Wow, what a great episode of Corrie we were treated to tonight. The script was spot on, with many glorious references to the past- Mike Baldwin, Wendy Crozier, Jon Lindsay, Fred Elliott etc. The difference was that we had a proper focus on the Deirdre storyline and no silly switching to tedious scenes involving Camp Callum and Bethany. Tonight was a proper tribute to the legend herself and an absolute pleasure to watch.

Peter's comeback was suitably dramatic and having him arrive back in the midst of a blazing row at the Barlows was most fitting. His sparring with Tracy was powerful stuff, with Gascoyne, Ford and Roache (surprisingly) putting in stellar performances.

The script tonight- not sure who wrote it- was head and shoulders above some of the dirge we have been forced to endure over the past number of months. The scenes at the Barlows were suitably dramatic- that front room really has seen some of the show's most treasured scenes over the decades. I loved the reconciliation scene between Bev and Audrey and refreshing to see some continuity there with their love for Fred and the drama of his final hours.

Tonight's episode was near flawless in terms of writing, acting and pace. Everything- as it should have done- revolved around an iconic character who will be sorely missed by all and that proved the difference. If we had this standard with every episode, the show would be in another golden age.

Yes tonight felt different to all the other episodes - more like proper corrie.

Couldn't agree more. The scenes with Ken, Tracy and Peter were excellent. Well done Corrie.

Night night Deirdre.

Brilliant episode. Audrey with an actual storyline!

Best episode this year,

Peter knew exactly where to hit Tracey.

Amy.

Really, really enjoyed that. The episode I hoped for -- a strong focus on the Barlows, dishing out some home truths and reminiscing Deirdre. The scenes with Bev/Audrey weren't bad either, or in the Rovers for that matter. A nice balance.

Even if I don't buy Tracy changing her ways for one minute.

Tonight had everything I had hoped for in the actual funeral episodes. Peter and Tracy's home truths were my particular highlight

It was SO much better than the dirge we've been served up of late. Loved all of the references to past characters and events. It was also nice to see Peter back. I hadn't realised I'd missed him until he popped back into the Barlows.

Absolutely, positively.

It's still in there. They can still do it.

This episode was simple and straightforward. It had all the hallmarks of what makes coronation street phenomenal.

Well done to everyone. Let's just hope that they can keep it up.

Excellent acting from Kate Ford! Very realistic - Well done!

Chris Fewtrell wrote the episode and I believe he's written tomorrow's too. He wrote some of Tram Crash Week, Lewis' exit, Hayley's death and the Blackpool episode/Lily's christening hour special to name a few.

I'm looking forward to catching up later.

Agreed. Nice touch with Deirdre's photo too

Agree 100%. No daft affairs or sensationalised stunts. This was compelling and focused character-driven drama with strong writing and reverence for a classic character in the form of Deirdre and all her wonderful quirks.

The past week has been a strange one in some ways. A lot of forum members have been disappointed overall with the tribute to Deirdre and whilst the quality of episodes hasn't been consistent- largely due to scenes that didn't involve Deirdre's death and that daft scene with the wind blowing in the Rovers' door- there have been some brilliant touches in places:
- Ken's beautifully written eulogy
- Tracy reading Deirdre's letter
- The singing of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' at the funeral
- Roy talking about how he first met Deirdre
- Carla's line in the Rovers about her being a woman's woman
- Emily breaking down in the Rovers upon hearing the news

Good episode tonight. No Callum/Sarah/Bethany crap. Loved seeing Peter back, the scene with Bev and Audrey in the bathroom (and mentioning Fred).

Sometimes I wonder if Corrie need to cut down on the episodes each week.

I was disappointed with the wake on Monday, thinking that was it, but totally ate my words tonight.

Really, this should have been shown on Monday with the funeral episodes. We've had three on one night before.

Spot on there. By a country mile.

Tonight Corrie got its mojo back.

It really was classic Corrie and a sign that when the show gets it right, there are few that can touch it. Tonight's episode drew on its rich history and, refreshingly, Deirdre's eventful history with men- Mike, Samir, Jon Lindsey and Lewis- all classic storylines. There were even more subtle references when Bev remarked on the toilets, Audrey mentioned how they had been refurbished after the fire in 2013 and Bev then mentioned Dev losing Sunita.

Agree 100%.

You only have to look at the cast as well. What other show in the world has so many long serving characters? The way they all sat down and spoke in the Rovers was so realistic and well written. The scenes in the Barlows were also great! Fantastic episode.

Some of my favorite episodes of the past few years as well.

I hope he has written the next one, as tonight was such an improvement on Monday and before that.

Take note, Blackburn. This is the calibre of show that we want. Tonight's offering was classic Corrie- drama, humour and most importantly, heart. Under Blackburn there are only three episodes that stand out as being flawless: the Blackpool special with Roy and Hayley/ Platt christening revelation, Rob confessing to Carla that he murdered Tina and tonight's.

Definitely agree with this. Corrie proving that it can still produce a well written episode when it wants to. Saying that though, I think there's been an improvement from Friday onwards. The church 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' scene as mentioned above was something far more memorable than anything from Blanche or Betty's funerals for instance. Great use of continuity tonight also. The last few episodes, particularly tonight's, have felt like watching an episode of Corrie again rather than a poor imitation.

Best episode in years in my opinion. I've long held the opinion that Chris Fewtrell was the best writer Corrie have, a natural successor to the wonderful Peter Whalley. The entire script was gold.

Truly tremendous episode, showcasing everything we love about the show. We need more episodes in the same slow character-led tone.

Have to say that bringing Bev back worked brilliantly in this story as it not only brought realism to matters, but also signalled an end to her unresolved differences with Audrey. The only minor quibble I have is that we didn't get any reference to Shelley, even if it was just another character asking, in passing, how she was doing.

I really don't know why Corrie don't have more episodes that focus solely on one storyline (outwith the obvious 'event' ones like the tram crash, the Rovers fire and the Victoria Court fire). On the rare occasion that they do them, the results speak for themselves:
- The two handers (Richard and Gail; Curley and Raquel; Deirdre and Tracy)
- The aftermath episode of Carla's rape
- the one from late 2011 that revolved completely around Peter and his struggle with alcohol

Totally agree. Loved it. Just goes to show the difference a good script can make. Though Trace's moment of self-realisation would have meant more if she had been exposed as the twisted fire-starter already.

Have to say I disagree there. Corrie have become too predictable in stretching out their stories over the double and triple bills, particularly since the addition of the Friday doubles. It was nice to see a story naturally follow on and make use of a Wednesday episode, rather than just drawing it out for cliffhanger's sake.