Just caught the funeral episodes and have a few thoughts. I thought the episodes were fantastic, classic community Corrie with some truly terrific writing and moments. For me personally, the send-off was nearly perfect.
The Humanist speaker's speech was very moving at the beginning. She spoke of life's significance lying in what we achieve in our lifetimes, but life's permanence lying in the memories of those we leave behind. "The love and laughter that filled Hayley's life will live in the memories of her family and friends far longer than the sadness caused by her leaving," she added, and how true that is for her closest friends and family - and loyal viewers.
The acting displayed across the entire ensemble was as usual excellent. Particular mentions go to David Neilson as Roy, his struggles and his emotion pore out of his every movement and utterance, and his performance through the entire story has been world class in my opinion. As we wondered if he would speak about the suicide when he stood up, he instead made a characteristically poetic yet understated speech that had me in tears once again. "She was my constant, my comfort... my compass. Hayley was my truth," he said. "Without her," he continued, beginning to falter, "I ..."
And that was all he could manage, as Anna helped him to sit down. But it was more than enough. Truly phenomenal throughout, and the final shots as Roy quietly picked up his bag in the Rovers as the locals nostalgically and beautifully sang "Close to You", turning slowly away and quietly leaving the pub, was a scene I will never forget. Not one individual strayed from character even in the sad situation; people like Eileen reluctantly sang along, some showed emotion overtly like Julie, others very stoically like Leanne. Jennie McAlpine was - in my opinion - superb as Fiz. So believable, I really rate both Jennie and Fiz. Fiz can be very annoying but I do love her. When she spoke about meeting Roy and Hayley as a wild 16 year old, and recollecting Hayley telling her, "you've got a great sense of style, Fiz, don't let anyone tell you different," I choked up, because I know how much people take the piss out of Fiz's appearance and it's so true, she is beautiful too in her own way. That Mary smiled from the seats in the congregation at hearing this, another one so outcast for her differences, made it all the sweeter.
Another mention must go to Debbie Rush as Anna who I think is generally very good and was incredible in these episodes. Her crying in the church was so believable and devastating, but her lioness matriarch side is undeniably endearing (even if she can be really annoying and pushy sometimes). Debbie plays the protective, oft-overbearing mother with a heart of gold well - even to Roy. And I think he values her a lot.
"I'm proud of what you said today Roy," said Anna gently, sitting by his side as he stared into space, clearly listening intently, however. "I know you feel you can't exist without her but you will. It'll be hard, but you will, and she'd want you to." Words of such truth and comfort whilst simultaneously words that no one really wants to say, or perhaps even hear. But that's Anna. "Give us a shout, eh, when you've had enough," she added quickly, standing up, "and I'll take you home." Love Anna.
We saw the proceedings soften a few of the icier characters like Norris and Michelle. As Mary sat next to Roy and gave him the puzzle game to work on, and suggested they could meet up for a game if he liked - a kind gesture by a kind, similarly misunderstood lady - Norris watched from across the Rovers and smiled. No one seeing him of course, but noticing her kind deed. Then later, Mary trying to dance next to him and him turning away awkwardly; then her sadness and embarrassment and walk outside to the back. But he felt guilty, you could see it. Then the sweet little scene where he went outside and found her dancing on her own, then danced with her outside, not forgetting to put down a wrong step in true Norris fashion. All the makings of a new awkward-but-true-love couple possibly, and believable too. Hayley would have been smiling from ear to ear. Also Michelle Connor said, and I quote, "I'm such a cow, I do love you, you know," to Steve, in what has to be one of the more shocking scenes this year! I can see a likeness of early Jack and Vera in those two, as much as Michelle is seriously annoying (to the point where I want to jump into the TV and kill her sometimes) I think she could eventually grow on me if she sorts her attitude out.
Carla - where to begin. The poem she read at the funeral was just breathtaking, and the way Alison King performed it was sublime. "Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep," Carla read, clearly determined to remain strong at all costs for Hayley. "When you awaken in the morning's hush," she continued, her voice suddenly rising louder as she continued, "I AM the swift uplifting rush. Of quiet birds in circle flight; I am the soft stars that shine at night.
"Do not stand at my grave and cry," she finished, "I am not there. I did not die." Just, truly beautiful. Another stand-out Carla moment was when Peter found her crying in the backyard of the Rovers, and she wept, "I just can't believe I won't see her tomorrow in that STUPID red anaorak and that awful handbag she goes round with," breaking down in his arms.
A quick example as well of another brilliant scene with Audrey, Gail and Eileen. Their conversation in the pub was both hilarious and sad, and superbly performed by the trio.
Audrey: "She really was his one and only."
Gail: "I can't bear it."
Audrey: "Well it's better to have loved and lost."
Gail: "I sometimes wonder...."
Deirdre: "That's what life's all about isn't it? Finding love."
Eileen: "Yeah, then seeing it snatched away from you, leaving your heart a bleeding mess on the pavement."
Deirdre, Audrey are
Gail [to Deirdre]: "Exactly!"
Audrey: "Well that's the journey, isn't it? You get your broom out, clear your heart up and move on."
Gail: "Then make the same mistake again."
Deirdre: "Well, I doubt Roy will find another Hayley..."
Fabulous, and just one of the many instances of perfect dialogue in these finely written episodes. Such an overall brilliant send-off to Hayley; so respectful, so well written and acted, and so well balanced with humour and sadness. Pathos is something Corrie always strikes the best chord with for me and tonight's were among the best episodes of recent years. The storyline overall has been a slog. Absolutely phenomenal from start to end for me. That it has divided opinion is testament to it not being done in a hasty way. It has received high acclaim from such famous writers as Paul Abbott, who said the story was allowed to breath and be honest in a way other soaps should learn from; several national newspapers like the Telegraph and Guardian in addition to the usual soap-following papers; breaking a Twitter record on the night of her death; and the vast majority of fans.
The plot has raised awareness of cancer, but more and most importantly, it has raised awareness of love... of the absolutely tremendous relationship of Roy and Hayley Cropper, truly for me one of the best love stories I have experienced in fiction. I have had the honour of charting the Croppers in my daily life for 15 years at 7.30pm or so through the week. As a loyal, long-term viewer, I am grateful to the show. The touches and harks to the past are treats for the fans who watch religiously. It is not a surprise causal viewers struggle to 'get into Corrie' because you need to invest in the characters and their lives. When you do, it really is so satisfying to see things play out over years and decades. This relationship changed the law in the early 2000s regarding transexuals, and has caused a healthy discussion across the country about the right to die, as indicated by the press coverage and things like GoggleBox's featuring of the storyline.
Hayley Cropper changed soap forever, and even helped push along the times. She represented all that we should stand for as a human race, on and off screen. Quite something. Without question a soap legend, one who will be revered in the Corrie history books, and its audience's hearts, for decades to come. We have endured around half a year of Hayley's story coming to a sad end, but we have experienced not only raw, brutal sadness, but heartwarming, soul-lifting moments like the Croppers dancing in Blackpool and strolling across the pier, paddling in the sea and riding the busses; and the snow couple and wonderful Christmas. Many of us have taken the pair of them into our hearts over years. We have respectfully said goodbye - even to fictional characters - because, as the speaker said, so truly, at the start of the ep, "death is a very personal matter for those who know it in someone close to them." We all know death from our own 'real' lives. This was just so sublimely done as a love story, over so many years, and a goodbye, over the last few months... that it felt real, that this death storyline. It reminded me of my own losses and that process. Very wrenching, at times tough but so cathartic, really. Hats off to all involved. I love Corrie for having the ability to play such powerful character-led stories over many years and this denouement to the Cropper's marriage was up there with the best conclusions to a story arc I have seen in soap; just such a testament to the faithful, 15 year relationship on screen.
"What a woman," said Carla as the episode came to a close, raising a glass to the pub, and speaking for both the characters and the show's viewers. "We will miss you. Hayley Cropper, everybody."
The Humanist speaker's speech was very moving at the beginning. She spoke of life's significance lying in what we achieve in our lifetimes, but life's permanence lying in the memories of those we leave behind. "The love and laughter that filled Hayley's life will live in the memories of her family and friends far longer than the sadness caused by her leaving," she added, and how true that is for her closest friends and family - and loyal viewers.
The acting displayed across the entire ensemble was as usual excellent. Particular mentions go to David Neilson as Roy, his struggles and his emotion pore out of his every movement and utterance, and his performance through the entire story has been world class in my opinion. As we wondered if he would speak about the suicide when he stood up, he instead made a characteristically poetic yet understated speech that had me in tears once again. "She was my constant, my comfort... my compass. Hayley was my truth," he said. "Without her," he continued, beginning to falter, "I ..."
And that was all he could manage, as Anna helped him to sit down. But it was more than enough. Truly phenomenal throughout, and the final shots as Roy quietly picked up his bag in the Rovers as the locals nostalgically and beautifully sang "Close to You", turning slowly away and quietly leaving the pub, was a scene I will never forget. Not one individual strayed from character even in the sad situation; people like Eileen reluctantly sang along, some showed emotion overtly like Julie, others very stoically like Leanne. Jennie McAlpine was - in my opinion - superb as Fiz. So believable, I really rate both Jennie and Fiz. Fiz can be very annoying but I do love her. When she spoke about meeting Roy and Hayley as a wild 16 year old, and recollecting Hayley telling her, "you've got a great sense of style, Fiz, don't let anyone tell you different," I choked up, because I know how much people take the piss out of Fiz's appearance and it's so true, she is beautiful too in her own way. That Mary smiled from the seats in the congregation at hearing this, another one so outcast for her differences, made it all the sweeter.
Another mention must go to Debbie Rush as Anna who I think is generally very good and was incredible in these episodes. Her crying in the church was so believable and devastating, but her lioness matriarch side is undeniably endearing (even if she can be really annoying and pushy sometimes). Debbie plays the protective, oft-overbearing mother with a heart of gold well - even to Roy. And I think he values her a lot.
"I'm proud of what you said today Roy," said Anna gently, sitting by his side as he stared into space, clearly listening intently, however. "I know you feel you can't exist without her but you will. It'll be hard, but you will, and she'd want you to." Words of such truth and comfort whilst simultaneously words that no one really wants to say, or perhaps even hear. But that's Anna. "Give us a shout, eh, when you've had enough," she added quickly, standing up, "and I'll take you home." Love Anna.
We saw the proceedings soften a few of the icier characters like Norris and Michelle. As Mary sat next to Roy and gave him the puzzle game to work on, and suggested they could meet up for a game if he liked - a kind gesture by a kind, similarly misunderstood lady - Norris watched from across the Rovers and smiled. No one seeing him of course, but noticing her kind deed. Then later, Mary trying to dance next to him and him turning away awkwardly; then her sadness and embarrassment and walk outside to the back. But he felt guilty, you could see it. Then the sweet little scene where he went outside and found her dancing on her own, then danced with her outside, not forgetting to put down a wrong step in true Norris fashion. All the makings of a new awkward-but-true-love couple possibly, and believable too. Hayley would have been smiling from ear to ear. Also Michelle Connor said, and I quote, "I'm such a cow, I do love you, you know," to Steve, in what has to be one of the more shocking scenes this year! I can see a likeness of early Jack and Vera in those two, as much as Michelle is seriously annoying (to the point where I want to jump into the TV and kill her sometimes) I think she could eventually grow on me if she sorts her attitude out.
Carla - where to begin. The poem she read at the funeral was just breathtaking, and the way Alison King performed it was sublime. "Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep," Carla read, clearly determined to remain strong at all costs for Hayley. "When you awaken in the morning's hush," she continued, her voice suddenly rising louder as she continued, "I AM the swift uplifting rush. Of quiet birds in circle flight; I am the soft stars that shine at night.
"Do not stand at my grave and cry," she finished, "I am not there. I did not die." Just, truly beautiful. Another stand-out Carla moment was when Peter found her crying in the backyard of the Rovers, and she wept, "I just can't believe I won't see her tomorrow in that STUPID red anaorak and that awful handbag she goes round with," breaking down in his arms.
A quick example as well of another brilliant scene with Audrey, Gail and Eileen. Their conversation in the pub was both hilarious and sad, and superbly performed by the trio.
Audrey: "She really was his one and only."
Gail: "I can't bear it."
Audrey: "Well it's better to have loved and lost."
Gail: "I sometimes wonder...."
Deirdre: "That's what life's all about isn't it? Finding love."
Eileen: "Yeah, then seeing it snatched away from you, leaving your heart a bleeding mess on the pavement."
Deirdre, Audrey are
Gail [to Deirdre]: "Exactly!"
Audrey: "Well that's the journey, isn't it? You get your broom out, clear your heart up and move on."
Gail: "Then make the same mistake again."
Deirdre: "Well, I doubt Roy will find another Hayley..."
Fabulous, and just one of the many instances of perfect dialogue in these finely written episodes. Such an overall brilliant send-off to Hayley; so respectful, so well written and acted, and so well balanced with humour and sadness. Pathos is something Corrie always strikes the best chord with for me and tonight's were among the best episodes of recent years. The storyline overall has been a slog. Absolutely phenomenal from start to end for me. That it has divided opinion is testament to it not being done in a hasty way. It has received high acclaim from such famous writers as Paul Abbott, who said the story was allowed to breath and be honest in a way other soaps should learn from; several national newspapers like the Telegraph and Guardian in addition to the usual soap-following papers; breaking a Twitter record on the night of her death; and the vast majority of fans.
The plot has raised awareness of cancer, but more and most importantly, it has raised awareness of love... of the absolutely tremendous relationship of Roy and Hayley Cropper, truly for me one of the best love stories I have experienced in fiction. I have had the honour of charting the Croppers in my daily life for 15 years at 7.30pm or so through the week. As a loyal, long-term viewer, I am grateful to the show. The touches and harks to the past are treats for the fans who watch religiously. It is not a surprise causal viewers struggle to 'get into Corrie' because you need to invest in the characters and their lives. When you do, it really is so satisfying to see things play out over years and decades. This relationship changed the law in the early 2000s regarding transexuals, and has caused a healthy discussion across the country about the right to die, as indicated by the press coverage and things like GoggleBox's featuring of the storyline.
Hayley Cropper changed soap forever, and even helped push along the times. She represented all that we should stand for as a human race, on and off screen. Quite something. Without question a soap legend, one who will be revered in the Corrie history books, and its audience's hearts, for decades to come. We have endured around half a year of Hayley's story coming to a sad end, but we have experienced not only raw, brutal sadness, but heartwarming, soul-lifting moments like the Croppers dancing in Blackpool and strolling across the pier, paddling in the sea and riding the busses; and the snow couple and wonderful Christmas. Many of us have taken the pair of them into our hearts over years. We have respectfully said goodbye - even to fictional characters - because, as the speaker said, so truly, at the start of the ep, "death is a very personal matter for those who know it in someone close to them." We all know death from our own 'real' lives. This was just so sublimely done as a love story, over so many years, and a goodbye, over the last few months... that it felt real, that this death storyline. It reminded me of my own losses and that process. Very wrenching, at times tough but so cathartic, really. Hats off to all involved. I love Corrie for having the ability to play such powerful character-led stories over many years and this denouement to the Cropper's marriage was up there with the best conclusions to a story arc I have seen in soap; just such a testament to the faithful, 15 year relationship on screen.
"What a woman," said Carla as the episode came to a close, raising a glass to the pub, and speaking for both the characters and the show's viewers. "We will miss you. Hayley Cropper, everybody."
