| Scarlett. |
26-05-2010 06:24 PM |
I'm not really sure what I expected when I boarded the train for the screening this morning - all I knew was that I was going to watch some of the most expensive Coronation Street episodes ever made.
Despite turning up ten minutes late with the editors of DS sister publications Inside Soap and All About Soap - I blame Steve, by the way - the new set of credits were played as the montage transitioned into the Friday eps. I wasn't sure how different they'd be but knew for definite they'd include some chimney pots, a cat and various shots of the Street.
The new titles begin on the streets of Manchester and slowly draw onto Coronation Street with the standard chimneys and a ginger cat. Not only that, flapping pigeons have been added, along with someone (any guesses?) in their back garden hanging the washing out. Essentially, there's a lot more movement. Oh, and the theme tune's had a revamp - it's now apparently a lot closer to the original mix. Both credits and theme, however, will take a little getting used to.
> Watch 'Coronation Street's new title sequence
After a montage of scenes from the five episodes, we were treated to the two full episodes from Friday's finale - and they didn't disappoint.
For me, the most worrying aspect was that producers would equate the 9pm timeslot with more violence, swearing and anything else they could get away with. But they didn't. The classic Corrie formula oozes throughout. Funny, character-driven scripts and fab acting from all concerned.
It has to be said, though, that the factory explosion at the end of the week isn't quite comparable to the spectacular Mad May Wright house blast in EastEnders a few years ago, but it's certainly the best Corrie's produced.
Talent-wise, Gray O'Brien was back on top form with his portrayal of even-more-unhinged-than-before-he-was-locked-away pshyco Tony Gordon, who's managed to escape from prison with the aid of his eccentric former cellmate Robbie Sloan - played by James Fleet. Tony has some cracking lines in the lead up to the fire but it's only when he begins reciting The Lord's prayer over and over that you realise he has a permanent screw loose.
Meanwhile, James Fleet brings a Roy Cropper-esque performance to the table as Robbie and it's a pleasant break from the 'norm' - the story certainly called for something a little different than we're used to. And Robbie's unmistakably 'different'. He's about as peculiar as Roy, just without the criminal record and violent tendencies. Check back in the coming days for a video interview with the former Vicar Of Dibley star.
Despite being tied to the chair for most of the week, Alison King stole the show as strong-minded businesswoman Carla Connor. Stepping up to the plate for the most physically and mentally demanding takes she's ever done, her scenes demonstrated why I think she should have a meatier role at the centre of the soap. Not like she needed to prove anything, though - she's always been excellent as Carla. But please - if you're reading Mr Producer - let's explore her backstory via her brother Darren. Let's see 'the other side' of the Mrs Connor we all know and love.
> Click here to read my recent interview with Alison King
And finally, special mentions must go to Julie Hesmondhalgh, David Neilson and Katherine Kelly for their stints as Hayley, Roy and Becky. Cracking as always.
So in all, it's a week of Corrie not to be missed - and a strong way to kick off its 50th anniversary build-up. And I'm told there's a lot more to come.
Big thanks to Chris Allen for filming the interviews. Check back in over the coming days to see the fruits of our time with the cast.
Digital Spy
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