Adrian's updates - November 1995

Wednesday 1 November 1995
The Duckworths prepared to move into the Rovers and began fine tuning arrangements such as staffing levels which involved Raquel staying but Bill losing his job as cellarman. The Rovers itself was quite as the proverbial grave and the episode itself was punctuated by long gloomy silences which to me seemed most odd. The McDonald's managed to temporarily patch over the marital cracks for Liz's birthday and after a quick apology to Rodney he found himself back in the Rovers drinking with Liz for the evening session. Jim then proceeded to attempt an apology to Mike Baldwin and put on his best grovelling act for the occasion. After a somewhat lengthy speech which was punctuated with the word 'sorry' a good few times Mike still turned around and told Jim he couldn't have his job back thus Jim's rage was once more inflamed and he narrowly avoided punching Mike before stalking out of the pub.

Meanwhile Raquel was being courted by her agent for a modelling job despite the fact that the agent was showing a good deal of interest in Fiona. Oddly though the agent turned down Maxine for modelling work which I (admittedly no expert) thought was strange. Raquel exhibited signs of jealousy at this prospect but it was fun to watch.

For the most part though tonight's episode made strange viewing not only because of those weird silent scenes but because off the generally gloomy atmosphere.

Friday 3 November 1995
The Duckworths took the helm tonight as Rodney moved out and Jack and Vera moved in. Even the changing of the sign took on some meaning and significance as "Veronica" Duckworth became the latest landlady of The Rovers. Things soon ran true to form in time honoured Duckworth fashion as they tried to run a pub without a till handing out change from Vera's handbag and Vera allowed her attitude and ego to become somewhat larger than necessary. It was like watching an unpleasant transformation come over as she reigned over her subjects in the pub completing the transformation with clothes that looked suspiciously like Bet's (after all she did take a look through the wardrobes). It also saw the inevitable clash of personalities in the shape of an argument with Betty who quit. Jack did his best to keep things running on an even keel whilst his wife put on the graces. He went out and got the till and played cellar man till the poor man reached a point of exhaustion (and it's only day one).

Elsewhere Baldwin was trying hard to show his more charitable side tonight in light of recent actions. Dishing out the wad of money to buy raffle tickets from Emily and even preparing to offer Jim his job back (although Jim didn't hang fire long enough to realise this). What I did object to however was what gave Gail the right to tear strips off Mike for his recent behaviour ?. Whether the behaviour was good or bad it was a case of simply not concerning Gail in any respect so she should have kept her mouth shut.

Jim and Liz continued to glower away as usual doing their complaining act whilst Fiona decided she would accept the modelling work she had been offered.

All in all we saw The Duckworths at the top of a greasy pole as far as running a pub is concerned and I for one can't wait to see it in capable hands (apart from the McDonald's).

Monday 6 November 1995
Vera concocted her own brand of Betty's inimitable Hot-Pot with surprisingly successful results. Yet still the Duckworths are piloting the Rovers on a wing and a prayer and despite the genuine effort that Jack appears to be slinging into the pub I don't think they will keep their heads above water for long.

Meanwhile Leo came stalking back onto the premises in an effort to see Raquel. He gained his audience taking her by surprise stating how he intended to drag her through the courts and make her look stupid in front of everybody. What happened must have taken Leo by surprise as the "dumb blonde" went ballistic and really launched into Leo with some verbal fury and launched some food all down the back of his jacket to boot. Needless to say he scurried out of the Rover's quick as a flash and Raquel was calmed by the soothing influences of "Auntie Vera".

The McDonald clan were showing signs of marital strife as Liz backbit Jim to pieces in the Rovers and Steve got some verbal off Vicky due to his lack of household hygiene. He of course responded by spending money on a cleaner but methinks that it's going to take more than a sweep and a clean to patch the cracks in Jim and Liz's marriage.

Ken had to endure the boring godparents as they came around to visit. Ken tried to make small talk (guided by Reg) but found he had little or nothing in common with Denise's brother in law.

Back to the Rovers it looked like Vera was showing signs of flagging when Jack revealed that despite the success of the food they had made next to nothing profit wise. However the local butcher (the creepy guy who fancied Audrey) has stepped in with an offer of pies.

Wednesday 8 November 1995
Uproar in the Rover's tonight as Jack and Vera's latest venture in the food stakes supposedly led to a dose of dodgy tummy. Fred slithered in with his wares but his smarm didn't impress Vera one little bit which shows she has qualities that Audrey doesn't. Jack on the other hand was wheeler dealing with various breweries who were all competing for his custom with offers galore. As a cost cutting exercise they decided to use Fred's pies which got the royal seal of approval from Alf of all people despite the whinges brought forth from Percy a number of regulars including Jack himself sampled the pies. However shortly afterwards the casualties were retiring to the smallest room. At first The Duckies were in a state of denial over the whole affair. Enter Fred who looked much like a condemned man when the pub went silent when he spoke. The next thing we knew accusations were flying left right and centre with Fred accusing Jack of not having "clean" beer and Jack stating the pies were dodgy. The matter was resolved by Martin who revealed the presence of a stomach bug doing the rounds in the locality.

Elsewhere Raquel got a pep talk from Curly when she seemed down regarding the status of her modelling career. Curly offered his usual pick me up speech which soon put her back on the rails even to the extent that she offered well wishes to Fiona on her impending step into modelling.

Jim was showing his sorrowful side to a disinterested Steve and telling how he regretted the army and how he was a failure whilst Steve arranged an evening's gambling with the high rollers. Vicky of course wasn't too impressed when he let her in on the plan and using some very weak excuses Steve talked his way around her and they went out to a ritzy looking casino for a night on the tables. Vicky of course using her head had slapped a limit on Steve and when she called him away he decided to start acting in a somewhat brattish manner claiming she had shown him up. He took the matter further by sleeping on the sofa bed and really upsetting Vicky. What I predict is she is going to buckle on this matter of money and this is where his real spending power is going to kick into touch.

Nice little touches in the episode were Maud's enterprising spirit when she found out the regulars at The Rovers were going down hand over fist with bad stomachs she rang Maureen at the shop and told her to stick a £1 on the price of the Diahoerra Tablets. Also the gloating looks from Fiona at Steve when she saw him in an arguments with Vicky.

Friday 10 November 1995
The christening party at the Rovers was a focal point tonight and once again Ken was stuck with the "more boring" brother in law. I think this is a plot device designed to make Barlow seem interesting.

Jack was manning the pumps and introducing the regulars to a variety of interesting sounding ales which went down well with some (Alf) and not so well with others (Percy). Of course the ales were provided by Nuttall's, who were intent on sweetening Jack up with no end of incentive gifts and freebies including the offer of a tasting session with some of his friends on evening.

Which leads me on to matters McDonald as we saw Steve sulking in the cafe whilst Vicky's resolve in the face of an argument not as strong as we might have initially thought. IMO she should keep this treatment up and that way she keeps her dosh and the little toe rag does the work but I can't see it somehow and methinks pretty soon she will sign over a lump of cash to the greedy little urchin. Jim of course was on loan to hand out wise words as Steve arranged for his birthday to be at his house. But who can Vicky turn to now in these troubled days now that Bet has gone, perhaps a case of burned bridges methinks.

Anyway on to Reg who found himself at the centre of a police line up tonight alongside Curly for company. They were there to be eliminated from enquiries regarding the Weatherfield streaker and as the woman made her way along the queue Reg stood out like a sore thumb with his characteristic nods and twitches. Needless to say he fingered for the crime and thus the episode ended.

Monday 13 November 1995
The finger was being pointed in an indirect fashion at an increasingly worried Reg Holdsworth over the Weatherfield Streaker mystery. Of course the efforts of bumbling Maureen aren't making life any more promising for him, and as for Maud it's obvious the mischievous old girl is finding the entire matter hilarious. The situation continued with Reg going off for a second police line up which obviously filled him with horror. To try and alleviate any possible suspicion he removed the infamous toupee to try and alter his appearance significantly to put him out of the frame. However the police were having none of this and he was escorted back to the shop to retrieve the rug and head back for the line up. Maureen believing it was all over said "Did it work" (as in removing the wig) and a present police officer duly made note of this and relayed it to his superior later on. Nothing conclusive was drawn from the second line up but it's clear the officer is gunning for Reg.

Kevin returned to find himself running the garage solo and attempted to get Jim (Ha! Ha! Haircut!) his old job back. Baldwin was having none of it so Jim propped up the bar as Jim does a lot these days despite being on the dole. Kevin huffed and puffed in his usual way to Sally before she reasoned with him not do anything rash about the matter.

The freaky bloke who lives upstairs visited Mike about Dreary. Hence Dreary got a visit from Mike and it turns out the whole Samir mess is still getting her down. Off course ever eager to do a good deed Mike let of a few verbal cannons to shock Dreary out of her mundane acting situation and after a bit of tendon stretching which she is prone to she had a good weep.

Also this episode the Nuttall's beer got a mixed reception at the Rovers Return and Fred's pies got less than a warm welcome from Jack and Vera.

Wednesday 15 November 1995
Reg and Maureen faced the world (or at least the Rovers) tonight as the gossip mongers of the street made sure news of his recent "flasher" troubles did the rounds. Reg was hyper defensive against all comers in the pub and faced disapproving glances from the likes of Vera Duckworth. One of the funniest moments came when Mike walked past Reg and said "Alright" whilst opening his coat. Even in the workplace Reg couldn't escape as the police had been quizzing Firman about his activities and back at home even Maureen won't lie for him.

Meanwhile Jack had a flash (no pun intended) of inspiration aided by Don Brennan and was making plans to get the local pigeons fancier's association into the Rovers on a regular basis for their end of month gatherings. Vera meanwhile showing the Mallet's (or the junior Duckworth's as I see 'em) the ropes in their new home.

Dreary appears to have attached herself umbilically to Mike and Alma as she turned up in the cafe and in tow as they went out for a drink.

A major point of the episode was Jim McDonald's 40th birthday. The cracks are really showing in Liz and Jim's marriage now and Liz confides in Des even more although at this stage in the game he seems to be showing little interest in an affair. Jim of course spent the majority of his birthday enjoying his favourite pastime of pouring ale down his throat and when he wasn't complaining to Jack about how poor Nuttall's beer was he was accepting drinks left, right and centre. This of course didn't bode well for the evening as there was to be a family gathering of the McDonald clan at Steve and Vicky's house. Jim already somewhat worse for wear launched straight into a bottle of whisky which Vicky had bought him as a present and there was also a choice selection of wines on offer to help Jim oil himself up even more. The whisky bottle of course was drained exceeding quickly for my liking and Jim's behaviour got louder an more unruly as the night went on to the point where I was cringing just watching. Jim spouted on about visiting Baldwin and then proceeded to give an impromptu speech about he had held Liz back all these years while she cast disgusted looks all the while. Andy, Steve & Vicky sat in embarrassed silence as Jim continued to wander about the room in a drunken and somewhat animated fashion and the episode ended there.

I must add though that although Jim is acting like something of a prat at the moment Liz is quick to appoint blame after all she did a lot of the pushing which would result in Jim being made unemployed.

Friday 17 November 1995
Reg was summoned by Firman tonight and was offered a "promotion" a job handling one of Firman's upper level areas which immediately whetted Reg's appetite despite the fact that Reg would have to relocate down south to get this job. Reg of course was jumping at the idea as a chance to escape the possible lasting reputation he was going to gain in Weatherfield as a flasher. Maureen wasn't happy with the idea of relocating down south but she was eventually talked around by Reg's persuasive manner. It took Maud however to talk sense in my opinion stating that running away would brand him guilty anyway.

Meanwhile Jim was in particularly snappy mood today playing house husband he almost bit the head of the Mallett woman and Sally when they were both being perfectly civil. He apologised to Steve and Vicky but of course no matter what he does it cuts no ice with his "oh so perfect" wife. Steve was showing pangs of jealousy as Vicky went to meet a male client and he was behaving as childishly as they come despite reassurances from Jim he still thought she was ripe material for an affair. Vicky however reassured him that the client not only was unattractive but would probably have fancied Steve more anyway...but hey, she might be lying.

Also Jack spoke with Billy about getting Betty back in the Rover's on hot pot duty again whilst Vera showed signs that the strain of pub life might be beginning to tell on her.

Des and Liz had another one of their heart to hearts and Liz confessed that getting back with Jim might not have been the vest idea whereas Des confessed he was feeling lonely. Their eyes met and this was without a doubt a not so subtle hint on what is about to happen.

Monday 20 November 1995
Reg is set on taking the job until walking around the shop floor his mind is changed or at least heavily influenced by a shelf stacker who espouses the values of home before work and so forth. Reg expresses his intentions to Firman about wanting to stay put and Firman wanders off seemingly none too happy about the situation but leaving matters somewhat in the air all the same. He arrives back at the shop and informs Maud and Maureen about his decision to face the music as it were and explains how it has cost him all the fringe benefits a promotion would have given him for once his sacrifice even impresses Maud.

Meanwhile Kevin finds himself lumbered (for want of a better word) with his new assistance a rather annoying mechanic going by the name of Barry. He is reminiscent of the "you didn't want to do that" character spawned by Harry Enfield a few years back and is equally as annoying constantly pitching suggestions on how to improve efficiency and even telling Mike how to drink his scotch. I can't for the life of me see him lasting the course.

Jim and Liz began the day with a bit of matrimonial warfare which Liz was determined to resolve at lunch-time. She met Jim who had been a good little soldier and done the shopping but when Jim had bought the wrong milk (a hanging offence...surely) Liz went off the deep end. It has to be said that in this episode Jim made his best efforts but to little avail as Liz literally went overboard on this occasion. Off she toddled back to the bookies where she hid herself away in the back room from all comers including Jim who by this time had found work with boring Bill.

The end of the episode rolled towards us with Liz breaking down only to be comforted by Des who was playing the seduction piece by numbers. A thoughtful friend, a shoulder to cry on, insinuating an attraction followed by the kiss. The way it was played it was almost like these two have been dropping heavy hints for some time which in my opinion simply wasn't the case. Still we've got an affair to watch which should start to simmer nicely over Christmas.

Wednesday 22 November 1995
The affair between Liz and Des began to simmer in a somewhat one sided fashion. Des was impressive playing the devilish rogue to perfection with a little bit of tongue in cheek (when he wasn't trying to put it in Liz's mouth). Liz on the other hand protested the reasons why she couldn't have an affair and during the scenes with Des she couldn't keep a straight face and constantly looked like she was about to burst into a fit of the giggles. Still the crux of the matter was she couldn't resist his advances and it looks like this little story is going to be played out until the bitter end.

Jim, blissfully unaware, was trying his hardest to please and appease Liz at home by making her a meal which she didn't eat. She even shunned a friendly peck on the cheek from him to top matters off.

Meanwhile Barry the annoying assistant mechanic continued to wind up all and sundry to the point where Kevin gave him the elbow (not a moment too soon if you ask me). The matter remained unresolved as he is going to tell Mike and this will more than likely stir up the waters even more.

We also got extended coverage of the football game tonight which was unremarkable in the form that the Rover's team lost again. Fiona found a possible love interest in the shape of one of the opposing team's players and Phyllis caught the *real* flasher which got Reg of the hook. Hence now Reg knows this he is going to accept the job transfer much to Maureen's dismayed looks.

Monday 27 November 1995
Alf dons his traditional white coat for duty at the corner shop to help Maud deal with the customers. Secretly glad to be back where he has always belonged methinks.

Vera's morale is lower than ever at the Rovers and Raquel is complaining about how "short staffed" they are at the pub. Vera's problem is amplified by the fact that little Tommy is ill so Jack in his wisdom packs her off to Blackpool leaving staffing levels even lower.

Meanwhile Liz and Des are summoned to a staff meeting with Sean who has noticed that "they are avoiding each other". Basically he turns down Des's application for a transfer and advises him and Liz to get on better together. During the lunch Steve and Vicky turn up and there is the traditional Steve McDonald back biting that we have all come to know and love so much involved there. It would seem there is much that Steve is unhappy about at the moment. The fact that he is unhappy about the source of where their work is coming from (Vicky & her influences)and also judging by the look he gave Tony, who is Kev's new mechanic, he is presumably jealous of any impending relationship/contact with Fiona.

Speaking of Fiona she was nicely put in her place in the Rovers when she assumed Tony was on the pull when in fact that night he couldn't see her because he was going training.

Martin showed concern that the kids were beginning to think that Don was not part of their lives anymore because Sarah Louise took to a bout of creative colouring on a photo of Don Brennan.

The Mallets also had a nice little cameo as they made alterations to the front door and later when they were eating their Pie sandwiches. These two really Duckworths : The Next Generation and I feel plenty of potential is in them.

Wednesday 29 November 1995
Episode kicked in with Jack bartering with the rep from Newton & Ridley's for cheaper beer in the lead up to Christmas. His hard as nails attitude impressed Raquel but he didn't clinch the deal on the beer. The Rover's temporarily got a new barmaid (the blonde from Angels and at some point Eastenders) but she didn't stick around for long due to the fact that she saw a couple of the regulars at their worst.

Kevin was trying to recruit Tony his new mechanic to the Rover's football team. This involved setting up a date with Fiona, Maxine & Des at the bowling alley. It seemed the plan involved getting Fiona to chat him up and recruit him onto the team. However Fiona does seem to have a degree of attraction for Tony and seemed all set to genuinely set up a date until Maxine came along and blatantly stuck her foot in it. The result that Tony (looking hurt) went off leaving Fiona looking somewhat annoyed (with Maxine).

Dreary sloped into the Rover's and before she had even got to the bar she had gained employment in the shop to assist Maud.

Meanwhile for me the meat of the episode was the unusual and somewhat passionate coupling of Denise and Brian (her brother-in-law *and* accountant). Now have I missed something here, but I don't recall seeing any form of build up in this storyline. Just a rushed recap of events that happened in the past before they got down to business (not accountancy either). It seems Denise is lacking some excitement in her life in the respect that she has to rekindle an affair with an old flame. Unfortunately Corrie seems to be trying to emulate the other soaps with it's sex storylines at the moment and for my money it's handling the job a mite clumsily. Also I reckon that this little affair that has been started tonight is going to engineer Ken back into Dreary's arms (God, No!!).

What I do like however is the beginnings of the Fiona/Tony relationship as it marks a change from the god awful soap formula of boy meets girl and so forth. It makes a change to see the man running off in a huff for a change.


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