Coronation Street has ignited a firestorm of criticism from its loyal fanbase after airing a daringly experimental episode this week. The long-running ITV soap attempted to delve deeper into the emotional turmoil of David and Shona Platt as they faced a heartbreaking prognosis for their unborn baby, but the unconventional format left many viewers switching off in frustration.
A Bold Narrative Experiment
In a significant departure from its traditional storytelling, the programme featured a dual narrative structure with extensive internal monologues from both David and Shona Platt. This 'artsy' technique was deployed as the couple awaited devastating news about their baby during a hospital appointment.
The episode was made available early on ITVX ahead of its Wednesday broadcast, giving fans a premature glimpse of the innovative approach. Rather than appreciating the deeper insight into the characters' thoughts and feelings, the overwhelming response on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was one of intense disappointment and confusion.
Viewer Reaction: 'Unwatchable' and 'Tiresome'
The backlash was swift and severe. One viewer expressed a common sentiment, writing: 'I'm not a fan of gimmicks and the whole internal monologue thing didn't really work for me. It's too tell not show, too exposition-heavy, but mostly, I just didn't believe that this is what Shona and David would be thinking. #corrie'.
Another disgruntled fan declared the episode 'totally unwatchable' and pleaded, 'This better not be a permanent change #corrie.' The criticism extended to the very nature of the characters, with one person noting, 'I'm against internal monologues at the best of times, but Shona truly does not seem like a character who'd even have one.'
The frustration was palpable enough that some loyal viewers admitted to turning the episode off entirely. One revealed, 'I've turned it off. It’s like Year 10 GCSE course work. I just can't,' while another stated, 'It must be bad, I've turned over. Whoever made the decision to make this episode needs sacking.'
The Heartbreaking Plot Amidst the Controversy
Despite the format controversy, the episode tackled a profoundly sensitive and emotional storyline. David Platt missed the start of Shona's hospital appointment after being arrested following an argument with Kit Green. When he finally arrived, the couple received the news that no expectant parent wants to hear.
A mass had been discovered on their unborn baby's neck. The situation worsened as medical professionals confirmed the mass was a tumour. The doctor presented them with an impossible choice: terminate the pregnancy or proceed with a highly complex and risky surgical procedure known as an EXIT operation.
This specialist surgery would be performed while the baby was still attached via the placenta, carrying significant risks for both Shona and their unborn daughter. The couple clashed over the decision upon returning home, with Shona firmly stating, 'I love you, but this is my body and my decision. I am going to have the EXIT procedure, David!'
A Divided Audience
While the majority of feedback was negative, the experimental episode did find some supporters who praised its handling of a difficult subject. One viewer commented, 'Sensitive subject handled well, to show us that inner turmoil. Enjoyed hearing Shona & David’s inner dialogue.'
Another hailed it as a 'powerful episode' and praised the 'superb acting' from Jack P. Shepherd, who plays David. These positive reactions highlighted the episode's intention to raise awareness about a challenging real-world issue, even if the execution proved divisive.
Ultimately, Coronation Street's attempt to innovate its storytelling has demonstrated the delicate balance soaps must maintain between creative experimentation and meeting audience expectations for familiar narrative formats.
