Corriedale: From a Classic Soap Perspective

Описание: I don't know about you, but I enjoyed ITV's recent Coronation Street and Emmerdale Corriedale crossover, a special episode to promote the new “power hour” of soaps broadcast every night on the channel. I haven't watched either soap regularly for years, but I tuned in because it was an event. An opportunity to see popular characters converse, and perhaps the hope of the history of both shows being honoured in some way.


Excitingly, my hopes were answered. The cinematic presentation of the car crash, and the way these characters came together, was well put together for what it was. Clearly, a lot of thought had gone into the execution, and the cast delivered. For me, a throwback fan of both shows' past, the moment of WOW came when Ken Barlow and Eric Pollard shared a scene for the first time. It was a throwaway scene that didn't add much to the plot, but it was necessary. Even if you've never watched either show, you'll know of Ken and Eric. They are a constant and a route back to each show's respective origins.


Bill Roache has been in Coronation Street since the first episode in 1960. Viewers have watched Ken's life unfold and shared in every piece of drama he has endured. Chris Chittell joined Emmerdale Farm in 1986, and Eric has been a man of many guises and eras. Both characters witnessed the evolution of their shows, from kitchen sink teatime fodder to today's soapy tension roundabout of secrets and murders. When I watched the episode of Emmerdale before Corriedale, I was struck by the difference in feel to the show of yesteryear. A far cry from the kitchen table of Annie Sugden.


Allow me to digress a little here with Ma Sugden in mind, that I ask...What would Corriedale have looked like 40 years ago? 1986 was a time when both shows sought to reinvent themselves. The arrival of Alan Bradley in one, and the car crash death of Pat Sugden in another. What could have happened in a crossover? Perhaps a car crash could've involved the Sugdens and Barlows, with Jack, Joe and Ken at odds with one another. Perhaps Mike Baldwin has a business deal with Alan Turner? Or maybe, when thinking of the era, there was a cricket match involving Seth Armstrong and Jack Duckworth, what would Seth have made of Vera, Rita, Mavis or Ivy Tilsley? Such scenarios are only reserved for fan fiction, as we ponder what Amos Brearly and Henry Wilkes would've made of Bet Lynch's Rovers Return.


The other thing that makes the whole thing pure fantasy is that such a crossover would've never happened because of the logistics of that time. Emmerdale Farm, as it was then, was mostly a daytime or early evening show that began to go primetime in the late 80s. Corrie was made by Granada, Emmerdale by Yorkshire Television, two different regional companies. They could've worked together, but it was unlikely. Both shows had different styles and approaches, each coming from different roots. I would argue it was only possible now because while each show has an identity, the gap isn't as wide as it used to be.


I'm sure there are many critics for the crossover that did happen, but I was fairly impressed. There may have been other times it would've been excellent, such as during the era of the Tates in the early 90s, but they chose to do it at the right time. It was event television that is sorely needed in the age of declining viewership of linear television. It was an intriguing proposition to bring two titans of British soap together, and do so with drama and a hint of nostalgia. It may not be the golden years for either show, but there was enough of both DNA through the prescience of Barlows, Sugdens, Platts, Websters and Dingles to make any longtime soap fan cry with joy. Ken and Pollard? The icing on the cake.


So what else is there to say? I've said enough. If you have anything to say about the shows mentioned in this podcast, you can email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) , tweet @OldTimeReview on Twitter or check out the Facebook page, Old Time Review.