January 4, 20232 yr Author I thought it was an okay first episode. I could do with the new characters being fleshed out, it felt like everything but the kitchen sink was being thrown at us and there wasn't really a chance to get to know them or take things in. Some of the younger cast feel very fresh-out-of-drama-school too rather than feeling like realistic portrayals of teenagers, but maybe these issues will sort themselves out throughout the series. Kim Campbell fits the headteacher role like a glove and Angela Griffin is just a star, definitely interested in watching her storylines progress (I've already heard what's happened to her son). Adam Thomas has slipped back into the role of Donte really well too and I thought he was really good in that final scene. I was pretty miffed when I saw the spoiler of Chlo getting killed off in the first episode but tbh I thought Katie Griffiths felt a little... disconnected from the role so in a way I wasn't as bothered watching those scenes as I was reading the spoiler.
January 5, 20232 yr Author All the episodes have been uploaded to iPlayer but I'll post my thoughts on Episodes 2 and 3 in spoilers in case anyone is watching as they broadcast on TV: It was nice to Janeece return for Chlo's funeral, she was a well-loved character and one of my favourites too. I can remember Chelsee Healey saying in the Facetime reunion that was uploaded during lockdown that she would be down for a return if the show came back so it's nice that she was able to get the time off from Hollyoaks. Donte/Adam, again, was great this episode, as was Kim/Angela, although whoever that girl was she had to share a scene with at the graveside was terrible, absolutely no reaction to the material they were working with. Episode 3 was the first that I enjoyed start to finish, majorly helped by the fact it focused on the characters I was beginning to care about and could act, as well as giving their storylines room to breathe. Kym Marsh has slotted into Waterloo Road really well and I like the guy playing Preston.
January 5, 20232 yr Also episode 2 and 3 spoilers The story lines are definitely beginning to develop now although there do seem to be some fairly obvious developments. The lad playing Preston certainly seems to be the best of the students. Not surprisingly, the younger students are generally fairly weak (no doubt not helped by the restrictions on the hours they can work).
January 25, 20232 yr I'm watching weekly and, aside from noticing so many safeguarding concerns that aren't raising a single eyebrow, I'm quite enjoying it :kink: the brain has to be switched off at times but there are some really interesting plots surfacing. Last night's episode saw Kelly-Jo's behaviour escalate and the ADHD referral be mentioned, which I figured was on the way and I'm glad they're talking about it on here! The scene between the ECT teacher and Kelly-Jo outside was really heartwarming.
January 25, 20232 yr I don’t like the narrative that Waterloo Road always peddle that the ECT mentor always seems to have a problem/never have enough time for the ECT! I know it wouldn’t make interesting TV to have them settle in really well and quickly, but it’s during training years that has the frosty relationships, not so much ECT/NQT.
January 25, 20232 yr I'm glad they are still highlighting issues that need to be raised including the fact that boys (and not just girls) can have eating disorders.
January 26, 20232 yr I'm glad they are still highlighting issues that need to be raised including the fact that boys (and not just girls) can have eating disorders. They’re throwing everything at that character aren’t they?! Seven episodes in!
January 26, 20232 yr A second series has been confirmed 'by accident' by Kym Marsh on Instagram Omg yaaaaaaas! What was said?!
January 26, 20232 yr She posted a picture tagged with Waterloo Road saying she was back from her dressing room. Seems to have been deleted since
January 27, 20232 yr They’re throwing everything at that character aren’t they?! Seven episodes in! True!
May 16, 20232 yr Literally binge watched this all today. Potentially the best series since 5 for me, every single character was fantastically played this time around. I really wasn’t keen on S11 at all and it all felt very half baked but this was like proper Waterloo Road. props to Hollie-Jay Bowes, Noah Valentine and Jenny Platt who were fantastic. I do think Andrews return was underwhelming although I appreciated his friendship with Kim.
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