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What do you think of Kate Oates' work so far?


View Poll Results: Verdict on Kate Oates' work so far
Loving It 44 21.05%
So-so 69 33.01%
Not impressed so far 96 45.93%
Voters: 209. You can't vote on this poll right now - are you signed in?

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Old 31-08-2016, 19:10
boogie woogie
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Tis is true. But doubt anyone will notice, the same thing will be repeated over and over. In three years people will be looking to her successor as the saviour.
There is no way that Oates could possibly be worse than Blackburn- probably the worst producer in the show's history.
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Old 31-08-2016, 20:13
H of De Vil
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There is no way that Oates could possibly be worse than Blackburn- probably the worst producer in the show's history.
Watching the current drivel, shes giving it a damn good try.

But what's playing out on screen feels just like Blackburn nonsense.
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Old 31-08-2016, 20:14
sorcha_healy27
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There is no way that Oates could possibly be worse than Blackburn- probably the worst producer in the show's history.
Oates was Blackburn's protégé at Emmerdale
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Old 31-08-2016, 20:18
callumfreeman
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There is no way that Oates could possibly be worse than Blackburn- probably the worst producer in the show's history.
Doesn't mean she is any better.

At least now we know the rumour that was floating around here about her destroying crap scripts is false, unless she thinks that nonsense at the factory qualifies as great writing.
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Old 31-08-2016, 20:31
boogie woogie
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Tonight's episode was quite dull and pedestrian. The main issue was what played out: Caz is played by such a poor actress that it is hard to muster up any form of enthusiasm for this storyline so far. I like the fact that Samia Smith has been getting a lot more to do over the past number of weeks, but so far this plot hasn't really ignited so far. I also found the factory scenes quite pathetic. This is a group of working-class women, many of whom are supposed to struggle for money- yet we see them walk out over the fact that they got caught watching a film? Nonsensical. Furthermore, have Fiz's money troubles suddenly vanished? It was only a few months ago we saw her and Tyrone on their knees, yet now she's happy to flounce out of her job and go drinking in the pub instead? Poor continuity and writing.
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Old 31-08-2016, 20:38
H of De Vil
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Don't the factory girls strike almost once a month now?

That business really needs a clearout, infact what I think it really needs is to bulldozed.....
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Old 31-08-2016, 21:46
boogie woogie
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Don't the factory girls strike almost once a month now?

That business really needs a clearout, infact what I think it really needs is to bulldozed.....
In the real world a backstreet factory like that would be long gone by now. There are a lot of things on Corrie that are in need of a shake-up to move with the times and the factory is one of the them. I don't want Oates to play it safe. Let's see the factory close down and the employees actually struggle to find work. Dev's corner shop is a thing of the past, let's see a Freshco's Extra take it over.
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Old 31-08-2016, 21:59
James_Langan
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Just intrigued to see what the current consensus out there is.
When you include axed in the poll I'll vote.
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Old 31-08-2016, 22:34
boogie woogie
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I really hope that she brings some much-needed shocks and surprises to the show. There have already been two major missed opportunities with the reveal of Steve as Leanne's baby's dad and Kylie's murder. Other soaps have responded to the audience's desire to expect the unexpected with some corking twists over the years. Corrie, on the other hand, have always insisted on spoiling absolutely everything which has almost certainly contributed to tumbling ratings.
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Old 10-09-2016, 12:05
boogie woogie
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Most of this week has been poor I have to say, but there were some bright spots last night. It was extremely satisfying to see a return to David's dark side as he continues to struggle with Kylie's death. It was great seeing bully Lauren get her comeuppance when he hacked her hair off (first time we've actually seen hair being cut, as opposed to Audreh and Maria's air clipping!) and issued her with a very stern warning about leaving Bethany alone. Despite some excellent acting from Lucy Fallon, the writing for the bullying storyline has been very poor and full of holes- Bethany would have had an avalanche of social media and text evidence of Lauren's taunts, yet this was never mentioned when they met with the head.

The show is always at its strongest these days when it has the Platts at the forefront and the scenes between a concerned Gail and vengeance-fuelled David were excellent, particularly the reference to Brian and David not being hesitant in reminding Gail about her dead husband's philandering ways in nightclubs. Jack P Shepherd was the highlight last night and I'm looking forward to seeing him go all amateur vigilante in his pursuit of justice for Kylie. Speaking of the Platts, has anyone noticed that chemistry between Gary and Sarah? Given Bethany's attraction to Gary, it'll be interesting to see how this plays out if they choose to go down that route.

Whilst I still remain unimpressed by Oates' reign so far and not really seeing that same spark and excitement that she brought to Emmerdale, I haven't abandoned hope. With Steve and Leanne's baby storyline, thankfully, being put on the back burner for a bit, hopefully we'll start to see more airtime given to dark David and Phelan's scam. For me, there's been too many relationship-based drama- let's see more variety!

Currently enjoying:
The development of Todd and Billy's relationship
Phelan and Vinny continuing to scam Eileen
Return to David's dark side

Not fussed about:
Steve and Leanne's baby (that confrontation between gurning Steve and Nick was laughable and totally devoid of any kind of tension. Also, do we have to have Liz shrieking about it every five seconds?)
Sharif being a love cheat- I just don't buy it
Aidan and Eva's relationship: I normally love her character but it feels like he's dragging her down. She had far more chemistry with Jason.
Chaz becoming obsessed with Maria. Rhea Bailey is such a poor actress that I just can't invest in this at all.

Hating:
Liz kicking off every five seconds about her unborn grandchild
Sean's jealousy of Todd and Billy. Axe him, Oates!
Steve's gurning: Simon Gregson's performance in his latest storyline has been farcical. I just can't take him seriously any more.
That nonsense we had with the factory lot. Hope that's an end to it.
Aidan and Robert: they've become non-entities for me.

Jury's out on:
Craig finding out about his dad and the upcoming reveal of Beth's secret. Colson Smith is a very likeable young performer but it will depend on how dramatic Beth's secret is that will define how decent this storyline will be.
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Old 24-09-2016, 10:17
boogie woogie
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Quite a mundane double bill last night it must be said, but I am glad to see Roy remembering Hayley as his relationship with Cathy develops further. I loved the dialogue-free scene we had a little while back where Roy sitting on their bed, recalling all their memories together, as well as the moment of her death.

I've found Cathy strangely intolerable over the past week or so, with the surprise reveal about Alex's parentage. I've really struggled to muster up any sympathy for her and I'm not finding her a nuisance in the cafe. The scenes of her realising the truth felt strangely flat and devoid of any kind of emotion.

Todd, on the other hand, is continuing to flourish under Oates as he has now joined forces with the dastardly Phelan (another character I'm really enjoying). We're not just seeing the hardened and cruel Todd who returned from London a few years ago, but clearly someone who has a moral compass (of sorts) now that he sees Phelan preying on the vulnerable like Alex. His break-up scene with Billy was also well-written as we could clearly see how much he has fallen for him, but is also determined to lash out by returning to his selfish ways. He is quite possibly the most complex character on the show right now as we see him conspiring with Vinny and Phelan, yet still question how much of an allegiance he truly has with these crooks. With Sarah now close to falling victim to the scam, it'll be interesting to see how all of this plays out. The flat scam plot is definitely the best storyline on the go right now.

Whilst some storylines continue to leave me cold- Sharif as a love cheat continues to be a ridiculous retcon- there is a sense of the cast being used much better than they were under Blackburn. It's good to see certain plots go on the back-burner and allow others to develop- I'm currently enjoying the break from Leanne's baby secret.
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Old 24-09-2016, 10:33
vaslav37
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Well the deadwood is still there...

Sean, Izzy, Dev, Maria, Chesney etc.
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Old 24-09-2016, 10:40
boogie woogie
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Well the deadwood is still there...

Sean, Izzy, Dev, Maria, Chesney etc.
Maria is going nowhere. Oates seems to adore her character.

Has Chesney ever been more pointless? Him and Sinead are insufferable to watch and with his son no longer around, he has even less of a purpose now. What was that random scene of him scintillating everyone with his stories from the kebab shop? Was it actually meant to be humorous?
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Old 24-09-2016, 10:44
KornerKabin
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Oates, like Blackburn and Collinson before her, is effectively tied and gagged by the Serene Leader himself, Kieran Roberts.

What exactly has changed in Corrie since Oates started? Nothing. She is unable to do anything with Corrie because KR will not let her. The best news we've had is the return of Peter, Adam, Daniel and Toyah (Toyah is a dream return for many viewers but is the show in good enough health to make her return a success?) Away from that, we have the same old characters with no sign of any departures to make space for the returnees, the same old set and the same old contrived storylines and dull and unimaginative methods of production. We've even had Christmas spoilers released a couple of days ago.

The role of Corrie producer is little more than that of an impotent puppet of Roberts and will remain so until he leaves.
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Old 24-09-2016, 11:26
boogie woogie
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Oates, like Blackburn and Collinson before her, is effectively tied and gagged by the Serene Leader himself, Kieran Roberts.

What exactly has changed in Corrie since Oates started? Nothing. She is unable to do anything with Corrie because KR will not let her. The best news we've had is the return of Peter, Adam, Daniel and Toyah (Toyah is a dream return for many viewers but is the show in good enough health to make her return a success?) Away from that, we have the same old characters with no sign of any departures to make space for the returnees, the same old set and the same old contrived storylines and dull and unimaginative methods of production. We've even had Christmas spoilers released a couple of days ago.

The role of Corrie producer is little more than that of an impotent puppet of Roberts and will remain so until he leaves.
KornerKabin, I think you're absolutely right. It's become increasingly apparent that Kieran Roberts, as exec producer, is holding the show back. If only we had someone like Daran Little in that position, who was an amazing writer for the show, then we would undoubtedly see change. Oates seemed to have a lot of creative freedom at Emmerdale. But we're just not seeing that same spark or energy at Corrie, that many of us thought we would see. Returning the Barlows to the forefront of the show with those returnees and bringing back Toyah Battersby are excellent moves, but we still have to see how these are executed. With regard to your point about Toyah, I think it can work. Bringing back Jenny Bradley was an (unusually) excellent move by Blackburn and even though his tenure was terrible overall, Jenny's return worked really well. I am hoping the same will be the case for Toyah, but please let's not stick her working behind the bar at the Rovers, sewing knickers or serving tea. Toyah was someone who was determined to transcend her background and make something of her life. Let's see a successful career woman, please!
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Old 24-09-2016, 11:34
KornerKabin
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KornerKabin, I think you're absolutely right. It's become increasingly apparent that Kieran Roberts, as exec producer, is holding the show back. If only we had someone like Daran Little in that position, who was an amazing writer for the show, then we would undoubtedly see change. Oates seemed to have a lot of creative freedom at Emmerdale. But we're just not seeing that same spark or energy at Corrie, that many of us thought we would see. Returning the Barlows to the forefront of the show with those returnees and bringing back Toyah Battersby are excellent moves, but we still have to see how these are executed. With regard to your point about Toyah, I think it can work. Bringing back Jenny Bradley was an (unusually) excellent move by Blackburn and even though his tenure was terrible overall, Jenny's return worked really well. I am hoping the same will be the case for Toyah, but please let's not stick her working behind the bar at the Rovers, sewing knickers or serving tea. Toyah was someone who was determined to transcend her background and make something of her life. Let's see a successful career woman, please!
Thanks boogie. I absolutely agree with you. You're right that Jenny Bradley's returned worked marvellously and was very much 'against the odds', I just hope and pray that they do the same with Toyah. She must come back as a successful woman who is highly educated, worldly wise and has a stable and focused career. The second a situation is contrived for her to end up working behind the bar of the Rovers or in the kebab shop then the character is ruined.

As for who's in charge of the show, you are absolutely right that Daran Little needs to be brought in in the capacity of sole Executive Producer with nobody above him interfering in the day-to-day running of the show. He should take on a role similar to the likes of Bill Podmore, David Liddiment and Brian Park have done in the past. I posted this on another thread about Kieran Roberts and Corrie's management structures last week, it might be of interest to you:

Originally Posted by KornerKabin
Just to clarify for some FMs who have asked, in terms of the Coronation Street management structure, the Producer (Blackburn, Oates, Collinson) is responsible for the day-to-day running of the show. The Executive Producer (Kieran Roberts) is more 'hands off' and has a strategic and overarching view of the show. KR is ultimately responsible for the 'feel' of Coronation Street, its general direction as well as being the main link with the ITV network and its senior management. The demands of the ITV network come to Corrie via KR. Expectedly, since he has executive power, he has the final say in whatever we see on screen and can choose whether he gets involved with a certain aspect of production or not.

In an ideal world, the EP would take a back seat and allow the Producer to get on with the task of running the show, only getting involved should serious issues arise that require an 'executive' decision. This is standard practice in most management structures across the world. However, in my opinion, KR is the worst kind of micro-manager. He gives his subordinate (the Producer) "total" independence and "freedom" to run the show as they wish, but then meddles, questions and imposes his own views during every step of the production process. James J puts KR's general approach to the show so nicely: KR is the one who decides "that's how Corrie should be". And that is the problem.

It is interesting to note that Corrie hasn't always had an Executive Producer. It's a job role that appears and disappears with different personalities. It's also interesting that during the biggest periods of change (1964, 1976, 1989, 1997) there has been no EP or the EP has taken over the day-to-day running of the show. In the case of David Liddiment in 1989, he used the EP position to directly influence much of the day-to-day work the producer (Mervyn Watson) carried out. Liddiment brought Corrie out of its late 80s stupor by radically redeveloping the set to include new homes and businesses, introducing changes to production that improved the look and pace of the show and worked to introduce the third weekly episode. During Brian Park's tenure, there was no EP, giving him the freedom to do as he wished, axing many characters, introducing newcomers and generally bringing Corrie kicking and screaming into the late 90s period. The same pattern goes for Tim Aspinall's 1964 'blood bath' and Bill Podmore's arrival in 1976 which heralded what many consider to be Corrie's Golden Era.

Bill Podmore is an interesting comparison, because, like KR, he stayed around for many years, over a period that was marked by dizzying success and painful failure. From 1976 through to 1984, he was lauded as the man who had saved Corrie from its early 70s rut of low ratings, cheap production values, naff storylines and a loss of realism. A few years into Podmore's producer-ship, ratings were higher than ever and the show gained critical and public acclaim. However, with the arrival of Brookside and EastEnders and the loss of the core members of the original cast (Ena, Elsie, Annie and others) by 1985 Corrie entered a period of slow and gradual decline. In spite of the issues, Podmore stayed in his powerful role until 1989 when he finally retired and Liddiment was brought in to bring the show up to date. The man who had radically changed the show in 1976 was also the man who brought about the show's deterioration a decade later. Sound familiar?
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Old 24-09-2016, 11:46
Cool_mate
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What do I think of her work so far?

I can't vote on this. I think it's total shit and ITV should axe her big time. Check out this article where it says she's been brought in to save Coronation street! The article even calls her a saviour!

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/c...-oates-6473337

yeah right! save it? She's destroying it!

I really don't get ppl who say coronation street was worse than ever under the last boss. And ppl saying it was shit in 2015 I thought the show was good last yr, all yr round was good IMPO. I thought Carlas flat fire was pretty shit tho. But the rest was good! I liked the Callum/Platt story and never got bored of it and there was some other decent plots and funny scenes. But the best yr I ever seen for the show? 2013. It was amazing in 2013

The last boss wasn't bad at all. I enjoyed Coro when he was there, ok maybe not 2014 so much, that was kinda bad (Tina was soooo overused!) but 2013, 2015 and this yr til Kate Oates took over? Loved it!
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Old 24-09-2016, 11:52
skteosk
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I find it slightly hilarious that people who were quick to blame Blackburn for everything can't face up to the fact that Kate Oates is a useless producer who ruined Emmerdale with her "creative freedom" and obsession with bad boys (Todd going back to being an antagonist out of nowhere seems very Kate Oates) and are instead now insisting it's all Kieran Roberts' fault and talking as if they have some special insight into the way the show's run and what Kate Oates would do if she was allowed to. She seems to be stuffing up characters left, right and centre (the appalling retcon of Sharif's character, Cathy being given a meaningless revelation and suddenly being unlikable, Beth turned into a bigamist because drama). Not sure about the chances of Toyah being a professional woman or indeed the likelihood. If they can't get her into one of the main locations, then they're going to struggle to involve her in storylines. Putting her in the Rovers or linking her up with Roy again would be nostalgic. The alternative is her heading off to some job where we never see her while only appearing at home with Leanne or as a customer in the Rovers or wandering the street looking for someone to bump into.
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Old 24-09-2016, 12:07
KornerKabin
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I find it slightly hilarious that people who were quick to blame Blackburn for everything can't face up to the fact that Kate Oates is a useless producer who ruined Emmerdale with her "creative freedom" and obsession with bad boys (Todd going back to being an antagonist out of nowhere seems very Kate Oates) and are instead now insisting it's all Kieran Roberts' fault and talking as if they have some special insight into the way the show's run and what Kate Oates would do if she was allowed to. She seems to be stuffing up characters left, right and centre (the appalling retcon of Sharif's character, Cathy being given a meaningless revelation and suddenly being unlikable, Beth turned into a bigamist because drama). Not sure about the chances of Toyah being a professional woman or indeed the likelihood. If they can't get her into one of the main locations, then they're going to struggle to involve her in storylines. Putting her in the Rovers or linking her up with Roy again would be nostalgic. The alternative is her heading off to some job where we never see her while only appearing at home with Leanne or as a customer in the Rovers or wandering the street looking for someone to bump into.
I assume this is directed at me? It's a shame that you opted to make generalised, sniping comments rather than engaging in a discussion with me (or others) directly.

For reference, I have commented on Kieran Roberts's influence on Corrie for years, long before Blackburn was in post never mind Oates and I know that other FMs have done the same. Others are just starting to realise the impact that one powerful individual has on the show.

Nowhere in my posts do I make the direct connection between Kate Oates and Kieran Roberts. I have no opinion on Kate Oates. I speak in general terms about how I perceive Corrie's management structure to be working. While I agree that the foundation of my views lacks rigour (it is just speculation and I apologise if I have presented any of it as fact) these views are not just something I've made up myself in the comfort of my bedroom. My views on Kieran Roberts are based around some evidence, particularly interviews I have seen and read. The main message in these interviews is that KR is the person who, time and again, pushes the agenda of Corrie being kept in some nostalgic time warp. He consistently makes claims that Corrie should 'feel' and 'look' a certain way. It is this that is damaging the show, in my opinion. I have also drawn what I believe to be a useful comparison between former Corrie producer, Bill Podmore and KR to demonstrate that someone who can have a hugely positive impact on the show at one stage of a career can be equally as damaging as time progresses, especially after being in that role for more than a decade.

Ironically, while you're quick to make negative comments about those questioning Kieran Roberts's position and influence, you're quite happy to present your own views from an anti-Kate Oates standpoint while providing 'evidence' that is just as subjective as anything the rest of us have offered.
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Old 24-09-2016, 12:16
MR_Pitkin
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Based on last nights shite, do you really need to ask?
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Old 24-09-2016, 12:21
vaslav37
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Oates, like Blackburn and Collinson before her, is effectively tied and gagged by the Serene Leader himself, Kieran Roberts.

What exactly has changed in Corrie since Oates started? Nothing. She is unable to do anything with Corrie because KR will not let her. The best news we've had is the return of Peter, Adam, Daniel and Toyah (Toyah is a dream return for many viewers but is the show in good enough health to make her return a success?) Away from that, we have the same old characters with no sign of any departures to make space for the returnees, the same old set and the same old contrived storylines and dull and unimaginative methods of production. We've even had Christmas spoilers released a couple of days ago.

The role of Corrie producer is little more than that of an impotent puppet of Roberts and will remain so until he leaves.
So Anthony Cotton is well in with Kieran Roberts then?
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Old 24-09-2016, 12:40
GracieL
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I haven't watched these past couple of weeks purely because of Phelen and Cathy, the two characters I absolutely cannot stand and I don't think I am missing much tbh. And whilst I don't mind the Nazirs, they don't enforce me enough to tune in.

I sincerely hope it starts to pick up in the coming weeks with Peter's return and bringing the Barlow's back to the forefront along with the climax of David's grief.

And I've heard good things about Bethany's bullying storyline (cannot watch it - brings back to many painful memories )

Oates, like Blackburn and Collinson before her, is effectively tied and gagged by the Serene Leader himself, Kieran Roberts.

What exactly has changed in Corrie since Oates started? Nothing. She is unable to do anything with Corrie because KR will not let her. The best news we've had is the return of Peter, Adam, Daniel and Toyah (Toyah is a dream return for many viewers but is the show in good enough health to make her return a success?) Away from that, we have the same old characters with no sign of any departures to make space for the returnees, the same old set and the same old contrived storylines and dull and unimaginative methods of production. We've even had Christmas spoilers released a couple of days ago.

The role of Corrie producer is little more than that of an impotent puppet of Roberts and will remain so until he leaves.
BIB - I don't think Georgia Taylor would return for any old storyline so it's gotta be something half decent.
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Old 24-09-2016, 13:10
ScreamingTree<3
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I like the Nazirs and hope they stay.
I don't like Toyah, I dislike Kate Oats immensely for bringing her back!
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Old 24-09-2016, 13:16
little-monster
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Her early work so far isn't promising at all, especially compared to the other two new EP's

Her storylines for Leanne and Maria are utter pants. And bringing back Toyah who imo was always the weakest battersby member of the family, doesn't set me up for excitement either.
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Old 24-09-2016, 14:37
MrJames
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I've seen very minor improvements but nothing that really stands out. It just seems like more of the same to me, I don't think that will change until we have a stronger cast.
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