God bless the child

Not really a “scene” this week – a shot and a background, both part of the same storyline. Poor little Simon, looking out the door at his feuding family. That child can tear the heart out of you. You can feel how confused and frightened he is about the behaviour of the pack of jackals (and jackasses) he now must live among.

It is rare to see child actors, especially ones so young, be able to carry their parts in a storyline all by themselves. Simon’s emotions and reactions do not need propping up or explaining by the adults at all.

We’re more accustomed to children whose expression basically doesn’t change and we only know if they’re happy, sad or upset by the context of the story, indeed even the verbal explanations we’re given. “Look at —, he/she is upset now!” Okay, thanks for telling us! But we don’t need that with Simon. He tells us or shows us quite well on his own. I hope he stays on the show for a good long time.

And thinking of characters who may or may not require explanation – it was nice to hear John refer to Schmeichel this week. I’ve been wondering what happened to him. It’s been so long since we saw him or even heard him mentioned. Schmeichel is also a blessing to the show. Like Simon, he can hold his own in a storyline.

Lost child in Blackpool

Now the background of the week – Blackpool. So nice to see the beach and the arcades and lights in daytime and at night. I had a hard time concentrating on the story of Simon taking off because I wanted to see everything behind the actors.

It’s been a while since we had a Corrie trip to Blackpool, and especially the night shots on Friday were spectacular. I’ve never been to Blackpool, always wanted to go. Thanks, Corrie, for the little New Year’s Eve trip.

Daily Mail takes us behind the scenes a bit in the taping of this story.