Director: Diana Patrick
Writers: Carmel Morgan & David Proud
Watch Now: ITVX or STV
We knew we were only getting Carla and Betsy in today’s episode, but my gosh, it was comedy gold wasn’t it? Combine Carla and Glenda too, and it truly was a recipe for an episode that felt like the Coronation Street of old.
The first scene of our favourite family was in the factory, with Betsy and Bobby on their lunch break, and a very random discussion about sandwiches which we’ll pretend didn’t happen.
Next, we saw Carla arrive at The Rovers to offer Ryan the position of manager, which he had to turn down due to accepting a new job with Debbie Webster. He told his aunt he didn’t want to be stuck behind a bar for the rest of his life, but advised Carla that her solution was standing right next to her – Glenda!
Back at the flat, Bobby arrived to ask Carla for an advance on his wages so he could book a trip to visit Simon in Majorca that week, to celebrate his birthday. It was clear that Carla had forgotten his birthday, and agreed to give Bobby his pay, before they headed off to The Rovers for a drink.
In the pub, Carla and Bobby arrived to find Glenda had brought out the karaoke machine and was entertaining the punters as if she were back on the cruise ships, leaving no one behind the bar to serve. Glenda and her ‘choo choo’ was a highlight of this episode for me, Jodie Prenger is a remarkably gifted comedic actress, with impeccable timing and a natural flair for humour. I truly hope once the pub is sold, the new owners keep Glenda on as manager, she’s hilarious!
Carla and Bobby were later seen in a booth at the pub with Ryan and Betsy, anyone who says Carla doesn’t have a maternal bone in her body (including the character herself) is seriously mistaken. That’s three of the children she’s helped/helping to raise, and no one can convince me otherwise.
An unimpressed Carla made a comment about regretting letting Glenda take the reigns as manager, and with no strange reaction from Betsy, it’s clear that the Swain’s now know about her ownership of the pub. Not going to lie, I would have loved to see this scene on screen, and Lisa’s reaction, but I understand that there’s so many other storylines in the show that need screen time, sadly we can’t have every scene we would like.
It was a shame we didn’t see Lisa in this scene, with her family, but she has an important job fighting crime, so of course she’s not going to be around all the time!
As the family left the pub, tensions were visibly high between Lauren and Bobby, who told the young mum that once he’s back from his trip, they no longer know each other, leaving Lauren visibly hurt.
Carla and Betsy are in Wednesday’s episode, so we’ll be back then 🙂
Swarla HQ xo
Images copyright of ITV