needed to fill the order, and hands it to Carla. Carla holds it aloft, victorious. She is proud and happy of the lot of them. As everyone gets ready to go, Carla asks Vicky and Kasia to stay and help her load the stuff onto the van. Reluctantly, they agree.

At the top of the landing, Kasia is loaded down with three boxes. Although she can't see over top of them, she heads to the stairs. Vickie and Carla are waiting down below, watching her. She loses her footing on the first step, and falls down the steep, metal stairs. She does not rise. Carla tells Vickie to keep talking to Kasia, and she will phone an ambulance. She does place a call, but to Paul, not an ambulance. Paul tells her that he will be right over and that she should do nothing.

Once Paul arrives at the Factory, he takes control. Carla wants to phone for an ambulance, but Paul insists they shouldn't. Carla is bewildered until Paul points out that Kasia had just worked a 20 hour shift and it is likely that the police will blame her. A light goes on for Carla and she is beside herself with guilt. Or at least she is mildly perturbed by her role in the accident. Before she can even start to take responsibility, though, Paul assures her that Kasia exercised Free Will in accepting the 20 hour shift. Because anyone would jump at the chance to sit hunched over a sewing machine for 20 hours for a spoiled and nasty employer. Paul says they have to take their time and think about how they will deal with it.

Vickie, who has been in the bathroom feeling queasy, emerges, and Paul sends her on her way. She worries that the ambulance hasn't arrived, and that she should be there to answer any questions. He reassures, and, the big lug, gives her money for her cab fare. She leaves, a bit confused, but apparently mollified.

After Vickie leaves, Paul comes up with a brilliant idea. Kasia is on his pay roll, so they will say that she came in early to help out, and died on his watch. Although Paul has taken everything in hand, and has reassured Carla, she still is a bit rattled. She paces back and forth, and says that they will be found out, it is her fault and she will be blamed. Paul tells her that he will take the heat. At some point it also strikes Carla that what they are doing might even be wrong. Paul brushes this away, though, and Carla continues pacing.

Liam comes in and sees what has happened. Liam wants to know why they have not phoned an ambulance, and Paul explains the scenario they are going to put forward. Liam does not want to go along with the scheme, pointing out that it is not like they are fiddling with the books. Carla replies that it is not the first time Liam would lie about someone's death, and Liam lashes back at her, saying that she is using his brother-in-law as blackmail (I think Carla has made a fair point. Really, once you have covered up one person's death, why not another?)

As Kasia's mangled body lies at the bottom of the stairs, the Connors decide to play a rousing game of, "It's All About Me". Liam doesn't want to get dragged into it, but Paul points out that he already is dragged into it. After all, he allowed the ridiculous (and likely illegal) amounts of overtime to occur in his factory. Liam warns Carla that she will pay for this. She sniffingly tells him that she already is: she sees Kasia's death over and over again in her mind.

As 8 a.m. nears, we see Liam take part in the cover up. He punches in her card, and then the three decide to wait for 10 minutes before phoning the police.

As the Connors have been thinking about how to protect themselves, at the Websters Sophie has been anxiously talking about a role she wants in a play, and wondering how she can get an edge. Sally says that in the film version the character Sophie wants to play wore a shawl. She thinks that if Sophie wears a shawl as well, she is bound to stand out. She remembers seeing a piece of fabric at the factory that would be perfect for it, and she notes that Mr. Connor is already at the factory. So she decides to head over and get the piece of material.

As the three Connors stand around, a few feet away from Kasia's body, Sally strolls in and begins to ask about the piece of fabric. She stops dead, however, when she sees Kasia, and the otherwise airtight scheme the Connors have concocted seems to be lost.

Derek knocks on the door of the Rover's, and Liz answers. Derek explains that he had to come over to make sure everything was okay, as he had a wonderful time last night but didn't want to take advantage. Liz tells him that she too had a lovely time, and they will have to do it again. Derek wants to know where this is headed, and Liz says simply that they will see. She tells him to leave before Steve sees him.

As Liz and Steve eat breakfast, Vern stumbles in, looking worse for wear. He apologizes profusely, but says that everyone was offering him drinks and he thought that it would be rude to turn them down. Liz hardly has clean hands, but this does not stop her from getting onto her high horse. She tells him that she was humiliated, and she will not be humiliated again.

Later, Vern realizing he really has screwed up, is scrubbing the counter at the Rover's. Liz comes in. Now you would think that someone might realize that if she was kissing a man the same day she got engaged to another, then perhaps this engagement might not be prudent. She might realize that, given her fiance's huge mistake, it would be the perfect moment to say, "Uh, bub, we should talk." Apparently not. Vern begs forgiveness, and Liz accepts.

Much as when mild-mannered Bruce Banner gets consumed with anger he turns into the Incredible Hulk, so when Eileen Grimshaw gets consumed with the maternal instinct, she turns into "Self-Righteous Girl".

At the Grimshaw's, Violet and Eileen discuss Holly's fate. When Violet points out that returning Holly to Emma might be the right thing to do, Eileen accuses Violet of calling her selfish. Violet, realizing that there are some battles not worth fighting, says that she knows that Eileen is trying to do what is best for Holly. "Damn right," Eileen basically replies.

Neither the following story nor the Grimshaws' really warranted much more than a line of writing. But how could I resist when it gave me the chance to put up a picture of Bert doing the Pigeon?

Liam and Jamie wake up early in the morning to sounds coming from the back garden outside. The sneak out, ready to lay out the lout who is about to break in, only to find Jack feeding his pigeons.

They offer Jack breakfast, and Liam tells him he has to clear out the pigeon coop. Although Jack bemoans the loss of the pigeons, and Liam relates by recalling the fondness his grandfather had for pigeons, Liam does not relent, until Jamie suggests that Jack provide a few pints per week as rental payment. All leave happy.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: We're Moving

2008-01-11T12:45:00.000-05:00

Over the last while I've been thinking of upgrading our site to a blog server that can better serve our growing readership. Two weeks ago it was further driven home to me when I was asked where can someone find the notices we put up for schedule changes.

So after a lot of thought and consulation with Shatnerian and the other Corrie author, I opened up a wordpress blog for our site. This blogger will help us better organize our entries by categories, authors, etc. and provide us with stat information etc.

I know that corriestreet.blogspot has been our home for many years and moving, just as in real life can be a pain in the neck - which is why I gave it a lot of thought before going forward. I want our readers to be assured that moves to different blog servers won't be a common occurance and in fact, I seriously doubt we will move ever again.

Corriestreet.blogspot will stay up so that readers who haven't dropped in for awhile will know where we are, but the party will be going on over at wordpress. So set your bookmarks/links for wwww.corriecanuck.wordpress.com, grab your drinks and just follow us over.

Although we won't be 'officially' posting to Wordpress until Monday, feel free to go on over and check it out. I've set up a contest for everyone as my way of thanking you for your patience and to celebrate the new digs.

Kicks for Kids with Cancer

2008-01-11T12:21:00.000-05:00

This has nowt to do with Coronation Street but I thought I would make an appeal to the kind hearted readers of Corrie Canuck.

My local soccer club, the Lakehead Express, is hosting a 24 soccer game in an effort to raise money for pediatric cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society. The goal we have set for this event is a thousand dollars per hour.

If anyone wants to contribute please contact me at tomcougar@hotmail.com

Cheers.

Update: Thursday 11 January, 2008 - Sweatshops of the World Unite and Take Over

2008-01-11T12:10:00.000-05:00

Underworld

Carla is on a deadline to get her order out the door Friday for her first big shipment to her supplier. The group of diligent Polish workers, volunteer to get the job done. After their time working for Paul and Liam, they decide to take a break and come back at 9pm and work through the night. Carla seems pleased. Paul inquires if isn’t too much and that Carla might be possibly breaking labour laws. She responds by covering her ears, and saying “I’m a new business, I don’t know anything about these things”.

The Grimshaws
Eileen is determined to get back to their normal routine but Jason's made up his mind not to keep baby Holly. Eileen refuses to listen to Jason’s comments and goes out with Violet for a walk with the baby. Upon their return they are greeted by wannabe chavettee Emma who demands Holly back. A screaming match ensues Eileen and Violet squeeze their way past Emma and slam the door in her face. Emma vows to come back for Holly. Jason’s alliances have changed and tells Eileen that he wants to tell Emma he is on her side. In the meantime, word is starting to spread around the Street as Sarah tells Gail that it has come out that Holly is in fact Charlie Stubb’s daughter. David listens to the conversation and has a good laugh , Satan's child that he is.

The Rovers

The ” new” Vernon decides he wants to treat Liz to a special meal out. He is determined to suss what music will be played on their special day. He plans to make a reservation at a posh restaurant, down on Market Street. Liz tells him that she has made plans to see a movie with Deirdre and does not want to cancel. They organize they will meet at the restaurant after her movie. Liz is thrilled that Vernon has made the gesture of making plans and is turning a new leaf which may lead to a actually getting a job . As Liz leaves, Vernon turns to Steve and asks for a loan of a hundred quid for this special dinner- is it just me or should you not ask someone out if you can't pay for it? Vernon is at the bar with Lloyd celebrating his engagement to Liz throwing back the pints that various patrons have bought for him . In the meantime, every time he asks Steve for a drink he calls him “son” and points out the fact he is going to be his dad. Steve cringes every time Vern points this out and looks like he wants to either punch him out or run and hide - can't say that I blame him!. Vernon has a few too many and Steve tells him to sober up in the back. Vern stumbles back to the living room and crashes on the couch .

Peter is sitting down having a drink with Maria. He tells her he plans to head back to Portsmouth. She inquires if they will continue to see each other. Peter’s face says it all, and he tries to skirt around the issue by saying that they should take everything as it comes. Very smooth Peter, very smooth.

Liz arrives at the restaurant with Vernon nowhere to be found. She sits down and orders a fizzy water from the waiter and scans the menu. Meanwhile, back at the ranch - Steve is starting to wonder what has happened to Vernon. Liz grows impatient and calls the pub, where Steve tells her he is flat out on the couch from far too much to drink. Disappointed once again, Liz rolls her eyes and is determined not to make her night a bust. The wheels turn in her head and she rings up Derek, who ends up being free and joins her at the restaurant. Derek tells her that he has told his wife he is out with a mate and that it is a pleasant surprise he gets to spend time with her. The pair make their way back to the Rovers after their romatnic meal where they are stopped at Liz’s door. They both look at each other and embrace in a kiss.

News story about baby Holly: no spoiler

http://www.macclesfield-express.co.uk/news/s/525/525433_swapping_craig_road_for_corrie.html

Update - January 09, 2008 - Weatherfield Primary Results

2008-01-09T19:48:00.000-05:00

Winner of the Baby Mama Party Primary - Eileen Grimshaw

At the Grimshaw's, Jason sits brooding, looking at Holly/Chloe - let's call her Chlolly, shall we? - and no longer seeing a daughter but Charlie Stubbs. Given that the baby was given to wearing wife-beaters, smirked a lot, and had a 3 day stubble, it's a wonder that the possibility didn't present itself earlier.

Eileen makes the case that the baby is still theirs, but Jason isn't so sure.

Later, he tells Violet that they'll have no real way of fighting Chlolly's hoochie mama Emma from taking her back. Eileen says she's going to apply to be Chlolly's guardian. Jason gets steamed and heads out.

At the yard, Bill gives Jason the good news that his and Audrey's (well, Audrey's, really) offer on the yard has been approved. He notes Jason won't have to worry about providing for baby Chlolly now but Jason isn't in the mood to hear it.

Later at the café, Jason tells a sympathetic Sarah about Chlolly's true identity. She understands his conflicted feelings on the subject and asks what he wants to do now. He isn't sure, having never faced such a choice before.

Later, Jason tells Eileen that, in reality, they simply have no right to the baby. She isn't theirs. He quite reasonably points out that DNA tests will see to that. Eileen maintains that Emma is after Charlie's money, causing him to lose his cool.

"Holly is the result of a drunken fumble between Charlie and some woman I don't know," he tells her. "I'm not going to give 20 years of my life because of that. And if you want to fight for her, that's fine. But you'll be doing it on your own!"

Winner of the (Fight for Your) Right to Party Primary - Jerry Morton

It's the morning after the night before, at the Mortons. The bodies have hit the floor and Young Shane McGowan is on the couch, vowing never to drink again. Jerry whips up his famous hangover cure of raw eggs, eggplant, HP Sauce, Yop, nutmeg, and an olive. Young Shane is almost sick just looking at it. Meanwhile, Mel is preparing for her run to "detox" by 11:00am. Remember when people didn't use foolish terms like detox in reference something as minor as a hangover? I miss those days.

Next door, Gail is rather hungover herself and has no memory of going arse over kettle through her own fence, blaming it on the neighbours to a bemused David. She threatens to get an ass-bow. Wait, is she getting married now? Does she want an ass-bow for her dress?

Oh, ASBO. Anti-Social Behaviour Order. Right.

Later, David goes out and gets his chub on for Young Shane McGowan's new car. They go out for a spin together, to the annoyance of Betty. Don't mess with my Betty!

Later, Gail comes out to the back garden, hearing the sound of an electric drill. It's Jerrry, fixing the fence as his father, Marley's Ghost looks on. Marley points out it was Gail who fell through the fence but also notes that she was too drunk to remember. Maybe I was too drunk to remember but I thought Marley's Ghost grabbed a bag of hot wings, a few cans, and absconded long before the party got that fun. Oh well, Gail is well embarrassed and that's always fun to see.

Winner of the Labour Party Primary - Vernon Tomlin

Vernon is a changed man today. He's made breakfast for all and sundry and claims he has a woman who believes in him and as such, he believes in himself. He also says he has a special errand today which Liz takes to mean he's going to look for a job.

Later, after Vern's cleaned the basement, he heads out. Shortly after Derek the beer delivery man comes and Liz perks up. Michelle mentions this to Betty who says, "There are some things it's best not to notice. How do you think I've kept my job these 38 years?"

Vern comes back and rushes Liz into the back room. He says he has something to tell her. Liz thinks he means he got a job but - surprise! - he goes down on one ring and produces a teeny, tiny ring and pops the question, along with a few bars of this song.

"Oh, all right then!" says Liz.

Vern takes her back out the bar and announces his engagement to Elizabeth Jane Macdonald, along with champagne on the house, to both Liz and Steve's silent dismay.

"Don't worry. You won't have to call me Dad," Vern says to Steve, who says nothing but his face says it all.

Originally Broadcast, April 13, 2007

Quick Update

2008-01-09T15:13:00.000-05:00

Hi kids! Sorry, we have a suprise visit with Mr.Glacia's godfather (a rather intense Russian dude) - so I'll have to make this update quick. (I wasn't able to come up with anything nearly as clever as Papasmurf's update yesterday, anyway.)

18 Years Today
It's the Morton's twin birthday today and Jerry takes them out to see their brand new car. They aren't able to drive the car as it's not insured, but are allowed to start the car. Inside the car we find out that Darryl fancies Mel's friend 'Ang' (I think they said 'Ang').

Jerry invites the entire street to come to the party and most of the block turns up.

Gayle, Sally and Claire team up as a trio and immediately wonder where all the Morton's sleep. Sally takes it upon herself to go upstairs and take a boo - but is busted by Kayleigh when she wakes up Finely.

Later they go out to the backyard where they smell some kind of 'incense'. It seems to be pretty powerful 'incense' as it turns Claire into a sex maniac and she jumps on Ashley the minute he shows up.

Their antics wrap up when high on a bottle of merlot, they lean against the fence and bring it and themselves down in a fit of giggles. (They need to get out more.)

Other highlights of the party:
David hits on Mel, unsuccessfully.

Darryl gets his birthday wish and is seen necking with Ang.

Wilf comes in just long enough to get a doggie bag full of cheezies and beer.

Vern Sees a Manny About a Horse, I Mean a Job
Liz tells Vern he needs to get a job if he wants to keep playing the drums. She suggests he visit his friend 'Manny' to see if he can get a gig.

Vern goes off but instead of seeing Manny he runs into a couple of mates and has a pint with them....which he calls networking. Liz calls it pathetic.

Later, at the Morton's party, she explains that she doens't mean to come down so hard on him all the time, but she knows his potential and is just pushing him to stardom. Vern says, 'You're my rock, babe.' and she replies, 'You're my roll, man.' (Glacia remembers why she drinks so much.)

Factory Girl
Joanne is back from Guatanamo Bay and while she's not out of the woods yet, she says 'they' think she has a very good case. She does need some letters of reference and everyone offers to help. Liam even gives her the pay she missed while she was behind bars.

Janice tells her that she is sorry and she didn't mean for this to happen. (Vicky adds, 'to you.'). Joanne says it's all water under the bridge.

Baby Holly
The social worker comes to visit Eileen to talk about the facts of life. She says that Eileen should apply to be Holly's guardian until it's all sorted out...but she tells Eileen to prepare herself because after all, Emma is the mom.

Eileen is very stressed and just before Jason leaves for the Morton's party, she tells him that Emma says Charlie is the baby-daddy.

KA - BOOM!

Jason is seriously pissed and mostly about the fact that Eileen didnt' believe him when he said the baby wasn't him.

On a related note, did anyone notice that the social worker probably gets her hair cut at the Magic Roundabout - same place Dougal does.

Schedule Change for B.C. Only

2008-01-08T09:33:00.000-05:00

Just a quick heads-up:

Next Sunday, January 13th, Corrie will be seen half an hour earlier at 7:00 a.m. in the Pacific time zone only.

All other locations will air at the usual time.

Update for Episode # 6531 January 7, 2007

2008-01-07T22:38:00.000-05:00

A is for abandonment, which is what Eileen tells Emma she will report her to the police for.
B is for bag, and trendy coat that Eileen sends Emma packing with.
C is for custody, which Eileen and Emma debate at length.
D is for drunken, seedy, one night stand, which is what Emma had.
E is for Eileen, and the fabulous job Sue Cleaver did portraying her.
F is for fate, which brought Holly to Eileen's doorstep instead of Charlie's.
G is for gold digger, which Emma is revealed to be.
H is for happy, which Deirdre seems to be for a moment or two in the pub, before the questions begin at least..
I is for interest, which Jason is showing in Holly, the yard, and his romantic future with Sarah.
J is for jiggy, your ability at which apparently can be determined by your golf game.
K is for Ken, who is wondering if logic and objectivity are actually good qualities to have.
L is for love, which Ken now realizes that to love someone is sufficient reason to defend them.
M is for missing work, which Eileen rightly does to protect what is important in life.
N is for Norris the nosy neighbour, who rings the police when the Morton's 'new' washer gets nicked.
O is for obnoxious, which is how Steve and Dev behave towards Paul on the golf course.
P is for Portsmouth, where Ken is encouraging Adam to go to work with Peter and make his mark.
Q is for questions, which Steve has for Paul about Michelle's 'availabilty'.
R is for 'repossession', which is what the Morton's do to Theresa's household items - including Finlay.
S is for shopportunity, wrapped in a nappy, which is how Emma seems to view the baby.
T is for tent, which Finlay has set up in his room, where he goes to feel safe from his shite mom.
U is for ugly, which is one word that comes to mind to describe the behaviour of the Morton family.
V is for vile, which is the best way to describe Emma's outfit.
W is for wine with a lemonade top, which is the poncey drink Emma asks Eileen to bring her.
X is for ex-wife of Jerry, who gave her good genes to the kids, and was left with the dross ones for herself.
Y is for yard, which is Bill is buying with Audrey's money.
Z is for zebra, which when combined with a gnu gives you a gazebo, according to Darryl.

Original date this episode aired - April 9, 2007

This update is dedicated to Amy - the finest server at the finest local in the civilized world. Like Helen of Troy - whose countenance launched a thousand ships - Amy, with her intelligence, grace, and beauty, has launched a thousand pints and many a delightful evening.

I Got a Question For You

2008-01-07T11:03:00.000-05:00

Corrie Canuksters, I don’t know if it is the climate change inspired warm weather in my neck of the woods or my super hot boots that have put me in a good mood. But does it really matter? So, to celebrate my lift in spirits, I think it’s time for some fun Street Trivia!

Coronation Street has had some memorable couples in the forty-some-odd years it has been on the air. But, can anyone tell me which couple, after missing a trip to Paris, spent the day at the airport and then pretended they actually went abroad?

10,000

2008-01-04T22:11:00.001-05:00

We are almost at 10,000 comments.

Who will make number 10,000?

Try your luck.

Update - January 4, 2008 - Pointy-Eared Blokes

2008-01-04T19:50:00.000-05:00

I Want My Baby Back, Baby Back, Baby Back.

Eileen opens the door to Emma, a young woman she hasn't seen since Christmas day when she dropped a baby in her arms, claiming it was the offspring of her son, Jason.

She comes in and shows her the newspaper which Charlie's picture. It was the news of the verdict. She said it was wrong that the papers called him Charlie was his name was ... Jason Grimshaw. Eileen shows her a photo of Jason and it becomes clear to Emma that Charlie gave her a false name so the father of Chloe, not Holly, is in fact the late Mr. Stubbs.

Eileen says she can't just abandon her baby and decide she wants her back but the young mum counters that Eileen is a stranger and she's taking the baby back, no matter what.

Chesney's Theatre Career

Scott Baio is 8 years old ... and single!

In the café, Cilla finds Chesney reading a musical. His school is doing 'Bugsy Malone,' and he fancies trying out. Cilla then asks if he likes Abba, wants to be a hairdresser, the television programme Project Runway, interior design, Coldplay, etc. He says no, he just wants to try out. Cilla reckons there are worse things, as the homosexualists do love their mums, so there's that.

Later, he meets up with Sophie and asks if he has a chance. She says he needs loads of charisma. He asks what charisma means. She answers that if you have to ask, you ain't got it.

Soon this will be Zachary Quinto.

Ken and Deirdre are still trying to cope with life after Tracy as Ken takes up some cooking. He suggests to her that they try to move on. Deirdre says he sounds like that pointy-eared bloke off Star Trek.

The Bore-tons.

Kayleigh shoplifts a tube of toothpaste from Dev's but is caught by Molly. Dev takes her back to her father over in Grecoville to talk to him about it. Jerry tries to smooth things over and gives him the money for the toothpaste and a bunch of chocolate.

He then drives Hayley back to her mums and, seeing the mess and poor lonely little brother Finley, it's clear the toothpaste was for him after his dinner of Easter chocolate. Mum's gone away for a few days, it seems. Jerry packs the pair of them up to look after them at his place.

In Other News

Sarah wants to go to Greece for Candice's wedding. Jason fondly remembers her high heeled slippers.

Bill wants to get the yard ship-shape for the new owner Audrey. Sarah is bitter that she's spending her inheritance.

Janice and the gang are trying to figure out a way to help Joanne and make up for what Janice did in the first place.

Not A Farewell, A Goodbye

2008-01-04T16:28:00.001-05:00

Last night we saw the final scenes of the baddest of bad girls, Tracy Lynette Langton Barlow Preston Cropper Barlow. As she exits stage left, let’s take a moment to appreciate this gift of a character. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you:

Tracy Barlow – A Retrospective

January 24th 1977 – A Child is Born

Now that Tracy is in jail, one has to wonder if that Parish Priest was right when he refused to baptize young Tracy Lynette Langton. Her mother kept at it and eventually the deed was done. However, not even a ceremony and the most boring godmother on earth, Emily Bishop, could keep the evil at bay.

Listening to Tapes

With her parent’s relationship over and Ken Barlow stepping in as an adoptive father, on paper everything was ok. However, in real life, it was a bit more difficult than that. Notoriously selfish and fatally inept, Deirdre and Ken did not, exactly, provide a stable emotional environment for Tracy to grow up in. There were break-ups and affairs. Tracy often came last in Deirdre’s life and the best thing you could say about Ken was that he was consistently around (which is more than Daniel Osborne can say of him). As a result she was a well stroppy teenager.

But when did the real trouble start? When did she go from your standard troublesome teen to evil vixen? Well, Deirdre and Ken broke up in 1990. So began the parade of men in Deirdre’s life. Tracy found out about the love triangle of the century and confronted Deirdre with her affair with Mike Baldwin. Tracy said some things to her mom that, while possibly true, should not come out of the mouth of a teenager. So, she got slapped. Shockingly, hitting Tracy didn’t solve any problems, because Tracy soon hit the bottle. Then she hit on her mother’s boyfriend, Doug Murray. They didn’t have an affair but he did involve her in a bit of petty fraud. Take THAT mom!

Things really started to go downhill when Deirdre decided to marry Samir Rachid. Tracy wasn’t big on the idea, maybe because Deirdre met Samir on Vacation? Or, he was about 3 years older than Tracy? Or, Deirdre managed to mess up her relationship with the only stable person in Tracy’s life? I don’t know which reason stood out, but Tracy was pissed! After Deirdre’s pleading, Tracy attended the wedding, only briefly.

Know what else she did briefly? Ecstasy. That didn’t go so well. Tracy got a bad batch and ended up in a coma. Now, follow this chain of events.
Tracy goes to rave, takes Ecstasy, ends up in coma
Tracy comes out of coma with massive kidney failure
Tracy chooses kidney transplant over life-long dialysis
Samir volunteers to donate kidney
Samir is attacked enroute to hospital
Samir dies but kidney is still good
Deirdre blames Tracy for Samir’s death?
That’s not irrational at all. No wonder Tracy legged it to London as soon as she was well enough.

Tracy, Girl, You Look Good!

By 1996 Deirdre found it in herself to forgive Tracy for killing Samir and stealing his kidney. That’s nice. Tracy returned to the cobbles for a short time. She was 19, engaged and a florist.

On Christmas Day 2002 she came back to the Street. Her marriage was over. The details are unimportant but suffice it to say she cheated on him and told everyone that he had done the dirty on her. Oh yeah, something remarkable happened in London. While she was always pretty, she came back super hot and way bitchier.

If Tracy Barlow has an Achilles heel, it’s men. Testify! They really inspire her destructive behaviour. Her messy relationships with blokes started as soon as she got back to Weatherfield. Tracy was home for about 15 minutes before she hoped into bed with … wait for it … Dev Alahan. P.S. he had previously had an affair with Deirdre. Take THAT mom!

This is when she started the relationship that would be the hallmark of her life in Weatherfield. Tracy may have been evil. Tracy may have been mean. But after that one-night-stand Tracy loved Steve McDonald and she would stop at nothing to have the opportunity to be with him. Which was too bad, because he didn’t love her and wanted to get back with his ex-wife, Karen. Tracy’s feelings for Steve were probably the only thing about her character that made her seem human and relatable. She was just so bad, and in some cases for no real reason. But, we have all chased after people who don’t want us and it has made us do crazy things.

Crazy things like betting Bev Unwin that she could get Roy Cropper to cheat on his wife. She succeeded with the help of the date rape drug. She didn’t actually have sex with Roy, but she did get him home and undressed. He believed they did have sex and when Tracy found herself to be pregnant, she immediately claimed Roy as the father. Wanting a child of their own, yet unable to conceive for obvious reasons, the Croppers bought the baby from Tracy. In order to secure the deal, Roy required that Tracy marry him, which she did. Tracy regretted that decision and successfully fought to get her baby back. She re-named her Amy. We call her ‘Unibrow.’

She and Steve had tried a couple of times to have a relationship, but it was mostly for Amy’s sake, or because Steve was lonely and often did one stupid thing after another. He also ended up playing some custodial tug of way with Tracy. This just made her more and more bitter and for a while everything she did was aimed at upsetting Steve, including getting him arrested for kidnapping after she convinced him to take Amy to the airport to “look at the planes.”

As a mom, Tracy is almost as responsible as Deirdre. I think like a lot of young women who get pregnant before they planned, she still yearns for her freedom as a young single person, but does love her child. We saw Sarah Platt go through this … at 14. Mind you, Tracy was in her mid 20’s. Tracy has been known to leave Amy alone to go out at New Years. She constantly left Amy in other people’s care and regarded her parents as live in baby sitting. Also, Amy spends most of her time in a dishwasher with Bethany Platt where they have ugly contests. It is always a draw.

A Girl Can’t Be This Bad and Get Away With It

For a woman who was always so proud of her power over men, she really let Charlie Stubbs unhinge her. If evil was a tornado, those two would have been the eye of the storm. I guess his murder was the best way for the Street to dispense of the two meanest characters to walk the cobbles. And it was shocking.

Tracy killed him with a very heavy statue. Yes, it was a work of art. For that crime she went down for 15 years and this is how we said goodbye to Tracy Barlow.

Really, I think her leaving the show in this manner was the only way the writers could satisfy the viewers. She has been so bad for so long, something had to be done. Just leaving town wasn’t good enough. She needed to be punished for all that she had done, all the pain she had caused and, incidentally, for killing Charlie Stubbs.

As sensational at the Street can be, a long-term prison sentence isn’t typically broken for the show. So, chances are, we will not be seeing Tracy again. So ends an era.

CBC Apologizes

2008-01-04T16:28:00.000-05:00

So my inner source at the CBC has asked me to pass on some information to the Corrie fans who check out the Corrie page on the CBC website.

The upshot is, they know that website is out of date and doesn't always carry info on schedule changes. They've been working on it, but a technology update is required which is also in the works. (Working in IT, I can actually sympathize here, it takes a lot of man hours to revamp websites.)

I guess they've been getting a lot of letters about this - so wanted me to spread the word amongst the Corrie Canucks.

Meanwhile, Corrie Canuck is getting fed info on schedule changes so you can always check here for that. (Just do a search in box at the top left hand side of the blog for 'schedule changes' for entries regarding changes.)

We will try to post them as we get them.

Update - Thursday 3 January, 2008 - Stripes are in Style

2008-01-04T12:44:00.000-05:00

Blanche decides she needs to get out of the house (who can blame her) and plans to visit a friend in Ilkeston for a couple of weeks. As she leaves out the door, she gives Ken and Deirdre an anniversary card. How thoughtful - who would think she was such a softie! Ken and Deirdre have been so distracted by the trial and imprisonment of Tracey they have forgot themselves they have an anniversary to celebrate. Everyone else thinks about moving on and Peter is heading back to Portsmouth. He asks Adam in the pub whether he would like to join his growing bookie’s empire down south. Adam thinks it would be best to stay in Weatherfield for the moment.

Jason and Bill are in the street and are discussing the future of Charlie’s business. Jason thinks the best idea is to put up the business for sale. Bill immediately decides that he would like to purchase it. He talks Kevin into going to the Rovers and asks him if he would like to go into partnership with him, after more than just a few pints. Kevin is persuaded it would be good idea and just as they raise their glasses Sally overhears the plan she puts a stop to it. She explains that they do not have ten thousand pounds for this new venture. She drags Kevin out of the pub and away from Bill. Bill tells Audrey about the business and Audrey offers to put the money up for him on the basis of a loan.

Ken and Deirdre visit Tracey in prison. She is dressed in a black and white stripe top (get it?) and red pinafore. They discuss Tracey’s appeal where she gives the biggest guilt trip and begs for more money to pay for a top barrister. Deirdre and Ken do not looked moved by her plea (thank goodness they learned!) but tells them it is it’s for Amy’s benefit and not hers. She is worried how Amy will grow up without her mother and that she will be teased and bullied in the schoolyard. Ken’s and Deirdre are not moved and think the best option for her is legal aid. Tracey returns to her prison cell where she sits at the desk and picks up a picture of Amy. She stares at it – and her cell mate comments how she is a lot like her. Where she replies, “I hope not”, in despair. It's a little shocking to see Tracey express GENUINE emotion.

Janice, Leanne and Hayley are having a pint, where Janice admits to Leanne it was her that called immigration to Underworld. Hayley convinces her to come clean to Paul, who is also in the pub. She strolls over to Mr. Connor that it was her who called immigration. He tells her she is sacked, where Leanne clarifies he cannot do that as it is not a “sackable offence”. Finally! Carla tells Paul that Leanne is correct and takes it all back. Janice feels badly about the whole situation and admits she did not know that Joanne was an illegal immigrant.

Noteworthy prison shows:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092485/

http://www.prisoner-cellblockh.co.uk/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrsO8J3VXdg&feature=related

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porridge_(TV_series)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prisoner_(TV_series)

Update - January 2, 2008 - Not a Very Good Friday

2008-01-02T19:56:00.000-05:00

White Americans, what?
Nothing better to do?
Why don't you kick yourself out?
You're an immigrant, too.

The White Stripes - "Icky Thump"

It's No Fun Being An Illegal Alien

It's Good Friday and the girls at the factory are on their way to work arguing if they get time and a half or double time. Vicky jokes and says "triple-time," which Hayley corrects to "treble-time."

Janice is dragging her feet, looking worse for wear. Joanne notices and asks if she's feeling well. Janice admits she's hungover as after the pub last night, she went home and drank a few more cans alone.

Later, some police cars arrive as an immigration officer, followed by a sixteen year old constable, advise Liam that they believe he may have illegal workers on the premises. Janice admits to Joanne that she may have made a call last night but it was a little hazy but she doesn't realise what this could mean for her friend.

They head inside and everyone is asked to produce their identifications and proof of citizenship (or at least, eligibility to work in the UK), starting with the Poles. Vicky tries to sneak out the back but is caught. Her work permit, she claims, is in her passport at home. Kasia and the other other Polish workers' papers are in order while Vicky is sent home, accompanied, to get her stuff.

Then they ask Joanne to see them and everyone (save Hayley) protests, saying she's British. Kelly says they're picking on her because she's black but Joanne goes along silently. In the office, the immigration officer asks Jo about her citizenship.

"English," says Jo. "Or British. Whatever."

"British," the officer assures her.

She's asked to produce proof of her citizenship but all she has is a social insurance number, which is not the same thing. She is vague about her background, admitting she was raised by her auntie but leaves out the circumstances that led to it. Liam tries to offer up as many papers as he can but it's not enough to satisfy the officer.

When it's clear that something's not adding up, she admits that she was born in Liberia, a country she barely remembers and doesn't even know how to spell. Her auntie flew there to bring her back when she was eight.

The officer arrests here on suspicion of being in the UK illegally but Joanne protests, asking how she could have broken the law when she was a kid. She asks if she'll be deported, as she has no family in that country. As she's led outside, Janice protests, saying she's more Manc than the people arresting her. Joanne says it's a little late for that now and is put in the car and taken away.

Janice stands there letting the full weight of what she's done sink in.

Mummy's Gone Now

It's another morning you'd think things would be a little cheerier, now that Satan's gone. But the sniping continues until Tracy (unseen on camera) calls and asks to speak to Ken only. She wants to see him alone.

Deirdre pops out her neck lines, blaming herself for Tracy's conviction and sudden "I'm not your daughter" routine. I swear she wore that top just for the occasion. Ken finally tells her that he'll tell Tracy that he won't see her without Deirdre present.

Meanwhile, Vern is told that today's student, a sullen goth girl, is his last at the pub as they have to think of Amy's needs first. The drums will have to go, Liz tells, him. But he's welcome to stay.

Steve tries to tell Amy that her mum isn't in Balamory after all. When Amy asks "When is Mummy coming home?" (her first line!) Steve tells her that she did a bad thing and she has to make it right but she won't back until Amy is much older but she still loves her and asked Steve and everyone around to take care of her until she gets back. He doesn't think she understood.

Oh, and Peter thinks it's time Adam gets the fuck outta Dodge and come down to Portsmouth with him.

Coronation Street Crap Mum #784

Kayleigh is back from her mum's and Jerry is worried about how she is being treated. He thinks her mum is using her as a babysitter for half-brother Finley and she's not being well fed. Later Jerry calls her mum, but Kayleigh grabs the phone, saying they'll just argue.

It's a good thing because it's Finley, who looks all of five years old, sitting at home alone with a face full of chocolate. After not being fed dinner, he got desperate and ate the Easter chocolate. Kayleigh makes as though she's talking to her mum and says she'll be home very soon. It becomes clear the reason she wants to stay with her mum is because nobody is taking care of her brother.

Verdict for Tracey Update

2008-01-02T11:23:00.000-05:00

Episode One (originally aired April 2)

What you’ve all been waiting for has arrived; the verdict in the Tracey Barlow murder trial.

Initially I thought the episode would draw out the court scenes and that we would find out guilty or innocent at the end, but no, they coughed it up right away.

As the jury enters the courtroom, Claire tells Ashley that she has ‘a good feeling’, however Blanche says that she doesn’t like the look on the jury’s faces. The jury gives their verdict to the court and it is, oh wait, I forgot to tell you something. Tracey’s middle name is ‘Lynette’ – strange name non? I wonder where they got that name from? Maybe Ray’s mother’s name was Lynette or something. Still it sound more Texan than Manchurian which is why I thought it was kind of an odd name for her.

Oh right, she’s found guilty. She gets life, with a minimum of 15 years in the slammer before parole.

Screams of disbelief go up and Steve says something about it not being right. Tracey cries that they must have made a mistake and that ‘I have a child!’. Claire exclaims that it is a miscarriage of justice.

As Tracey starts screaming at the entire world for this sin against her, the jugde orders her taken from the courtroom, ,which she is, but not without a fight. Kicking, screaming and trying to break free…that’s our Tracey!

Outside the building, Blanche complains that they weren’t even allowed to say goodbye, while Deidre is all but catatonic and Claire decides this is a wonderful opportunity to approach her with some new ideas about campaigns and petitions to get Tracey out of the big house. Ken tells Claire that they need to get back to the house and Ashley comes to pull her away. Claire is devastated like her raison d’être was been taken from her.

I really like how they did everyone’s reactions, it was very believable…..from Steve shouting out, to Tracey trying to persuade the jury to change their minds and especially, especially that very sad, yet wonderfully acted scene of Deidre looking outside the window of the car as it pulls away. Cheers all around to the writing and the acting on this scene.

Back on the street, the McDonalds approach the Barlows and Steve says that he’ll take care of Amy for the next while. (Um, like 15 years….cause dude…you are the baby daddy.). Back in the Rovers he rings the last call bell and tells the punters that Tracey was found guilty and everyone seems generally shocked.

Meanwhile over at the Barlows, Ken tells Deidre to take the smoking outside which leads to yet another round of ‘Ken you emotionally devoid zombie bastard.’ accusations from Deidre. She stomps out to the backyard and Ken follows. Deidre blames herself for Tracey’s situation wishing she had pulled Tracey out of her relationship with Charlie. Ken tells her to get real that Tracey has only herself to blame and that there’s no way anyone could have gotten Tracey out of that situation if she didn’t want to go.

The last shot of the evening is Tracey being thrown into the paddywagon and the doors closing on her as she cries out once again, ‘I have a child!’.

Conners
Liam pays 150 to Leanne to see her survey – and he finds out that it’s the exact same info that he had. He’s a bit pissed but not so pissed to not try and get her out for dinner. She refuses…again.

Anti-Conners
Jerry is looking forward to the bacon sandwich that Mel is making….Mr. Glacia comments, ‘Dude doesn’t need another bacon sandwich in his life.’ It looks like it’s the twin’s 18th coming up and Jerry approaches Kevin about getting a car as a gift for weasel-boy.

Jerry is also worried that his wife is using Kayleigh as a free babysitter for Finley.

Mr. Liar
Sarah is hassling David about LYING in court, Mr. LIAR! Gayle defends him until over at the pub Sarah convinces Jason to tell Gayle about the video of Tracey and David.

Gayle confronts David about what he said at the trial and Mr. LIAR sticks to his guns and adds that the fact no one believes him is EXACTLY why he didn’t come forward in the first place. Note also, Mr. LIAR has a big zit between his eyes.

Other News
Claire obsesses about the verdict over drinks with Audrey and Ashley. They finally say, that she can’t be sure of what really happened, and that they wouldn’t put anything past Tracey. Claire is offended.

Janice continues to give Vicky a hard time and Vicky throws it back.

Episode Deux (originally aired April 4)

Mad Girlfriend Guilty in Smashing Boyfriend’s Noggin!
The papers are out with Tracey’s verdict and this brings countless expressions of joy over at the Barlow’s place. Peter says that Claire is starting a petition for an appeal and is curious why Ken and Deidre aren't on top of that. Me thinks he's starting to wonder if Deidre and Ken really believe Tracey was innocent.

Later at Rovers, Blanche and Adam also begin to wonder what’s going on with those crazy kids Deidre and Ken. Blanch has decided to spend a few days with her friend to give them some room

Even later back at the house after Ken and Deidre have visited Amy, they sit down with Blanche and Peter for some fish and chips. They wonder what is going to happen to Amy. Ken and Steve are working what to tell her and that gives Deidre a chance to attack Ken once again. She says that Ken with his bastardly moralizing ways would just have Amy told the truth, that her mom is a stinking low down murderess.

Blanch responds by asking for someone to pass the HP. (or as we say in the Glacia house, ‘Haych Pay’ in tribute to our Quebecois ancestors who had a great love of the brown sauce.)

Daddy and Amy Time
Steve is doing all he can for Amy and worries what he is going to tell her.

Vern, Steve and Liz are sitting around the table with Amy in earshot as they discuss Tracey. Steve has to remind Vern to keep quiet around Amy. He then tells Vern that he’s going to have to move his drums out of Amy’s bedroom. Vern wonders why because they aren’t bothering her.

(Glacia wonders when exactly Jim is coming back to the street to hand out some Vern asswhooping.)

Meanwhile, Michelle is being super supportive of our Stevo. She even tells him that if he feels ready to start dating again that she'd be willing to....babysit. HA!

The ‘Does Anyone Really Care’ Morton Story Line
The twins don’t want dad to be in charge of the playlist for their 18th bday party…this being decided after he promised that they would ‘bop till they ‘drop’’. Do ex-punks actually say ‘bop’?

Liz finds out that they aren’t 18 and stops serving them even though Dad argues it’s only 7 days away.

The Really Super Cool Story of this Episode
Janice and Joanne are really on the polish girls backs and finally Vicky has had enough. She yells at Janice that she is a hypocrite because both Roger and Leanne have worked in foreign lands.

This does not stop Janice, and neither does the dressing down that Liam gives both Vicky and Janice for arguing in the shop.

All the other girls in the shop are sick of hearing Janice go on about it, including Haley. However, she can’t figure out why Joanne is on Janice’s side and confronts her a few times, saying that she knows Joanne isn’t a bigot or a bully.

Joanne runs into the bathroom, where Haley follows her. Joanne is crying at this point and says something about if those girls are illegals they shouldn’t be working at the factory. Haley agrees, but says she still doesn’t understand why it’s so important to Joanne.

Joanne says, ‘Because I’m an illegal’.

OMG!

Turns out that Joanne was born in Liberia, not Manchester. During civil war in Liberia her dad wanted to send her, her mother and grandmother to Leeds to live with his sister. Unfortunately, her parents were killed and it was her grandmother who brought her over.

And get this….sit down for this one….Jessie is NOT her twin. Jessie is her cousin! (I almost died laughing over that one. That was brilliant. I know…bad timing thorugh such a dramatic and tragic story, but come on….’Jessie’s not your twin? Shut up!’)

Anyway, it turns out that this is why Joanne wants the Poles out of the factory, just in case the authorities come sniffing around for work permits.

Later, at the Rovers, Vicky buys Janice a drink….a ‘bitter’. Janice slams it down in front of Vicky and says, ‘That’s right, I am bitter!’

Obscure Football Reference of the Day

2007-12-30T15:40:00.000-05:00

Ashley, looking like the Irish Waldo, is dressed in the green and white hoops of Glasgow Celtic, often called the 'Bhoys' by their supporters. Celtic are the Catholic team in Glasgow, while their cross town rivals Glasgow Rangers are the Protestant side. With the proximity to Northern Ireland and the history there, the games between these two clubs, referred to as 'The Old Firm', are usually intense affairs between the players on the pitch, and between the supporters in the stands and streets around the stadiums. Songs about the council would be referring to the neighbourhood that you live in, which were often divided along religious lines.

Mo Johnston, the coach for Toronto FC, was one of the first players to have played for both Celtic and Rangers.

Waiting for the Verdict Update

2007-12-30T11:16:00.000-05:00

I was trying to find some Wapner episodes of the People’s Court for this update, but alas, they don’t exist on Youtube. I did find some Millian episodes however. I’ve never seen her before, but my god, she is a Godess! I’m hoping for such a scene during Tracey’s trial.

Okay kinder, we are winding up with the Tracey on Trial story and as mentioned before, Tuesday’s episodes will give us the verdict. I suspect that 80% of us already know what it is, but we’ll keep it a secret from thems that don’t and wish to find out on Tuesday.

Here’s your update covering the two episodes shown on Friday.

HeadCasey
Don’t you love it? That’s what they’re calling Casey over at Corrienet – so I stole it.

I’m thinking the best scene of these two episodes is Claire saying goodbye to Ashley who has decided to dress like Waldo. Actually, he’s in green so it’s more of an Irish Waldo. Apparently he’s going to some sort of sporting event and begins to sing some song about the council and boys here to entertain us. I haven’t a clue. (Over to you Papasmurf).

While Ashley is gone, Claire has Casey over for a visit and while they are commenting on the ENORMITY of Freddy, Claire hears Joshua cry from upstairs. She runs up and it turns out that he has hit his head and Casey tells her it’s best to take him to A&E and she’ll take care of Freddie.

When Claire returns from the ‘hopickle, neither Casey nor Freddie are to be found in the house. After searching and trying to contact her, Claire calls the police to report her baby missing. Shortly after that Casey shows up at the Peacock’s door with baby in tow, she had taken Freddie for a ride because he was crying. She tried to call Claire but her mobile was dead. (Course there is always that note cleverly placed on the kitchen counter options….but never mind.)

Claire is upset but calms down after Casey apologizes and tells her that she’ll explain to the police when they get there. Casey is grossly offended that Claire would think that she had actually stolen Freddie and stomps off. The rest of the episode and next has Claire wringing her hands over the possibility of losing Casey as a friend.

Liam Asks Sean To Look At His Crack
Leanne has decided to torment Liam by telling him that she didn’t want the house because of what her survey turned up about the house. Now he’s worried that his survey wasn’t as thorough as hers and wonders what the hell is wrong with the house.

At one point he asks Sean if he can see a crack on the front of the house.

Oh yeah, I suspect he’s started to use Jamie as live-in help.

Lech Would Be Proud

Janice is giving the polish girls a hard time about working double shifts. Pretty much in the factory is telling her to give it a rest, except for Joanne for some reason. Oh, wait, Kelly does make some comment about Working Hour Directive, but Joanne says, ‘You should talk.’, which makes Glacia giggle.

There’s a collection going around for someone ex-factory worker and Janice says that the Polish ladies should put in twice as much. But Vicky says that Kasia (pronounced Kasha thankyouverymuchCorrienet) and Judy haven’t been around long enough to ante up and that she will definitely only put in what the others have.

After at the Rovers, all the other workers are bonding with the Polish ladies and Sean buys a round. Everyone, that is except Janice and Joanne who sit off the side refusing to associate with their Slavic sisters. Haley confronts them and Joanne says that she’s with Janice on this one and that Haley shouldn’t say Janice is racist because ‘Hello!’ and she points to herself. (Glacia is glad to find out that racism is just an uncomplicated quality in an individual.)

Tiger ‘Pimp Daddy’ Alahan
Dev has bought some super sonic shoes for the golf course that are guaranteed to improve his game.

Molly says they look like pimp shoes and that there’s no way he’s going to attract women wearing those. Yes, of course that is assuming that he wears them to the disco and not to the golf course.

Amber-man just calls him sad and tells him that golf is the most boring game ever.

Tracey on Trial

Deidre has transferred her panic attacks over to some sort of cleaning OCD and Tracey comments that Deidre can see herself in the sink it’s so shiney….but really, how can she bare to look at herself. Then Ken pipes in, Deidre cries, and Tracey storms out of the house.

While out and about she tries to bond with the community that she may not be a part of for a good 20 years. Saying “Hello’ to happy families in the park and expressing what might be real concern over Joshua’s head bump.

While she’s out she gets a message from ‘David X’, asking her to meet him. She meets him and basically lays it out for him that tells him that he just thinks he loves her, but he doesn’t. When he asks if she used him, she says, ‘Yes’ and tells him to stay away from girls like her. Why do I find this touching in some weird way?

Meanwhile back at home Ken tries to comfort Deidre by telling her that Tracey has to take responsibility for her actions. Deidre turns on him and starts screaming about his moralizing and coldness, again. Does anyone else wonder if Deidre actually loves Ken or she just ‘settled’ for him? It just seems like sometimes she has nothing but contempt for him.

Later, when the family (sans Tracey) is gathered in the sitting room, Peter suggests that they all go out for dinner. Ken and Deidre say it might not be appropriate given the circumstances, but Peter argues that if they relax over a good dinner it might allow them to relax and gain the strength to help Tracey through the rest of the trial. Everyone agrees and Deidre goes to get Tracey.

She finds her in the pub and when she asks Tracey to come to dinner, Tracey starts attacking Deidre and very loudly so the whole pub can here calls her a Judas. When Deidre touches Tracey, she screams, ‘Get your hands off of me. Get out!’

At this point Steve jumps in and tells Tracey to go to the back room and when he follows her, Rita and Betty comfort Deidre.

Steve tells Tracey that she needs to make up with her mom because she’s going to need her family more than ever right now. Tracey asks if she can spend the night with him at the Rovers, but when he tells her ‘No.’ she asks if she can just spend a bit of time with him anyhow.

Later that night she goes home and meets Deidre in the sitting room who is sucking back wine and smoking. She tells Deidre that she’ll never forgive her and that if she is found innocent she is planning to pack her bags and Deidre will see neither her nor Amy ever again.

The next morning Deidre goes over to the Rovers to tell Steve about Tracey’s plans and asks him to talk to her. He agrees and later at the Barlows, Tracey walks into what looks like an intervention. She reiterates that she will leave for parts unknown if she is found guilty and Steve asks when the hell she was planning to tell him, Amy’s father. She said that she was going to get through the trial first. When he says she can’t just run off with Amy, she says, ‘Just watch me.’.

As she leaves the room, Ken blocks her way and reminds her that everyone in the room has done nothing but give her support through this whole ordeal and how can she repay them like that. She says, ‘Remind me to say ‘thank you’ on my way out.’

Over at the courthouse, the prosecution says in their closing remarks to the jury that the strongest defense Tracey has was the testimony from a boy who had a grudge against Charlie and that his sworn testimony basically contradicts forensic evidence at every turn. She continues on that Tracey is an accomplished actress and an even better liar. She has fooled her family and friends and that the jury shouldn’t let her fool them.

The defense is up next and says that regardless of stumbled or confused testimonies, the ‘solid wall of reasonable proof (or did he say doubt?) has not been breeched.’ I think that’s British for ‘if it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.’.

While the jury goes off to reach a verdict, Deidre goes out to have a smoke and fret. David tries to approach her, but both Ken and Deidre tell him to piss off.

As Deidre lights up a smoke, Ken asks her how many that is today. (oh ken….leave it.) Then he says, that it’s strange but that he is tempted to ask her for one himself. Deidre looks a bit shocked and offers up the pack to him, to which he smiles and says, ‘No thank you.’ in that kind of condescending voice of his.

Now, yes, smoking is evil and Deidre is really over the top with it, but I kind of think that one of the best things he could have done for her at that moment would have been to actually taken the damn smoke and choke it down. I’m not saying that he take up smoking, just have the cigarette with her; making that gesture would have given her a lot of support and shown her that he was on her side. I know that sounds weird but it would have worked.

As they go back into the courthouse, Deidre approaches Tracey who just all out says she’s not talking to her.

In Other News
Jason makes gravy and says the words ‘meat juice’ (ew.)

Norris and Doreen have a common interest in forensic science.

Scheduling Reminder

2007-12-27T09:15:00.000-05:00

No Corrie tonight. Instead, viewers in the East will have the rare privilege of seeing the Montreal Canadiens on CBC in prime time in a special Thursday edition of Hockey Night in Canada.

Two back-to-back episodes of Corrie will air tomorrow night, starting at 7:00pm.

I'm not sure what the schedule is next week as there is a Just for Laughs Special at 7:00pm on Monday, New Year's Eve (CBC Holiday Schedule PDF file). However, I should point out that whenever the first episode is aired next week, it will be the one, I believe, that will contain Tracy's verdict so we'll try to find out the official schedule and post it here as soon as we know. I'm sure you'll all want to tune in or set your PVRs and VCRs for this important episode.

UPDATE - According to next Tuesday's television listings, there will be two back-to-back episodes, starting at 7:00pm, 7:30pm in Newfoundland and Labrador.

So January 1st, we'll see the verdict.

Update - December 26, 2007 - "Ask one who's known me, if I'm really so bad..."

2007-12-26T20:01:00.000-05:00

Originally broadcast Wednesday, March 28 and Friday, March 30, 2007

A criminal mind is all I've ever known

At the Barlow's, Tracy is preparing for her day in court, carefully applying her makeup. Ken notes that she appears to be preparing for the stage. Tracy says that, in a way, she is. A lot rests on how she comes across. Ken asks if she's worried about flubbing her lines. Tracy says that she needs to stay focussed but Deirdre asks if that means standing up there and telling a pack of lies. She adds that not everyone can lie as easily as she does.

Tracy turns to Ken and accuses him of planting second thoughts into Deirdre's head with his moralizing and hand-wringing. Ken says she has another option: to tell the truth so that the jury will see her as someone who knows right from wrong, rather than a calculating murderess.

Tracy counters that if she gets put away it means that they're not on her side but Charlie's. And if she loses, Charlie wins. And, continuing in that logic, if Charlie wins, then the terrorists have already won.

Later at the court, Tracy tells Deirdre to do whatever she thinks is best and they hug as Ken goes off to buy Deirdre's daily carton of smokes.

In the court, Tracy is called to the stand, her barrister asks if she would recount the events of the night she planned to leave Charlie. Tracy starts in on the "I should never have provoked him..." spiel and Ken starts rolling his eyes more than the losers on a Survivor jury. Tracy says Charlie went into the kitchen and grabbed a knife and cut her on both sides of her hand. That's when she grabbed the statue, claiming she wasn't aiming for his head and only wanted to catch him off balance.

Outside, Claire takes a break from her sudoku to tell Deirdre that she's not only fighting for her daughter but victims of domestic abuse everywhere. Deirdre makes a wonderful face that's one part eye roll and one part irony.

Tracy is cross-examined. The prosecutor asks about her bleeding hand and why there wasn't any blood on the statue. Tracy says she must have used her undamaged hand. The murder weapon is placed in front of her and she is asked to show the court how she raised it with one hand to murder Charlie. She attempts to lift it with her right hand but almost drops it. The prosecutor notes that she is struggling but Tracy says she didn't struggle at that time.

Later, Claire takes the stand, noting her meticulously detailed notebook, The Trials of Tracy Barlow at the Hands of the Coward Charlie Stubbs - November 2006 - January, 2007 (direct quotes by Tracy are written in green ink, bordered by Claire's Care Bear stickers). The prosecution gets Claire to admit that she never actually saw him harm Tracy (and his past dealings with Shelley Unwin are apparently not relevant to the case) and that she was on anti-depressants at the time, and was once sectioned under the Mental Health Act on account ofher post-natal depression, which nobody outside her immediate family knew until today.

At home, Ken starts doing the slow clap for Tracy's master class performance. Deirdre meanwhile, assures her daughter that she's not on the terrorists' side and will testify in her defense tomorrow.

The next day, Ken and Deirdre are preparing to leave as Hayley wishes them luck in court. Because whenever anyone is stressed out on this show, it's taken out on Hayley, Deirdre snaps, "Why would we need luck?!?!"

Outside the court, Deirdre is shaking and smoking and David is smirking. Oh this is going to go well, I can tell.

In the court, David is on the stand telling his version of the events. The prosecutor starts taking apart his story: That he heard Charlie say "I'm going to kill you Tracy Barlow" despite the loud music. That he kept it to himself for two weeks before saying what he saw. That Charlie grabbed a knife in his right hand, despite the fact that he was left-handed. The prosecutor says he made it up and it's telling that he and Tracy have the exact same story, despite his story not being supported by forensic testimony.

When he gets back to his seat, Gail says he looked cocky and deceitful.

Meanwhile, it's Deirdre's turn to testify but she's having a panic attack. When she finally calms down enough to take the stand, Tracy's barrister starts asking about Tracy's relationship with Charlie. Deirdre doesn't get very far with the prosecutor, who catches her in a contradiction, before she has another panic attack.

Court is adjourned as Tracy yells "Mum! What are you playing at?" Tracy's solicitor Cynthia Dale finds Deirdre and Deirdre breaks down and tells her Tracy planned it from the beginning and that she knows this because she told her. Cynthia Dale reminds her of the legal consequences of not testifying the truth.

Back on the stand, the prosecutor asks if Deirdre has any reason to doubt Tracy's version of events.

No, I haven't. She's my daughter. She wouldn't. . ." is about all Deirdre manages to get out and there are no further questions. The judge says she will reconvene on Monday when both sides will give closing arguments.

As they prepare to leave, Jane tells Tracy she disgusts her, taking the abuse women have actually suffered and using it for her own murderous ends.

Tracy meets Deirdre in the hall and is less than sympathetic to her.

"It's not good enough that you had a little word with my lawyer, but you... you've stuffed my case!" she exclaims. "They think I did it. I'm going to be found guilty. I'm going to rot in jail and miss my daughter growing up and for what? For Charlie Stubbs, that pig. . . I asked you to do one thing for me, one thing. If I get sent down for this, this is going to be your fault. Your fault. Thanks a lot."

Deirdre weeps.

Secret Diary of a Weatherfield Call Girl

Leanne, in her best real estate agent fishnets, meets Janice at the factory just before opening to tell her she has a client in Bolton and to not wait up. As she leaves, Janice sees she forgot her handbag and tries to chase after her but the taxi is long gone.

Janice tracks Leanne down the restaurant where she is meeting her client.

"You forgot this." she says. "Can't work without your whip and leather balaclava." The businessman is scared off and Leanne is furious, claiming if she ever does something like that again, Leanne will leave and never come back.

Lubię swoją pracę

Two new Polish girls from Carla's late shift, Kasia and Wendy, have come to work the day shift at the factory. Hayley welcomes them and Janice treats them like crap. Vicky tells them there is a downside to the day shift and its Janice.

Later, Kasia's knittted a huge pile of underwear already as Janice reminds her that nobody likes a crawler and that she's showing everyone up. Kasia smiles nervously. Vicky comes over and reminds Janice that if she bothered to get to know Kasia, she'd know she didn't speak very good English. She then says something to Kasia in Polish that makes her laugh.

In Other News

Kayleigh is preparing to go live with her mum. Young Shane McGowan claims dibs on her room. When the former Mrs. Morton arrives, she appears to be another in a long line of crappy Coronation Street mums. She doesn't seem to even want Kayleigh to live with her, claiming she can't afford her. Jerry hands over a wad of bills he says is for Kayleigh, not her.

Magi Update

2007-12-24T09:45:00.000-05:00

Glacia finally gets her arse into gear to provide the update for the last three episodes. It's the Christmas Miracle!

Oh well, it gives me an excuse to use a cheesy 'Three Wisemen' analogy.

Gold Episode

After much thought I'm convinced that this episode ranks as one of my top three Corrie episodes of all times. Both the acting and the tying together of this current Tracey and of Tracey past had me all a-giggle.

I posted this episode before on Corrie Canuck, although I don't think the Youtube videos are still available. It talks about a lot of history of Tracey and her relationship with Deidre.

Before I go into the episode, I'll give you a brief history of what happened back in 1995 to her. (I think it was 1995, but feel free to fill in any blanks I leave out.)

Waaaay back in the days of the Dawn Acton incarnation of Tracey, Deidre had gone on vacation and met a young Moroccan man called Samir. He was 20 years her junior and they fell in love and married.

She and Samir came back to Weatherfield to visit and Tracey,in her early 20s, didn't really approve of her marriage to Samir. Tracey at this time was 'troubled' but not more than I think any other young girl her age and certainly wasn't the spawn of Satan we see today.

BTW, there was an infamous scene previous where Deidre has left Ken, and Tracey with an absent mother, tries to bond to the only father figure she knows. Ken says in one of the all time classic Corrie lines, 'I don't want you, I want Deidre!' So you can see where the love is, right?

Anyway, during the Deidre/Samir visit, Tracey goes to a party and does some 'E' and in the process blows out her kidneys. Now she needs a donor and after an exhaustive and unsuccessful search, Samir offers up one of his kidneys which turn out to be a perfect match.

The day of the operation, Samir decides to walk to the hospital but on his way is attacked by a gang of 'yoots' in what is basically a race-related attack. He is killed however, the doctors are able to save his kidney to give to Tracey.

The operation is a success, but Deidre is too upset about Samir's death to go visit Tracey as she recovers. Ken goes for a bit, but is frustrated that Deidre won't come and tell Tracey the truth and plus because D and him are not together he kind of takes this, 'Tracey ain't' my daughter' attitude and stops visiting also.

The only people to visit her are Percy Sugden and, I believe, Emily.

Deidre completely blames Tracey and her drug habit for Samir's death. I can kind of see this logic in the beginning when she is still mourning Samir, but really, Tracey didn't' kill Samir...a group of skinheads did. This could have happened anywhere, not just when he was going to the hospital. Also, I don't recall Tracey being all 'Lindsey Lohan' about the drugs, I seem to recall this was the first time she tried it and just paid a big price.

So that's your history...now on with the update.

The entire episode takes the Barlow's dining room with Deidre and Tracey. They start off having their typical blow out and Deidre wonders why Tracey is the way she is seeing as Deidre never turned her back on her. ('Bullshit' coughs Glacia. Just because you spoiled her and never said no, doesn't mean you weren't compensating for being a negligent mom.) She then confronts Tracey about her pills, which are a big part of her life, but you'd never know it. If Tracey can be so secretive about that, what else can she be lying about?

Deidre says that it's because Tracey took 'E' that she lost the only man she ever....(fill in the blank). Tracey is genuinely taken aback and says, 'Ever what mom? Ever loved? and what about him up there?' (referring to Ken).

Deidre can't take back what she's said and decides to go with that train of thought and tells Tracey that the only decent thing about her is Samir's kidney and goes on about Tracey's drug habit.

Tracey rebuttals by asking Deidre about her wine and cigarette habits and isn't that just as bad? She then continues on and tells Deidre that she took drugs to get away from her and:

- her geriatric house
- her glasses
- her neckline
- her moaning
- her smoking
- her kitsch wallpaper
- her tacky perms

(Glacia at this point is rolling around on the floor loving every-single-second of it. This needed to be said. As evil as Tracey is, I've been kind of thinking all this stuff for the last few years.)

She then continues on about how Deidre's loose morals (YES) made Tracey the laughing stock of school and how everyone made fun of her because of her slag of a mum.

At this point Deidre walks out to the back courtyard where Tracey follows. Tracey, realizing she may have gone too far, tries to tell Deidre that the perm wasn't all that bad. Deidre responds by advising her not to show the judge her vicious streak.

Tracey says that the only thing she resents in her upbringing is that Deidre raised her to resent Ray. Deidre tells her that she doesn't hate her, she doesn't like her most of the time but she doesn't hate her and continues on to say that she is willing to lie for her, but she wants to know what she's lying about. Tracey tells her 'okay' but inside the house.

Tracey fesses up that the whole Charlie abusing her story was fake and that no one ever saw anything. There's this weird moment in all of this that Tracey sees how hurt Deidre is and actually starts crying for hurting her.

Deidre wonders why David would be willing to lie for her and Tracey says, 'You know me mom, a way with the fellas. I must have got it from you, sexy specs.' (Glacia shudders). Deidre asks her if she slept with David and Tracey never actually tells her 'no', for some reason.

Deidre then has a moment where she thinks that Tracey is experiencing 'Battered Wife' syndrome and is making all this up to blame herself for what Charlie did. Tracey tells her to get real and asks if she really believes that she would ever let a man hit her.

Deidre realizes that Tracey is telling the truth and tells Tracey to leave her alone. Tracey sits on the hall stairs and weeps what I believe are actual tears.

So that's it, again, I think this is one of my all time favourite episodes. While I do think this version of Tracey is just as about as evil as all git out, I've been kind of frustrated the last few years because I don't think the writers ever talked about her upbringing. To the new viewer, it probably seemed like Tracey is just spoiled and that's why she thinks she can get away with murder (literally).

But the reality was, Deidre (and Ken, who let's face it, has to take responsibility as father for Tracey) were so wrapped up in their love triangles, quadrangles and pentagons that they neglected her so many times. I think the 'never say 'no' to Tracey' philosophy comes from inner guilt.

I love that they brought up all the Samir history and that Tracey responded the way she did. It's like I've been rewarded after spending 3 years of screaming at the television.

Frankincense Episode

Deidre has spent the night... get this....smoking and Ken tells her that she should have gotten him up. Deidre tells him what Tracey said and he loses...his....mind. He is furious and when Deirdre says something about Tracey not being a 'bad girl' he freaks and says that she's Ray's daughter through and through.

He asks why David is willing to lie for her, but Deidre says she doesn't want to discuss it. (I assume she still assumes that Tracey slept with him.).

Tracey sneaks into the room and can tell by the look on his face that Deidre has told him the truth. Tracey says that she feels bad that Deidre knows the truth and now has to make a hard decision about what to say on the stand, she's sorry for what she's done to the family and most of all she's sorry that Charlie did what he did that caused her to...wait for it....'act out of order.' (I LOVE IT!).

Ken blows his top at the 'out of order' comment, of course. Blanche walks in and says that she knows something's up, that they are keeping something from her, but that's okay because she'll get it out of them eventually anyway.

So off to the trial go Blanche, Tracey, Peter, Adam Steve and Emily. Deidre can't be in the room because she's a witness and Ken has decided to say home with her.

At the courthouse, Tracey is pissed that Maria is there and wonders how Peter could date such a moron. Her, Peter and Adam have a thoughtful discussion on whether men prefer brains or beauty in a woman.

Blanche says something about Danny Larue, but for the life of me I can't remember what it is. If anyone wants to add to the comments section, I'd appreciate it. When she meets Tracey's defense team she introduces the lot as family and friends, sort of the X-Factor without the banners.

Later in the courtroom, Blanche begins to recite a Hail Mary and Emily says, 'I didn't realize you were Catholic.' Blanche says that she isn't, but she's covering her bases.

We leave this scene with the judge coming in and Tracey trying to smile, but realizing she's in big trouble.

The Anti-Connors
Mel apparently is a jogger. I think Mel needs to put the shoes down and eat some cake...but that's just my opinion.

Kaliegh has had the begeebers scared out of her about her new school by Chelsey and Sophie who basically tell her she'll be robbed and beaten by the teachers, so she decides to just stay home.

When Jerry confronts her, she says that she didn't want to come to Weatherfield and that she'd be happier with her mom and her brother Finley.

Gesumpted
Looks like Liam bought the house from under Leanne. He tells Jamie that now owns the house and that he doesn't have to leave, but that he's moving in with him.

Leanne still won't date him.

In Other News
Doreen and Rita give Norris advice on what to cook for Emily. He calls them 'Two Fat Ladies on a Budget'.

Molly teases Dev about being interested in him. She says he's handsome in a 'dodgy uncle' sort of way.

Anyone else notice the Moose head in the Morton's kitchen? Is this another reference to Canada, or am I just reading too much into it.

Myrrh Episode

Tracey's trial begins and the prosecution is up first they say that there are circumstances when a woman is not found guilty of killing a spouse/partner after being a victim of abuse. They argue that Tracey knows that and that she is trying to convince the court system that she acted in self defense when in fact she wasn't a victim. They call Jason as a witness and get out of him that Charlie didn't really care when Tracey left him after she found out about the Maria affair and that Charlie figured Tracey was just trying to get her own back with stunts like locking herself in the bedroom.

The defense argues that Charlie may have been putting on a brave front to save face and that hunky builders are not ones to wear their hearts on their sleeves.

Maria is up and the prosecution get out of her that Charlie never hit her or was physically abusive to her, but that Tracey did attack her on the street. Theeeeeeeeeen it gets out that Charlie did try to drown David.

Peter is up on the stand and tells the court his side of the events the night when Charlie was killed. He described the house and Tracey's state. The prosecution takes some interest in the fact that Amy was upstairs, safe and away from the action.

Peter then answers questions about the night that Charlie attacked him and tells the court basically that Charlie was a psycho.

The prosecution brings in some expert who says that the evidence at the scene is all wonky. How could Charlie have held on to the knife while being knocked unconscious? (Something I thought weird myself). Why wasn't there any blood from Tracey's hand on the statue? Why were there no wounds on Tracey or Charlie (other than the blows to the head and Tracey's hand wounds) that would indicate a struggle.

The defense shoot down these theories by getting the expert to admit that it's not *impossible* for someone to hang on to the knife and that Tracey could have used her other hand for statue/head smashing time.

Personally, I think these are super weak arguments, but the Barlows are feeling positive that the dream team is dieing a great job....maybe not Ken so much.

In Other News
It is decided that Mel can go live with her mom, even though Jerry thinks Teresa (the mom) is a shit mom. Mel is pleased.

Candice is getting married in Greece!

Liam and Jamie are settling in together.

That's It for Me

So that's your big posting.....enjoy. Remember to watch or record the Corrie special tomorrow and to just take a quick boo at the schedule I posted earlier so you don't miss any good stuff.

To those of you who celebrate, Merry Christmas from all of us at Corrie Canuck. And for everyone, enjoy the next few days of peace.

Happy Holidays everyone.

Right, now where's my holiday vodka?

British Pensioner

2007-12-22T07:39:00.000-05:00

James in N.S. recently sent me an email asking if I would post a link to the Canadian Alliance of British Pensions - a non profit organization representing expats in Canada who may have UK pension entitlements.

There might be some Corrie Canuck readers who might not be aware of their UK pension rights - or they may know someone in that position.

I might be mistaken, but I kind of recall hearing somewhere that UK pension's include a bag of Werther's each month, so well worth checking it out.

Update Status

2007-12-21T22:27:00.001-05:00

Just to let you all know your Corrie Canuck team in working on the updates for the rest of this week. Just shoveling our way out of After Eight mints and Baileys.

Deirdre forgot to draw from the buttocks

2007-12-21T10:11:00.000-05:00

As suggested by Jacqueline, when acting out a panic attack, Deirdre could benefit the above Shakespeare master class, featuring a bit of Fry and Laurie.

Corrie's Got Talent Episode Update - For Tues Dec 18th

2007-12-21T09:26:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the tardiness of this update…Mrs. Glacia Claus is up to her elbows in bows, tofifee, sausage rolls and vodka right now.

So here is your Tuesday update – a bit brief to allow me to get a head start on today’s drinking.

But Who Will Save Yodelling?
The episode opens with Rita and Norris worrying about the lost art of yodelling.

I assure you, it is alive and well....for some reason.***

Boomerang Jewelry
Janice steals Leanne’s mobile in the hopes of getting her out of her new line of work. Leanne explains to her that all she’s going to accomplish is getting her sacked from this agency, but that she’ll just go on to another agency.

Later, Leanne brings Janice her hocked bling back to her. (We do find out that Danny gave her £ 50,000 and I got to ask ….where the HELL is that money?) Janice explains that she’s worried about Leanne’s safety and asks that Leanne provides names, places and times when she goes out with a client. Leanne doesn’t think it’s necessary, but gives Janice the info anyway.

Grifters
Gramps and Mel (I think that one is Mel) do a little con with the corner store involving a twentie with a little flower on it. Gramps goes in and pays for 3 lollipops with a 20, a bit later Mel goes in to buy something with a fiver. When Dev gives her her change she tells him that she paid with a 20 and if he doesn’t believe him, look for one in the till with a flower.

I hate this family.

Dad finds out and tells Mel she has to do extra shifts at the kebab shop and that he’s going to buy Dev £15 worth of pints.

OOOOOOOOOr, you could take her sorry ass back to Dev's to confess, pay back the money and oh I don't know, make her face the consequences of her actions.

Acting Master Class
Deidre and Ken decide that it is best if she doesn’t take the stand seeing that she is under so much stress. Deidre is worried about there being a second murder charge when she tells Tracey this, but Ken says Tracey’s just going to have deal with it.

When Tracey comes back from the pub (after unsuccessfully trying to get Steve to give her a bit of stress reducing rumpy-pumpy) they tell her and the predicted hytersics begin and soon Deidre is doing her best Fred Sanford imitation with shorten breath. Tracey tells her that is a fine acting job.

Are we watching the same performance? (Note to John: I’ve set you up very nicely her to post the Master Class youtube you have posted on Facebook.)

She also suggests that maybe it’s the 100 cigarettes Deidre’s has smoked that morning. And thus begins the nice show down they’re going to have in the next episode.

This current conflict ends with Ken screaming at Tracey to get the hell out. Hurrah!

BTW – I really liked that sweater Deidre was wearing in this episode. I think that’s the first time she looked, you know….good.

In Other News
Doreen and her vodka have moved into Rita’s…along with her ‘bits’. No word on her ‘bobs’ yet.

Claire meets up with Casey and it’s decided that next time she’ll bring Freddy with her. Brillliant, BRILLIANT move Claire.

Fizz informs one and all that Dandie Dimont’s are a nightmare and live off a diet of skinless sausage. Hmmmm, I have a German Sheperd who would gladly subsist off of sushi and cucumbers.

I don’t know if this was shown in every region, but Valerie Bertandernie is 3 lbs away from her goal weight thanks to Jenny Craig. Glacia celebrates with a bucket of KFC.

***You know, last year when I was in France we were able to catch the French version of 'America's Got Talent'...'Incroyable Talent!'

I assure you, it's a HELL of a lot more sophisciated.

And failing on 'Incroyable Talent' does not hold you back from a later career.

Indulge me here....Mr. Glacia has forbidden me from 'Fait La Poule'ing at home.

Where Blanche Connects

2007-12-20T16:34:00.000-05:00

Click picture to enlarge.

BTW - Tuesday's update is coming...just juggling christmakkuh with life.

Memo to Darryl Morton

2007-12-18T17:23:00.000-05:00

I'm an unlikely a person as any to advocate a lifestyle of clean living but when I first saw your mug on Coronation Street last week it flashed to me that you bear a passing resemblance a certain Irish singer.

With that in mind, I advise that you eat your oatmeal, stay away from fatty foods, don't smoke, and for goodness sake, stay off the booze. Otherwise, you'll look like this in twenty years:

And because it's Christmas and it just isn't played on the Rovers' jukebox enough, here's the newly uncensored version of his most famous seasonal ditty featuring the late and bloody brilliant Kirsty MacColl:

The Tears, the Laughter, the Sex, the Violence, the Boredom … The Update – Monday December 17th 2007

2007-12-18T11:21:00.001-05:00

UK Time Wednesday March 21st 2007.

The Beginning of a Hot and Torrid Affair!

The show opens with Vernon slathering himself with Liz’s best lotion – which, in my opinion, is the equivalent of using your boyfriend’s razor to shave your armpits. Vernon is preparing for the drumming lesson and Liz thinks she is going to get him to unload a truck. Right. Vernon needs to be careful, as his hands are now a source of income. Perhaps he should insure them.*

Later he and Liz go out to meet the delivery. To Liz’s pleasure, Derek is there to unload, and I’m not talking about the beer. OK sorry, that was uncalled for. Anyway, upon seeing Derek, Liz lets Vernon off the hook and they arrange to have a tea or a couple shots of Jagger with a lager chaser before he gets back in the truck to drive away.

As they talk about Liz being an excellent and responsible landlady, she tells Derek that while she is sorry their plans got messed up, she thinks it is probably for the best. Oblivious to what’s happening in the back room, Vernon calls down for a cup of tea. Before Derek leaves he gives Liz his phone number just in case she changes her mind. She’s basically gagging for it.

* Call me crazy, but I am kind of on Vern’s side here. The man may be idle, but he loves drumming and wants to support himself that way. That is the man Liz fell for. If she wanted an industrious hard worker, she should have gone for Fred. Anyway, why shouldn’t he be excited to start the drumming lessons?

Bad Girl Out at Night!

Janice and Leanne go walking down the cobbles together and Janice wants to know how Leanne got into the biz. Leanne tells her some BS story about working as an escort in Spain and meeting a real nice guy who she was gonna go home with anyway. And bing bam boom, she was getting paid for sex. Simple as that.*

Obviously Janice is very troubled by Leanne’s life’s work and she just can’t focus on her knicker stitching. She asks Liam for an advance on her wages. She gets denied like my VISA on December 27th. Then she asks Fizz for a couple hundred pounds. Fizz is skint. So, once again, thanks to Underworld’s extremely progressive flex hours, she takes off leaving the others to cover for her.

Amazingly, Janice locates some sellable jewelry and we see her clutching them at the buss stop. I guess Les must have given her something because she turns up at the pub with 400 quid and hands it to Leanne. Janice thinks that would be enough to hold her over until she gets a real job. I think that would only barely cover her battery of STI tests and rubbers. Leanne tells Janice that she makes that kind of money in a night. Leanne will remain a sex worker for as long as she likes.

*This makes me wonder if the writers on the street know anything about sex work or if they did any research. People don’t generally fall into it unless they fall off the wagon and onto a crack pipe. No one just starts prostituting because they only have 100 grand and need more. It is a far more desperate decision than that. There has to be something else that makes Leanne prostitute. Maintaining an upper middle class lifestyle simply isn’t enough. I think this is just bad writing.

Also, Leanne is WAY to flip about the whole thing, even if she is trying to play it down. She doesn’t seem conflicted about it at all. The hard fact about her line of work (regardless of how “classy” it is) is that ANYTHING can happen to her when she goes out. Unless she has an armed guard with her during her dates, she could end up beaten, drugged or dead quick fast and in a hurry. If you were to actually talk to “high-priced” prostitutes you would know that they are so conflicted about their work they betray that conflict in a million ways wile defending their decision to prostitute.

I know that soap writers have limits, but I think this storyline with Leanne is very weak.

Coma Kabab Shop

I guess they are trying to set Wilf Morton up as some sort of male Banche but I am wondering when I am supposed to start caring.

While Jerry now guides the residents of Weatherfield down the long wide road to morbid obesity, starting with Tyrone, Wilf is teaching Kayleigh the fine art of the graft. We learn that Wilf was a con man, and he spent a lot of time in jail. Unless he met Jim MacDonald in the slammer, I don’ really care. Anyway, Jerry intends to be a really solid dad for his kids. Good to know. I’m riveted.

Tracy Barlow Kills Again! Well, almost

It is a bad start to the day in the Barlow household and that seems to be the rule of late. It is a good thing all this rowing doesn’t wake Adam. It has totally upset Peter, although, who goes looking for some peace and quiet.

You know what will be nice and peaceful? A date with Maria, the woman who was sleeping with the man his sister killed in an art deco aided rage. And really, why try to relax when you can talk about the trial for ages while on this date?

So, Peter and Maria talk about the trial and Charlie and Tracy. Maria makes it clear that Charlie never hit a woman, even when he was with Shelly, and we all wanted to hit her. Also, she doesn’t think that Tracy seemed the type to be a “victim.” Maria needs to learn that anyone can suffer domestic abuse not just people who seem like victims.

In the pub, Ken, Deirdre and Ken get set to leave after they have yet another disagreement with Tracy. Once they step outside things get a little crazy. Peter is outside of Maria’s flat, thanking her for the night and kissing her because it is so nice to spend a nice normal evening at home with a woman who thinks his sister is totally guilty of killing her ex in a blind rage just after Christmas. Oh, life’s simple pleasures.

Tracy sees them and basically flies across the street and attacks Peter. That was a thoughtful move, Tracy. On the other side of the street Deirdre is left gasping for breath, and clutching her chest. Tracey and Peter stop scrapping long enough to call an ambulance. I pray that Deirdre dies here, because I simply cannot take the sight of her straining her neck with anguish while saying “oh Tracy” any longer.

Sadly, Deirdre lives and back at the Barlow bunker we learn that she has had an anxiety attack due to the stress. Tracy gets angry because she thinks they are implying that it is her fault. Once Ken gets her out of the room, Deirdre sums up all her doubts to Ken and admits to being “scared to death.” Then die, already.

Extra

Roy has started a sophisticated advertising campaign to fend of competition from the kabab shop.

Dev, Steve and Paul decide to go golfing again even though it is obvious you can’t trust that guy as far as you can throw him. Hands up if you think this golfing lark will end badly.

Schedule Changes During the Holidays

2007-12-17T13:12:00.000-05:00

Here ya go.

I'd suggest writing them down on a calander, just that I'm going to be so busy celebrating christmakwanzakkah at the House of Angst...it'll be unlikely that I'll remember to post this again.

Wednesday, December 19th: Corrie will not be seen. Two episodes will air back-to-back on Thursday starting at the usual time.

Due to special programming, only four episodes of Coronation Street will air the week of December 24th: two on Wednesday (Boxing Day) and two on Friday (Dec. 28th), back-to-back beginning at the regular time.

"An Audience With Coronation Street" will air Tuesday (Christmas Day) from 7:00 - 8:00 pm, 7:30 - 8:30 pm in Nfld.
It will air again on Sunday, December 30, from 7:00 - 8:00 a.m. (7:30 - 8:30 am in Nfld),
followed by a 2 hour episode of Coronation Street from 8:00 - 10:00 am (8:30 - 10:30 am in Nfld).

Update- Friday, December 14, 2007- All's Fair in Love and Whore

2007-12-16T19:41:00.000-05:00

First, I apologize for posting so late. My internet has not being working, am I almost lost my privileges on my friend's computer when I disclosed that I would be posting a picture from "Pretty Woman", but with some fast talking I was able to get onto my friend's computer. Onto the update...

Janice, looking a bit stunned, speaks with the Concierge, who asks her if she is all right. She asks if she can have a drink at the bar, and he assures her she can.

Sometime later, Leanne comes back down into the lobby, and Janice finds her. They go to the bar, where Janice confronts Leanne, telling her she knows that she is not selling real estate, but is simply a prostitute. Leanne defends herself, pointing out she is not just any prostitute, she is a high class prostitute. Janice thinks Leanne is getting into semantics. Janice's belief that Leanne is ashamed seems to be confirmed when the Concierge calls Leanne by the name of "Rachel". Their conversation then ends, however, as Leanne's taxi has arrived.

Janice then returns to Coronation Street, where she runs into Less, and has to have an uncomfortable conversation with him about how proud she is of Leanne. She then goes to the Rover's, only to see Leanne there. She leaves, and Leanne follows. She catches up with Janice at the apartment, where they have a proper fight. Janice once again tells Leanne how vile her new career is. Lenne, who has, in the time she has left the Street, become pro-sex feminist, explains that what she is doing now is no different than what she had with Danny, or what Janice had with Less, except her pay is now better. When Janice does not buy the argument, Leanne tells her that Janice is broken down and going nowhere, and Leanne doesn't want to turn out like her. Janice decides mybe she doesn't need a roommate after all. Leanne agrees. She leaves.

Leanne then ends up at Gerry's, where she nurses a cup of coffee and stares mournfully out the window. Gerry tries to cheer her up, but nothing doing. Janice walks by, and Leanne motions her in. They kind of make up, and Janice invites her back to her home.

Gerry

Gerry continues to welcome the people in off the Street, tells Cilla that they have run out of booze, and then unaccountably offers Hayley some. He charms Hayley, but Roy is a bit sullen.

Once the rush is over, Gerry pops over to the Rover's for a drink. There, he runs into Gayle and Sarah, and offers them a drink. Gayle pauses even longer than she did when Deirdre asked if she could light up, and then very reluctantly agrees. They talk about the neighbourhood, and Gayle says that they try and be considerate of each other, for instance, by keeping the music down. Gerry assures her that David can turn up the music as loud as he wants. Gayle is silent, but clearly not amused.

Tracey

Apparently, Ken has not been wondering if Tracey is guilty all along, as, when Deirdre discusses his concerns about Tracey, he suggests that Tracey was only trying to "wind him up".

Meanwhile, Tracey discusses her concerns with Peter about Deirdre playing Columbo. Frankly, I didn't pay much attention to what they said because I spent part of the scene wishing Tracey would get her bangs out of her eyes, and then spending the rest of the scene mourning the fact that I have indeed turned into my mother.

In Other News

Steve, stilling wearing the touque, wins the golf game. Dev is second, and Paul comes in a miserable third.

Peter and Maria agree to go on a date.

Rita asks Doreen to move in with her. Doreen agrees. Norris' knickers get twisted even tighter.

Update - Thursday December 13, 2007 - Property Development - The world's oldest profession

2007-12-14T16:15:00.000-05:00

The Mortons work on the finishing touches on the take-away. A labourer installs the neon signs on the shop and tests them. Jerry is flabbergasted that the “Jerry’s” sign is pink and not red. He pulls this act for ages until the installer phones his boss and offers forty percent off. What a cheapskate.

A nervous Roy peers into the new eating establishment on the Street looking worried. Jerry sees Roy and invites him in to have a kebab and a flute of champagne. Roy hesitantly takes the kebab and promptly tells Jerry he does not drink. Jerry’s response?, “I don’t trust a man that doesn’t drink”

Leanne is the new Kirstie Allsopp and tells Janice she is going into town to work at a property exhibition in a posh hotel. She gets ready and puts on her best and is on her way to work to convince loaded Mancunians to purchase in Spain/Portugal/Ibiza. Later, Janice is with Fiz in the flat where she tells her how proud she is of her daughter’s new found success. Fiz convinces Janice she should surprise Leanne and see her at the hotel. Janice gives Leanne a ring where the call is directed to at phone hidden in the depths of their settee (I just love saying that word). It turns out Leanne has two phones, one for her work and one for her personal life. Impressive.

Leanne is at the hotel and seems to know the concierge by name but calls herself, “Rachel”. He tells her a gentleman is wearing a white shirt and black jacket is in the lounge. She meets him with a kiss and have a drink. The older man acting nervous mentions heading up…

Janice is dressed to the nines and makes her way to the bus stop where she is stopped by Les who tells her she is looking like a hottie. Janice tells Les where she is headed and Les is convinced she needs a ride in style. He mentions to hop in the front with him, but Janice is having none of it and accepts Les’ offer and rides in the back.

The proud parents arrive at the canal side hotel beaming from ear to ear, when Les is called away on a job and cannot see Leanne. Janice decides to head in herself where she goes directly to the concierge. She asks him where the property development exhibition is taking place and he tells her he doesn’t know of one taking place in the hotel but calls the front desk to ask.

Janice sees Leanne and the man heading up the elevator, just as they are going in, she gives the man a kiss on the side of his face. Janice looks in disbelief.

At the Flat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ0z6g6BLj8

At Jerry's: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHaE_9lkwg4

For Missusmac, I'd Do Anything....

2007-12-13T14:03:00.000-05:00

And a later, shot of the lads.

My God But Johnny Rotten Has Really Packed It On - Update

2007-12-13T09:36:00.000-05:00

Our poor Montreal correspond ant, the always delightful John, was 'sans l'électricité' so I am filling in. Plus I owe him for last week.

Aaaaaaaaaaanyhooooooooooo...

The New Kids On the Block
The show opens with a moving van parked in front of Charlie's old digs and the new family on the block, 'The Mortons' consisting of Jody and Wilf (whom we've seen before), Jody's Dad Gerry and siblings Mel and Darrel (twins) and the youngest, Kaleigh.

My first reaction upon seeing the Mortons was, 'My god, they've brought in a family of weasels.'

Now, in real life I am a lovely person not given to shallow judgements of the ascetically challenged, but seriously.....this family is taking the cake. Save Jerry (who actually is pleasant enough looking), the rest of them actually do look like pastey faced weasels to me. Gramps was already creeping me out with those teeth that seem to give my telly a 3D quality....but the kids ****shudder****. I want to go in, dunk them all into baths, feed them enough cake to eradicate all the pointy edges that comprise their facial features, stick them under a tanning bed and finally use whatever god damn hair products the Connors have been using to get their hair looking decent. You know, I think that's what I'm going to call the Mortons, the Anti-Connors.

Anyway, it looks like they have a few bob as their furniture is pretty fancy schmancy and I'm sure that Charlie's place went for a good price. (They don't, however, seem to be rich enough to hire movers to lug the stuff from the van to the house.)

The Mortons, are a bit noisey and Dad has the Jam blasting so loudly that it's upsetting David and Sarah who are trying to enjoy a lovely Mother's day dinner with Gayle and Bethany (who we discover can speak, if only to say 'Big woo.'.). They convince Gayle to go over and ask them to turn it down and she heads over.

Once over at the Mortons, the noise is quickly sorted out as Gerry turns down the music. He explains that it doesn't really register with him as he used to be in a punk band (who's name can't be mentioned in polite company). I really hope that it's his punk band career that has afforded him all these luxuries.

Gerry and Gayle do a bit of a chin wag and Gerry introduces the brood to her. (Kaleigh gets in a 'Whatever' when introduced and Glacia lets out a scream as she believes that saying 'Whatever' should be punishable by electro shock treatment.)

The minute Gayle goes back home, the music starts again, full blast.

Oh, yeah, Wilf says how he met Ronnie Kray back in the day and that he was a very sharp dresser. (Yeah, yeah, yeah and Adolph Hitler apparently had a good sense of humour, pappy.)

BFF, or At Least Until the Trial's Over
Tracey is playing BFF with Claire at the pub - giving her little cheers signals and waves. Then she turns to the family and says what a drip Claire is. Ken and Deidre lecture her about how she treats Claire and how she's being a false friend.

Tracey says would they rather her show her true colours to Claire and have Claire bail out of testifying in her defense. Tracey says that when she is locked away in a cell and Amy is without a mother she can say, 'At least I have my integrity.'

Mr. Glacia shouts over from the computer, 'Did that come out of her mouth?'

Tracey ponders why Deidre is so worried about Claire and then says that when Claire had those big ass glasses they looked a lot a like. (I swear I saw Ken stifling a laugh at this point.). She wonders if Claire is Deidre's love child.

The Continuing Adventures of 'Deidre Barlow Investigates'
Deidre pops around to Claire's place to see if Claire can tell her if she actually saw what was going on between Charlie and Tracey. Claire says no, but that she heard a lot of fighting going on.

Claire then says, 'That Tracey should have been an actress.' and as
Deidre's eyes bug out her head, Claire adds, 'For being so brave and happy while having so much pain underneath.'

In Other News
In the pub he pretends to Leanne that if she goes on a date with him, he'll give Janice her job back. Leanne agrees, right up to the point when Janice comes in and announces that Liam has already given her her job back.

Claire is reading Jane Eyre and I wonder if she sees herself as Jane to Ashley's Rochester.***

Ashley goes into the store and asks for cake icing as Joshua is making a cake for Claire. When Dev and Steve tease him about leaving a child unattended, Ashley gets all upset and says that Joshua is with Eileen....proving that the Peacock home is the house that humour forgot.

Paul announces in the pub that the Connor's grandfather was a merchant marine and had a girl in every port and a port in every girl. Steve retorts that Dev has seven shops, a girl in every shop and a baby in every girl. BOO0YA!

***You know, back in 1986 when I was a young'un, my boss gave me a hard bound copy of Jane Eyre for Christmas. I loved that story and for some reason always imagined Rochester as Donald Sutherland in the video of Kate Bush's 'Cloudbursting' (without the 'stach' of course.)

Boredom Sets In Deep.....Update

2007-12-12T15:10:00.000-05:00

The Inner Circle
Paul makes it home and Karla is far to happy about him being home to be pissed. They embrace and she gives him a bit of hell of not telling her about the car accident and brings up the fact that the Conners are so closed knitted that they kind of muscle her out.

Paul goes into the factory and after the 'where the hell where you?' row with Liam, all settles down and at the end of the day the Connor boys and Karla enjoy a coffee in the staff cafeteria. Michelle comes in and again, after the 'where the hell were you' schtick, it's decided the family will go out for dinner on Paul's tab.

Karla, has now earned her place in the 'Paul killed Dean' inner circle that Michelle is not in. This may have more weight right now than the 'Blood Relatives that you can't infiltrate even if your hair as shiny black as ours' inner circle.

Deidre Barlow Investigates!
David calls Tracey, she has to go out into the street where he wonders when they are going to get jiggy with it and she tells him that he has to be patient. She sweetens the bit by saying some horseshit how she's glad he's her friend because she can really open up to him.

Deidre sees, confront Tracey, Tracey lies, Deidre believes it and Glacia falls off the wagon again just to make sure she's still alive.

Later Deidre asks Gayle if she can come around for a coffee. Once inside and at Gayle's table, she asks Gayle if it's okay to smoke. Gayle says 'Yes', but her eyes and that pause of silence say, 'Are you freaking kidding me?'*

Anyway, Deirde wants to talk to E.T. about David's nightmares (and bed wetting, but she's too polite to say) over the whole Charlie thing. Gayle informs her that David gets a good 18 hours of sleep a day and nothing has been bothering him.

"HMMMMMM.' thinks Deidre.

Later, in the pub she overhears Steve say how Charlie was telling him he was getting ready to leave Tracey. Tracey comes into the pub and her and Deidre sit down at one of the booths. Deidre asks her about this bit of info that Steve has provided.

Tracey leaves the pub and when Deidre comes after her, she tells her that she sucks as a mother and the one thing she needs right now is her mother's support. She turns around with that whole purse/hair action and storms off.

Peter asks Deidre if she's okay, and Deidre says she just doesn't know.

Claire is an Idiot
Claire has met up with Casey (the woman who called her on the suicide prevention line) and they go out for a friend cup of coffee. (The UK apparently is out of tea this week).

Casey tells her how hard it is to see babies on the street and basically bemoans her life. Claire shares with Casey that she had postnatal depression to which Casey proclaims Claire to be her friend.

Claire is deeeeeeeeeeeeelighted because since Tracey has stopped inviting her around for Peek Freens and Tetely's she has been sans amie.

In Other News
Marie and Peter seem to be an item, or at least becoming one.

Janice and Leanne shop.

Violet has gotten news from 'the clinic', she will be able to have babies, but she might not be as fertile as she once was.

* You know, I enjoy a cigarette now and them myself....but I got to say....Deidre's habit is getting really disgusting. Who even asks if you can smoke in a non-smokers home?

She Be Back!

2007-12-11T08:51:00.000-05:00

Many of you know Flaming Nora (who I once foolishly referred to as 'Glacia UK' because we both did updates, had blogs and our birthdays are a day apart.....except then I found out what a goddess she is of wit and smarts and I could only hope to achieve flamingnora-ness).

Anyway, a while back our Nora 'retired' from doing updates for various reasons. But like the Pat Phoenix from the flame she's BACK! With her own blog and I've being dancing around like a little person from 'The Safety Dance' all morning*.

So with much, much happiness I give you the Coronation Street Weekly Updates.

Of course, you know that these updates are from the UK which means the storyline is 16 years ahead of ours, so don't go there if you don't want any spoilers.

HAVING SAID THAT, she has one post up now and after having read it I don't think there are any major, major spoilers. Jim is back (no sign of the Blue Jays shirt however) and of course 'Canadian' Stephen is back - but we've discussed both returns already on here. Other than that, you know...some people are preggers, some people are dating, etc. Oh...and I apparantly DID'T get the role of Fat Brenda.

It's well worth taking a small boo if you want to see what I keep singing F.N's praises.

* No disrespect to little people or men without hats intended.

Update For Episode #6512 December 10, 2007

2007-12-10T20:53:00.001-05:00

A drab and colourless episode that can bring on a feeling of ennui

Jan and Leanne

The two meet at the pub for a drink. Leanne tries to buy the round for both of them but Janice insists she can buy her own drinks. She has no money for rent or food - but she can buy her own drinks.

Peter and Maria

The prince of polygamy runs into the princess of perm and asks if she can give him a trim later on. Maria tells him sorry but she is all booked up for the day. Despite this setback Peter decides to take matters into his own hands by marching into The Salon and taking a look in the appointment book for himself. Maria protests vehemently, citing hairdresser/client privilege, but Peter is not to be deterred and decides that she can fit him in between two of the blue hair types.

While Maria is washing his hair they have a good little chat about all that has transpired with Tracey and Charlie and the whole legal situation. (if you wash the smurfman's hair he will tell you all his secrets as well)

Later at The Rovers Peter and Maria bump into each other again (coincidence?) and Peter gets the drinks in. The two sit in a booth looking quite cozy while Peter elucidates his philosophy on polygamy.

Liam and Carla

Paul is still missing. Carla and Liam have a bit of a row over who is to blame for the situation. (I doubt Dr. Phil could figure this one out) They ask Michelle if she has any inkling where the eldest brother might be, which adds further fuel to the familial fire. In an attempt to force his brother out of hiding Liam leaves a message for Paul telling him that Carla knows the truth about how Dean died.

Liz and Vern and Derek

Liz has arranged for cover at work so she can take Vern for a special night out. However, when she tells the perspiring percussionist her plan, Vern tells Liz he has to take a rain check because he has already made plans to go to the Northern Soul Revival in Rochdale - but he is good to go any other night. Liz is not amused.

A short while later Derek the new brewery delivery man shows up at the pub - on his day off. He tells Liz that of all the pubs he delivers to he chose to visit The Rovers. Winkwinknudgenudge. The two then make googly eyes at each other until Derek works up the nerve to bring up the conversation they had the other day - and asks what Liz would say if he asked her out for a drink. Having already cleared her schedule, and feeling slighted by the little drummer boy, Liz agrees to meet Derek that very evening.

Just before Derek arrives to take Liz out, Vern returns from Rochdale and tells Liz that his northern heart is more important than northern soul. Some crap like that. Derek shows up right about then, and he and Liz do a little discrete flirting while Vern is standing between them.

Tracey and Deirdre and Ken

Ken and Deirdre are having a debate in the kitchen about the effectiveness of the English legal system. The same old story.

Tracey and Jayne go to the visit Mr. Sinclair the solicitor to discuss the upcoming trial. He wants Tracey to tell him the history of events leading up to her killing Charlie in 'self-defence'. Tracey seems to be getting tired of the whole charade and is less than co-operative with her legal team, finally asking them to just tell her what it is she is supposed to say.

Tracey is getting the impression that Mr. Sinclair is less than convinced with her story. If he won't believe her, what would a jury think?

Ken and Deirdre go for an awkward drink at the local.

Tracey returns home in a cab with Jayne who does her best to advise Tracey about how she should present herself in court. Tracey gives her lawyer short shrift and then goes in the house and bitches to her parents about how the solicitor told her that her testimony has to be in her own words. She wonders what they are paying him if that is all the advice he has to offer.

Deirdre finally admits to Ken the doubts she has been having about the supposed innocence of their daughter. He asks what has brought this on, and Deirdre tells him about the video tape of David and Tracey that Jason brought her, and how suspicious their behaviour seemed. That plus the attitude of the lawyers is making her wonder.

Deep down it seems Deirdre knows the truth about what happened.

The Factory Girls

Liam greets his staff at the door in the morning to welcome them back to work. He takes Vicky aside to tell her the good news about her raise - courtesy of the actions of her co-workers. In an effort to show her appreciation Vicky buys some cakes for the girls, a gesture which is appreciated by Fiz and Hayley, but Kelly and Jo are less accepting and proceed to act like cows foir the duration of the episode.

Original date this episode aired - March 14, 2007

Fun Street Trivia

2007-12-10T10:48:00.000-05:00

Here is a bit of fun trivia to start the week off.

One classic Corrie character left the street in a rather poetic way. Sitting in a taxi on the way to the train station, the driver asked if they would be away long. The character replied, “Ah, now there’s a question.”

Come on and flex your street knowledge. Which character uttered those words?

47 Years and Looking Good

2007-12-09T08:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to our favorite brit soap!

Yes, Corrie turns 47 today!

Update- Friday, December 7, 2007- Deirdre Grows a Brain, and Jason Loses His

2007-12-08T17:39:00.000-05:00

This bit was cut from the episode: the Barlows return to their home after the hearing, and Tracy is extremely pleased and confident. Peter is off put by the fact that Tracy is nonchalant, but Deirdre defends her.

Tracy and Peter then go to the Rover’s. Steve is cool to Tracy. After Tracy sits down, Peter, who is up at the bar, offers to buy Maria a drink. She warns him that Tracy will not be pleased with that, just in time for Tracy to tell Peter that he should leave “that tart” alone as she might give him something. This from the woman who is promising to bed a 16 year-old in exchange for false testimony. I believe this is what they call “lacking insight”. As they sit together, Peter says to Tracy that something is up with Deirdre, and Tracy should speak with her. Tracy feigns innocence.

Back at the Barlows, Jason comes around and speaks with Deirdre. He asks her about the tape. Deirdre explains that David was getting “wobbly”, and Tracy has been helping him in his time of need. Jason is satisfied with the explanation, and leaves, not even asking about the tape.

Meanwhile, Tracy has spotted Jason talking to Deirdre and asks her about the conversation. She asks Deirdre about it, and Deirdre says that everything has been explained. Tracy is relieved, but not for long, as it becomes apparent to her that Deirdre is acting strangely. She asks if there is something wrong, but Deirdre denies it.

The “I wish I cared” Plot-line

The scene begins with Carla trying to contact Paul on his cell. He doesn’t answer. She questions Liam again, but he denies that there is anything she doesn’t know.

Outside the factory, the workers are trying to come up with clever chants. The buyer then arrives, and has to work her way through them to get into the building. As she is doing this, Liam and Carla are arguing about the strike and Paul. The buyer comes in as things get heated between them. She asks if she came at a bad time, but Carla assures her she didn’t.

Things do not get better, however, as, after showing her the empty factory Liam confesses that they do not have samples or figures: Paul had them in the car. Irritated, the buyer suggests that they phone her back when Paul is around. After she leaves, Liam and Carla continue to argue. Carla wants to know the truth. She also leaves.

Liam then goes out and tells Sean he has his job back. Hayley, master labour organizer, tells Liam that they will only go back if Vicky, the Polish worker, gets the same wage the rest of them do. Liam agrees.

Later on, Carla returns, worried about Paul. He is nowhere to be found. She gives Liam an ultimatum. She gives him ten minutes to tell her what is going on, or he, and Paul, are on their own. She leaves the factory once more.

Just as she is about to pull away, she sees Liam leave the factory and come to the car. He sits in the passenger seat, and confesses. He, Paul and Dean had been to a boxing match, and they were all drunk. Dean wanted to drive, but he was so wasted, that Paul drove. They crashed. As Dean was dead, Paul and Liam put him in the driver’s seat. It turns out Michelle doesn’t know. Liam doesn’t want her, or Ryan to know. Carla is disgusted, which, given that she is generally amoral, is a bit surprising.

In Other News

Liz offers Derek, the new deliveryman, a drink. He opts for orange juice, and she offers it to him in the back room. There, they sit and complain about their respective partners. Then they say, “but they are lovely.” Liz lies to Steve about why he was there for so long.

Oh the fashion horror. Dev and Peter wear the same shirt to the Rover’s.

Liz agrees that Vern can use the upstairs of the Rover’s for drum lessons. He gets his first client.

Update - December 6, 2007 - Only You

2007-12-07T15:39:00.000-05:00

The Barlows

Peter has travelled from Portsmouth to Manchester to be with Tracey for her plea hearing. Tracey tells a nervous Deidre to relax - " It's a plea hearing, that's all. We walk in, I say not guilty and we all come straight home."

Tracy's barrister who seems very serious, introduces himself as Mark Sinclair. He sits to let her know her options. "Now Tracy, I understand that you are pleading not guilty on grounds of self defence." She confirms that is the case.

The Shop

Dev asks Leanne if she has remembered to bring the property details he asked her about the other day. Why am I feeling skeptical on that Leanne was a property mogul? She tells him she had forgotten them and that she will bring it over later.

Liam walks in the shop on his phone pretending to set up a date. Leanne mocks, "The number you have dialled has not been recognized, please hang up." He smiles and tells the caller, real or imagined who knows, "Hang on, you've got competition. Shall I put her on?" He holds the phone out to Leanne but she makes no move to take it.

Dev decides he needs a full makeover and goes clothes shopping. Dev arrives back from town and shows off his purchases to the girls, "Now is that a combination or is that a combination?" They assure him it is indeed and Molly announces she is going for lunch. "Is that the full extent of your enthusiasm then? I never know when you two are winding me up." As Molly leaves, Amber smiles, "Well if you want a general guide, pretty much all the time." He tells her he is going upstairs to try them on again, "Why? Because shop mirrors can be deceptive, like weighing scales and women!"

The Rovers

Vernon arrives back and Liz asks him how he got on at the job centre. He tells Liz and Steve that he has put up an ad in a record shop in the Northern Quarter in a shop called Beatniks. He has decided that he is going to become an instructor. His ad reads: “Feel the beat but got no rhythm? Drumming lessons from experienced teacher. Hourly rates negotiable.'" and cries triumphantly, "There you go. Pick the bones out of that."

Underworld

At the factory they are all chatting about the latest, Fiz asks, "So was he worth it then Sean? When all's said and done, was he really that good?" Sean gets up, and says "Let's put it this way, he would never have married 'her'." Paul walks by and hears their conversation: "She's like 'You stay on your side of the bar and I'll stay on mine!' I mean, I love the girl to bits but for God's sake, admit defeat." Paul screams at Sean and says, "Get out!" Fiz tells him, "Oh come on. You can't do that. It was affectionate." They are all shocked as Paul flies across the floor, grabs Sean by his neck and hauls him out of his seat as he screams, "I SAID GET OUT!" He spits at Sean, "If you saw the state of her the night Ryan's dad died. If you had any idea..." Sean says that he knows but Paul screams, "No you don't. For one minute there we thought she might actually be happy again....."

Liam rushes out and tells him that's enough. Kelly says, "You can't just blame Sean. What about Sonny Boy?" Paul doesn't even hear them, "And then 'you' come along. A mate. Then you lie to her, ruin her life for her, ruin her trust and bring it all come flooding back." Sean wails, "I am so sorry." Paul grabs him by the neck, "Poncing round my factory? Laughing at my sister? Well this is a family business son, now get out!" and Sean finds himself out of a job. Law suit, anyone?

Another face from the past returns to Weatherfield. Janice returns to the factory and notices someone sitting at her machine. Fiz tells her it is her Polish replacement. They also tell her that Sean has been fired and they are going on strike.

Paul returns to the factory but spots Carla pulling into the street. He immediately jumps into his car and speeds off as she gets out of hers. She calls out to him but he ignores her and takes off.

Carla walks past the girls who immediately break into a chorus of 'Only You'. She pushes past them into the factory and asks Liam where Paul is gone.

He tells her not to worry and he has just gone out for a sandwich. She snaps, "Yeah right. The staff are on the doorstep and the boss is off his head. Yeah, sounds like a really steady ship." He asks, "Why do you always have to react like there is some kind of collusion going on?" She replies "Because there usually 'is' some kind of collusion going on Liam. He is worse than he's ever been and you know the reason why so it's time you stopped treating me like an idiot and told me the truth!"

An Amazing Collection

2007-12-07T14:23:00.001-05:00

This article appeared in the Montreal Gazette yesterday and was picked up by our friends across the ocean at corrieblog. The Hudson Coronation Street Appreciation Society was recently bequeathed a copy of every single Corrie episode since 1984.

Here is a link to the article. You see, back before PVRs, YouTube, and bit torrents, people used to record their television programmes on an ancient substance known as "video tape." I'd love to watch those episodes, not only to see a show that I've only recently come to ~~obsess over~~ love, but just to see commercials from the 1980's.

Hudson, by the way, is a small town about 45 minutes to the west of Montreal, near the Ontario border.

Actualización De Diciembre El 5 De 2007 - Todos miente

2007-12-05T19:48:00.000-05:00

¡Tracy miente a su madre!

Deirdre's in the back garden, having her 117th smoke of the morning when she overhears Tracy and David talking about "doing it" and "sneaking around" and "people are watching" and "how much longer" and "it's different for guys. It's like we need to do it."

Deirdre goes to see Jason at work and asks him about what's going on. He hands her the surveillance tape. When he later runs into Tracy in the Rovers, he asks her if she's spoken to he mum recently.

Tracy finds Deirdre at home where she's been going over the Stalker-Cam footage like it was the Zapruder film ("She strokes his cheek. Back. And to the left. Back. And to the left.").

Tracy tells her no, seriously, I, who murdered my boyfriend, thus causing David Platt's mental trauma, am providing comfort. Deirdre is beginning to wonder if it's true and yet, against her better judgement, she agrees to destroy the tape.

¡Sonny es bisexual! ¡Pero no bisexual con Sean más!

Sean is feeling dreadful about his past actions but Jason tries to cheer him up, telling that it will all work out in the end, like when he ditched his wedding to Sarah-Love by jumping out the bathroom window. Then Sonny shows up and, despite the mojo he tries to work, Sean gathers the strength to tell him to take a hike.

When he tells Michelle of this in the Rovers, she tells him he should have been honest from the beginning. She also tells him of the time he kept mum about Jamie and Frankie's affair while Jamie was dating Violet. He said he was in a dilemma but Michelle counters that his "dilemmas" are ruining people's lives.

Meanwhile Paul is still in a foul mood over clipping Ryan on the ear but when Liam and Carla press him on the issue, he storms out. But it all has to do with Dean's car accident.

¡Leanne vende las propiedades inmobiliarias para una compañía española grande!

Leanne is still with the property selling and Dev thinks he might look at an apartment in Spain himself. She also displays her new mastery of the Spanish language by offering to buy Roy and Hayley a drink, which Roy declines, to Hayley's dismay.

¿Quién es más atractivo? ¿Devendra Alahan o Enrique Iglesias?

Molly and Amber have decided that Dev needs to get over Sunita and get himself back on the market, particularly after learning that he still keeps a little black book.

A beautiful woman comes in for a few things and Dev puts on his best Carlo Rota act and tries to seduce her with some advice involving olive oil (ew!) which the woman tells she'll give to her husband.

Amber suggests he buy some new clothes and lose a little weight if he wants to be more successful with women who don't work in his shops.

¡Devendra perdió su mojo!

Scheduling Changes For the Month of Decebmer

2007-12-05T16:34:00.000-05:00

I got the following scheduling changes for the month of December. There's quiet a few, so you may want to take note:

Sunday, December 9, 2007
BC/PT only: Due to live coverage of Raptors basketball, Coronation
Street will be seen at 7:00 am on Sunday in BC.
There will be a crawl running this Sunday to notify viewers

Sunday December 16 2007
BC/PT only: Coronation Street will be airing from 7:00 am - 9:30 am due
to curling coverage.

Monday December 17 2007 normal
Tuesday December 18 2007 normal
Wednesday December 19 2007 preempted for holiday programming
Thursday December 20 2007 2 episodes from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Friday December 21 2007 normal

Sunday December 23 2007 normal

Monday December 24 2007 preempted for holiday programming
Tuesday December 25 2007 no regular episode. AN AUDIENCE WITH
CORONATION STREET 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday December 26 2007 2 episodes from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday December 27 2007 preempted for holiday programming
Friday December 28 2007 2 episodes from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Sunday December 30 2007 7:00 am - 8:00 am AN AUDIENCE WITH CORONATION
STREET
8:00 am - 10:00 am normal repeat of weekday episodes (only 4 this week)

Raquel Watts vs. The Doctor

2007-12-05T15:19:00.001-05:00

Remember Raquel Watts? The actor who played her, Sarah Lancashire, will be appearing on the next season of Doctor Who, playing a villain:

She will play Miss Foster, a mysterious and powerful businesswoman when the series hits TV screens next spring.
The actress said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be in Doctor Who. It's a brilliant episode and I'm looking forward to taking the Time Lord on."

Link.

Update - December 4, 2007 - Happy Chanukah!

2007-12-04T19:57:00.000-05:00

This song was playing in the Rovers tonight. It's Snow Patrol with Montreal gal Martha Wainwright.

The Family that Buys Black Hair Dye Together Stays Together

In the Rovers, Ryan has returned from a school camping trip. When he heads off to the bathroom, Steve asks Michelle if she'd like to take him home. Michelle snarkily replies that it would be a great idea to tell him that Sonny was having it off with Sean behind her back, there are no more Man City tickets, and the engagement's off. Steve thinks she'd only have to say the last part.

Michelle takes him into the back room and explains that it's finished between her and Sonny but doesn't fully explain why. Ryan thinks it's because Sonny didn't want to deal with him and storms off, saying he's going home.

Later, Sean arrives on Sonny's doorstep. He comes in and they talk about things and try to iron out their differences and come to an understanding about what has happened and try to figure this out as mature adults. For about five minutes. Then they go upstairs to have sex.

Ryan shows up at Sonny's door a bit later and it doesn't take him long to figure it that it wasn't Ryan that split up his mum with Sonny - it was Sean. Angry, he grabs the keys to Sonny's totally awesome car and peels out of the driveway.

Not too soon after at the Rovers, Michelle gets a call from the polis, telling that Ryan's been nicked joyriding. She finds him at the cop shop, where he's been let off with a warning. Sonny comes by and Michelle offers to pay for damage but Sonny says there was none and after a few words with Michelle, he leaves.

Michelle is angry at how Ryan lashed out but also admits she was scared because her late husband Dean died in a car accident and all this reminds her of that fact.

When she gets him back to the hotel, Paul, Liam, and Carla find him and Paul tries to throttle him but Michelle insists that she will handle this herself. Carla implies that Ryan is ending up like his father and will be drunk driving soon. Liam tells her she doesn't know anything and gets a little angry with her. It seems there is more to the death of Michelle's husband than has been explained.

Also, He Sucks His Thumb

Jason sees Tracy and David having another of their too-close conversations at the bus stop. When he joins Sarah in Roy's Rolls, he tells her of what he's seen but she thinks he's daft. Jason then takes her back to the office where he plays her the video tapes of Jason and Tracy's meetings at Charlie's old apartment.

(Someone explain this to me. Maria rented the flat from Charlie and when Tracy discovered their affair, she moved out. Presumably, the place would be empty so did Charlie move a bunch of stuff back there? Wouldn't Jason know this? Or did I miss something?)

Sarah confronts David about it and when he is cagey about things, she heads back to the café where she confronts Tracy about what's been going on. Tracy doesn't want to talk about it and leaves with Deirdre for the Rovers, the one place where Sarah will never find them.

Deirdre gets Tracy to spill the beans about her and David's relationship and Tracy comes back with a steaming pile of horseshit. She says that David has been having nightmares about what he saw, can't concentrate in school, wets the bed, and has nightmares about Charlie where he takes the form of a giant, toothy Barbapapa that calls itself "Mr. Fangy." Tracy says she's only comforting him. Sometimes she comforts him two or three times a day. Mostly he just comforts himself in the bathroom when he's getting ready for school.

Deirdre tells Tracy to knock it off.

In Other News

Vern finally comes back from the stag night fare and gets fired from Streetcars by Steve.

There's a new delivery man from Newton and Ridley's named Derek.

Leanne is still buying Jamie's house.

Original broadcast date: March 9, 2007.

The Kinda Hurt that no One Responded to My Poll But I Ain’t Mad At ‘Cha Update Monday December 3rd 2007

2007-12-04T18:48:00.000-05:00

UK Time: Wednesday March 7th 2007

Let’s all agree that the two most pressing story lines from last night’s broadcast were the Tracy and David testimony debacle and the Sonny, Sean and Michelle love triangle. The rest was just window dressing.

The show may have opened with Leanne talking about fringe real estate markets while Liam spat at her, but it really started with the Sean, Michelle and Sonny saga. Sean and Fizz were standing in the street together just before work discussing Fizz’s pizza diet when Michelle walked by giving Sean the daggers. Fizz notices and is surprised. Get used to it, sister, cuz it ain’t the last time you’re gonna see it. Later, in the pub, Michelle really gets her glare on and then tries to leave work by faking a headache. Steve offers to cover for her so she can take off.

But, nothing gets by Liz and later, after Michelle yells at Sean to change the barrels, she pulls her staff into the back for an impromptu meeting. Michelle reveals that Steve was right and Sean has been Sonny’s bit on the side. After making sure the staff can continue to work, she sends Michelle back in, while she and Sean agree that he should go home. Because, you know, he may have done the dirty on Michelle, but Sean just needs a break. Michelle can totally work while maintaining a stiff upper lip after her heinous Sean induced beak-up. But, Sean, he’s fragile and just needs time to cry it out.

It’s a good thing he went home because if he stayed at the pub he would have missed a very special visitor. Sonny and his set of huge brass balls swings over to Sean’s place. He suggests they continue to see each other despite the break up. For me, the most important bit of this scene was Sonny’s wording. He said to Sean, “just because Michelle and I have split up, that doesn’t mean we have to stop seeing each other.” Just because Michelle and I have split up … Now, I have been thinking about that one long and hard. It is kind of like saying, “Listen, baby, you were my bit on the side. But, since I have lost my girlfriend, that doesn’t mean you can’t still be my bit on the side. Please just know that you will never be my girlfriend. You will only ever be my bit on the side regardless of my actual relationship status.” But, maybe I think too much. Anyway, Sean gave him his marching orders. Will that last? I hope, but you gotta be strong to live through a love hangover.

Now, over to David and Tracy. David is chomping at the bit to get into Tracy’s pants. She again tries to put him off telling him that there is nowhere for them to go and that they should wait until after the trial. David is not having it and Tracy has to sort something out.

Later we see Jason sitting in the builder’s office doing something when Tracy pops round asking for the keys to the flat. She tells Jason that she wants some pictures of the uni-browed dishwasher dweller, despite the fact that she is hideous and will most likely want to forget what she looked like as a child. It must be Jason’s new-found parental sentimentality, but he’s like ‘Here, Tracy, take the keys to the flat to get pictures even though you had moved out months ago.’ Tracy heads down with the keys and fully in view of Charlie’s stalker cam, she calls David to invite him over for a bit of afternoon delight, if he is still interested.

Later, Tracy finds Adam who must have just crawled out of the abyss and asks him to call her cell phone at precisely 5:30 and please don’t forget. She gives him some lame Cynthia Dale related excuse and he assures her that he won’t forget.

Later, on the stalker cam, Jason sees Tracy arrive at the flat, followed shortly by David. Interesting …

At the flat, Tracy pours some wine and David seems to really believe that he is getting somewhere. Oh, the ignorance of youth. He smacks her on the butt and Tracy may start drinking right from the bottle. After asking him about school, she heads for the bathroom for about 20 minutes. Upon her return, David asks what took so long. She tells him that she was making herself beautiful for him. As her face looks exactly the same, I find this hilarious and kind of want David to ask her to elaborate.

Well, since Adam is kind of drunk and listening to stories about his ex-girlfriend doing her boss he forgets to call at 5:30, but does finally call a half hour late. Tracy answers and pretends that something is wrong with the aforementioned uni-browed dishwasher dweller. She must go right away.

But, to give David something to dream about, she gives him a little cuddle outside the flat right in front of Charlie’s stalker cam while Jason watches. I think it is funny that Tracy has been caught with the camera that Charlie used to spy on his bit on the side. This is Street magic!

In Other News

Leanne is thinking about buying Jamie’s house with the money she got as a direct result of cheating on Jamie with is dad. She will, of course, rent it to Jamie. Jamie is totally cool with that. It’s like they both have really taken to the notion of ‘bygones.’

Vernon is now driving a cab for Steve. However, after a run to a lap-dancing club, he may now be a missing person.

Some of the factory girls are snubbing the new girl.

The Connors continues their stellar record as garment industry employers. How long will this go on for?

Steve made an ass of himself with Michelle once again.

Pub Night Reminder

2007-12-04T10:48:00.000-05:00

Fionn MacCool's
489 King Street West (King and Spadina)

7 pm

Reseverations are under 'Jacqueline', but I'll try to give them 'Corrie Canuck' as a second password.

IF you are planning to come but haven't had a chance to let me know, make a comment below.

REMINDER: Trivia is Christmas based. I'll be asking about Christmas events on Corrie, mainly between 1995 - 2006. We've got a lovely Corrie present for the winner.

There will be a trivia warm up and the winner gets....a pint on me.

R Ashley is coming to Hogtown!

2007-12-04T08:20:00.000-05:00

This just in!

Steven Arnold (aka Ashley Peacock) will be at the Briti sh Isles Show!

For a full write up, check out Flaming Nora's scoop!

Obscure Football Reference of the Day

2007-12-03T17:25:00.000-05:00

Reference was made to the Stretford End at some point while I was listening to the omnibus on Sunday. The Stretford End, surprisingly enough, is the end of Old Trafford - the ground where Manchester United play - nearest to the village of Stretford.

Update- Friday, November 30, 2007- Bi Bi Sonny

2007-11-30T23:27:00.000-05:00

The show opens with Sean being frog marched by Paul and Liam to the Rover's. The three run into Jamie, and Sean explains that he is looking deathly ill from nerves because he is about to undergo a job evaluation. Jamie looks confused, but accepts the explanation.

Sean, Paul and Liam then enter the Rover's. Michelle comes out to the front, wanting Sean's fashion opinion. They go to the back room, Sean somewhat reluctantly. Michelle prattles on a bit about her new dress, and then realizes Sean is looking a little glum. Sean confesses that he and Sean slept together. Michelle does not want to believe it. Sean confesses somemore. Not only have they slept together while Sonny was dating Michelle, but they have known each other for years.

Michelle runs out of the pub, with Liam and Paul trailing her. They try and stop her, and out on the street, tell her they found out, and made Sean tell her. Michelle not too politely asks them to butt out.

When she finally is alone in her flat, she sits at the table, and cries. She takes off the watch and ring. Michelle, honey, I know you are crushed right now, but, keep the swag. Okay, you probably have to return the ring, but the watch is yours. Don't let your emotions keep you from expensive jewellery.

Meanwhile, at the pub, Jamie comes in and learns the truth about Sean's "job evaluation". He looks a little too judgmental for a guy who slept with his mother. Sean also asks Liam if he should go by to Michelle's house, and Liam wisely tells him to keep out of it.

Sonny is oblivious to the drama and shows up at Michelle's bearing flowers. Michelle answers the door and silently lets him in. Clever Sonny knows something is wrong, and she does not keep him in suspense. When Michelle confronts him with the fact that their relationship has been all lies, Sonny says that had he told her the truth about his bisexuality she wouldn't have wanted him. She doesn't deny it, but says that she would then have had a choice.

In the next scene, Michelle is sitting at her kitchen table with a glass of wine in front of her. Sonny begs her to give him another chance. She says no, and in the process of doing so, refers to her dead partner and the effect his death had on her. She gives him the watch and the ring, and Sonny leaves.

Sean, who has nipped out of the Rover's, sees Sonny leaving. He runs over to try and explain. Of course Michelle comes out and sees them, gets angry at the both of them, and then slaps Sean in the face.

Another "Please God, let it End" Plotline

Adam, Deirdre and Tracy see that there is a "sold" sign, outside of Charlie's house. Tracy bemoans the loss of the house, but Deirdre tells her good riddance.

Later, at the Barlows', Tracy invites Deirdre out for a drink, only to receive a text message (I presume) from someone. She says she has to go out for a bit before the drink, and heads out without further explanation.

Of course the text message was from David, and they have a little sordid rendezvous in the back alley. David, the romantic, brings Tracy some chips, and suggests that they return to his house as his mum isn't home. Tracy says he has to wait until after the trial, but David has thought this through, and he says that she won't need him after the trial and will just ditch him. She starts laughing, and he tells her that if that's how she wants to play it, then he will simply see her at the trial. Tracy calls him back and says that what is really going on is that she wants to make the experience really special. She then kisses him and leaves.

In Other News

Rita invites Norris out to an Italian restaurant to celebrate his birthday. As they are having a pre-outing drink at the Rover's, Doreen comes in. First she invites Rita out for a curry. Rita tells her that she and Norris are going to a restaurant to celebrate Norris' birthday. Doreen invites herself along, but Rita says that it will be just the two of them. Norris is very pleased. Oh, and Norris is wearing a cravat. And not in the Sean-hipster kind of way.

Liam and Leanne flirt. Jason, who saw the flirting go down, suggests that Liam see a shrink over his taste in women.

Steve tries over and over again to call Vern on the cab radio. Vern, who is drumming the dashboard and listening to music, does not hear. Lloyd once again points out the obvious but uncomfortable truth to Steve. So long as Liz is saddled with a git, so is Steve.

Christmas Pressie From CBC

2007-11-30T16:00:00.000-05:00

An Audience with Coronation Street is going to repeat Tuesday December 25 2007 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm!

I know you'll be sitting around the turkey table, so be sure to set your vcr/pvr/tivo because this is a one shot deal, babies.

Update - November 29, 2007 - Manchester Version

2007-11-30T14:33:00.000-05:00

The house has gone up for sale at Jamie’s and he and his new houseguest discuss looking for new digs, but Leanne as usual has a plan in place. She has decided she is going to break into Janice’s flat (with her permission) and squat there while Janice is in France. She uses her Battersby skills by taking a credit card to slip the lock without success , all while wearing a lovely cocktail gown! Jamie watches her in action, or inaction when Liam walks by. He is formally introduced to Leanne and tells her she is doing it all wrong. He takes a step back and kicks the door down, like a proper gentleman. In the flat, after getting Jamie to do some heavy lifting - Leanne clearly smitten with Liam asks Jamie various questions about her potential new victim er sorry, friend . Does anyone else notice all female characters on Corrie with brown hair slowly become blonde?

Tracy tells David to back off after he gropes her leg under the table at Roy’s Rolls. She mentions he better stick and then get his reward or else he won’t get any action. Could someone tell David to lay off the carrot juice? He's glowing...

Claire gets another call from Casey the depressed woman from her counselling line. Does Claire know anything about healthy boundaries? I am quite sure that it is against policy for Casey to call her on her mobile. Soon she will be moving into an extra room at the house which seems fairly strange and dangerous.

Liam hears news that Steve thinks Sonny is gay. He goes to see Steve at Streetcars to investigate the rumours and asks exactly what he saw. After a shoddy attempt of down-playing the events, Steve tells him that he saw Sonny and Sean kissing on his night out with the lads. Back at Underworld, Paul and Liam have decided to take action and lets all the girls go early with full pay, but asks Sean to stay. He is summoned into the office were he is interrogated by the brothers on his relationship with Sonny. He admits he has known Sonny for years and yes, he admits he did fool around about with Sonny. They both roughly grab him and make their way to the Rovers to see Michelle.

Who Wants to PARTY?

2007-11-30T12:00:00.001-05:00

We have just started the holiday season and we are all getting set to eat, drink and vomit our way through the festivities. But, let’s be honest, the most exciting part of the season – for those of us older than 14 – is New Years Eve. I mean, that is the question for the holiday season. I’m curious as to what you are having for Christmas dinner. I may be interested in what was under your tree. But, mainly, I really want to know what you are doing for New Years. Is it too early to ask? Nope, it’s never too early, and those of us planning to head to the Big Apple, Montreal or Manchester, better start planning now.

Due to the CBC timeline our friends in Weatherfield celebrated new years 2007 about six hours ago. It will be MONTHS until we see what they do to ring in 2008. So, with that in mind, I am wondering which household the Corrie Canuksters would like to spend the big night with.

Let’s have a little poll. Chose your party from the list below and send me your choices. I will post the results and the fun comments.

The Battersby-Browns

The meal: cigarettes, lager, mince pies and Chinese takeaway.

To be honest, just add a martini and that is my kind of New Years meal. At this party, there would be Les, Cilla, Chezney, Fizz Bomb Brown, our Kirkey, Leanne and Yanna. Does that say “party” to you?

The Grimshaws

The meal: Lager, red wine, Indian takeaway, endless bags of crisps and chocolate bars from the corner shop.

Now I know most of us would rush to go party with Eileen and Sean, but you have to know that Violet will also be there. I like Violet but she seems to have the market on misery cornered. If she were to crack a smile, perhaps it would be better. Also, Jason – the party totty – would most likely be spending half his time there and the other half at the Platt’s. Jamie would probably be there too. But, I don’t know that he’d be the best party animal. Is Eileen and Sean enough? You be the judge.

The Platts

The meal: White wine, pizza, the last of the Christmas left-overs, Frescos pudding.

Now, this may be a nightmare, as you’d have to look at Gail all night and Bethany would terrify you. Will she choose this year to pee on the carpet? But, Bethany will probably retire to the dishwasher at 7:30 and Gail will most likely get drunk. Also, David being a wild card may do something very dramatic which would make your attendance worth it. Audrey may also kick it up a notch and bring two married boyfriends.

The Websters

The meal: White wine, lager, burned beef Wellington replaced by fish and chips from the chippy.

You would most likely end up watching movies on the couch. It could be the ultimate in low key, relaxed new years. You could make fun of Sally with Rosie and Sophie while Kevin keeps things light. Once the girls go to bed after midnight, you can sit around talking about how fortunate Sally and Kevin are and pretend that Sally isn’t prone to sleeping around and social climbing.

The House of Bishop

The meal: tea, midget gems, mince pies, tea biscuits, sherry, tuna sandwiches with the crusts cut off, cucumber sandwiches if they get really crazy, gin for Rita.

OK, on first glance you are thinking PASS!!! I know that the last thing I want to do in New Years in listen to Emily reminisce about the time she and Earnest spent new years watching the Queens address with some cookies and the blanket be bought her on a trip to Wales, but it may be good. Rita would get hammered, maybe she will bring new-found-old-pal Doreen with her. This could be the dark-horse New Years jam!

The McDonalds

The meal: left over hot pot, vodka, lager, cigarettes.

Liz and her breasts would be there. Nuf said.

The Peacocks

The meal: pork loin roast, new potatoes, fresh carrots and broccoli, home made apple pie from scratch with cream, cookies for later, white wine, tea

There is no way to dress this up. It will be a snore. Party gods help the poor soul who has to ring in the new year at this quilting bee of a celebration. The meal will most likely be fantastic, that you can count on. But then once Claire starts talking about crochet patterns you’ll be asking ‘how did it come to this?’

The Duckworths

The meal: lager, full English breakfast, dessert made by Molly.

Join Molly, Tyrone, Vera and Jack for dinner in their parlor. To follow, Jack will go outside to sit with his pigeons, Vera will go yell at Jack. Jack will come back inside to give you some words of wisdom. Vera will cal him an idiot. Molly will try to make them behave. Basically, get ready to laugh your head off.

The Barlows

The meal: Red wine – lots of it. Cigarettes, bitterness pie and sour cream.

Thankfully, Blanche will be there. Now, I don’t want to post any spoilers, so Tracy may, or may not be there. Since Amy is hideous, everyone can talk about what a shame it is that she didn’t get tweezers from Santa (he doesn’t deliver to dishwashers). Perhaps, if you fancy it, you could get drunk and make out with Adam, or Peter if he’s there too.

The Connors

The Meal: brought in from The Italian (or maybe Sonny will cook), red wine, white wine, vodka

Who cares, what happens? Just get Liam naked, or Michelle if you fancy it. Carla can tell you about the time she lost the role of Seabisquit to Hillary Swank, who eventually lost the role to an actual horse. It could be good. We know it will be posh.

So, those are your choices. Tell me how you like to party. In the comments section, I will make the first comment and choose all follow up comments to be emailed to me. This should be fun.

OK, I have a better idea, send me an email to dabrewstATyahoo.com (in the real email format) and I will deal with the responses that way. I can't get the blog to work like I want for this.

Corrie Sightings on Telly

2007-11-30T09:36:00.000-05:00

Last night on Vison TV, I caught a show called 'Dinner Ladies' a Brit-com about a canteen set in a factory.

Who stars in this show? 3 Corrie faces!

Thelma Barlow - aka Mavis
Shobna Gulati - Sunita
Robet Dunn - the gent who plays 'Roger', Janice's new plumber beau

Add to this the goddess Julie Walters, who is brilliant on it.

I think it was on at 8:30, so well worth catching if you can.

Little Help
I volunteer for Out of the Cold, a shelter program in Toronto.

Each year they try to get Christmas packages together for all the guests and one of the items that are very much appreciated are wee soups, shampoos, lotions, etc. The kind of things you pick up at hotels.

I'm wondering if anyone who is coming to the pub night in Toronto can look around and see if they have any unopened bottles, etc around their house to consider donating them. I just went through my bathroom last night and found about a million (some from Paris no less!).

The small size makes them very easy for transporting and I hear that especially with the lady guests they are very popular.

I'm at the shelter on Thursday night and can drop them off then. Many thanks in advance

Update - November 28, 2007 - Boys Keep Swinging

2007-11-28T19:34:00.000-05:00

It's 7:00am at Michelle's flat and Sonny has dropped by to propose properly with a big, fat blood diamond and everything. Michelle says "yes" and Sonny is off to another one of his mobile phone meetings where they are to discuss acquiring this season's most grating ringtones.

Michelle asks Ryan if he approves and he does, if only he can live in Sonny's big ass house. Later she tells the rest of her family and sister-in-law Carla "Margaret Thatcher" Connor approves of the big rock so you just know it was dear. Paul wants to take everyone out to a big swanky restaurant but Michelle declines, saying she has to work, as does Sonny. Paul reminds her that she just bought her meal ticket and will likely need never work again and yet Michelle doesn't want to let her co-workers down.

At the Rovers, Steve, Liz, Vernon, and Liz's breasts are having breakfast and discussing the previous evening's events and Steve declaration that Sonny is "GAY! GAY WITH SEAN!"

Vern, a veteran of the entertainment industry, reckons his gaydar is finely tuned and does not think Sonny dances with his hands above his head. Vernon probably also doesn't know about Freddie Mercury.

Meanwhile out in the street, Sean, having learned from Jamie that Steve's been yapping in the Rovers, has called Sonny and asks him to come round at once as it's an emergency.

At the Rovers, Steve is still calling Sonny "GAY! GAY WITH SEAN!" Meanwhile, Sean has called in sick which suddenly makes Michelle begin to consider what Steve is saying. However to be accurate, Steve should be saying, "SONNY'S BI! BI WITH MICHELLE AND SEAN!"

At Eileen's, Sean and Sonny are talking and Sonny makes it clear that he's with Michelle now and their affair cannot continue (although he's a bit cagey and seems to leave the door open for a bit on the side). Suddenly, Michelle's at the door and Sonny runs out the back.

Steve stands outside the Rovers and smugs wildly while Michelle goes into Eileen's. She asks Sean if it's true what Steve said. Sean denies that he and Sonny have sex on each other and says that it's Michelle that Sonny wants. Michelle says Steve is just bitter and twisted and will die a lonely old man. Sean, suddenly seeing that conversation isn't ALL! ABOUT! HIM! says "him and me, both."

Michelle assures him that someday his prince will come.

Back at the Rovers, Vernon is comparing men kissing to a car crash: you want to look but you know you should look away so when he sees two men kissing, he thinks of a car crash so he'll look away.

"You talk a lot of rubbish," says Steve. Indeed, when I think of a car crash, I think of Liz and Vernon rolling around all over each other.

She goes back into the Rovers and tells Steve that she can't believe she almost believed what he said. Then Sonny comes in and asks Steve just what has he been saying about him and does he care to repeat them. Steve backs down and tells Michelle if she wants to ruin her life, it's not his business.

The Paul and Liam come in and start interrogating Sonny for a few minutes and he looks panicked until they reveal that they're just winding him up. They do tell him that since Ryan's father died, Liam and Paul have been father figures to him and tell him that the duty now falls to Sonny and they ask they he not let them down.

Sonny agrees and everyone, including Michelle, sit down for a champagne toast.

This photo implies nothing untoward about Sonny and Michelle's engagement.

Leanne's Loaded

Leanne, back from ~~mat leave~~ Spain, is at Jamie's and has offered to cook him a meal to thank him for letting her stay over last night.

She also drops in on Less, who gives her a welcome home hug, and remarks that she's lost weight ("about 9 lbs worth," says the missus). He gets her caught up on the latest happenings: the house has been redecorated, they got a new leather sofa, and Tracy Barlow murdered Charlie Stubbs. He offers to let her stay with them but she observes that it's already crowded and insists on staying at a hotel. Her job in Spain, selling apartments, has made her flush with cash and she gets special rates at hotels.

She later reiterates this to Jamie who tries to get her to stay at his place. It's just as well, however, because he says that the landlord called and announced that he's selling the house and Jamie will have to find a new place. I thought Blanche still owned this place but I guess I missed something when she sold it.

Weakness for Wyborowa

~~Jacqueline~~ Rita had one too many vodkas last night. She decides she's been spending too many nights with Doreen and neglecting her boring old friends which one does when one's liver hurts.

Also...

Claire's still way too personally involved with Casey, the woman in crisis.

Schedule Changes

2007-11-28T15:41:00.001-05:00

From my sources at the CBC:

BC/Pacific Time only:

Sunday, December 9, 2007
Due to live coverage of Raptors basketball, Coronation Street will be
seen at 7:00 am on Sunday in BC.
There will be a crawl running this Sunday to notify viewers

Sunday December 16 2007
Coronation Street will be airing from 7:00 am - 9:30 am due to curling
coverage.

FOR ALL REGIONS:

Wednesday December 19 2007
Coronation Street is preempted on Wednesday December 19 2007 due to
holiday programming
There will be two episodes of Coronation Street on Thursday December 20
2007 from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Woo Pub Night!

2007-11-28T15:19:00.000-05:00

I just got off the phone with Fionne Macools and they have a reservation for us under the name Jacqueline for 7 pm on Dec 4 (next Tuesday).

AND they are willing to accomodate us with seperate bills....so I am very well pleased.

489 King Street West, (King and Spadina)
Phone: (416) 586-1331

I have us down for 10 people for dinner and drinks, as I think we all tend to eat dinner at the Corrie pub nights. If you are coming and haven't told me so, let me know so I can update them.

Note to Pantagruelle: If you are in Toronto that night, your drinks and pierogis are on me.

I'll also be doing a Corrie Christmas theme trivia, so study up!

Early Christmas Shopping Update

2007-11-28T10:40:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Wilcox and I will be going out shopping this weekend so I thought I'd take the scientific approach and make a list of gifts for my friends on the street.

(One of Glacia's favorite movies/books and CERTAINLY one of her favorite scenes)

For Jamie, A Volleyball

Claire receives a call for a pick up at the train station, unfortunately the train goes into a tunnel before all the details can be taken. Steve says it's best to just ignore the call because it's unlikely that the caller will still be at the station by the time a minicab gets there. Jamie overhears and offers to go out to pick of the fare himself, ignoring Steve's warning.

Well thank God he did - otherwise he might miss the opportunity to spend 15 minutes driving his ex-girlfriend who slept with his dad, triggering the rather Shakespearean events that befell the Baldwins.

Yes, Leanne is back in town with a sassy new hairdo and no longer sporting a tea towel or Guernsey cow in front of her. She does look fabulous I must say.

She's hesitant to get in the car but Jamie tells her it's okay and they have a chinwag on the way back to Weatherfield. Turns out, she didn't know that Janice is in France (Glacia sighs and genuflects) with the plumber.

Leanne says she's going to get a hotel, but before she goes off looking for a place, she asks Jamie to tell her all the details about Frankie and him. He gets a bottle of plonk and they talk at his place. He explains that while he doesn't forgive her, he's just exhausted from hating all the time and he's trying to let everything go.

They talk about Danny and Frankie, etc and he ends up offering her a bed at his place instead of the hotel. He says that he only got himself in the house and that soon he might start talking to a football. (What? Okay, like Corrie Canuckers have been suggesting, why didn't Sean move into his place? I guess because then there'd be no room for the wicked ex-girlfriend.)

Leanne agrees and tells him to go get another bottle of wine and when he leaves she does that smirky thing that I kind of hate.

For Kelly, A Polish/English Dictionary
Cause looks like she might have only one mate soon.

The Connors hire a new machinist, the lovely Vicky all the way from Warsaw, and not Walsall in Birmingham as Fizz thinks. Vicky gets settle in and after introductions she gives a big, 'Hey girlfriend!' to Kelly - at which point the gals know that Vicky has come in from the evening shift.

Sally, Jo and Fizz try to find out how much she is earning and corner her outside of the bathroom. Liam sees this and accuses them of trying to bully her out of her conkers and lunch money. They explain that they are worried that she is making less than minimum wage and he tells them that it's none of their business and that their own wages haven't been affected. True, they agree, but for how long and what happens if htey want a raise or if one of them is made redundant. Liam tells them to get back to work.

Kelly, meanwhile, is getting a lot of flack about working the cheap night shift. She is unable to live with the guilt and tells Karla that she can't do the late shift anymore.

Karla yells and says that everything in British industry was okay until that bloody Charles Dickens came about with his stories ripe with class inequality and social injustice.

Okay, maybe she didn't say that, maybe it was more along the lines of, 'Oh bugger.'

For Sonny, A Crates and Barrel Gift Certificate
In case he has to make any more stand-in jewellery purchases.

Michelle is getting ready for her BIG date with Sonny to a fancy restaurant. There's been all kinds of guessing as to why the big occasion and while Liz feels that Sonny is going to propose, Steve feels that he's going to dump her.

She is looking all extra shiny when she appears at the restaurant in what appears to be a nightgown. (Oh, that's what the kids are wearing a dresses these days...yes.) Regardless, she looks fab and Sonny is well pleased.

He asks her if anything is wrong and she just says that she's not used to fancy schmancy high falootin' restaurants and he tells her not to worry because she's the best looking woman there. (I don't doubt!).

She's still looking a bit stressed and he finally gets her to admit why and she tells him that she thought maybe he invited her out to take their relationship to the next level with her moving in with him. He seems surprised and she beats herself up for even saying anything.

He responds, 'If I seem surprised it's just that I'm shocked that you think I'm that brave. That I would take that risk even though that's what I want.'

Okay, I'll stop right there and say that for me HANDS DOWN that's the smoothest line of the year on Corrie. I was transfixed the minute he said 'that you think I'm that brave.'. Omg...he's like butter!

Then doesn't he get down on his knee and propose using A NAPKIN RING HOLDER as a stand in ring...which just popped my harlequin romance fantasy bubble. I think it would have been better to just propose without the ring...surely she knows he's good for it.

Of course Michelle says,'Yes' and they scurry home to tell all the good news. She hangs on to the napkin ring holder with loving admiration and I have to wonder, 'Did the restaurant add it to the bill?'

Michelle tells him she can't wait to tell Sean because 'Won't his face be a picture?'

Oh wait, I know that picture!

Yes, Sean is surprised but does a very lovely job of being happy for her. He even offers to get be the pageboy in a sailor's suit. (I could look for an image, but frankly, it was just far too easy.)

When Steve hears of the engagement, he explodes and tells her that Sonny is gay and he is gay with Sean.

There's an interesting reaction from Michelle as she tells him off about spreading rumours about Sonny and her best mate Sean (is there anyone on the show who DOESN'T consider Sean their best mate?), we can see there's that glimpse of 'oh dammit' in her face. Like she believes what he's saying but just doesn't want to admit it.

I wonder why? Did she pick up on some chemistry between Sean and Sonny? Is she doing the math on Sean's mood swings? Or did she find Sonny's 'Big Busty Sean' magazines under his bathroom sink.

Finally, For Liz

Because my love, Lycra and middle age ponch should never be in the same room together.

Jerome and Rusty Update

2007-11-28T09:13:00.000-05:00

I know that there's been discussion about the fate of the puppets from Friendly Giant and I'm sure our Ang can give us more details, but I just wanted to let know that they are safe and back in the hands of the late Bob Homme's (aka Friendly Giant) family.

What I glean from the Globe and Mail is that the CBC had them in their museum but used them for a Gemini Awards skit without the family's permission. This was apparantly 'the last straw' for the family. The puppets were on loan to the CBC Museum, and the family has decided to remove Friendly Giant props from the museum.

This has falls under the title of "Media Mea Culpa' for the Globe and Mail.

However, until it's pulled from Youtube, we can still enjoy our favorite musical cats (giraffe and Rooster).

It's been a looooooooooong time since I curled by the fire with a chair big enough for two, but I still have fond memories.

On a side note, when I clicked on the first youtube, a related link was the 'Tootie's Bong' episode from 'Facts of Life'.

Dear ITV

2007-11-27T15:21:00.001-05:00

I submit my vote for the Stephen Reid role...appropriate accent attached.

BTW - I hope Fat Brenda is Canadian because I just can't master the Manchurian accent.

Just in time for Festivus!

2007-11-27T13:31:00.001-05:00

I just got an email from the CBC online boutique. It's the Coronation Street DVD Trivia game, now on sale for $39.99. You can find it at CBCSHOP.CA.

No, I'm not being paid by the CBC to advertise this stuff. But they did promise me I could take home the Friendly Giant's castle next time I'm in Toronto.

Update for Epiosde #6502 November 26, 2007

2007-11-26T20:33:00.001-05:00

Holly

Holly seems to be winning over the hearts of all and sundry at the Grimshaw residence. Sean sings to her in the morning. Jason blows her a kiss good-bye. Eileen tells Claire that she would be lost without the wee bairn. Even Frumpy the social worker seems to be impressed with the state of affairs when she come by for a visit.

Jason and Eileen have a good chat about babies and how they compare to puppies and kittens. He even wonders what babies dream about. When Eileen goes out and leaves Jason alone with Holly for a bit he tries to sing her to sleep (not a great voice) and then tells Holly to keep his singing a secret. In the end he has a big goofy grin on his face - it looks as though Jason may be smitten with his child after all.

Jason and Bill

Jason is going to go through the book containing the list of clients and jobs that Charlie had kept, to see if there more work to be found. Bill and Jason have a pint in the pub and agree that they should continue working together on future jobs.

Claire

Claire gets a call from Casey, the woman she counselled over the phone the other night. It seems Casey wants to get together in person with Claire, she has something that she wants to talk about. Claire agrees to meet her later. Ashley comments that this is breaking the rules Claire was given about doing phone counselling, but she can make her own rules - after all she was born to be wild. (I knew it)

Claire and Casey meet up and have a bit of a chin wag, which seems to go well enough, but my spidey sense is telling me that is going to end badly.

The Factory

The girls are at work and nattering on about the boots. Sean is giving Kelly stick over her scabby budget rate night shift work for Carla, making snide remarks about how she would sell her internal organs for money if she could. Some of the girls notice that a few things have been changed since they were there last. Sal's chair has been adjusted and it has to be just right for her, or she might get a repetitive strain disorder injury and then have to file a claim. (you think her mouth would get a reptitive strain disorder injury from complaining all the time) Fiz notices that her googly eye doll has gone missing. Kelly tells the girls that it is the night shift women who are moving things around.

Later at tea, which Sal generously brings round to everyone except Kelly, the girls decide that they have to talk to the Connor brothers and make sure they aren't going to be replaced by cheap labour or forced to work for less wages. Hayley and Sal approach Liam with their issues and he tells Sal to sit and spin. She looks mortified until he explains that he is only talking about changing the seat height. Liam assures the girls that have nothing to worry about.

At the end of the shift the girls are off to The Rovers (what a surprise) but Hayley says she can't go, she has to go through her makeup and get rid of all the old stuff. Sal tells her that makeup is good forever, she has eye liner that is five years and still good. Fiz calls her a dirty mare and points out how many germs have accumulated on that makeup. Sal wonders if this why her eyes feel so heavy.

Liam gives Carla a bit of stick about the problems her night shift crew are causing him. Carla responds by putting Kelly in charge of the night shift, although there is no mention of any extra compensation for being the unofficial supervisor.

Tainted Love

Sonny stops by to invite Michelle for a posh lunch because they 'have to talk'. He gives her a kiss and goes off to work. Liam gives his sister a bit of a hard time for snogging Sonny in the street. Michelle tells her brother that Sonny wants to go for lunch 'to talk' and Liam figures that he wants to make an honest woman out of her.

Sean comes out of his house and sees Sonny being affectionate with Michelle so he scurries over to Jamie and has a panic attack.

When she gets to work Michelle asks Liz if she can have some time off for lunch the next day because Sonny has laid on a big lunch so they can 'talk'. Liz figures that Sonny is going to propose and grudgingly allows Michelle to leave work early.

Steve, petulant ponce that he is, lurks in the background making snide comments about Michelle and her love life, offering to make a wager that Sonny is taking her to lunch to dump her.

Sean hears all this and texts Jamie that they have to get together right away - it's an emergency. Jamie shows up and is none too impressed about what the emergency really is. Jamie tells Sean that he can sing 'It Should Have Been Me' and the wedding if he wants to but should really just leave it alone. Sean protests, saying that he and Sonny have a real connection, something dead special.

In the pub Steve, Liz and Vern are stood round watching Michelle work, all jealous of her in their own way. Liz tells Vern that he never takes her anywhere special for lunch. Vern responds by telling her that he doesn't have to go anywhere - every moment with her is special. Steve tells the rhythm rascal that he sounds like a greeting card. Steve then goes on with some more snide comments about Michlle and Sonny until Michelle eventually tells Steve that she pities him. Steve tells her to keep her pity for herself - she'll be needing it.

Original date this episode aired - February 28, 2007

Our Audrey

2007-11-26T13:20:00.000-05:00

During the bomb threat episode we got a really nice picture of Audrey, née Potter, Robert’s life. Born July 23rd 1936 (Wikipedia) 1940 (Corrie.net) she would have been housed in a bomb shelter with her mother, her auntie and whoever else during the Blitz as a child. Perhaps it was watching her auntie curl her hair that inspired Audrey to be a hairdresser, but from what I hear, Audrey’s life could curl anyone’s hair, no need for perm solution.

While her daughter Gail was on the street since 1974, Audrey didn’t make her memorable appearance until April 1979. Audrey showed up just in time for Gail’s big engagement party, wearing a slip, smoking cigarettes and ready to flirt with every man on two legs. Audrey maintained that she liked to have a good time and that Gail wanted her to sit around and knit. But, that was not for our Audrey.

Yes, our Grande Dame of the street has a past. She has two children, and guess what, we don’t know who their father is. In fact, the verdict is out on if she knows who their fathers are. We do know that the oldest, Stephen, was given up for adoption, as Audrey was 16 when she gave birth to him in 1956 (that’s why he lives in Canada). Then, she gave birth to Gail in 1957. Perhaps Sarah’s fast ways are genetic.

I have to say that she aged gracefully and in 1985 she married Alf Roberts. Nothing much happens until Alf becomes Mayor and Audrey clearly looses her mind in a frenzy of status. So, in an effort to rein her in, Alf makes Betty Mayoress. Oouch.

Alf up and dies over New Years Eve in 1998 and Audrey is left penniless. Men of Weatherfield beware! Well, Fred Elliot beware. He proposed to her a couple times. She knocked him back. Poor old Fred.

Now, we all know that Gail has made some interesting choices when it comes to the men in her life. Perhaps that is another trait that Audrey passed on. Because, how many of us remember that when Richard Hillman first hit the scene Audrey was smitten. Perhaps that is strong, but she was well jealous when he showed an interest in Gail.

The most interesting thing about Audrey, for me, is her slightly elevated opinion of herself. Sometimes, I wonder if she has forgotten that she was a wild child. She has made reference to being a very young mother a couple times. But, you no longer get the sense that she really was a good time girl in the past.

Also, she wasn’t really the picture of responsible parenting. Giving Stephen up for adoption was probably a very good decision at the time. Also, Gail is very patient when Audrey voices her opinion in Gail’s wayward children. She has only tossed Audrey’s lack of parenting skills in her face a couple times. But, really, when Audrey’s criticizes Gail, it is the pot calling the kettle black.

As Audrey gets older we can see her turning back to her wild woman days. Basically, I am waiting her and Rita to star in a “Girls Gone Wild” video. She stuck her foot in Fred and Beverly’s relationship and managed to wrestle another man, Bill Webster, away from his ditsy wife. Well, actually, as it turns out, she was the second place bird when the first decided to forfeit. Whatever, she is happy now. And I say, carry on Audrey.

Curious about what Wikipedia says about Audrey? My advice is to stay curious. There is a big spoiler on the site. Stay away.

Obscure Historical Reference of the Day

2007-11-25T14:15:00.000-05:00

In a clever bit of forethought, Herr Hitler and Herr Goering decide to bomb the north-west of England which provides the writers of Coronation Street with an opportunity for some plot advancement and comic relief.

Update- Friday, November 23, 2007- Death of a Gnome

2007-11-24T00:14:00.000-05:00

The show opens with Vernon standing alone in the pub, eating chips. Liz gives him a call on his cell phone, but he can't hear her, so he goes outside. The police see him, and start waving their arms and telling him to leave the pub. Having seen too many American movies in which someone is "surrounded", Vern puts his hands up. Finally, someone gets close enough to tell him that there is an unexploded bomb in the neighbourhood, and he heads off to the community centre.

Meanwhile, Sonny and Sean are figuring out how to get out of Jamie's house unseen. Sean comes up with the brilliant idea that Sonny go out the back way. As Sonny prepares to leave, he suggests that he and Sean can continue seeing each other so long as they are discreet about it. He leaves then, and promptly runs into a police officer, who gives him what for, and then asks if anyone else is at Jamie's. Sonny says there isn't. Sean stays in Jamie's house and ponders the situation. What a decision: have sex, or don't (further) betray a friend...

Back at the community centre, trauma victim Vern has a blanket wrapped around him and is drinking a hot drink. Liz seems to be annoyed with him, and not really that overjoyed to see him.

Hayley strolls in with a pair of new boots, and Roy gets upset because he didn't know where she was and couldn't reach her.

Paul wanders from boring conversation to boring conversation.

Tracey catches David's eye and, being so discreet herself, blows him a kiss.

The police blow up the bomb, and in the process, blow up Ashley and Claire's garden gnome.

After the Bomb

David follows Tracy to her home, only to have her shut the door on him.

Sean manages to get out of Jamie's house, and runs into Jamie and Michelle on the street. Michelle goes on alone, and Jamie stops to speak with Sean. He asks him if he met up with Sonny. Sean tells him that he wasn't able to, and leaves.

Later, Sean goes to the Rover's. Jamie is there, and tells him he knows that Sean used his bed because his duvet was on the wrong way round. He is none to pleased that Sean used his bed to have sex with Sonny.

Sonny then comes to the pub. What follows then are a bunch of double entendres between Sean and Sonny about what Sonny likes doing with whom. At then end of it all, when Sonny confirms that their afternoon was excellent, Sean, in a pleased sort of way, picks his teeth. I don't think we want to know what he was picking out of his teeth.

Steve has been lurking around during this Sonny and Sean routine, getting a jab in every once in a while, and managing to be rude to Tracy as well. When he uses the facilities, Tracy comes up behind him and accuses him of using her to make Michelle jealous. She warns him not to do so.

The seamstresses are angry that Kelly is working for Carla for less than minimum wage, as they are concerned that it will drive their wages down, too.

Claire phones a caller from the "Women in Crisis" phone line, and Ashley is worried that she is getting to involved with the client.

Ashley and Eileen mourn the loss of the garden gnome, Mr. Grumpsy, by kicking his head like a soccer ball.

OMG

2007-11-23T20:53:00.001-05:00

Anyone else notice what was hanging over Jamie's bed?

Yes, a 'Beautiful British Columbia' plate keeps watch over the unwashed's dreams at night. And this BC raised girl is deeelighted!

Not since the heady days of Jim's Blue Jay sweatshirt has there been such a blatant Canadian presence. Add that to the Canada mug in Gayle's kitchen...I think it's clear that ITV is sending secret messages to Corrie Canuck.

Update - November 22nd, 2007 - What a Blast!

2007-11-23T14:55:00.000-05:00

In the Peacock’s back garden, Chesney, Kirk, Tyrone are determined to find their fortune. In the inquisitive hands of Chesney the metal detector indicates a strong signal deep in the ground. Eileen who is babysitting Holly and Co., is annoyed by the digging and asks what is going on. She looks for further at their new find and is horrified at what she sees. She quickly realizes the large metal object is an old bomb left over from the war. A panic stricken Eileen calls the authorities and the whole street rushes to see what all the fuss is about. All havoc breaks loose, as the army and a bomb disposal unit arrive shut down the Street. The units start to go door to door to evacuate everyone from houses and shops to send them to Weatherfield Community Centre. As the pub is being cleared out Liz starts to worry as a clueless Vernon is no where to be found. Jack asks if she has looked in the cellar, but she says she called down there without any answer. Jack takes his pint and heads out with the contingent.

Sean is talking to Jamie and is still stressed about the situation with Sonny. Jamie presuming Sean is about to end things with Sonny, gives him the keys his place to invite Sonny over for some private time. After taking Sonny's phone number from Michelle in the street, Sean invites him over and lets him into the house through the back door. By the time they reach the front room Sonny is already working his charm on Sean. Sonny has much more in mind than finishing the scandalous affair. He leads Sean (didn’t you just love his belt?) upstairs into Jamie's bedroom (which gets more action than any bedroom on the Street) after a bit of a romp the phone rings. It is Jamie wondering about his whereabouts. Sean lies and tells him he is at the Trafford Centre. After discovering the Street is being evacuated, Sonny panics wondering how is going to get out of the house without being seen.

David is intent on Tracey (attractive mask?!) fulfilling her side of the bargain, arrives at her house. He has carried out his part of the deal by agreeing to testify, and now it's time for Tracey to carry out hers. David is deadly serious and knowing this Tracy agrees to sleep with him, but only after the trial. David agrees to the deal but makes it perfectly clear to Tracy that he needs much more than just a kiss. The sudden arrival at the door of a soldier saves the day for Tracey. Phew, saved by the visuals...

Song playing at the Rovers: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-FQDiD0Q-44

In the Morning – Razorlight (Dedicated to Sean and Sonny)

Three Things

2007-11-22T12:52:00.000-05:00

#1 - For those of you who were guessing, Rita would have been 75 on Feb 15, 2007. A big birthday I would think and in need of a lot of celebration.

#2 - From Corrie Canuck Pauline, this fun little Harry Hill bit at the 2007 British Soap Awards. (No spoilers).

Bill Ward is sooooooooooooo freaking hot.

#3 - From ITV, I got this link for an RSS widget
This will add a widget to your Facebook, Myspace, Blogger or various other personal pages. The widget will show Corrie and give previews and storylines. Be aware, however, that these storylines are the current UK storylines, so only put it up if you are one of the people who like to live in the future.

Corrie Pub Night

2007-11-22T09:51:00.000-05:00

Toronto Corrie Pub Night - 7 pm Dec 4 (Tuesday).

Come out and have a few bevvies with your Corrie mates. Enjoy food, drinks and trivia!

Now, location hasn't been determined. The Auld Spot won't take reservations anymore and in addiction they won't give seperate bills (which I know most places won't - but it was the big selling point of the Auld Spot).

Anyway...the Fionn McCools at Spadina and King provides excellent food and excellent, excellent service so I'd like to try there.

I'm going to call them, but before I do, can I get an idea of who would be up for it?

Another Corrie Canuck Milestone Reached

2007-11-21T22:37:00.000-05:00

The diamond anniversary of Elizabeth and Phillip was not the only momentous moment in recent days. The post 'Back From the Cottage Update' by our femme fatale founder Jacqueline was blog entry number 2000 for Corrie Canuck, the world's favourite Coronation Street blog.

Many cheers and thanks to all those involved in our little online enterprise.

Update - November 21st, 2007 - So What Happens Now?

2007-11-21T19:45:00.000-05:00

Love Triangle

Sean got in late last night, singing "Another Suitcase in Another Hall," waking Holly and leaving Eileen and Violet to guess that he pulled. They demand details but he's staying mum.

Meanwhile, at the pub, Steve is about tell Michelle about Sonny when she makes some cracks about Tracy so he decides to clam up for now.

But not for long, as over at Streetcars, Steve blurts out the news to Lloyd that not only did he see Sonny snogging someone who's not Michelle, it was someone who's not female, and what's more, it was Sean.

"Our Sean?" Lloyd asks. "Gay Sean?"

Steve reckons when the news is broken to Michelle, she'll need a good, strong, kind of fat, heterosexual shoulder to cry on.

Later at the Rover's, Sean and Sonny find each other in the men's room* and Sonny makes it clear that last night was a drunken snog for old times' sake. Sean doesn't believe it. In any case, Mr. I-Really-Want-to-Make-This-Work-with-Michelle seems entirely unconcerned about the whole thing.

Outside at the bar, Michelle wants to hear all about Sean's "new boyfriend," whom she heard about from Violet. Sean doesn't want to talk about and say that he's sure that he'll just play with his head, all while looking directly at Sonny.

Later in the Rovers' back yard, Sean tells Jamie, whose own personal scandals pale in comparison, that it was Sonny that he snogged and that he won't be able to control himself if Sonny wants to pursue something. And Sean calls bisexuals selfish. Pot, meet kettle.

Later, Sonny goes out and runs six miles and then comes back to ... the Rovers? Anyway, Steve asks if Sonny lifts weights, raising his hands above his head in the same manner Lloyd did last night when referring to his intimate knowledge of the dancing techniques of gay men. At least I think that's what he was doing.

Michelle says Steve does "waits," too: 20 years if Tracy goes down for murder.

Michelle says that finding a relationship that works is just a matter of having faith.

"Faith," says Steve. "It'll be a miracle you need."

So now it's gone from a bit of info that Sonny should have made clear from the beginning to actively keeping something from his girlfriend, to a full-on love triangle.

Rita's Birthday

Norris is planning a little birthday party for Rita, except that Doreen is taking her off to brunch. Norris makes a snide remark when Doreen tells him that she thinks Rita would be hurt by what he said. Norris patronises that as business partners, they have a shorthand with each other that allows them to say such things. Doreen says she doesn't believe that's true.

Later in the Rovers, a small party consisting of Betty, Emily, and Norris, has assembled to give Rita her presents (she got a candle snuffer earlier). She is touched by the gesture and then goes off for cocktails with Doreen at Harvey Nicks.

I think I'd like to go out for drinks with Rita and Doreen. I bet they'd be a laugh and would have great stories from their singing days. Actually, I think my Corrie drinking buddies would be Rita, Eileen, Lloyd, Fizz, and Kevin.

The Metal Detector

Molly, Fizz, Tyrone, and Kirk are about to head off to search for gold. Jack comes by to tell them about all the best places for coinage. Fizz finds it all a bit pointless and sad. Fizz is one of those characters who, as awesome as she is, should probably have packed it in for a life deeper in the city or even another city. Her horizons are obviously broader than this little back street so right now, as long as she stays put, she will struggle to find her place. That said, I'd hate to see her leave as she's such a classic Corrie character.

Annnnyway, they find a few coins, including three quid Paul intentionally dropped on the ground for Chesney to find. They also find a "George Vee Eye" penny, which Kirk Googles to determine its worth. The gang seems to think it's rare and valuable. Kirk discovers it wouldn't buy a packet of crisps. He was the queen's dad.

"Ah, but which queen?" asks Molly. Oh, honestly. Even I know who George VI was. Apparently, it's the George V coin that's worth a bit. Just because someone is working class, it doesn't mean that they're automatically complete dolts. I know this scene was for a bit of comedy but it kind of bugged me.

IF=(A2>B2,"GAIN","LOSS")

Carla is still trying to figure out how to make her dungarees make money by writing her numbers on scraps on paper. Try running your figures through Excel, love. She considers cheaper denim and then gets Becky to come work for £2 less an hour. She also gets Becky to try recruiting the desperate ex-cons and druggies at the hostel.

In Other News

Chesney says the only time candles are used in his home is when the magnets on the metre don't work (and the power is shut off).

Claire took care of the kids over at Eileen's and said "shit" right in front of Joshua (off camera). I don't care if y'all find her boring. I think this is proof that she's a dirty, dirty minx.

*must ... resist ... Sen. Larry Craig jokes...

Back From the Cottage Update

2007-11-21T17:00:00.000-05:00

I’m back!

Yes after 10 days of vacay with Mr. Glacia in the glorious wilds of Canada that included a heavy regime of Starsky and Hutch, Joanne Trollope novels, puff cheezies, vodka martinis, cocktails before noon and wildly, madly, drunkenly throwing paint on canvases – I once again ready to sail the good ship Corrie Canuck.

I’ve spent the last two days watching all the past episodes of Corrie and have things to say:

Steve threatened to bring in Fat Brenda to man the phones of streetcars. I have sent my resume and headshots to ITV in the hopes that I can play the coveted role of Fat Brenda. (Am willing to do whatever it takes to achieve the level of ‘fatness’ they require.)

Did someone actually use the term ‘gayasian’ on the show?

My UK sources have informed me that the professional days in the British school system are called ‘Inset days’, not, as I heard, ‘Insect’ days.

Someone asked who the actor was playing the solicitor. I keep wondering myself. She seems a lot like Rebecca Front who plays ‘Cathy’ on ‘Nighty Night’*…but no. If anyone can find out who it is, I’d love to know myself.

I’m waiting for the moment when Karla tries to say something about her business to the Brothers Conner that one of them actually says, ‘Karla, quiet now, men are talking.’.

Finally, I scribbled down a note to remind me of another point to make, but at this time, the words ‘Cow Shop’ mean nothing to me.

On with the update!

Glacia Is Transported Back to the Eighties

(Please note that Deborah Harry kind of looks like a muppet herself in that soft purple one piece.)

David is being extra, extra creepy and smug with the Tracey promise of sex. When he sees her on the street, he holds his index finger and pink to his ear in a mime phone movement and then mouthed the words, ‘Call me.’. Where did a kid of his tender years learn these Richard Grieco ’21 Jump Street’ moves?

He then swaggers down the street.

Tracey spends most of the episode looking a bit green around the gills and no one in the Barlow household can figure out why she isn’t more pleased about the turn of events.

Late at night she receives a call on her cell from ….wait for it….’Devil Boy’. Oh he’s just calling to tell her good night. Glacia shudders.

Somewhere Between 30 and 80
Norris, is planning a surprise birthday party for Rita, the trouble is he has no idea how old she is, other than it’s somewhere between 30 and 80. Norris also worries that she isn’t acting her age now that she’s been alley-catting around town and suspects that she’ll be sporting a hoodie soon.

Blanche thinks the idea of a party is ridiculous as birthdays should be mourned. It’s only after Norris leaves the room that Blanche asks Deidre why no one has ever planned a surprise b-day party for her. (BTW – for the record Blanche says that the one time she’s ever been happy was when she was 33 ½.)

Okay kinder, here’s the interactive part of the update. WITHOUT looking it up on the internet, try and guess how old Rita will be as of Feb 15, 2007. Hint: It’s a milestone b-day. Answer tommorow night.

A Black Man, a Gay, a Cockney and Ricky Martin Walk Into a Bar
The lads' night out is getting underway and Lloyd, Sean, Jamie and Steve start off with a few drinks at the Rovers.

When Tracey comments on how lame they all look, Lloyd says that they are the height of cool because you have a black man, a gay, a cockney and Ricky Martin in the group. Ricky Martin being Steve, which was more than generous I think.

At the bar, Sean is looking a bit bored for the lack of men he can chat up. But have no fear because Sonny is here. Yep, Sonny is at the same bar and when Sean runs into him, he tells him that he is there with clients. It doesn’t take long before the two of them are outside the bar and Sonny goes in for a kiss! Sean doesn’t bother with any of that, ‘But wait, aren’t you dating Michelle and didn't you say that you and I are through’ nonsense.

Sean is missed at the bar with the other three realize it’s his turn for a round. Steve goes out and sees our favorite seamstress/bartender snogging with some other bloke. Steve’s look is …pardon the expression….fucking priceless and I wasn’t sure if he knew it was Sonny or not because Sonny’s back was turned.

Turns out he didn’t know because when Sean comes back inside, they are teasing him about picking up guys so easily. Sean explains that it’s easy because men are basically sluts.

The Super Friends Four decide to hit another bar and as they stagger out of the nightclub, Steve sees Sonny get into a cab and ….pardon the expression…gives a fucking hilarious giggle. Oh he’s got so much on Sonny now.

Meanwhile, in the background, it seems like there’s a few Habs fans in the back celebrating with the usual breaking of glass and smashing of cars.

As the Ant Hill Turns
Kirk-eh has borrowed Fizz’s scooter and indeed smashed it. When he can’t get it repaired at the shop, Tyrone tells him to buy her something nice to apologize.

Okay, he….buys…..her…..an….ant….farm.

Come on! Even for Kirk-eh this is lame and stupid.

Fizz of course doesn’t love it. Her mates join her at the Rovers and they begin to discuss what to do with the ant farm. Sally says that she needs to tell him she doesn’t like it or else she’ll be getting rubbish gifts for the rest of her life. (Glacia kind of agrees with Sally on that point…harsh though it may be.)

Haley starts to ponder the metaphor of the ants striving to work but not really getting anywhere. Kelly looks like she’s in pain.

In the end, Fizz decides to tell Kirk-eh that she loves it….and I guess that’s just the way those two operate.

Calling Adam Smith
Poor Karla has realized that she gave a wrong quote for the selling price of the garments and really the only way she can still sell them is if she gets her workers to do it for 2 pounds less than she’s paying them.

She’s forced to ask Kelly if she’d be willing to go for it, but of course Kelly tells her to jump in the lake. I suspect Becky will be getting her job back.

BTW – this is what I would do. Make a deal with your workers…if they agree to take the wage cut in order to get out the orders you have promised, then you will pay them extra or give them some kind of bonus on the next order that you take at an appropriate price (or maybe just a wee bit over if you can still sell them at that price). Or course you’d have to make a big god damn promise….or offer them shares.

In Other News
Tyrone has acquired a metal dectector from a customer at the garage. Glacia yawns and says, ‘So. What.’

Amber-man is hassling Molly but Molly is holding her own.

*I freaking love Nighty Night

The you CAN get blood from a stone Update: November 19th 2007

2007-11-20T11:14:00.000-05:00

UK Time Wednesday February 21st 2007

The show opens with murderous Tracy Barlow walking down Coronation Street after dropping Amy off at the dishwasher. She stops to talk with Steve who offers to get Amy out of the dishwasher at the end of the cycle due to Tracy’s scheduled appearance at the court of William Roach’s Real Life Wife. No need, says Tracy, it is just a hearing to find out about legal aid for Cynthia Dale, oh and if David Platt can testify in court.

Speaking of the Demon Seed, he comes down the street playing all, maybe I will maybe I wont testify. Meanwhile, the kid has insisted on testifying in court so he could be the star witness. It’s pretty clear what David is after.

As the Barlow elders get set to head to court, we hear the concerns over money for Cynthia Dale and Demon Seed. Ken is being intellectual, Deirdre is being irrational and Blanche is being Blanche.

In court, Blanche takes the time to remind the viewers that Deirdre once stood in the defendants box, albeit in another court room – however, most likely, in the same pair of glasses.

Judge William Roache’s Real Life Wife comes in to read her decisions. Claire’s nosey-neighbour memoir is admissible, Demon Seed can testify in court. Cynthia Dale, however, can not be covered by the crow as judge William Roache’s Real Life Wife can find no evidence that the previous lawyers were Muppets as Tracy claims … in court, at the top of her lungs.*

After the court hearing, the Barlows and Cynthia talk about the outcome and they agree to talk more once the Barlows have come to a decision. That is after Blanche and Deirdre put enough pressure on Ken through insults and jibes to do whatever it takes to pay for the lawyer.

After court Tracy hits the street and runs into Demon Seed who is still playing his will I/wont I game. Tracy, obviously still thinking that she can outsmart a petulant 16 year-old who can out smart a judge, jury and several hot shot lawyers, tells him to meet her at number 8 – also known as the place Tracy bashed Charlie’s head in. It’s a date!

Meanwhile Tracey has left her parents and grandmother at home trying to figure out how to pay for Cynthia Dale. They can cash in a pension and put the house up. That’s awesome. Who needs any sort of financial security for the future when you are already 55? It’s nice that Tracy isn’t around to hear these conversations. Later, when Blanche goes to sell her blood for the rest of the dosh, Tracy can wait while doing some shoe shopping around the corner.

I can’t help but wonder if Steve couldn’t pitch in a few bob. He sort of thinks she is innocent and she is the mother of his child. Corrie Canuksters, is it unreasonable of me to think that Steve should help her out?

Later over at the crime scene, Tracy meets David and puts the tease on pretty hard core. David loves it, Tracy looks like she wants to barf, but you gotta do what you gotta do. It looks like David falls for it, for now I guess.

Tracy gets home to find out that while she was seducing a 16 year-old psychopath, her parents have sorted the money and will put themselves in the poorhouse to pay for her defense. Awesome.

Canuksters, I have a question about this equity release scheme. So, does this mean that not only is Ken and Deirdre prohibited from moving, but when they die the house will become property of that equity release company? That would mean that the house Ken was born in and grew up in would not be passed to his offspring. Am I right here?

*I have to say, I agree with Tracy on this one. Her last lawyer needed a bath and was clearly not as effective as Cynthia Dale.

At everyone’s favourite local Liz has had it up to her two-tone hair with Vern’s lackadaisical behaviour. His pants are everywhere, he doesn’t do any actual work and he can’t be asked to get dressed. Liz gets real angry with him and he tries to smooth things over by loving her up. It’s pretty cute, actually.

Later, it seems that Vern has been doing at least some hard work, but Liz isn’t finished cracking the whip. Looks like her wingeing has paid off, until Mr. Jack Duckworth takes Vern under his wing and teaches him the art and science of slacking off. Good on ya, Jack. You have made a lazy man, lazier.

In other news

Hailey goes to some sort of rooming house to apologize to Becky. In a nice heart felt scene we see the two women decide to put everything that has gone on behind them and move on. Very nice.

Sonny goes to the rovers and is right charming to Michelle. Steve is well jealous.

Lloyd is the voice of reason when talking to Steve saying, “you have been trying to avoid her for the last three years, but now that she’s bashed her boyfriend’s head in, you can’t seem to get enough of her.” Thank you Lloyd for saying what we have all been screaming I our heads.

The Streetcars boys are excited about their night out sans Les Battersby.

Obscure Historical Reference of the Day

2007-11-19T10:44:00.001-05:00

When hanging the green curtains in the back of the Morris, Roy made reference to the Bayeaux Tapestry, a depiction of events leading up to the Norman Invasion of 1066.

How Not to Decorate

2007-11-18T00:45:00.000-05:00

On Friday we were treated to Debbie’s Colin and Justin posting.

In the comments I said, “I want them to come to my place just to watch them gasp in horror at my clown oil painting.”

I realize that I’m in danger of Colin and Justin performing a Home Heist on me for what I am about to display but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

Behold…

THE CLOWN PAINTING

“Throw the book at her.”

Update- Friday, November 16, 2007- The Creep Continues

2007-11-17T13:39:00.000-05:00

The scene opens with Tracy trying to get David to stick to his story. He says that he will not, cannot, tell a lie. Tracy tells him that perjury isn’t that bad, but he doesn’t buy it. She tells him she will do “anything” so that he will testify. But David doesn’t seem to bite. Tracy leaves disillusioned.

Later, at the Rover’s, Tracy sees her parents and tells them that David has decided not to testify. Her parents reason that he is young and the thought of testifying probably scared him. Tracy seems determined to have him testify. After all, he is a “young, innocent bystander”, and was her ace in the hole. As she is talking to them, David phones Tracy and tells her he has changed his mind. He will testify. He adds, though, that as he is taking a risk, she has to make it worth his while. He tells her he will be home all afternoon.

Tracy then goes to see Steve, who is in the back room of the Rover’s. When she walks in on him he is fortuitously counting the money from the pub’s earnings. She asks him for 100 pounds in order to take Amy out for the day. Steve coughs up and then, ever tactful, asks Tracy if she is using him so she will look good in court. To make matters better, Steve then asks her if she is pregnant or going to get pregnant to help her case. Tracy is simply stunned! and appalled! that Steve would think her capable of such a thing, and leaves -with the money.

She then heads over to the Platts’, and rings the doorbell. David comes down the stairs, and spritzes himself with cologne. When he answers the door, Tracy hands him the cash, and tells him that the amount is non-negotiable. David says that he doesn’t want money, but gets all “aw shucks” about the fact that he really wants sex. Tracy clues in and laughs at him. She tells him that she is 30 and he is 16, and so it would be disgusting. She then tells him that she is not the least bit attracted to him, and that she would rather be locked up, no, hanged, than go with him. She leaves, laughing all the while.

At this point, I had two thoughts: 1) thank God that tain wreck didn’t happen. 2) For someone who so desperately needed David’s help, Tracy did not let him down with much finesse.

Shopgirls, not Showgirls

Back at the Rover’s, Molly tells Tyrone about the “interview” at Dev’s shop. She is not put off by it, and says Amber just needs to be put in her place.

She then runs into Dev and tells him that he will not attract many employees by having Amber interview potential prospects. Dev is not too pleased that Amber took matters into her own hands.

Dev and Molly then proceed to the shop. Dev is cutting to Amber, and interviews Molly. In due course, Dev gives Molly the job. He asks if she can start tomorrow, and she asks if she can start Friday. He agrees, saying it will give him time to sack Amber.

Dev and Amber then proceed to argue in the back room. As always seems to happen with everyone on the street, they appear not to care that the subject of their argument is within earshot. It turns out that Amber has been consulting with John, because she too believes that Dev's loins are imperilled by hiring someone young and attractive. Molly takes some glee in hearing this.

Dev returns to the outer room, and he and Molly conclude the contract, just as Kirk walks in. Kirk looks a little mystified, and Molly concedes that she is taking a job at Dev’s. She then bashfully asks if they can stay friends. Kirk is a bit bewildered, but agrees.

In Other News

Hayley comes upon Roy just as he is finishing putting the curtains Becky made up in the car. Hayley seems to be going a bit around the bend with this guilt thing, because she concludes that the work Becky put into making the curtains proves that she is a good person. Roy mildly points out that that is nonsensical. Hayley continues on, guilt ridden.

Steve manages to make Michelle a little worried about Sonny’s past. She questions him about the girls he has gone out with, and he goes into a little detail before she decides that the information is only making her insecure, and puts a stop to it. Sonny questions Sean about his involvement, and Sean simply asks if he did fess up about the boys as well as the girls.

Claire makes Ashley role play a crisis call because she is going to an interview to volunteer for a “Women in Crisis” phone line. It does not go well.

Update: November 15, 2007 - Technical Difficulties Update

2007-11-17T10:26:00.000-05:00

Due to technical difficulties, our normal Thursday update got a wee bit scuttled. Here then, is a quickie summary of that episode's events:

David Platt vs. Cynthia Dale

David puts on his best death metal t-shirt for the meeting with Tracy's lawyer. Gail makes him on his school uniform.

Tracy meets him in the street and asks him to stick to the truth. He asks if he should mention the bribes.

At Cynthia Dale's office, David seems rather smug and unconcerned about the testimony he's about to give. Then Cynthia says she doesn't believe a word of it. He almost cracks under her questioning until she admits she wanted him to have a taste of what the prosecution will do.

Rattled by this, David tells Tracy that he doesn't want to testify and admits what she already knows: that he saw nothing and he can't lie in court.

The Kebab Shop

Jodie Morton comes in to the café to offer commiserations to Roy and Hayley and asks how long Roy will be out of business. He says ten days to two weeks. He thinks it's nice that a competitor would be so friendly. Jodie then marches over to Jason and Bill and tells them she wants the shop ready in a week. Bill tells her it can't be done but she warns that she'll get someone else to do the job. I think she knows she can't. Builders are busy people and even if she could get one to start tomorrow, they'll just tell her the same thing Bill and Jason are telling her.

Molly's Interview

Amber pretends that Dev has asked her to interview Molly and starts giving her a hard time. Molly gets a little fed up and leaves, saying she doesn't want the job that much.

Other News

Liz tells Steve she thinks Tracy is using him.

Lloyd got a bunch of VIP tickets to a new club, courtesy of a famous dj he had in his cab. Claire demonstrates a knowledge of rave "music." Yes, I am old.

Guess WhO I JUST SAW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-16T09:24:00.001-05:00

I just saw, and spoke to Colin and Justin of "How Not to Decorate. That are SUPER handsome in person and very gracious.

They were on the corner of Richmond and Spadina and looked like stars.

Update - November 14, 2007 - Who by Fire

2007-11-14T19:53:00.000-05:00

Fire in the Café

The fire department has arrived at Roy and Hayley's café to clear the damage and assess the cause. Hayley is convinced that Becky set the fire but Roy is wavering. He does agree that that everyone is upset by yesterday's events.

Lloyd arrives to remind them of how Kelly got sent down on account of Becky and it seems just about everyone is convinced of her guilt. Roy and Hayley agree that it was foolish to trust her in the first place.

Later in the Rovers, Vera is telling Roy and Hayley how she never trusted her, what with her fingers in the till and all. Just then, Becky comes in, back in her denim jacket as the new coat is now ruined, with a present and tries to explain. Vera calls her a cheeky cow, Hayley says every word she has said is a lie, and Carla, having just learned of her criminal past, fires her.

Becky slinks back out, knowing that everyone hates her.

When Hayley gets back to the café, the fire fighter tells her it wasn't arson but a faulty deep fryer. You'll recall a few months ago, Roy proudly telling Hayley how he installed it himself, saving himself a bundle.

Hayley realises that Becky was telling the truth. She finds her at the bus stop and apologises. Becky says she thought she and Roy were different, that they believed in her but it turns out they wanted her to fail, just like all the others.

She hands Hayley the present she intended and, despite Hayley's protests, gets on the bus and leaves. Hayley opens the present to find a pair of curtains, with "R" and "H" fancifully embroidered that Becky had made specially for them.

Star Witness

In Dev's shop, Amber is asking David if he saw any blood when he witnessed Tracy murdering Charlie. Acting nonchalant, but clearly enjoying the attention, David attempts to give a few details (much to Dev's displeasure) as Tracy comes in. It breaks up and he leaves.

Later, Tracy finds David by his car and gives him some CD's, including Razorlight.

"I thought the Killers would be more your speed," says David.

They weren't Charlie's, but Tracy's and this is her continuing to attempt to be "nice" to him. David is scheduled to meet with Tracy's solicitor, Cynthia Dale, tomorrow so Tracy wants him to make sure everything goes well.

When is David going to make it clear that by "be nice to me," he means "lay underneath me for 63 seconds"?

Tots Should Not Be Trendy

Michelle is making a chicken dinner for Sonny, Paul and Carla. Carla, of course, turns her nose up at it while Paul and Sonny are hogging Ryan's X-Box (or whatever it is). Carla gets a call from Trendy Tots who ask her to double her order but keep the same delivery date.

(Carla, by the way, has a pink Motorola PEBL, the same as Tracy Barlow. Just thought I'd note that as it's been mentioned that characters tend to recycle clothes from one another, now they recycle props.)

Carla is excited and tells Paul, who is too engrossed in his game to notice. She accuses him of not taking her trendy dungarees seriously and storms out to the Rovers. He follows and tells her that he's very proud of the work she has done with these trendy dungarees and they seem to reconcile.

Now she has twice the order to complete and, after having fired Becky, half her workforce.

The Hole in Fizz' Life

Fizz is missing Chesney as he gave her life purpose. She complains to Maria that all she does is work, eat, watch TV, sleep, repeat. Maria says, "You forgot pub."

Over the Battersby's, Cilla is preparing a welcome home kind of a meal for Chesney. He asks if they can all sit around the table like a proper family.

Cilla says, of course. He asks if they should turn the TV off (as they probably had to do at Fizz's).

"Well, let's not go too far now," Cilla.

Later in the street, Cilla taunts Fizz about how he prefers his mum to her and her broccoli. They're even going bowling later. Cilla tells Fizz if she wants to play mummy, she can have her own children, as Kirk overhears.

Later at Fizz's flat, she and Kirk are cuddling as she complains that her life has no meaning. She suggests she and Kirk retire to the boudoir for deep snuggling but Kirk says he's not ready for that yet.

"It's not like we haven't done it before," says a confused Fizz.

"I mean I don't want to have a baby yet," he explains, noting that he thought that's what she wants now.

"Oh, by 'eck Kirk! Neither do I! I just have a hole in my life right now."

Kirk asks if they should do it before Maria gets home but Fizz isn't in the mood right now.

In Other News

Dev offers a job to Molly, noting her excellent customer service skills. Either that, or he's looking to impregnate a whole new generation of shop girls.

Update - November 13th, 2007 - The Go-Between

2007-11-13T19:33:00.000-05:00

Gretna Green Getaway

It's early morning and Norris is sweeping the sidewalk in front of the Kabin. Becky, after being unceremoniously snubbed by Hayley, walks inside and asks if he plans to come if she should just help herself.

"You most certainly cannot!" declares Norris as he scurries inside.

Becky asks for wrapping paper. Norris asks if it's for a baby, a birthday, or First Day Out of Jail.

Sally comes in and suddenly Norris starts flirting with her. He asks if she's had her hair done (she hasn't), and remarks that "some men" never notice such things and "some men" are only interested in that what has a crankshaft.

Sally just wants a bag of bon-bons and Norris tells that that particular brand are his favourite as well. Sally, a bit taken aback by all this, says she'll see him later.

"Oh, I look forward to it," Norris says. Oh, Norris, if only you owned a luxury car dealership instead of being part-owner of the local confectionery shop, then you may have had a chance.

Later, Sally comes back saying she forgot stamps. Norris notes that some letters don't need stamps. Then he starts referring to the The Go-Between, a novel from the 1950's about secret notes and illicit lovers.

The novel also begins with the line:

"The past is a foreign country. They do things differently there."

That line was once spoken by Fred Elliot to Audrey Roberts. Someone on the show must love that book.

"I find passionate women are drawn to deep thoughtful men when they tire of shallow sons of toil," he continues. He then assures her that he is the very soul of discretion.

Sally then goes over to Kevin to tell him about Norris' odd behaviour. Kevin goes over and asks Norris if he always talks that way to other men's wives.

Norris, shows his soul of discretion, and presents the secret Valentine card from "Hot Lips." Norris says it seems Sally prefers a more mature man.

It doesn't take long before Kevin and Sally figure out that the card was a prank from Sophie, whom they make apologise to Norris before he starts wanting to take Sally off to Gretna Green to get married. Sally asks if they can all be friends again and Norris agrees, despite looking just a little humiliated.

Anyone else picturing Loretta Swit during this whole "Hot Lips" business?
Burning Down the House

Becky needed that wrapping for a present for Roy and Hayley. She tries to give it to Hayley but she says to stuff her present. Hayley later mention this to Roy who says from now on, the only mugs in their café will be used to serve beverages.

"Oh, Roy!" Hayley exclaims. "You're such a wit. Sometimes I think you're wasted here."

Later, Lloyd (remember him?) sees the café is on fire and yells to Steve to dial 999. Steve delegates that task to Eileen. Steve runs into the café to fetch Roy and Hayley to tell them. They arrive to find Lloyd pulling Becky out, her nice new white coat covered in soot (symbolism!).

Becky claims she say the fire and went in to find Roy and Hayley. Nobody believes her.

"This is our home!" Roy is furious. "You wretched, wretched, woman!"

Coughing on smoke, Becky slinks away in tears.

13 Year Old Decides Nightly Diet of Fish n' Chips Better than Jamie Oliver's Poncy School Lunches

Ches has been sneaking over the Les and Cilla's to help with the painting and eat junk food. He asks Kirk not to tell Fizz but Kirk warns that he's a terrible liar.

Later, Les asks the boys if they want chicken or burgers for their tea. They can't decide so they ask Michelle to make the decision for them. She says 'chicken.'

Later in the Rovers, Michelle asks Kirk, while Fizz is next to him, if he and Ches and Less enjoyed their tea. Fizz realises what's been going on, what with her also finding out that Ches has been fibbing about going to the Websters for his tea.

She finally decides to let him go over to his parents'. It's a little bit tearful.

In Other News

Eileen and Claire decided they're going to job share the dispatching and the babies. That means Steve doesn't have to hire Fat Brenda (a role that needs to be cast, IMHO) or Cilla.

Michelle warns Steve that Tracy may be using him to look good in front of the court.

Vernon left Liz to go bet on dogs for Valentine's Day.

Original airdate: February 15, 2007

Update for Episode #6492 November 12, 2007

2007-11-12T22:30:00.000-05:00

The Websters

The postman drops the mail through the letter slot at the Websters and Rosie (looking quite fetching in her new do) is quick to look through the mail to see if anything has arrived for her from Der Vaterland. Sadly, there is no card from Craig. Sophie has a card to give her to special sweetheart - who shall remain nameless - but wants someone to write the card for her so they won't be able to guess who it is - based on the handwriting. Sal agrees to help Sophie out, after pointing out the obvious fact that the card is for her 'boyfriend' Chesney. Sal writes something mildly saucy in the card and then Sophie delivers it by hand.

Michelle and Sonny

The two love birds are having some playful banter about coffee in the kitchen after a night of doing the horizontal limbo. Carla, her usual sunny self, stops to drop off Ryan after his sleep over. Michelle hopes her son if he enjoyed a night with his uncles and tells Ryan she would only behave the way she is with Sonny beacuse she really cares about him. Ryan seems to be alright with the relationship .

Later in the pub Michelle and Sonny, obviously enjoying being with each other, have a bit of a snog at the bar. Steve is sitting with Tracey across the room and when he sees what Michelle is up to leans across the table and gives Tracey a kiss as well. Steve then gets the bright idea of pretending to 'leave' with Tracey, a fool proof way of getting his skull caved in - I mean a way to make Michelle jealous.

Deirdre and Liz are sat in a booth watching this little demonstration and are suitably horrified by this recent turn of events.

Steve and Tracey get outside. Our accused killer seems quite keen to play hide the salami with Steve, but he suddenly remembers that he has to check something in the office. He gives Tracey a chaste peck on the check and slinks off. Tracey starts scheming how she can best do Steve in.

Norris and Rita

The news agents are carrying on with their usual banter in The Kabin. Rita is giving Norris some stick about how many Valetine's Day cards he received so far. He pops home for a minute and discovers - much to the surprise of everyone - that he has received a hand delivered card, that contains a phrase referring to Norris as 'hot lips'.

Yes, it seems unlikely to me as well.

Norris, paranoid busybody that he is, is besdie himself trying to figure out who it was who sent him the card. Was it Rita? She seems a little overzealous in her denials. Suspicious. When Deirdre comes in to get her paper she engages in a bit of playful banter which makes Norris suspect that she is the mystery woman behind the card - after all she has been with Ken for so long it must be a bit jaded between them, and she is a rampant highly sexed woman. Rita puts paid to this particular delusion.

Sal then comes in to pay for her paper bill and gives Norris a cheque for the money they owe. When Norris looks at the cheque he realizes that the handwriting is a match for the writing on his card! It would appear that Sal is the mystery author.

Or maybe the card ended up in the wrong mail slot. Stay tuned.

Chesney and the so-called adults in his life

Ches stops round his old digs so he can take Schmeichel for a walk. Cilla and Les tempt him with all sorts of unhealthy menu choices to get Ches to stop there for his dinner. He tells them that Fiz is trying to get him to eat healthy food - you know vegetables and the like. Cilla points that chips are actually a vegetable, just a particularily crispy and delicious one. Ches is unable to resist the siren song of the deep fryer - and really, who can blame him?

Later back at the flat with Fiz Ches makes up a few clever lies involvoing the Websters to explain the paint on his hand and his lack of hunger.

Cilla and Fiz have an odd encounter later in The Rovers.

Jason and Eileen

Jason continues to struggle to balance all the different things going in his life. He somehow manages to forget that it is Valentine's Day, which leaves Sarah unimpressed to say the least.

After getting the anonymous call about Holly, the social worker stops round the Grimshaw flat looking for Jason, Eileen and Holly. She gets directed to the shop where Jason is working and eventually they round up Eileen and Holly for a meeting at their flat. The social worker explains about the call their agency received regarding the care - or lack thereof - that Holly has been receiving of late. Eileen is quite upset by this turn of events and admits to being terrified at the prospect of losing Holly. After some discussion the case worker agrees that Eileen and Jason are doing a good job under difficult circumstances.

After the social worker has left Eileen starts to go on a bit of a rampage trying to determine who it was that made the phone call to social services. She accuses Gail in the street. Then she blames Steve when she sees him. Later she wonders if it might have Norris or Blanche, they are always sticking their noses in where they don't belong. Jason tries to get his mom to give it up, but she continues to bang on about it until Jason finally admits that it was him who made the call.

The two of them have a bit of a row about the baby. Jason points out that Eileen and Sarah have been using guilt to manipulate him the whole time, and that by keeping the baby Eileen gets the life that she had hoped for, and Jason is losing the life that he had been enjoying, and did not want to give up. In the end Jason tells his mom that she can keep the baby, but he isn't having anyting to do with her.

Original date this epiosde aired - February 14, 2007

The Electrocution of Valerie Barlow

2007-11-11T09:36:00.000-05:00

Originally broadcast: 27 January 1971.

I had stress just waiting for her to get electrocuted.

Update- Friday, November 9, 2007- If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say...

2007-11-09T23:49:00.000-05:00

The episode could be summarised as: Michelle is bitchy about Tracy. Steve is bitchy about Sunny. Sean is bitchy to Sunny. Cilla is bitchy about Fiz. Eileen and Sarah are bitchy about Jason. Jason, Gail and Sarah are bitchy about Eileen. Norris is bitchy about Rita. The Connors are bitchy about each other. The end.

But, here are the gorey details:

The Grimshaws and Platts Bitch

Jason is panicked looking for Holly. He goes to Sarah's, just as Sarah is complaining about his inability to take care of Holly. When he tells Sarah and Gail that Holly has disappeared, they go with him to his house, and tell him to phone 999. As he is dialling the number, Eileen strolls in, with Holly in her arms. Gail and Sarah are annoyed that she left without a note. She justifies herself by saying that Jason should have not fallen asleep with Holly there. Really, that is just silly. Holly was in her stroller and nothing could happen to her. Eileen is, as Steve said, getting revenge. Gail and Sarah leave, annoyed. Jason too is annoyed, but Eileen is not apologetic, and gives him a lecture about taking care of his daughter.

Later, Jason tells Violet what Eileen did and Violet is unimpressed. Again, Eileen says that Jason has to become more responsible, and that she did the right thing. After she leaves, Violet says to Jason that he must have been petrified but he says no, he was hoping that something had happened to Holly.

In the evening, when Eileen has gone off to the Rover's, Jason phones Social Services, and wants to report a neglected child. He gives Holly's name, and his own address. It appears Eileen's little revenge plot will bite her in the butt.

Cilla's Bitchiness (A.KA. Cilla's Natural State)

Cilla complains about the colour Less is painting the door, though she picked out the colour herself. Chesney comes in for a some telly, and a pizza.

Later, Fiz comes by looking for Chesney. Cilla says that Chesney is not there. When Fiz leaves, Chesney emerges from his hiding place. Oh Chesney, bought off with a cheese and tomato pizza.

After Chesney finishes the pizza, he goes back to Fiz', and reluctantly eats the good meal she has made for him.

Michelle and Steve Bitch

Steve runs into Tracy and suddenly is sweet on her, asking her out. Tracy falls for it.

Meanwhile, Michelle decides she wants to give Sunny an extra-special night in.

Later, at the Rover's, Steve and Michelle spend their time taking swipes at Sunny and Tracy, respectively. Michelle is more successful in her nastiness, but then, Tracy is an easier target. After much catiness, Michelle asks Sean if he can cover for her. He agrees, but tells her to tell Sunny that the only person Sean would do this for is Sunny. Michelle is puzzled, but agrees. Sunny pretends to be puzzled. They leave arm in arm.

Steve and Tracy stay behind at the Rover's, and Tracy realizes that Steve may not be genuine in his professed affection for her. She asks him if he is trying to make Michelle jealous. He denies it. She suggests going out on the town, and he reluctantly agrees.

Michelle and Sunny are back at her flat, kissing, when Michelle decides to talk about Tracy. Perhaps Sunny is not all that clever, as he doesn't clue in that maybe Michelle is jealous. Michelle puts everyone out of her mind, and they continue to kiss.

Norris bitches

Norris is annoyed at Rita for drinking so much, and even more irate when Doreen breezes into the Rover's and gets him to get drinks for she and Rita.

Carla and Paul bitch at each other

Enough said.

Update - November 8, 2007 - Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches

2007-11-09T15:54:00.000-05:00

Rita looking completely smashed is awakened by the sound of someone ringing the bell down below. It's the newspaper boy who has arrived to find the shop closed. She tells him she has the flu and go to number three where he finds Norris. He is disbelief saying she must have caught it off a dirty glass.

Violet and Eileen are exhausted after taking care of Holly most of the night but when asked to make a cup of tea, Jason claims he is more tired than either of them. Eileen informs him she finds this rather doubtful seeing as he slept all night like the dead. Jason is miffed to come down from his shower and find his mother has gone to work, apparently suddenly called in by Steve on her day off. Violet hands him a note telling him that Holly needs to be taken to for a check up at the medical centre later on that day. He begs Violet to look after the baby for him but she tells him, she has made feeds, but she has to go to work. Eileen arrives at StreetCars and tells Steve has just had to go to the shops. Jason comes in later in search of her and says he wants to leave Holly at the office. Steve protests and tells him it is not a crèche.

Gutted Jason goes to the old bakery and runs into Jody who complains about the baby, workmanship, state of the economy, global warming… no really, says that if things don’t improve with the job he is fired. And wouldn’t you know it, Jason has to take Holly to the doctor, where at the medical centre the room is filled with mums and their babies and he looks terrified. After a hard days work, Jason is back at Number 13 with Holly beside him. He wakes from his slumber and warily gets to his feet and is about to go the kitchen when he suddenly realizes that Holly has disappeared. He rushes into the kitchen and finds the back door open. He rushes into the back yard shouting, 'Holly!'.

Steve leaves Tracy sleeping soundly upstairs and creeps down to retrieve his shoes. He jumps as Blanche switches on the light with stood there holding his shoes in her hand. Steve terrified like a deer in headlights, just wants to leave. Blanche adds, 'Of course, the good thing about shoes is that their tongues don't wag.' She hands them to him and he quickly puts them and escapes the Barlow household.

At StreetCars, Lloyd smiles and knows something is up as Steve has the same clothes on for the second day. Lloyd eggs him on and wants to know who the lady the night before was. He guesses, Violetolet, Sean…Steve gives in and admits it was Tracey. Lloyd gasps, 'Tracy? Tracy as in Tracy 'I Kill My Boyfriends' Barlow?' Steve replies, 'Yes, alright. It was a one off. Lloyd teases Steve, 'You know, this Tracy thing could be a win win situation. You can't have Michelle, Tracy's a fit looking bird, you get all the action you want and when you've had enough you don't have to chuck her, you just wait for her to get sent down. It's sort of a natural breaking point.' Steve says, 'Now is a natural breaking point.' What a gem Lloyd is.

At the breakfast table, Deirdre asks Blanche, 'Did you say yes to any more tea?' Blanche replies, 'What's that? Any more Steve?' Oh, I love Blanche. Tracey eyes her Gran, 'Not much gets past you, does it?' Deirdre asks if she is missing something and Tracy informs her, 'I'm not ashamed. Steve stayed over last night. Deirdre’s eyes pop out in their usual fashion. Later on the street, Deirdre sees Liz and informs her of last night’s goings on and tells her to hint to Steve maybe he would like to stay away, until everything settles down with Tracey, Liz concurs it would be best for everyone.

At the Rovers, Michelle and Liz are chatting at the bar when she starts talking about Steve and his evening. Michelle looks annoyed and asks if Tracey and Steve are getting back together. Michelle spots Steve and asks, 'On your own?' He replies yes and she smirks, 'Oh your mum 'will' pleased,' and walks off leaving him mystified. Michelle has another snipe at Steve and he asks Violet what's the matter with her. She replies, 'I don't know, she was fine earlier but she's in a right mood now. I wouldn't mind but I've kept a smile on my face even though I was up all night.' Michelle returns with his drink and asks Violet what she was saying. Violet tells her she was up all night. Michelle snipes again, 'Oh you're in good company then. So was Steve, rekindling his vows with his daughter's mother.' Steve replies, 'Me and Tracy haven't 'got' any vows. You seem rather interested in my sex life all of a sudden.' She retorts, 'I just question your taste, that's all.' Steve, realizing that she is jealous, smiles back, 'Are you sure that's all?' but she walks off with her nose in the air. Could these two just get together, already?

Fiz is busy enthusing to Joanne how she is going to cook Chesney a nice tea and then they can plan what activities they can do together that week. Joanne asks, 'Do you think he'll still be hungry after eating all them?' Fiz sees Chesney stuffing his face into a bag of chips in front of the shop. Cilla comes out of the chip shop him, 'Chez, you forgot your sausage.' He tells Fiz that they can have tea together tomorrow and goes back to his to his mother who smarms, 'I finish at three. Why don't you come round and have a bit of a slob out in front of the telly? I'll let you have the remote and I'll bring home the batter scraps.' Chesney smiles.

Song at the Rovers: The Kooks: Ooh, La, La - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwrq2o6Woiw

Baby Amy

2007-11-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

John,

I'm ashamed of you. Calling a baby ugly like that.

This is how you do it:

I'm just saying.

Glacia, kicking it old school mean girl.

Update - November 7, 2007 - "Child Benefit Cheater's Hotline? Yes, I'll hold."

2007-11-07T19:50:00.000-05:00

Big Bad Mama

Fizz is finding it difficult to pay for Chesney's schooling, feed him healthy food, and still manage to pay the rest of her bills.

Meanwhile, Less and Cilla are feeding their child benefits into the fruit machine and otherwise spending it on booze. Cilla figures if Chesney doesn't come home, they can always have a child of their own. Because the best way to deal with your crap mothering skills is to make more wee bairns.

Fizz heads over to the Rovers and demands Cilla hand over the benefits. Cilla refuses, saying Chesney should be at home.

So Fizz and Kirk head over to the Battersby-Brown's and steals their supply of instant meals, HP sauce, and Cilla's top of the line bog roll.

"Only the best for a woman who spend her day on her backside," reckons Fizz.

When Less and Cilla return, Less quickly finds that their big grocery shop has been stolen. Cilla storms over to Fizz's where she demands the return of her food. Maria sticks up for Fizz and Fizz threatens to call the police to report her fraudulent use of child benefits (Oh, Fizz, get in line). Cilla grabs some stuff, including Ches' favourite dessert and storms out.

Amy's Birthday

Amy Barlow, née Patience Cropper, is three years old today and nobody, except some little blonde girl, wants to come to her party because ~~she's ugly~~ her mother is on trial for murder.

At the party, they play Pass the Parcel but Ken's been a bit stingy with the gifts as everyone gets Dollarama crayons and a plastic harmonica. You'd think he was paying some expensive lawyer's fees or something.

Later on, after the Elder Barlows have left and Amy is put to bed, Steve and Tracy get a little drunk and have a long talk. Also, Tracy tries to do a Northern Irish accent, which is quite funny. (By the way, this is my favourite Northern Irish accent)

Steve moans about his love life, making a reference to October 4, 1994 as a date when he was stood up or something. I looked it up but it didn't make any sense to me.

Anyhow, the two are both drunk and suddenly Steve thinks he should leave. Tracy asks him not to and then they start making out.

This is the thing about Steve. His comfort zone with women is the slightly damaged ones. Moley was a little bit of a sociopath, Karen was bonkers, and now, despite the fact that he has a long history with Tracy, she's a murderess. And he probably knows it and yet, he just can't keep away from her. But I've said it before and I'll say it again. You can't fuck the crazy out of some people.

In Other News

Doreen and Rita are still boozing it up and good for them. Doreen has a plan to play the field for a few years and then settle down with a man with an inheritance. Not a bad plan at all. Back at the Kabin, Emily wonders if she was born an old fuddy-duddy. That would be yes.

Jody Morton approves of the work Bill and Jason, but really Bill, have done on the soon to open kebab shop. Meanwhile, her granddad has been quietly sitting in the Rovers as people try to figure out his deal. Carla Connor thinks he's from Madame Tussaud's. He goes to the fruit machine and wins a jackpot then announces that his name is Wilf.

Liam's still telling Joanne that it was all just a bit of fun but is still offering to buy her drinks.

Sunny's all "So, Michelle. Do you and Sean hang out a lot and tell each other lots of stuff? No, no reason."

Originally Broadcast February 11, 2007.

Just In Time - UK airing Feb 9, 2007

2007-11-07T16:28:00.000-05:00

I've Been Threatening....

To call in Justin and Colin for the longest time, but it seems that the situation may have resolved itself. It's true, gentle readers, the most important part of last night's episode was the new wallpaper over at the Battersby's. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!

It's not that the rest of the stories were boring, it's just that...well, if I had to look at that water stained crap that's been on the wall for well over a year, a minute longer I was going to have to go over to Eastenders.

Fiz is telling everyone and sundry at the factory how hard it is to take care of Chesney (especially money wise)- she even forgot to give him some dinner money and Ches has to go over to Maria's to see if she can lend him some.

As Fizz complains to her work mates, Sally lets her know that there is a government cheque that Cilla is getting for Chesney's upkeep. Fizz is shocked to hear this and is sure that Cilla is spending it on Bingo and beer.

(BTW - did I hear correctly, did Kelly call her 'German Sally'? German? What the hell does that mean?)

Fizz goes over to Cilla's house - where we see a not entirely unattractive wallpaper being put up - to demand the cheque. Fizz reads Cilla the riot act explaining that our favorite waif needs clothes, books and omega 3 fatty acids. In the end Cilla says that if Ches needs anything, Fizz should send him over to her.

Why It's Really Stupid To Sleep With Your Boss
Kelly goes on and on about how much Liam likes her and decides that she is just going to straight out ask him on a date.

Jo says, 'Oh don't. I wish you wouldn't'

Sean, eager for a train wreck, says, 'Oh do it! Do it!'

Jo continues to try and persuade Kelly to not do it and finally Kelly says something about how Jo is jealous and if she can't have him she doesn't want anyone to have him. Jo loses it and says, 'I have had him!'

Insert girly factory worker cat fight.

The Connors come out to break it up and at that point Kelly runs out of the factory with Jo following behind her. She tries to make it up with Kelly, but Kelly won't hear of it. (Meanwhile in the background, Becky smokes a cigarette.) (Also, Dev tries to intervene in a very creepy way until Kelly threatens him with a vodka shampoo. Glacia is pleased to hear of even more uses for the blessed holy water).

Karla comes in and tells them they still have to work that night, but Kelly refuses to work with Jo. Forced to make decision, Karla tells Jo that she is out of a job and that she better get her ass over to the factory before she loses her day job.

And THAT ladies and gentlemen is why you do not sleep with your boss, especially when you are non-unionized labour.

Back at the factory, Jo tries to get Liam to get her job back but he is all, 'whatever' and that she should avoid agro in the future. He then accuses her of bragging in the factory, which she denies, saying that it just slipped out. She asks him if they are going to see each other that night, but he says something about watching footy.

Karla is now without a second seamstress, for about 3 minutes, as Becky convinces her to hire her. Kelly loses it when she finds out who her midnight shift partner will be, but at this point Karla tells Kelly she has to just suck it up.

News Flash: Secret Corrie Plot lines Written By Mark Twain Appear in an Attic in Yorkshire
Audrey tells Sarah that she has got to get Bill over to help Jason and tells her to have a quick word with Bill.

Apparently she does because Bill comes over to see how Jason is doing and says, 'Hey, I noticed you're out of water.' Jason explains that he doesn't have time to go get water so Bill offers to get him some plus lunch.

When he comes back, he tells Jason to sit down and eat and while he does that, Bill will work on the wall. Then Jason comes up with a cunning plan...'Why don't you come work for me?' he asks Bill.

That Huckleberry Jason, nothing gets past him.

I Think Bethany Has a Hijab You Can Borrow Tracey
Tracey is up at the crack of dawn to take Amy out to the park. When she returns home a multi generational discussion ensues when Tracey tells Deidre that Blanche phoned Dom to tell him that his girlfriend is an ax murderer.

Blanche tells Tracey that she shouldn't be tom catting around town. Tracey defends herself, Blanche gives her a dressing down and Deidre remains impotent.

Tracey heads over to the Rovers and asks for Steve. He and mom seem apprehensive about why she's there so early and I swear to God I thought she said, 'Relax, I'm not here with my 'back in bowl'***' In reality she said, 'begging bowl' and is there just to remind Steve about Amy's birthday.

Once she leaves, Liz warns Steve about getting too involved with her, but Steve tells her that she may be in the slammer shortly and that it won't cost them anything to be nice to her. Liz thinks about it and agrees.

Later that day, a red-nosed Steve drops off a pinata and other party supplies to the Barlows. He and Tracey joke around and she offers him a tea which he accepts....until....he sees Blanche glaring at him from the kitchen. He wisely decides to get back to work.

When he leaves Blanche tells Tracey not to ruin Steve's life too. Methinks Blanche no longer believes the Burning Bed story about Charlie.

And My Senior Years
Back at the Kabin, Norris makes a joke. Dev offers him a choice of two sandwiches and Norris chooses the tuna, saying, "Pickle repeats on me something rotten. Tuna. Pickle repeats on me something rotten."

Then the Gilmour Girls (aka Rita and Doreen) waltz into the store and when Norris tries to give Rita hell for being late, she responds, 'Whatever arcane point you are trying to make is wasted on me. I'm going to lie down.' Then I think she gooses Norris as she makes her way to the back.

Doreen in the meanwhile, hits on Dev who tries to make it out that he has a wife.

So many, many role models for Glacia.

*** Who can tell me the movie that has the line 'back in bowl'. Actually, I think that line is the best part of the movie.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

2007-11-06T13:45:00.000-05:00

Omnibus Schedule Change:
As a result of the change in the start time for CFL this weekend, as
well as special Remembrance Day programming, Coronation Street on
Sunday, November 11 has been moved in several locations.

1) For Ontario/Quebec and Man/Sask:
Due to special Remembrance Day programming, Coronation Street will be
seen 30 minutes early on Sunday, November 11 at 7:00 am.

2) For BC/PTN:
Due to special programming on Sunday, November 11, Coronation Street
will be seen in the evening at 6:00 pm following the CFL Western
Semi-Final football game.

Glacia Change
I'll be away from Nov 9 - 20 inclusive. So if you send me an email, I won't be answering it until I get back from my vacation of dancing with wolves and getting shitfaced on vodka.

YouTube Change
Just a word of caution to those of you who enjoy going into Youtube to look at Coronation Street episodes of days gone by....that in addition to Corrie 1974 clips, we've noticed that Corrie episodes that have been aired in the UK but not here are also up there. So, just proceed carefully on youtube if you hate spoilers.

Posting Change
As I think you've noticed, Debbie posted the air date of the UK episode at the beginning of her post. What we will do is post that date on Monday's so that you know which week the episodes are from in the UK.

Tracey Barlow's Manchester - Lime Bar

2007-11-06T11:20:00.000-05:00

In order to escape Weatherfield, Amy, her family and the possible thought of jail. Tracey flees to Lime Bar to meet her new possible beau/fling Don. This lounge in Manchester opened in 2001 as the "Northern sister" to the original London Lime Bar - which has since closed down. It is a popular cocktail bar located in the City Centre on 2 Booth Street. The main bar and restaurant are on the ground floor, offering food and drinks throughout the day and evening. The crowd usually consists of: suits, fashionistas and WAG wannabes.

The club downstairs is aptly named, Sublime - is a club space featuring a large bar area, dance floor playing pop and Manchester classics.

http://www.limeuk.com/

Update November 5th 2007 – There have been better episodes

2007-11-06T10:20:00.000-05:00

UK Time Wednesday February 7th 2007

The show opens with Sean. He is at home and begging Violet to call in sick for him … lovesick that is. Violet refuses and tells him that he is fit for work.

He goes to the pub for work and Sonny is there waiting for Michelle to be ready to go out. Sonny has been waiting for a while and is a bit nervous that Michelle will stand him up. He even asks Liam if Michelle has decided to chuck him.

Sean goes to where Sonny is sitting with his drinks. Sean tells him that Michelle will find out about Sonny’s past and even suggests that he will be the one to tell. Sonny seems to be getting tired of Sean and is kind of rude to him. Michelle finally shows up and they go out for the night.

If I were to write a letter to Sean, it would go like this:

Dear Sean,

I know you are hurting, baby. I get the sense that Sundip broke your heart into a million pieces. But, as you have been on Coronation Street for a few years now the Sundip episode must have happened years ago, and frankly in the world of love and loss, it was another lifetime.

I know that the urge to make Sundip’s life difficult must be overpowering. And I know in your mind you think you are protecting Michelle. But, let’s get real. This is about revenge. Would that really help to sooth the pain you feel? I doubt it. You are starting down a long road that leads to a place called misery.

Please, Sean, take this advice I am going to give you. Let go.

Yours in heartache,
Debbie, Corrie Canuk

Above the salon, Chezny’s presence is getting harder and harder on Fiz. Buttons need sewing, shoes need to be bought and the kid needs a nutritious meal. Fiz has fed him a proper breakfast (well, some cereal) and he says that he just used to eat sweets for his breakfast. Fiz vows to feed him properly for as long as she can afford it, and Maria tells her that she will make someone a lovely mother one day.

Later Kirk hands Fiz a note from Chezney’s school. They need a 5er for the theatre and 20 quid for a day out. Fiz can’t afford it and says that he can’t go unless Cilla and Lez pay. Kirk tells her that they are skint spending all their money on wallpaper and paint. Fiz thinks it is a waste but Kirk tells her that the house will look great once it is finished. Fiz is reluctant to believe it will happen.

If it weren’t for Fiz, I am pretty sure Chezney would have scurvy and fleas.

Catching up with the Platt-Grimshaws now, Sarah heads over the road to the builder’s yard to ask Jason to pick up Bethany from nursery. Jason doesn’t want to hear it, which is too bad because Sarah actually continues to talk sense as she has been for a few weeks now. Will this be short lived? She tells him that he is being selfish and that everyone is pitching in to help him, but he wont return the favour. Jason finally agrees to pick up Bethany.

At dinner time, Jody goes into the pub to drop off her odd grandfather. She then bee-lines it over to the builder’s yard to check on the progress. Jason, was on his way to get lunch but she puts a stop to that. She complains about the job and gets him to stay to fix it. Jody tells him that he isn’t the only builder in Weatherfield – I find this hard to believe. Also, while you may have trouble with one builder, it is rarely a good idea to switch builders in mid job. It will cost you WAY more to have someone fix and continue the work of another builder. But, I digress.

Later we find out, through a shrieking Sarah Platt that Jason did not go pick up Bethany. She tells Jason that he needs help, but not with Holly, with the yard. She insists that he call Bill Webster who is doing nowt but her gran. Jason refuses, which is just plain stupid. Something tells me that dealing with Jody will cause him to change his mind.

If I were to write a note to Jason it would go something like this:

Dear Jason,

I love you, I know this is sudden but I think it is best to make my feelings plain. I know you are in a tough spot right now. You got a baby for Christmas, you boss/best mate died, you are trying to make ends meet and your girlfriend is a nightmare.

I just want to tell you that I can take care of you. I can make you a bacon butty for your breakfast and a proper hot pot for your tea. I would encourage you to seek help at the builder’s yard, but I would not scream in your ear to get my point across.

When you come home after a long days work, I want you to tell me about your day, I want you to have a nice can of lager and I want to cuddle you up on the couch. Then, while we are all snug in front of the Matrix on DVD, I’d whisper in your ear, “Call Bill Webster, he’ll give you the help you need at work.” And that should do it.

Yours in construction,
Debbie, Corrie Canuk

Over at the factory, Kelly is still delusional and thinks that Liam fancies her. She is making a fool out of herself, as is Joanne is a completely different way. As foolish as Kelly is she is not an easy push-over and stands up to Carla who is being a bit of a cow as she and Joanne work into the wee small hours of the morning on her dungarees. But that is later.

Earlier, Joanne is sat in the pub and trying not to look at Adam. Fiz makes a comment about it, but Joanne has no humour. Liam comes to talk to her mentioning that she is not sitting with her boyfriend and asks if he has binned her – charming. She says that she pitched him, and Liam hopes that it is not on his account. I mean, they are just having a laugh. Joanne agree – sort of.

If I could write her a little note, it would go something like this.

Dear Joanne,

Girl, I’m telling you this because I’m your friend. You are making a fool of yourself. That man doesn’t want you for more than he got already. It’s time to move on. Don’t even be surprised when he leaves you with nothing but a broken heart and an appointment at the clinic.

He says you are in it for a laugh, but mark my words, there will be no laughing at the end of this. You can tell yourself you’re having fun, you can tell yourself you can handle it. But you can’t. Trust me. There will be tears, and they will be yours.

I’ve been there, girl
Debbie of corrie canuk

At the Barlow’s Blanche is sitting at the table watching Tracy eat her breakfast and giving her stick about her recent behaviour and party lifestyle. Tracy tells them that she is going out again that night with Dom and not to wait up. Ken tells her that she is taking advantage of them taking care of Amy. Tracy doesn’t care.

In the Pub, Ken, Deirdry and Adam have a moan about Tracy but none of them consider just going out for the night before Tracy leaves the house so that she has to stay home with Amy.

Blanche proves to be the only one with balls in the house. She takes Tracy’s phone and with the help of some blackmail and Adam, finds Tracy’s date’s phone number and call to tell him what time it is.

Later Tracy goes to the bar where she is to meet Dom and he doesn’t show up. Tracy is well pissed and calls Dom only to find out that Blanche dropped a dime on her. She actually told Dom that Tracy is up for murder. Amazing. I love Blanche.

Tracy calls Streetcars to get a cab home and Steve comes to get her. They spend some time at the bar together, he drives her home, they kiss, I barf. Ok, Steve has issues. He kissed a killer. The amazing thing is that I am not even sure that Steve believes Tracy’s battered woman story. Anyway, they end up yelling at each other.

If I were to write a letter to Steve, it would go something like this:

To Mr. Steve MacDonald,

You are a danger to yourself and to those around you. Should you persist in your destructive behaviour, you will be forced by Her Majesty’s court to report directly to the Royal Idiot Farm.

While you do own two businesses and are largely a functioning member of society, you continue to make foolish choices in your love live. This latest bid to get into the pants of local murder, Tracy Barlow, is no exception.

Mr. MacDonald, while we understand that Tracy is well fit, she is also a nasty piece of work. Your attraction to unstable women is well documented. But, with this kiss, you have taken it to the ultimate conclusion.

Please pull yourself together or we will be forced to commit you.

Cordially,
Debbie, Corrie Canuk

That's all I got today.

Bloopers

2007-11-04T22:17:00.000-05:00

Obscure Football Reference of the Day

2007-11-04T13:56:00.000-05:00

When Sonny tried to pay for his water at the pub with a 50 pound note Steve accused him of waving the money around like it was the 'FA Cup.' For those who are curious, the FA Cup - besides obviously being a trophy - is a long standing and prestigious open tournament in England that any football club in the Football Association can partake in. (this is what FA stands for, not what Jacqueline was thinkng) Although the finalists these days are inevitably one of the big money clubs like Arsenal or Chelsea, there are often upsets in the early rounds of the competition that are quite exciting, and it gives teams an opportunity to compete against clubs they normally would not play against.

Papa Smurf played in an early round FA Cup game a few years back.

Update- Friday, November 2, 2007- Not a Drug Lord, but a Heartbreaker

2007-11-03T12:48:00.000-04:00

At the Rover's, Sean tries to corner Sonny and talk to him. First, he makes the pretense of needing to collect glasses so he can go to Sonny's table. Sonny has nothing to say to him. Interrupted by Norris, Sean leaves. However, he later follows Sonny into the washroom. Again Sean wants to talk, again Sonny puts him off.

After hanging out for a while at the Rover's, Sonny decides to go back to Michelle's to start the supper. Sean makes some suggestive remarks about Sonny's sexual abilities. Michelle is surprised, but laughs. After Sonny leaves, Violet remarks that Sean went out with an Asian, and asks him his name. Sean's bravado disappears, and he says he has so many boyfriends, he can't remember.

Later, Sean goes to the hallway and finds Michelle's cell phone. He calls Sonny, and wants to once again sort things out. Sonny once more puts him off, saying that Ryan is there, and hangs up.

Sean's stalking finally pays off. When Sonny leaves Michelle's apartment, Sean is there, waiting for him. They have the conversation Sean has been wanting to have all night. It turns out that Sonny is bisexual, and as far as we know, not a drug lord. The issue is that Sonny broke Sean's heart, and Sean thinks Michelle should know about it. Sean basically says that Sonny lead him on, making him think the relationship was meaningful, and then dumped him. Sonny reminds Sean that he went too fast, bringing the moving van with him on their first date. Sonny does not think that Michelle needs to know his entire past history of dating, including Sean. He asks Sean not to bring Michelle into it, as she is one of the good guys. He leaves.

Sean returns to the pub. Steve is sitting at the bar, wasted. He asks Sean what does Sonny have that Steve does not have? To prove his point, he lifts his shirt to show his beer belly, and says, "I'm having twins". Sean tells him that he is better for Michelle than Sonny. He continues on that Steve should bide his time and things may turn around. Sean regrets saying this, though, as he continues, "Oh, what am I saying? What do I know".

Mommy Dearest

Cilla stops by Fiz' to give Chesney a DVD she bought. Chesney is excited, until she informs him it has been dubbed in Mandarin, but has English subtitles. She then makes a date with a reluctant Fiz to go to the Rover's to discuss things.

Cilla and Fiz do go to the Rover's, and talk about Chesney. Cilla maintains that living with Fiz is not a proper place for Ches, and Fiz asks if there is anywhere better for him to live. Cilla then admits that she messed things up with Fiz, and she has, at times, messed things up with Chesney, but there is still time, she says, to make things better for him. And she wants to do it.

Kirk comes home to find Less wallpapering. Kirk is baffled at Less' transformation into the working class Martha Stewart. Less acts as though this is all part of everyday life at the Battersby-Brown's, and sends him away.

The Lady is a Tramp

Tracy is standing on the street, staring, it appears, at Charlie's house. Cilla comes by and the two look at each other a bit, then Tracy asks Cilla what she is looking at. "Eight years, hopefully four with good behaviour," Cillas replies, and then says, "oh no, that's you, isn't it?" At least she didn't hand her a pamphlet.

Tracy then sees Blanche- this bit was cut out of the episode. She asks Blanche to baby sit. Blanche wanted to read a book, but in the end, of course, Tracy wins, and Blanche is set to baby sit while Tracy goes out on a bit of a date.

Next Tracy runs into Steve and they discuss the possibility of Steve taking Amy on if she goes to prison. They go back to the Barlows. Tracy once again daydreams about the two of them staying together, and they have a bit of a bonding moment.

The next time we see Tracy she is all set to go out on the town. Claire comes by, and wants to have a sleepover, and do each other's hair, and talk about boys, or the adult version of that. Tracy apologizes to Claire and says she is going out with an old friend, but she and Claire can chat some other time. Claire grown up that she is, and understanding that people have lives, gets annoyed and leaves. Blanche, who is present throughout, lays into Tracy as soon as Claire leaves. She calls Tracy a liar, and, I believe a slut or a slag (or both). Tracy looks at her and says that she knows where she got her personality from. That serves only to wind up Blanche even more. She says it looks terrible for Tracy to go traipsing about with some fella when her common law husband is hardly dead and she was the one to kill him. Sure, it sounds bad when you put it that way. Tracy is not dissuaded.

In Other News

Doreen does not endear herself to Norris or Emily. Although they are at the Rover's with Rita, she dominates the conversation by reminiscing with Rita about their dancing days.

Corrie History Lesson Samir's Kidney

2007-11-02T15:08:00.000-04:00

You'll all need this for the episodes coming up.

Between her marriages to Ken, Deidre married a young Morracan man named Samir Rashid - who was I think 10 -15 years her junior.

Meanwhile in Tracey world (back when she was played by Dawn Acton and not yet EVIL)- the young 20 year old goes to a party and take some E. This has a very bad reaction on her and she ends up needing a new kidney for the one she blew out.

After an exhaustive search within the family, it turns out that Samir is a suitable donor for Tracey and he is willing to donate.

On his way to the hospital, he is attacked in the Viaduct by a gang in race related attack. In the emergency ward they are unable to save Samir, however, his kidneys are donated to Tracey.

Deidre views this as all Tracey's fault for taking drugs in the first place and refuses to go see her in the hospital. Ken comes but then slowly starts backing off as he doesn't really consider her his responsibility.