So how was it for you? How many tissues did you use up watching Friday night's two episodes? Sue posted her review but I had to weigh in with my opinion too, on this auspicious day. You can also read up on the Manchester Evening News for their review, where they called Bill Tarmey's performance "bravura" and the storyline surrounding Vera's death "understated".
Part one ended with Jack discovering that his Vee was gone, that she had left him. Straight away, I found myself gasping along with him as the realization that Vera had left him. I hated having to wait until the very last minute of part one to see it but then the second part was worth the wait. Bill Tarmey put in a powerhouse performance, just stunning. I do wish that Vera had had the chance to say good bye to her loved ones but maybe this was the better way to do it, focussing on those left behind.
Watching Jack just broke my heart. He wasn't quite ready to say good bye, was he? He sang to her and talked to her and reassured her that she was safe now. (*sob*) He finally whispered that he loved her, something he rarely ever did, only it was after they'd taken her away.
I wonder how difficult filming those scenes were for Liz and Bill, how she could sit/lie there without changing her expression while he was doing his dialogue. I pretty much figured Vera would go suddenly and I'm glad it was peacefully, after a lovely day in Blackpool with her Jack. At least he gave her that. As he said, she went at home, surrounded by her memories. Just as we have our memories of Veronica Duckworth...Missus.
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Its just a fictional TV show, and Vera is just a fictional TV character.
Yet why do I feel that I have lost my friend and neighbour of so many years. Veras death was beautifully done - passed away in her sleep having had a wonderful with a man she loved so much. And as for Jack, we soooo felt his pain and loss because not only were we watching Jack lose his beloved Vera, but we were watching Bill Tarmey share his final scenes with his acting partner of 30 years. And Bill, if you ever read this, you were just utterly compelling tonight. Who could not shed a tear.
Its silly to mourn what isn't real. But tonights Corrie is what quality television is all about - the ability to touch us all with utter poignancy
In a week where I'd found out that a dear old friend of mine died, I shed tears tonight. If Bill Tarmey fails to be recognised for tonights award winning performance, then there is something seriously wrong somewhere.
It was as if Jacks half pint, the bet and checking the pigeons were twists of irony - as we know Vera didn't like him doing any of that.
I cried buckets... It was overwhelmingly emotive and the passion of 30 years as we'd seen them, was more apparent tonight than at any other time.
The moments where I cried the most were when he placed his coat over Vera because he said she hated being cold, placing her slipper onto her foot and when he held her hand and sang, almost in a way that you knew he was willing his 'little swamp duck' back to life for just a moment so he could say goodbye properly.
Another moment of utter poignancy was outside when he realised she'd really gone and he just broke down in tears by the pigeon coop - I naturally joined in.
Either way, it's a good thing it's only acting, but tonights acting broke all the parameters we'd come to know and expect and I would imagine that the tears shed on set were not fake tears at all, but all genuine real ones.
I sat there with a lump in my throat the size of Weatherfield... it took a while to go afterwards...
I think we mourn because we can identify the loss of a loved one and indeed a long time character is a loved one too.
Floods of tears all night I don't mind telling you. Long live Liz Dawn and I hope she enjoys her retirement.
Congratulations to Bill Tarmey for his stunning performance. I couldn't stop crying all the way through.
Just a big well done to everyone involved. Nothing on TV or film has ever made me cry like that. I feel like I've lost a friend.
I just can't put into words what I'm feeling now, I really have lost a friend.
Floods of tears all night I don't mind telling you. Long live Liz Dawn and I hope she enjoys her retirement.
Congratulations to Bill Tarmey for his stunning performance. I couldn't stop crying all the way through.
Just a big well done to everyone involved. Nothing on TV or film has ever made me cry like that. I feel like I've lost a friend.
I just can't put into words what I'm feeling now, I really have lost a friend.
Here is the Daily Mail and alot more photos from that episode. If anyone sees this episode on YouTube, please post it or post the link. I don't care if I am over year behind....I have to see this one! God Bless Vera!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=509112&in_page_id=1773
Bill Tarmey was superb. Utterly amazing. I have to say i was extremely impressed with all of the 5 main characters tonight.
I would love to know what the viewing figures for the episode where.
Vera's exit was so well done .... I hope all the actors/writers involved are deservedly proud of their work ... I read a review today calling Bill Tarney's performance 'bravura' ... couldn't agree more.
And, I can't believe how Liz Dawn managed to sit there expressionless while all that was going on!
Coronation street is very boring at the moment, the stories are dragging and not really interesting for example, carla and maria story and that kid ryan and his mother what a drag!! The directing is not quality. Am getting annoyed with it now. sort it out