61 Years of Coronation Street: Why the Tram Crash was One of Corrie’s Best Episodes EVER
- catdaviesmedia
- Dec 9, 2021
- 4 min read
all images by @ITVStudios
Today marks eleven years since Coronation Street’s tram crash, which was aired to celebrate Coronation Street’s 50th Anniversary back in 2010.
I have seen this episode hundreds of times and yet, every single time I rewatch it I am still hanging off the edge of my seat. It is just that good.
When I speak about Coronation Street to people who aren't religious watchers of the show (like myself), I always hear the same thing: "I remember an episode where a tram or a train crashed into the street." If I had a penny for every time I've heard this, I'd be throwing money around like Tony Gordon back in 2008.
In this blog, I'll be talking about some of my absolute favourite parts of this episode.
1. John Stape and that beautiful dolly zoom
This. THIS. Honestly, when I think about the tram crash episodes this is one of the first scenes that spring to mind every time.
John Stape is Corrie's very own Martin Brody in this scene. It reminds me of that famous scene from Jaws, using the same dolly zoom technique. Anyone else?
2. Carla's secret love-confession for dying Peter
I love these two; the drama never ceases. They're undoubtedly one of the most loved couples in Soap. So, looking back at their scenes before their car-crash of a relationship began, you can't help but think "who knew?".
Who knew then that 11 years later, the pair will have married twice, co-owned two businesses together, betrayed each other (several times) and fought off death who-knows how many times.
Back then, Peter was with Leanne Battersby and the pair famously wed on Peter's death bed after he was injured in the explosion in The Joinery, which caused the tram to crash.
Carla confessing her love for Peter quietly right under Leanne's nose just minutes before they marry - drama at its BEST. The parallel between Carla and Peter, and Leanne and Peter really tops it off.
3. RITA!
That particular shot with the end of the tram flying through the air, along with its massive roar never fails to make me tense and every time I can feel the goosebumps race down my body.
Rita is like a mother to all the viewers, and I'm sure I'm not the only one crying for her when she's in danger.
I know for a fact I'm not the only one screaming at every other character "RITA'S TRAPPED IN THE KABIN!!!" when everyone thinks she's just galavanting around town.
4. Leanne finds out who Carl really is
Leanne and Carla are known for never really getting along. They started off as best friends in 2007 and six months later had already fallen out over the suspicion that Paul, Carla's first husband was one of Leanne's customers.
Fast-forward to 2010 and they're besties again... which never feels right. It's a rare sight to see Carla and Leanne genuinely being nice to each other. They're often fighting over... well... men! So, this scene really kicked off the start of their very long feud.
Previously I spoke about Carla's love-confession for her best friend Leanne's husband, Peter. Yeah, well a couple hours later, when Carla gets drunk, she tells Leanne all about it. Including the fact that Peter has been helping Carla through her alcoholism, and has been telling Leanne that he's helping a guy called 'Carl.' How do you reckon Leanne reacted to that?
5. Max goes missing
You can't help but feel alarmed for Becky as she's frantically searching the street for Max, just seconds before the explosion in The Joinery.
Even when I watch it back and I know he's fine (and causing drama on the street today), I still feel that same panic as I did the first time I watched it.
This scene induces so much panic right before the explosion... my blood pressure is through the roof at this point.
6. Sally finds out Kevin is Jack's dad
Now, this is drama at its finest.
Just as Molly is clinging on to her last breath, she tells Sally - who is holding her hand - that Kevin is her baby's father. This is a revelation that we as the audience have been dying to see come to light, and we weren't ready for it.
Of course, we didn't want to see Molly dying alone. But Sally's reaction... who can blame her?
What's even better... this was filmed LIVE!
7. Ken watching over the destruction
Of course, Ken was going to be a massive part of the 50th anniversary storyline. Ken is the longest running character on the show. Through television, our country has grown with this character on this street.
This shot would have been powerful even if it wasn't Ken stood there. So seeing the fear on Ken's face as he watches his home burn really reminds us just how powerful the show has been for so long.
We feel that fear with him.
8. Is This the Way to Amarillo playing in the pub right before the explosion
I don't know what it is about this, but I love the fact that this song is playing just before absolute chaos engulfs the street.
Corrie used a parallel cut here, which showed every separate story involved in this storyline each coming to a climax, before the explosion blasts through the street.
So, Becky and Steve are frantically trying to find missing Max, Sally is desperately trying to call Kevin who is saying goodbye to his baby son, Nick is about to tell Peter about his affair with Leanne whilst Ken makes his way to stop him, John Stape has just killed Charlotte, Rita is struggling to reach for some sweets in The Kabin, all the lads are fighting in The Joinery and all the Weatherfield ladies are having the time of their lives dancing to Amarillo.
Now, I can't seem to listen to it without thinking about this episode.
Comments