Talk:Episode 1588 (5th April 1976)

Granada Plus repeats
This was,of course,the first episode to be screened by Granada Plus in their weekday repeat run which began in October 1996. IIRC,this starting point was selected by Daran Little when Granada Plus made it clear that they didn't want to start during the black and white era. I can understand the logic as sadly a modern audience is reluctant to engage with monochrome material. This period in early 76 is also just a couple of months into the Bill Podmore produced period which is often hailed as a Golden Age of the programme. I suppose these episodes are more accessible for a modern audience as they have a pace and polish that episodes from the early 70s don't always have. The return of Elsie Howard(Tanner) is also a good point on which to hook an audience. She is one of the Street's true icons and her return is a significant moment. I believe that this episode was also the first to be screened when RTE(Ireland)began showing the series in November 1978. Interesting that even back then this is seen as a good "starting point".

Personally,however,I find it disappointing that viewers missed the actual start of the Podmore period. February and March are strong in story terms-including some glorious comedy from Stan and Hilda(the whole TV saga,their competition fever and the cellar lock-in),the start of the Ken and Wendy affair which continues into April and May and also the mismanagement of the Corner Shop by Tricia and Gail. We also get the first appearance of Derek Wilton and Fred Gee's arrival at the Rovers during this period. However,as I say above,I see the reason why they would've chosen ep 1588. And since then two episodes from February-March have been released on DVD.

70s Fan 20:32, February 22, 2012 (UTC)