I love Corrie, but just recently it seems to have lost a bit of its sparkle. Vera's death was wonderfully written and well acted, but their are too many "peripheral" figures at the moment. The bookies, for example. I know they have to be in for the Paul/Jack storyline, but what is going to happen to them when that story has run its course (or will anybody care)?
The main problem, I feel, is the fact it now has 5 episodes a week. Not neccesary. It would lose none of its faithful following if it went back to 3 nights a week, and wouldn't have to drag the storylines out so much.
BTW. Couldn't agree more about Dev.