Hmmm well then
I think that CCTV needs some serious studying. I think there are a lot of clues in it. But you know, what stood out for me was Phil's reaction! Was that... guilt in his eyes? It certainly seemed that way when he was looking at Ian. Not that I think Phil's the killer, no. I think his cousin is. Anyone spot that blond haired woman exit after Lucy? It ain't a Carter, that's one thing I will say. The only one capable of murder is Babe I think, and that would just be an anti-climax.
Adam Woodyatt, as always, played a blinder tonight, as did the always impressive Ben Hardy as Peter. Sharon being there, and dragging Phil along, if for nothing story related, was a nice touch. Anything to spoil the Beale stuff then? Thehehe you guessed it:
Lauren to Whitney: It's not like I'm trying to steal her boyfriend.
Audience: Yes it is.
Lauren to Whitney: I just wanted to provide some support.
Audience: Pull the other one.
Lauren may look like she's got good intentions, but her primary goal is Peter. Yes, she feels for him. Yes, she also mourns Lucy. But, ultimately, that girl only ever has one thing on her mind. Remind me why we are supposed to like her again?
This whole prostitute thing, I think, is the beginning of what will be the end for Mick and Linda. After 8 months of presenting a loving, caring couple, slowly revealing that everything is clearly not all rosy, it's finally coming apart. The writers really have played a blinder here. THIS is how you do a long, slow burning storyline. Not killing off a character nobody really cared about to begin with, then covering up the fact that it's already dragging with crying Ian. Not having Jac Jossa shouting and waving her arms about acting drunk every couple of weeks for a year (not to mention making Lauren ridiculously unlikable), then treat her alcoholism as a big shock when it finally comes out. No.
They've given us a couple we actually really care about, as we've seen them, how they interact with their kids and with others, and their strong bond. We've also had hints that things ain't so good - they've lied to their kids about their marriage, Mick has constantly put Shirl and Tina's needs before Linda's all year, and, you know, I think Mick's cheated in the past. I got that impression months ago, when Linda had that weird reaction to his being nice to Sadie. Don't get me wrong, I think it was when he was very young and probably was a bit of a hot head (a little like Lee is now), and I think it's something he always regretted, but I also think it's something Linda never forgot. My point is it's been very well done and very well planned. And now, slowly, we will see them fall apart. Which is an example of what EE does best - make it's characters miserable as hell. And you know - I'm in no rush here. I'm happy to go along for the ride.
Despite what she's done to Mick, Cora is fast becoming one of my favourite characters. I've always been indifferent towards her tbh. But under DTC, she's really started to shine, and Ann Mitchell's performance is always top notch, especially when partnered with Timothy West. You're not supposed to like Cora, but she owns what she's done in the past, and deals with it by drinking her sorrows away. You saw this on Friday, when Rainie admitted she needed help, and Cora simply gave her money to get her next fix. To keep her off the street, yes, but also because Cora simply hasn't the strength to actually help her, believing it fruitless. Instead, she gives her an easy fix, and keeps a tenner to go and drown her sorrows. By all rights we should hate this character, but for some reason, I'm actually growing to be quite fascinated by her. Again, this is as much down to the acting as it is the writing. Given some good material to work with, and not being forced to be a manufactured matriarch, Ann Mitchell is stepping up to the plate.
Alfie in the Caff. Good fit.
OK episode.