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Turbulent times ahead for Coronation Street - can Stuart Blackburn weather the storm?


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Old 20-08-2013, 18:51
James J
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I am deeply concerned about Corrie at the moment with all the negative press, cast members quitting, and behind the scenes scandals. I am also sensing that Stuart Blackburn's vision for the show is in danger of causing the show damage sending it into a rut that will be quite bad. I've got a lot of views in my head about this I've pieced together and I'm going to write a few down.

For a start, Blackburn has stated "Corrie is very much about a working class community in Britain." Now, really, is it? Yes, it is about these people, but its more about the family units and working-class friendship than a class study.

"As people may have already read," Blackburn said in his DS interview, "we are also introducing a second hand shop, which is such a contemporary presence on so many working class streets. More than anything, we need to always remember where the show is based and what the lives are like for people who live there."

To me, it seems like he isn’t quite understanding that Corrie is at its best when it feels like its own little world, not when it’s trying to be completely modern and realistic; paradoxically it feels more real in a more contrived context. It’s at its best when the characters are (somewhat ridiculously) all linked in to elaborate ensemble plots which come to amazing conclusions, utilising all the cast (at a wedding, in the pub, showdowns in the Street etc).

It’s always been a bit camp and an exaggeration of real life; working class characters and character driven drama, compressed down into a beautiful representation of life. I think Blackburn wants the show to be more like real life, but is never going to be able to achieve this vision and will ironically make the show look like it’s taking itself too seriously and failing to retain its charm.

There is a lot of upheaval coming at Corrie in addition to the dramas behind the scenes already experienced and negative press (culminating in an absolute slaughtering in the Star today...)

If Stuart Blackburn isn't EXTREMELY careful he will damage Coronation Street significantly causing huge dynamic shifts and a mass cast exodus (a lot of big names have left already).

Let's take a look at everyone leaving and the impact this will have on the show, as well as what can possibly be done to recover from these losses.

CHARACTER EXITS

Hayley Cropper - a big loss to the show as one half of an all time classic couple, but the exit storyline will be cemented in Corrie history as one of the most emotional and beautiful stories in the show’s history. Best she and Roy get time to schedule and process her leaving, and I should think there will be some poetic sense of Hayley being a beam of light in his life who helped him become a better, happier person. I think after this Roy and Mary should get together, it's the only viable direction I can see Roy going in and would provide a good couple; I think they suit.

Sylvia is another huge loss; Sylvia really filled the “Blanche” type role and also further strengthened the Roy/Hayley dynamic. She’ll be sorely missed. Again, reason to pair Roy off with someone else, and I think Mary needs to be that person. She can help Roy struggle with the grief of Hayley being gone, at first as a friend, but after a long time, something more. This could run for the next 5-10 years if the actors are up for it.

I think it was harsh to get rid of Brian Packham. He’s shown a serious side but the writers have seldom shown it; he has potential, and also justifies Julie, who herself reinforces Eileen’s familial ties on the Street. He’s good for comedy as the blundering large man but also helps enforce a whole group of people on the Street; as well as being a rather tongue-in-cheek headmaster of the Weatherfield school. Great shame I think, Julie will be a bit more of a spare part, annoying single factory girl, now.

The exit of Karl is obviously inevitable, but I’m just not sure if I’m happy with how this storyline’s going to end. There was potential for it to run further and get darker. Karl could have suffered a mental breakdown with the guilt of it all, and other characters could have been drawn in. We’ll see how this goes, because I really hope it allows Michelle Collins to shine especially since she’s being ousted as landlady and will probably quit after this storyline...

...following Sue Johnston's lead. Gloria will be another massive loss, she really helped cement the Price clan of Stella, Eva and Leanne. Her selfish nature mixed with her softer side emerging now and then and her ability to wind up Stella were great to watch. So gutted she’s left, and again I wonder if she wasn’t satisfied with her new boss; I don't think Sue Johnston and Stephanie Cole would stand working on a sinking ship, or a ship that's veered off course…

Ryan Connor and Paul Kershaw are both great decisions. Ryan was used wrongly and became a total spare part. And Paul is an annoying character, who has damaged Eileen’s character. She was once seen as loved and underused rival to Gail Platt, now a moany frumpy unfunny old cow. She needs rescuing, and luckily Paul’s exit and Todd’s return will do that.

Tina Mcintyre is an unsurprising but unfortunate loss for the show. For a start, she is the show's pin up girl and doubtless helps bring in a younger audience; secondly, her relationship with Tommy (also gone) was popular with a younger generation. Unfortunately now Tommy's gone, her Dad died and she never speaks to Gail at all, she's obviously bored of the show. She'll go down with Mark Wright and be a socialite I think. A shame, but it was kind of the end of the road anyway I think.

RETURNING CHARACTERS

So in addition to people leaving we've also got some returning characters who have potential to shake up the Street - hopefully for the better.

Liz McDonald is coming back and right back in as landlady. I'm in two minds. Firstly it’ll be brilliant for Anne Kirkbride as Deirdre and Liz’s friendship was a really strong one. Secondly it will hopefully help out Steve’s character; he’s become a bit of a caricature of himself now and his relationship with Michelle is nothing compared to Becky and Karen. But on the other hand I really don't like that she's going to be landlady - because Stella/Eva/Leanne behind the Rovers bar is far superior to Steve/Michelle/Liz. Liz is a great matriarch though, so I will really enjoy her behind the bar and as landlady; I just fear for Stella and think Michelle Collins will quit soon.

Todd Grimshaw is back from his hiatus in London, and this is gonna be fab I think. It's going to be brilliant for Jason and Eileen to get the prodigal son back. Should help stir up the Marcus SL, though I think Phil Collinson would have pursued the route that Marcus is bisexual, whereas Blackburn will make it so Marcus cheats on Maria with Todd (and was gay all along). I think this is unfortunate and biphobic but it willl still make good viewing even if it is subconsciously reinforcing stereotypes about sexuality being absolute. This SL is very controversial anyway so not everyone will agree with me but I think Marcus should be portrayed as a bisexual man who prefers men overall but fell for a woman. It's fairly blatant Todd will get with Marcus.

CHARACTERS AT RISK

With various changes recently a lot of the cast need looking at and their respective units need strengthening for the years ahead.

Fiz and Tyrone are at a loose end and that clan including Chesney seems a bit stale now. This whole clan need to be reinstated under one roof. We need Chesney and Katy back together (as this drags in the Armstrongs/Windasses), and we need Tyrone and Fiz living together with all the kids. It can be a chaotic mad house of babies and couples and gingers, showing typical family life. The Windasses/Armstrongs will be involved due to Katy living there, which will keep it fresh. They need a comprehensive unit with ties to another family because individually the characters are all quite beige.

The Websters are in serious trouble; with Rosie and Kevin gone only Sally and Sophie remain and unfortunately there’s something not quite right now. I’m not sure Sophie and Jenna are working, though if Jenna moved in with them and perhaps Bill and Pam returned, the unit could be restored. In fact, bringing back Pam and Bill would help fill gaps left by departing Sylvia and Gloria. Sally is used very sporadically but always performs and deserves a proper unit again. Perhaps Bill and Pam can come and move in when Kevin dies in an accident (supposing he leaves the show) and Jenna also moves in. Interesting unit there then.

Dev's also lost. He's not got a lot going for him since Sunita died (shame she became so hated as she was once a nice sweet character). I’m not 100% sure where he can go; perhaps he could start working at Streetcars or another business which could give him new friendships/potential love interests. Could Sally/Dev ever work? I also think Dev needs his mates back so he should be with Lloyd, Steve, Jason etc a lot more often; used to love the stag dos, poker games etc.

Naturally with the departure of Ken, the Barlows have taken a major hit. Deirdre’s remained fairly central. She’s a hilarious character and is definitely coping well with the upset and Blanche/Ken being gone. I think her and Tracy’s relationship should be strengthened, and perhaps Peter could move in (with Carla in tow) after they go bankrupt? This would instantly add energy to the household and allow Peter/Carla to have a new storyline. I hate to say it, but I truly think Steve should be with Tracy, as this causes all sorts of potential for Liz vs Tracy, Deirdre and Steve's relationship, and other fun dynamics.

Maria is a Corrie legend and I've decided she needs to be with Jason. They’ve been on the Street for about as long as each other (over 10 years now) and are well suited. They seem to have existed alongside each other throughout the last 10 years. A fun dynamic at Number 11 would be Eileen (single, mopey, unfortunate) with Todd/Marcus and Maria/Jason as couples under the same roof. With single, bitter caricature Sean in the mix contrasting with the straight-acting Todd/Marcus dynamic, as well as the Marcus/Maria awkwardness if Jason/Maria were together it would be great, chaotic and messy TV and further help the Grimshaws move on from the Lesley/Paul years.

Michelle Connor is quite a good character but badly used. I think Tracy should get back with Steve, and Michelle should get with Rob. They've got history and that could even be explored. Peter and Carla should go bankrupt (as mentioned above) and move in with Deirdre, with Rob swooping in and buying the factory under his sister's nose for a low price when Carla's finances go awry. Carla and Michelle would become rivals as Michelle, previously on the sidelines, runs the factory as Carla can only watch. It would also be siblings at war which has been fun to watch as it delves into their history as kids... It would also give Peter and Carla something new to do as they cope with losing everything as well as a family for Deirdre now Ken's gone (and we don't know if he'll be back).

Anyway, there's just a few of my thoughts on the state of Corrie at the moment, what the future could hold and what should be done to weather what has been a very difficult few months for Corrie. It's still doing well in the ratings but if a rot sets in, they WILL fall and it WILL struggle to stay ahead in the ratings.

Don't mess up Stuart Blackburn, this show is a national institution!

Love to hear others thoughts and opinions as I'm sure many will disagree. Of course I've left out some things like Jimi Mistry joining and other cast members but the ones I've left out are mainly ones I think are fairly secure on the street. Stuart Blackburn is in danger of ruining the show, messing with units, leaving many characters at a loose end and thus actors unhappy and prone to quitting, and it could snowball into a crisis in which the show is damaged very much.

It can be stopped if thought is put into it and ideas like the ones I suggested are implemented to give characters a stronger grounding on the street. The storm clouds gathered earlier this year and we're now on the brink of disaster; I sincerely hope Stuart Blackburn is switched on, and surprises people by steering the ship safely through the turbulent waters.
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Old 20-08-2013, 18:52
James J
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Oops, sorry, that's a bit of an essay.

This thread's gonna be sinking faster than the Titanic Corrie is now starting to resemble...
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Old 20-08-2013, 19:15
Helicase
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To be honest I think Corrie is in far too much of its own world and think it needs an injection of realism.

More on location shots and fewer businesses in and around the street are what is required. Characters actually getting in a car to go to work - workplaces without people who are connected to the street. All the characters need their horizons broadening. 1989 to 1994 is the era Corrie perfected this.
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Old 20-08-2013, 19:22
dazza89
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In that mini essay you called Maria a legend character...What have you been smoking??

The only legendary things about Maria is her tash and her tits...well on here anyway
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Old 20-08-2013, 19:23
James J
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In that mini essay you called Maria a legend character...What have you been smoking??

The only legendary things about Maria is her tash and her tits...well on here anyway
She's underused and has been dealt a dodgy hand with storylines. She's a really good actress and has been loyal to the show. A new female hairdresser could be introduced as a new friend for her. Could Angela Griffin return as Fiona somehow? She's not done much since Waterloo Road... She was going out with Steve as well so still has links on the Street.

If she got together with Jason we could see her happy for a change, and I'm sure the character would be more popular as part of a "golden couple". It'd also keep her around the Grimshaws, and thus awkward-ex Marcus (linked in via Todd/Sean still).
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Old 20-08-2013, 19:28
ForGodsSake
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That's very well written, James, and you have some great ideas.
I always thought that Mary and Roy should be together if anything ever happened to Hayley and Roy. I can see mary being Roys saviour actually.

Liz coming back will be great...she's so feisty !!

I was unaware that Sylvia was leaving...and this makes me sad as she's one of the great characters who has really come into her own.
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Old 20-08-2013, 19:44
NPP
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Tracy back with Steve? Why? She doesn't deserve him at all. One problem I have with Tracy is that she gets a slap on the wrist of her evil bullshit, and that's it. She needs to live with long-term consequences of the shit she does: hatred from Steve and his family, disdain and disgust from the neighbors, struggling to make a life for herself etc.
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Old 20-08-2013, 19:48
ScreamingTree<3
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Oh give it a rest, some of those characters needed to go, Corrie will be fine.
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Old 20-08-2013, 19:51
tuppencehapenny
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I don't really agree about Maria as I think she's a very limited actress with some irritating vocal mannerisms. I'm not convinced by the Marcus/Maria relationship either. There's a danger that everything relies on couples, and that's a shame because in reality there are many single people who are happy to be so. Eileen bemoans her lack of a man, then Paul comes along and her life is more miserable! And there's only so many permutations anyway.

I agree that the Sally/Sophie household is not quite right, though I'm not sure that pairing Sally off is a good idea. I'd like to see a good deal less of the Windass lot.

Let's have more friendships - I am delighted that Liz and Deirdre can rekindle theirs, and I do agree that Dev needs to be back with his friends. It's dull when all the main dramatic moves are to do with breaking up and getting together, and I'd like to see less of that.

But I would kind of like Lewis back...
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Old 20-08-2013, 19:54
David the Wavid
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To be honest I think Corrie is in far too much of its own world and think it needs an injection of realism.

More on location shots and fewer businesses in and around the street are what is required. Characters actually getting in a car to go to work - workplaces without people who are connected to the street. All the characters need their horizons broadening. 1989 to 1994 is the era Corrie perfected this.
Very true, although I took "it's own little world" comment to mean the off-kilter version of reality you get with Corrie, rather than the street being literally in a bubble.

I'm surprised how few people seem to know that every character living and working in the street is a recent thing, and even defend it as being just what soaps do. That kind of thinking is holding the show back.
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Old 20-08-2013, 19:57
James J
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Very true, although I took "it's own little world" comment to mean the off-kilter version of reality you get with Corrie, rather than the street being literally in a bubble.
That's exactly how I meant it. thanks.
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Old 20-08-2013, 20:17
evole
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Oh give it a rest, some of those characters needed to go, Corrie will be fine.
Hello! nice comment keep it coming.
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Old 20-08-2013, 20:21
Green Thing
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Axe Maria... Even Kirk has more relevance
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Old 20-08-2013, 23:00
boxer1988
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Some interesting ideas James. Blackburn is playing it safe. He has his reasons I'm sure but it's time to shake things up.
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Old 20-08-2013, 23:13
aplomb
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Great post OP: very interesting and thought provoking. Like most of the ideas though I might axe Jenna (just not working for me). Really sad that Brian is leaving; I did not know that. He was an excellent addition to the show.
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Old 20-08-2013, 23:17
performingmonk
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Most of the exits are of crap characters or ones who have run their course. I think there's plenty of positive things to look forward to, not least the move to the new studios and the prospect of new characters coming in (not just returnees like Liz). There's nothing to worry about.
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Old 21-08-2013, 06:42
Multimedia81
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For a few weeks I found myself fast-forwarding past scenes involving boring characters (such as the Armstrong and Windass clan) and even found some dialogue on strong storylines (such as Nick and David's car crash) a bit insipid. It has been better this past fortnight so maybe it was just the writers of a few episodes. Even so, it does not bode entirely well.

As it is, since Sturat (deliberate mis-spelling) Blackburn has moved from Emmerdale to Corrie, some of my soap interest has gone in the opposite direction!
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Old 21-08-2013, 10:08
tenchgirl
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Frankly I think its a mistake to bring back liz. I think Liz has had her day and when she takes over the rovers again ( I can see an affair with Owen) what of Stella, there will be no point to her or the price family, so I can see MC leaving as mentioned above. Dreary had a good friendship with Eileen, there in no need for Liz.

Its Bet Lynch / Julie Goodyear all over again.
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Old 21-08-2013, 10:16
ScreamingTree<3
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Hello! nice comment keep it coming.
LOL hi
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Old 21-08-2013, 10:46
JayPee86
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Always live in the comfort of the fact it shall never be as horrendous as EastEnders has become
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Old 21-08-2013, 11:31
jude007
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Always live in the comfort of the fact it shall never be as horrendous as EastEnders has become
You hope!!!

With Blackburn at the helm, it will be a rocky road for Corrie.

Will be interesting to see what it is like in 6 mths time!!
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Old 21-08-2013, 11:48
ayrshire lass
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Your idea for No.11(Eileen's), having Eileen, Jason/Maria, Todd/ Marcus and Sean all living there is stretching it a bit, not unless Sean is going to bunk up with Eileen
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Old 21-08-2013, 12:46
tuppencehapenny
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Your idea for No.11(Eileen's), having Eileen, Jason/Maria, Todd/ Marcus and Sean all living there is stretching it a bit, not unless Sean is going to bunk up with Eileen
Also very unlikely that a recently split up couple with new partners would live in the same house.
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Old 21-08-2013, 13:14
Carla-esque
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Fantastic essay

I have to agree with most (if not all) of the suggestions you've made, especially with the Barlows vs Rob/Michelle. Carla vs Michelle has never really been done before, apart from maybe in 2007/8 when they weren't getting on much. Corrie needs a revamp and a radical one, at that - but your ideas don't involve axing swathes of the cast, just new directions for all kinds of characters. This is what the programme needs, new directions.
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Old 21-08-2013, 13:14
James J
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Your idea for No.11(Eileen's), having Eileen, Jason/Maria, Todd/ Marcus and Sean all living there is stretching it a bit, not unless Sean is going to bunk up with Eileen
They wouldn't all live there, but naturally would interact a lot like the Fiz/Ches/Katy and Anna/Owen/Windass clans.

Maria and Jason would live together at Maria's while Todd, Marcus and Sean would also (eventually).

Awkward family meals... Eileen torn between Jason and Todd, having to handle Sean's bitter sniping; Maria and Marcus awkwardness; Marcus's jealousy of Jason and Maria causing problems with Todd.

Todd/Jason back in a similar situation to the Sarah Lou one, repercussions etc.

Basically, opportunities for the characters to bounce off each other.
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