When the home video was first released, it was yet again a first by Phil Redmond - a spin off, that would later be emulated by other British soaps. Cleverly, the story involves a one that has elements in it far too strong for terrestrial TV. Voilence, kidnap, guns and gangsters - plus the eventual development of Barry Grant, which went a long way to satisfying the hardcore and long time viewers of Brookside.
It is more than that though. Sheila Grant comes back in an extended role to try to make things right, meaning the relationship between the Grants and the Corkhills finally is laid to bare. Questions are asked, some are resolved. Some are not. Some never can be. It is a good idea and bringing back Sheila Grant really adds depth. If only Billy (John McArdle) could have been involved: wow. He did partake in a Brookside video 'The Men' in a 1997 release.
But...
The Lost Weekend was part of an arc that happened in late 1997 and centered around the Bar Brookie and the Finnegans who were leaning on the Dixons who owned it. It took Brookside in a new direction for a couple of years until 1999/2000, when it reacehed new heights for must see TV.
So, for those who have not watched it or have forgotten, the pretext for the plot is as follows...Glaswegian - Callum Finnegan of 'Finnegan Security' - is a bit tasty and looking to 'protect' Bar Brookie. Barry Grant gets paid by Jacqui Dixon to help dissuade him (and the Finnegans) and it escalates into a turf war. Lindsay Corkhill is later kidnapped by the Finnegan mob. Number 10 Brookside Close (home of Jimmy Corkhill), becomes the home base and eventually a plan is put together and Barry rescues Lindsay. The problem of Callum Finnegan is eventually "contained".
The video was shot to create a movie style feel so there are no commercial interruptions and the dialogue at times makes full usage of the home release rating, so its a bit of a treat to hear the likes of Jimmy Corkhill, Barry Grant and others swearing in certain scenes.
There is also a montage segment concerning Barry Grant (in a b&w flashback), that adds depth to the story.
Sue Johnston, Dean Sullivan, Sue Jenkins, Paul Usher, Gerard Kelly star. With strong performaces from Brian Regan, Michael Starke, Claire Sweeney in supporting roles, it makes this a Brookside video that is a cult classic. It does not quite end here though - the finale to this story would take place with the 1997 Christmas special, four weeks later, in probably the best ever episode of Brookside.
It is more than that though. Sheila Grant comes back in an extended role to try to make things right, meaning the relationship between the Grants and the Corkhills finally is laid to bare. Questions are asked, some are resolved. Some are not. Some never can be. It is a good idea and bringing back Sheila Grant really adds depth. If only Billy (John McArdle) could have been involved: wow. He did partake in a Brookside video 'The Men' in a 1997 release.
But...
The Lost Weekend was part of an arc that happened in late 1997 and centered around the Bar Brookie and the Finnegans who were leaning on the Dixons who owned it. It took Brookside in a new direction for a couple of years until 1999/2000, when it reacehed new heights for must see TV.
So, for those who have not watched it or have forgotten, the pretext for the plot is as follows...Glaswegian - Callum Finnegan of 'Finnegan Security' - is a bit tasty and looking to 'protect' Bar Brookie. Barry Grant gets paid by Jacqui Dixon to help dissuade him (and the Finnegans) and it escalates into a turf war. Lindsay Corkhill is later kidnapped by the Finnegan mob. Number 10 Brookside Close (home of Jimmy Corkhill), becomes the home base and eventually a plan is put together and Barry rescues Lindsay. The problem of Callum Finnegan is eventually "contained".
The video was shot to create a movie style feel so there are no commercial interruptions and the dialogue at times makes full usage of the home release rating, so its a bit of a treat to hear the likes of Jimmy Corkhill, Barry Grant and others swearing in certain scenes.
There is also a montage segment concerning Barry Grant (in a b&w flashback), that adds depth to the story.
Sue Johnston, Dean Sullivan, Sue Jenkins, Paul Usher, Gerard Kelly star. With strong performaces from Brian Regan, Michael Starke, Claire Sweeney in supporting roles, it makes this a Brookside video that is a cult classic. It does not quite end here though - the finale to this story would take place with the 1997 Christmas special, four weeks later, in probably the best ever episode of Brookside.