Coronation Street - Current Episode Discussion - IV

[Dazzle]

That was a shocker of a twist about Gavin not being Michael's son. It didn't start to dawn on me until Gavin left the first message. Very well done Corrie! It's a shame as the actor playing "Gavin" really started to grow on me last night.

I thoroughly enjoyed these latest episodes. There were lots of nice character moments and funny lines. Excellent writing! Even some of my least favourite characters were bearable (Michelle, Tracey and Michael). It just goes to show that the actors are so much better when their performances are toned down. I'm guessing that was down to these episodes' director.

Mary and Dev's final scene was quite the tearjerker!

Mary's story about her mother being hit by the falling bolt of a helicopter had me in stitches! The fact that the actress was struggling to keep a straight face just compounded the hilarity for me

Not sure there is an explanation why he has changed from bad boy to the way he is now ... like to think he has grown up. And the depression storyline is quite accurate when I think about me a few years ago .. bits of pieces of it hit home very well .. we don't all experience any illness quite the same ..would probably be a lot easier to find a resolution if we did .....

You're probably right about Steve growing up, although it is a BIG character change. Sorry to hear you've suffered too, Perdy. It seems depression is quite the epidemic nowadays.

My wife, who was a mental health nurse and then a consultant psychotherapist, is of the opinion that they are portraying his descent into full blown depression very well and very realistically.

Thanks Norman, it's good to hear the opinion of a professional.

I wont mention the Hayle Cancer storyline apart
from saying it was an opportunity to publicise
a less well known cancer. Which got sidetracked
in a various ways and tho many fans upset-
not much real knowledge gained.
The producer has said Steves story will
reach a conclusion/acceptance/ next stage
after New Year.So quite a while to go and
is hindered in some peoples perception by
Michelle being such an unpopular character.

I do hope the story does have a believeable
conclusion - as it is increasingly a very
important issue in present times.

I agree that Hayley's cancer plot had some unneeded sensationalism, which did annoy me at the time. I think I've wiped them from my memory now as my lasting impression is that it was a decent storyline on the whole.

I do worry that Steve's plot will end up following a sensationalist path too. Also the continuing martyrdom of Michelle and the bullying by Steve's family is hard to swallow.

[Perdita]

Friends and family might find it difficult at times to accept that one of them has mental health issues ... again speaking from experience .. I wondered at times whether they thought they could catch it from me ...
I hope that Steve's doctor will eventually get through to him and also those close to him that he takes advice and medication as needed to get better again.

[Perdita]

Friends and family might find it difficult at times to accept that one of them has mental health issues ... again speaking from experience .. I wondered at times whether they thought they could catch it from me ...
I hope that Steve's doctor will eventually get through to him and also those close to him that he takes advice and medication as needed to get better again.

[swmc66]

I think its more they dont know what to do and scared of doing the wrong thing.

[Dazzle]

Friends and family might find it difficult at times to accept that one of them has mental health issues ... again speaking from experience .. I wondered at times whether they thought they could catch it from me ...

Yes, I've also experienced negativity from those close to me, though fortunately not very much of it, so I think that aspect is sadly realistic.

The harassment that Steve's experiencing just seems grossly over-exaggerated to me though, given that there's obviously something wrong and that Liz and Michelle are supposed to be decent people. I'm sure that in real life some poor souls experience even worse though.

[Dazzle]

I think its more they dont know what to do and scared of doing the wrong thing.

I suppose that's a possibility, but I find I can't view them that sympathetically at the moment. They make me really angry!

[maidmarian]

I suppose that's a possibility, but I find I can't view them that sympathetically at the moment. They make me really angry!

I agree - I think with most people it is the
fear of the unknown( relative with a mental
rather than physical illness).and how it will
affect them and the family- financial as well
as emotionally and practically.

People usually have some knowledge of
physical illnesses from friends work
colleagues etc-even if they havent had the
illness themselves. Public figures now
speak about depression which should help.
I think once they know families do try to
understand and help.Sometimes those presumed
to be least likely can be most supportive.

Not sure Steves family will do that. Probably
belong to the "You need to Snap out of it "
brigade. Which there are still some(hopefully
few).around.
Hope the story continues to prompt discussion.

[maidmarian]

I suppose that's a possibility, but I find I can't view them that sympathetically at the moment. They make me really angry!

I agree - I think with most people it is the
fear of the unknown( relative with a mental
rather than physical illness).and how it will
affect them and the family- financial as well
as emotionally and practically.

People usually have some knowledge of
physical illnesses from friends work
colleagues etc-even if they havent had the
illness themselves. Public figures now
speak about depression which should help.
I think once they know families do try to
understand and help.Sometimes those presumed
to be least likely can be most supportive.

Not sure Steves family will do that. Probably
belong to the "You need to Snap out of it "
brigade. Which there are still some(hopefully
few).around.
Hope the story continues to prompt discussion.

[Dazzle]

The storyline has certainly got people talking honestly about depression, which can only be a good thing.

[Perdita]

I think that Liz and Michelle really have not considered the fact there might be something seriously wrong with him, he is just acting out of sorts, maybe he is having a midlife crisis - easier to ignore and hope it goes away before long ...