Coronation Street Catch Up: the Chinese pigeon drone edition

your one stop update on what happened last week on Canada's Coronation Street...

Many apologies to all faithful readers for misleading everyone about last Friday's (absent) episodes.

 

I was horribly misinformed.

 

Instead of re-scheduling Friday's episodes, the CBC callously dispensed with them (again) in favour of broadcasting Frosty the Snowman.

 

At first glance, I thought it might have been an old episode with Fred Elliot dressed in white (hope springs eternal), but I was wrong (again). No disrespect to Frosty (I'm sure he's a fine frozen fella) but it's no substitute for a double dose of Corrie. 

 

Shame on you CBC for pulling this unadvertised switcheroo.

 

But I digress.

 

So what's up with Dee Dee? She has binned off poor Ollie for no apparent reason and then reveals to Alya that she's taken a job in Singapore. Poor James will be heartbroken to learn that baby Laila is leaving the country with her Mum. One wonders if there's more to this that meets the eye...

 

Over at Weathy High, it seems that Megan has secured a job at the school where Daniel is currently employed. That's great news for Daniel who is quite taken with Megan and is keen to see more of her. Meanwhile Will is seething with jealously.

 

As for the other Driscolls, it seems that it's Maggie's 65th birthday and she wants a mega-celebration.

 

Ollie is supposed to bake a custom cake. There are decorations in the pub and Maggie makes the rounds inviting everyone to the festivities in the Rovers. However, Maggie also takes time out to give Dee Dee a piece of her mind for breaking up with Ollie and even issues a threat to Dee Dee (who is quite taken aback) for messing with her grandson.

 

A flashback sequence (when did these start becoming a thing in Corrie?) attempts to explain some of Maggie's personality um.. 'quirks' and perhaps signals why Ben is a bit of a Mummy's boy and continually sides with Maggie, rather than with Eva. 

Theo has yet another surprise for Todd. 

 

This time it's an exercise bike that Todd dutifully accepts (just use it as a clothes hanger like the rest of us). Danielle makes a guest appearance to announce that she's taking the kids to Tenerife for Christmas. Theo subsequently blames Todd for the situation. When Todd actually pushes back at Theo for his behaviour, Theo retreats into his 'Three Stooges brand' of self-loathing and starts hitting himself. 

 

Todd leaves the flat and spends some time with Summer and Billy (strictly prohibited by Theo) and returns to the flat with two photo frames with hidden cameras. Not sure what his endgame is here. I guess we'll find out (slowly if the CBC continues to deprive us of episodes).

 

A few doors down, Carla decides to move back into her house - not to rekindle her relationship with Lisa but rather to keep an eye on Becky. Kit and Carla share a deep suspicion of Becky - and rightly so. 

 

Becky's latest manoeuvre is to ingratiate herself with Costello's daughter in the hospital waiting room. Her smarm offensive allows Becky to obtain Costello's password so she can access Costello's phone (stolen by one of her young hired goons) and erase any incriminating evidence. 

 

Becky has already tried (and failed) to kill Costello so who knows what she's capable of? As for Costello, it seems that he might be coming out of his coma but hopes are dashed when doctors tell Lisa and Kit that Costello may never recover and be able to identify his assailant.

 

And now for a few lines from the week that was:

 

Maggie scolds Ollie for his anger: 

"You were disrespecting my cake" 

(please apologize to the gateau) 

Maggie to Ken re:Tracy and Kirk who are carrying his Christmas tree:

"Why have a dog and bark yourself?"

(unless you really want to bark)  

Kirk's theory about the latest Asian spy technology:

"Chinese pigeon drones"

(first they poop.. and then they snoop)  

Maria to Eva:

"Do you still dabble in home wrecking?"

(depends on the home) 

***

Well fellow seasonal skivers, so ends another week. Thanks as always for stopping by and I do hope you have a wonderful week of joy and peace. Have a great week and a very Merry Christmas!

 

Coronation Street Catch Up: the winter of our discount tents edition

 your one stop update on what happened last week on Canada's Coronation Street...

 

 

What the frig?

Our Friday night ritual (two episodes of Corrie, three Digestives, one pot of Yorkshire Gold tea) was rudely torn asunder when CBC - without warning - decided not to show any Friday episodes. 

 

We are not amused (or entertained) and we expect a formal apology in the House of Commons. 

 

As for the episodes we did see, the Todd and Theo cringefest continues to take centre stage. 

 

Todd goes to hospital to get medical attention for that nasty gash on his forehead that happened when Theo shoved Todd's face into a mirror.

 

Now Theo is re-writing history and telling everyone that Todd fell into the mirror. Theo's campaign of terror continues as he insists that Todd hide in the flat for a few days until his wound heals. Theo tells everyone that Todd's in London but when Summer sees movement in the flat, Theo claims that it was a burglar (as Todd hides in the bedroom). Todd is, of course, blamed by Theo again. 

 

Finally Theo gives Todd an activity tracker watch that Theo actually uses to keep tabs on Todd's movements. When Todd interrupts his training run (after he gets a leg cramp), Christina sees him in distress and insists that he stop and have a rest and a cuppa. Theo sees all this and, no doubt, Todd will pay the price for deviating from Theo's control - again. 

 

Still on the topic of Theo the Terrible, whatever happened to his kids? I thought they were the most important part of his life. Strange that they haven't made an appearance for many weeks.   

 

Over at the Chariot Square Hotel, Debbie delivers a speech about Women in Business. The speech gets off to a rocky start but the Debbie finds the words to talk openly about the challenges of her dementia diagnosis. Her heartfelt words receive a thunderous ovation from all her friends and neighbours.

 

The feel-good moment continues, fuelled by alcohol, and the ladies wind up being almost arrested by Weatherfield's finest - while Debbie is being pushed around in a shopping cart by her pals (don't ask).

 

By the way, Debbie has booked a date for her and Ronnie's wedding and she wants Carl to give her away. This after Carl finally manages to wheedle Debbie's login info to her bank accounts (so he can steal her money and scarper back to Germany).

 

Over at Carla and Lisa's house, Carla has moved out after coming to the conclusion that Becky is an impediment to Carla's relationship with Lisa. 

 

So the wedding is off. 

 

This opens the door for Becky to install herself and her Mark's Work Warehouse wardrobe (L'Equipeur in Quebec). No disrespect, it's a fine store. The point is that it's all working out very nicely for Becky as she comforts Lisa and even tries an ill-timed lip lock but is rebuffed.

 

On the other hand, Lisa seems quite happy to relate to Becky all the confidential details of the investigation into Costello's assault which leads Becky to the hospital ICU. As Becky prepares to use a hypo on Costello, Lisa walks in and wants to know what Becky is up to.

 

Roy is incensed to find Shona and Nina looking at his mail and finally confesses that his lady pen pal may be romantically interested in him. Quel quandry!

 

Asha is back at home and Dev, of course, keeps hovering and mithering (does he ever stop?). Asha breaks the news to Dev that she does not want to return to her job as a paramedic.

 

Daniel and Megan seem to be getting quite chummy and Megan has an interview for a job at Weatherfield High. Will is not amused.

 

And now for a few lines from the (shortened!) week that was:

Christina to Glenda:

"I'm a bit of a free spirit"

(as long as the spirits are free) 

Sally to Glenda and Christina:

"Did you know that I used to be Mayor of Weatherfield?"

(oh really? tell me less) 

Debbie's first rule of business:

"Never underestimate the power of a good hairdo"

(Just ask Madame de Pompadour)

Christina's words of wisdom:

"A woman is like a teabag"

(always in hot water?) 

Glenda (inebriated) to the police officer:

"Now is the winter of our discount tents"

(Shakespeare really had a way with words) 

 

Glenda questions Christina's description of herself:

"Is that free spirit or freeloader?

(bit of both I would say) 

 

Ryan shares his draft wedding speech with Carla:

"Once, twice, third time a lady"

(Good one, Ry)

 

Becky tries to cheer up Lisa:

"Do you still like cat videos?"

(only if the cat goes back to Spain)

 

***

Well, patient punters, so ends another (shortened) week.  Let that be a lesson to us to keep tabs on the TV listings for changes to the beloved broadcast of Coronation Street during the Christmas season. For example, I believe that this Friday's episodes will be shown in the afternoon (not evening) so please check your local listings for the broadcast time in your area (or watch on CBC Gem).

 

However you watch Corrie, do have a great week and thanks, as always, for stopping by.

Coronation Street Catch Up: the spikey-haired spectre at the feast edition

 your one stop update on what happened last week on Canada's Coronation Street...

 

 

As we feared, the Theo and Todd story gets worse and worse.

 

The week featured another round of psycho-nut Theo bullying, taunting and punishing poor Todd. Theo forces Todd to sign up for a half marathon and insists on a gruelling schedule of training. Theo also continues to isolate Todd from his friends, the latest being Sarah. And, of course, Theo accuses Todd of flirting with Pete and then James. 

 

The last straw (at least I really hope it's the last straw) comes when Theo slams Todd's head into a mirror, leaving Todd shocked and bleeding.  How much more of this can Todd tolerate? Also, how much more can we viewers stand to watch?

 

Elsewhere the Becky saga continues as the previously-dead wife of Lisa plots to get Lisa and Betsy to run off with her to Spain. Step one involves sabotaging Lisa and Carla's relationship. To do this Becky sends herself a funeral wreath (showing that she's in danger and therefore must move into Chez Carla & Lisa). Then Becky pretends to be drunk to force Lisa to miss a lunch date with Carla. 

 

Carla finally takes the bull by the horns and breaks off her relationship with Lisa. Looks like Becky has won. 

 

In related news, Costello was mysteriously attacked and lies in the Intensive Care Ward in hospital. Was this also part of Becky's plan?  Kit is certainly suspicious. 

 

Dev continues to be his annoying self as he scolds Summer, Amy and Nina for not visiting Asha. Then, when the Amy and Nina show up to visit Asha, Dev is right there silently 'coaching' the girls. Summer shows up after frantically rushing to join the visitors and suddenly collapses in Asha's room.

 

Busted! Chesney discovers Fiz at the Chariot Square Hotel swanning around in a bathrobe. She was supposed to be visiting her Mum. What gives? Seems that her stressful daily workload made her want to escape for a while. Although, one wonders if the local hotel is a good choice given that almost everyone who works there would recognize her.

 

Speaking of the hotel, Debbie and Glenda have a bit of an argument about the choir that is performing at the hotel. However they soon make up and Debbie says she wants the choir to sing at her upcoming wedding.

 

Still with Debbie, she finally relents and agrees to let Carl manage her business accounts. 

 

Bad move. 

 

That's like putting a scumbag Fox in charge of the hen house - if the Fox also slept with his brother's Fox wife and issued dodgy MOTs to Fox car owners. Carl is putting his rip-off plan into overdrive because he is planning to scarper back to Germany. Good riddance. Not since the 1966 World Cup will England rejoice at the expense of the Germans. 

 

One can only hope that Ryan or Ronnie will be able to stop Carl from stealing Debbie's money before he books his flight (on SleazyJet one assumes).

 

And finally, isn't the Rovers overstaffed now that Ben, Eva, Maggie and sometime Ollie are behind the bar?  Just saying.

 

Also, no further news about Kirk's dog podcast. What gives?

 

Now for a few lines from the week that was: 

Lisa to Becky:

"Put some clothes on and make yourself scarce"

(Not necessarily in that order)

Lisa to Carla re: Becky:

"There are people out kill to her"

(The script writers?)

Carla's description of Becky:

"spikey-haired spectre at the feast"

(at least she now rings the doorbell before coming in) 

Underworld staff's social media vehicle:

"Stitchers whatsup group" 

(content is optional) 

Carla to Lisa:

"I'm constantly angry"

(what else is new?) 

 

Tracy to Kev:
"You're not a cruel person" 

(That's Tracy's job)

Carl to Debbie:

"I've always got your back"

(mostly for stabbing purposes) 

 

Becky to Lisa and Betsy:

"I've no idea who sent that wreath" 

(Maybe George sent it to the wrong address by mistake?)

***

Well, fellow 'spikey-haired spectre at the feast' spectators, so ends another week. Can't take much more of Theo the Terrible. I hope Todd escapes from that toxic relationship ASAP. Thanks for stopping by. Hope you have a great week. 

Coronation Street Catch Up: the kibble for David edition

 your one stop update on what happened last week on Canada's Coronation Street...

 

 

I'm no high performance athlete but I'm not sure that Will's elite training regimen will get him to the next Olympics. It seems to consist of a quick jog around the Red Rec, a bag of chips, and some romantic banter with his coach. Usain Bolt can rest easy.

Will seems quite pleased. After all, he has managed to be disagreeable enough to get his Gran to pay for private training with Megan. One little snag is that Daniel seems to be interested in Megan and volunteers to see if there are any jobs for her in Weatherfield. Gemma seems to think that there are some romantic vibes afoot... 

 

So, one minute Becky is terrified that two thugs are following her and hides out at Carla and Lisa's place. The next thing you know, she's doing her 'pop in' thing in full regalia and takes Betsy out shopping in broad daylight. 

 

What's the deal? 

Are the gang members only on night duty? 

Are they now working from home?

Surely by now they've honed in on Becky's daily visits to Lisa?

Of course, the truth (as Carla has pointed out) is that these are fictitious dangerous criminals and it's all just a ploy for Becky to abscond to Spain with Lisa and Betsy. 

 

No wonder Carla thinks Becky is trying to sabotage her relationship by reporting fraud at the factory. When Carla gets hauled into the cop shop for questioning, she's livid and assumes Becky is responsible. Lisa subsequently discovers that it wasn't Lisa but rather the fella that Sarah tried (unsuccessfully) to charm with disastrous results.

 

But the main story continues to be Todd's nightmarish relationship with certified nutbar Theo. 

 

Theo's been a busy boy. First he gets Todd drunk and goes out of his way to make him late for work on an especially big day at the undertaker's. Then Theo foments animosity between George and Todd ultimately resulting in Todd quitting his job. Finally, Theo invites his one-night legover (Chris) over for dinner and forces Todd to be nice to him (so Theo can get work from Chris) only to lambaste Todd afterwards for... being nice to Chris.

Of course, this is not Theo's first gaslighting rodeo. He also abused - in a similar way - a former gay partner who ran into him at a recent street party. And, one wonders if, while Theo was in a heterosexual marriage, he exhibited any of those disgusting personality traits. Maybe Danielle has even experienced some of Theo's psycho behaviour?

Bottom line: Todd is in a downward spiral and needs help fast.

 

Over at Plattsville, David and Shona get more information about their unborn baby's precarious situation. Shona remains determined to go through with the operation to remove a lump from the neck of the fetus. David is not keen on putting Shona's life in jeopardy. 

 

In addition, David (against Shona's wishes) tells Toyah, Bethany and Nick the truth about Shona's pregnancy and they are all very concerned. In the aftermath to the revelation, both David and Shona reconcile and seem to be on the same wavelength about the challenges ahead.

 

Carl and Abi are nicely settled in their cozy love nest - or shabby hovel - depending on your point of view. Abi is becoming more stressed as she tries to get Carl to help out with Alfie and Carl keeps shirking his share of the work. Ol' Kev steps in a few times to take care of Alfie and finally loses his cool and threatens to sue for custody of the young fella. Abi's frustration boils over in the Rovers when she delivers a well-aimed punch to Tracy's chin.

 

Over at the caf, Roy is being very cagey and says he's writing letters to prison inmates and the mother of an inmate. Hmm. I'm sure we'll learn more about this.

 

Meanwhile Sally confronts Tim's former groomer (Trisha) with disastrous results as she insists that Tim was subject to an inappropriate relationship although Tim disagrees.

 

Oh, and Kirk wants to do a podcast about dogs. 

(That's about the cheeriest story of the week).

 

And now for a few lines from the week that was:  

Abi to Carl:

"What would I do without you?"

(be a lot happier?) 

Carla to Becky as she does her daily pop-in:

"In walks the not-so-dead ex"

(right on cue)

David to Shona:

"I'm just nipping out to get some kibble for David" 

(Is David talking about himself in the third person?)

Theo to Todd:

"You self-centered, pathetic, little man"

(More like a description of Theo)

***

 

Well, fellow Kirk Kolleagues, so ends another week. One hopes that the excruciating story line about Todd and Theo ends soon and that a scaffolding job in the Outer Hebrides takes Theo away from Weatherfield forever. Fingers crossed. Thanks so much for spending some time with us at the Hip. Have a great week.

Coronation Street Catch Up: the Marmite sandwiches edition

 your one stop update on what happened last week on Canada's Coronation Street...

 

 

The highlight of the week? 

Kev giving Ty a pedicure (what? no nail painting as well? How about a nice Weathy County logo on his big toes?). Also, am I imagining things or was there a certain 'toerotic' overtone to that scene? (editor note: you're imagining things).

 

The lowlight of the week?

The painful Ingmar Bergman-esque interior monologues of David and Shona on the day of their hospital visit to see the specialist. 

 

Apart from that, the main story of the week was young Will and his inappropriate relationship with his athletics coach, Megan. 

 

Will seems to be uninterested in going to school or even staying in Weatherfield. Instead, he secretly quaffs a couple of lagers and concocts a story about an out-of-town track meet which is a pretext for a date with Megan. After Megan drives back to Weatherfield with Will, she is invited in for a bite by Will's grateful parents, Eva and Ben. If only they knew what was going on...

 

Elsewhere, David and Shona get some upsetting news when Shona's baby scan shows a mass on the baby's neck which poses a serious problem for the fetus. Despite the prospect of a risky operation to correct the problem, Shona is determined to forge ahead while David is not so sure.

 

Back to Kev again as he hosts a poker night with Sally, Tim, Adam and Michael. Kev wagers his car on a winning hand except that Sally has a better hand and wins. Fortunately Sally does not accept Kev's car but it shows that Kev is still struggling to deal with the aftermath of Abi and Carl.

 

Fiz is also struggling to juggle work, family and care for Ty. Ty finally realizes that Fiz is under a great deal of stress and the couple have a heart-to-heart to clear the air. Ty subsequently tells Kev he wants to return to work and, even confined to a wheelchair, he can still do paperwork. Kev isn't interested and in fact the garage is closed for the time being (I'm no business expert but that would seem to be a barrier to profitability).

 

Over at Tim and Sally's, Shanice returns to their home (after having been taken from them by social services). However Shanice's return coincides with the news that Lou is in court. When Brody finds out he is angry with Tim and Sally for not telling him.

 

Gary offers Theo some work but Theo turns him down and seems determined to wallow in self loathing. One suspects that he will probably take out his frustration on Todd. Not looking forward to that. 

 

Oh, and cocktail night at the Rovers was a bust. Following the losses on Halloween Night (free booze) and now Cocktail Night (punters not interested), I'm not sure that the new owners can make the Rovers successful. I guess we'll see... 

 

And now for a few lines from the week that was: 

 

David to Kit re: Sarah 

"Her taste in men is terrible"

(Her taste in brothers isn't that great either) 

Carla to Lisa: 

"These are extremely dangerous made-up people"

(almost as dangerous as actual dangerous people) 

 

David recounts Gail's packed lunches during his school days:

"Who gives a kid Marmite sandwiches?"

(a fan of yeast extract?)

 

Eva to Ben re:Megan taking care of Will:

"She's a good egg"

(not really, I think the yolk's on you) 

George is obliged to recite his colleague's mantra: 

"Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It's super Todd"

(faster than a speeding hearse)

Maggie to Will re: Eva

"Everybody has to do what the main squeeze wants"

(That's Ms. Main Squeeze, if you don't mind) 

***

Well, fellow Will Watchers, so ends another week.  Becky gets more evil with each passing week. Carl gets more slimy with each passing week. Kev gets more depressed with each passing week. And how long until Eva and Ben discover the truth about Will and his relationship with his coach?

 

Thanks for stopping by and spending some time here at the Hip. Your company is always welcome. Do have a great week.

Coronation Street Catch Up: the Man with a Big Dictionary edition

 your one stop update on what happened last week on Canada's Coronation Street...

 

 

How low can Carl stoop?

 

It's a rhetorical question. His track record says it all. Fake MOTs, car theft, sleeping with his brother's wife, maybe even a hit and run. 

 

Now the slimy snake turns his attention to Debbie. Carl is angling to get control of Debbie's finances and he's doing it by convincing her that her dementia is getting worse. He even enlists Ronnie to convince Debbie to take a vacation so he (Carl) can have access to Deb's bank accounts.

Elsewhere the main story of the week is the missing son of Eva and Ben. Young Will (younger brother of Ollie) hasn't arrived in Weatherfield (from Hull) and his parents (and grandmother) are frantic with worry.  He finally turns up with his athletics coach who has kindly found him and brought him to the Rovers. 

 

But, hang on a minute... why didn't coach Megan call and let Eva and Ben know he was safe? And why was Will trying to get hold of his passport? Seems that Coach Megan is more than a coach and seems to be in an inappropriate relationship with young Will.

 

On the lighter side, Ben and David Platt seem to have a burgeoning feud (apparently based on Ben saying the word "ping"). David steals Ben's prized rugby shirt and things almost get out of hand before Davey backs off. Anyhow, Dave-o has bigger problems on his hands as he books a table for his wedding anniversary but gets the date wrong. Now he's in the proverbial doghouse.

 

Over at Ken's, the incessant bickering between Tracy and Cassie is reaching a fever pitch. Tracy tries to sabotage Cassie's new job at Street Cars (by disconnecting the office phone) and Cassie accuses Tracy of starting a small fire in the house (actually started by Cassie). Seems that Tracy's divorce proceedings are not going well and she's extra disagreeable as a result. 

 

Where will it all end?

 

Ty has an inkling that it may be Ruby who is sending malicious texts to Hope and he is shocked. 

 

The Lisa-Carla-Becky situation also continues as Becky sneaks a kiss with Lisa and Carla gets extra-snarky after the incident is revealed. Becky and Carla exchange unpleasantries and Carla plays a blinder by agreeing to go to Spain with Becky, Lisa and Betsy. Wedding plans for Lisa and Carla are underway but hit a roadblock when Lisa is told (by Costello) that Lisa can't marry because she's still married to her undead wife. Carla is not pleased by this news. 

 

Later, during a meeting in their usual alleyway, Costello tells Becky that she has to return to Spain, pronto. Becky refuses and Costello threatens her. 

And now for a few lines from the week that was:

 

Cassie to Ken re: Tracy's extended time in the bathroom:

"Constipation can be a very unwelcome guest"

(just check the reviews on AirBnB)

Debbie to Ronnie re: his vocabulary: 

"I do love a man with a big dictionary" 

(I'm so glad she added '...tionary' to that sentence)

Carla warns Becky to stop lip-locking Lisa:

"If you ever kiss her again, I'll kill you and this time you'll stay dead"

(if at first you don't succeed...) 

Carl tells Debbie her dementia is making her think he and James are getting it on:

"Why would I want to cop off with someone else?"

(because you've got form) 

Carla to Becky:

"You look better in a mask"

(too bad Halloween only comes once a year) 

Becky to Carla: 

"It's quite sexy being incognito" 

(yes, you might want to try it sometime since you're supposed to be dead)

Maggie to Christina: 

"You get a certain age... an undertaker is quite a catch" 

(nice to plan ahead)

 

Carla to Lisa re: Becky's motives: 

"She's come back from the dead to reclaim you"

(worst plot ever for a Stephen King book)

***

 

Well fellow Rovers regulars, so ends another week. Eva and her family seem to be taking centre stage on the Street as they get to know the other Corrie regulars (except for the fact that Ben thinks Tim is Kirk). Thanks so much for stopping by and do have a great week.

Coronation Street Catch Up: the three blessed concubines of Nick Tilsley

 your one stop update on what happened last week on Canada's Coronation Street...

 

 

The big news?

There's a new regime at the Rovers - with a familiar face.

 

Yes, Eva Price is back in town and she's the new Rovers landlady. She's not alone. She's with husband Ben, mother-in-law (and not-so-silent owner) Maggie and precocious daughter Suzy.

 

It's quite a surprise, especially for sisters (half sisters?) Toyah and Leanne.

 

Job one for Eva is locking Toyah and Leanne in the pub until they sort out their differences and make up (in a place filled with liquids and glassware - what could possibly go wrong?)

 

Fortunately, the three can bond over their shared experience (i.e. legover relationships with Nick Tilsley).

Speaking of Nick, he proposes to Toyah (in the Bistro office. How romantic! What's the matter, was the walk-in fridge occupied?)  Toyah turns him down. 

 

Eva's main ex-squeeze is Adam and there does seem to be a bit of residual chemistry between the two especially when both Adam and Ben dress up as vampires for the Rovers Halloween party resulting in Eva momentarily mistaking Adam for Ben. Awkward! 

 

As for Ben, he seems like a nice enough chap and - surprise, surprise - he's Ollie's Dad. Ben is none too pleased with Carl whom he suspects is responsible for Ollie's MOT troubles. It doesn't take long for Carl to get his proverbial cards marked by Ben and he also gets slugged by Kev with a spanner (wrench for us Canadians). And, just to top off a bad day, Debbie catches Carl getting cozy with James at the back of the Rovers.

 

Then there's the matriarch Maggie who seems to be a bit of a tough customer until she runs into Asha and provides kind and helpful support to the troubled young woman.

 

The first event at the Rovers (under new management) is a Halloween party and the locals outdo themselves with some elaborate costumes - except for Becky who takes advantage of Carla's absence by showing up mostly dressed as herself. Becky wastes no time reminiscing with Lisa and snogging her in the ladies' bog to the seductive sounds of Joan Armatrading. 

 

Meanwhile Carla is in a prolonged snit because Becky spent the night on the sofa while Carla was away. Damn you Becky and your sneaky nocturnal habits!

 

Over at Ty's place, Gary and Izzy show up to tell Tyrone that Jake has nothing to do with the horrible text messages that Hope has been receiving. Ty is unaware of the situation and it seems that Fiz has been shielding Ty from the problem as she feels he has too much to cope with.

 

And, in the continuing cringe worthy story of psycho-scaffolder Theo, the nasty fellow pours a bottle of milk over Todd as punishment for scratching the car (that Theo gave to him). Theo certainly has an odious talent for weaponizing food (first the kebab and now the milk). When will Todd exit that toxic relationship?

 

Oh, and Tim hires Cassie to be the successor to Eileen on the switch at Street Cars. Should be interesting (and probably not in a good way). 

 

And now for a few lines from the week that was:

 

Toyah to Nick re: his marriage proposal:

"I love you, I just don't want to get married"

(it's not you, it's me... on second thought, it's you) 

Ben to Carl:

"I don't like you"

(join the club) 

 

The three sisters exchange descriptions of Nick: 

"over-caffeinated headless chicken"

(...who irons his socks) 

Eva proposes a toast with Toyah and Leanne:

"To the three blessed concubines of Nick Tilsley"

(Nicky's Angels) 

Eva doubts that her name will actually be over the door of the Rovers:

"Only if I my change my name to 'Emergency Exit' "

(just call her 'Emer' for short)

Eva to Dee Dee re: Maria's unfriendly stare:

"Meanwhile that little gerbil looks on"

(That's Ms. Gerbil, if you don't mind) 

Nick to Toyah after Leanne busts in suddenly on his failed marriage proposal:

"Well that didn't go well"

(that's like saying the Titanic 'took on a bit of water') 

***

Well, fellow Rovers Regulars, so ends another week. Things certainly got interesting when Eva and her family showed up. One wonders what will happen to Sean, Glenda and Lauren as the Rovers now seems somewhat - how you say - overstaffed.  Thanks so much for spending time here at the Hip. Have a great week!