Corrie: Lazy Writing ...

[BilSuth]

by resorting far too much to convenient coincidences for plot twists or to heighten tension for a character who already has enough problems to be getting on with e.g.
tonight: Eileen (pain-in-the-a... character anyway) happens to see Phelan's yard is unlocked
tonight: Seb happens to come along just as Faye is getting ready to go off with Anna
regularly: Ms A and Mr B are having a cuddle just as Mrs B (or her best friend) -- at that precise moment -- happen to come out of the pub, or turn round the corner, or get beamed back from an alien abduction or whatever. The overused coincidence device is getting boring now.

[goodgoalie]

Absolutely. I think I've said before on AB that in nearly every episode of every soap someone overhears something that they shouldn't; or someone sees someone/something that they shouldn't. I suppose they have to move the plot on somehow, but it's the overhearing thing that gets on my nerves most.

[gingejbee]

I don't watch Coronation Street....the only soap in this house is Emmerdale....but I completely agree that the over-use of "coincidence" is very irritating....too many plot lines depend on it.
And, in Emmerdale, one-third of the cast is in the pub, another third eating in the cafe and the remainder in David's "shop"/eaterie.

[weecalf]

Why don’t the rename it Overheard in Salford .Then bin .

[hc4361]

In soapland there always has to be consequences for bad behaviour, so nobody gets away with a sneaky cuddle or anything else.