Dramatic plotlines are typical in the realm of British soap operas, and fans are frequently given gripping, compelling stories that entice them to watch more.
One such plot in the long-running soap opera Coronation Street centers on the frightening character Stephen Reid, played by Todd Boyce, and just reached its horrible end.
The Terrorist Reign of Stephen Reid
In Coronation Street, Stephen Reid played a great manipulator and a real evil who caused havoc in his wake.
As they witnessed his unsettling deeds, viewers were glued to their seats throughout his reign of terror.
The serial killers Richard Hillman and Pat Phelan, as well as controlling abuser Geoff Metcalfe, are just a couple of the disturbing opponents that the soap opera has a history of introducing.
The Chilling Jigsaw Puzzle
When Stephen Reid’s storyline comes to an end, viewers can finally see that his terror is over, which gives them a sense of relief.
It also begs the question of how frequently soap operas employ these kinds of plots. Some viewers might question whether these plots are becoming too cliched by appearing so frequently.
In the end, Stephen’s ambition to be important proved to be his undoing, but the issue still stands: is this pattern become too familiar?
The Repercussions of Evil Deeds
It is impossible not to wonder if there are other ways to manage characters such as Stephen. Although it is clearly satisfying to see Stephen captured by DS Swain and given a life sentence, it does raise concerns about how well these kinds of characters are used.
DS Swain’s talent is demonstrated by her brilliant takedown of Corey Brent in an interview; Brent had previously murdered Seb Franklin.
She could have made a more compelling and character-driven drama with a better use of her character.
Lost Opportunities
Potential future contacts between Stephen and his mother, Audrey Roberts, represent one lost opportunity.
Keeping these criminals behind bars might have given rise to deeper character development rather than letting them disappear from the plot.
It would have been possible for Stephen’s delicate and conflicted mother to visit him while he was incarcerated, resulting in intense exchanges and character development.
The Villain’s Human Side
There were times when Stephen Reid’s persona showed weakness despite his reign of terror. He displayed a hint of humanity when he realized that he had attacked his niece, Sarah Barlow.
Stephen’s persona is made more complex by his admission to Jenny Connor that he didn’t want to come across as a failure in Audrey’s eyes. It begs the question of whether he used violence to establish his value.
What happened to Stephen in Coronation Street? How he died?
Stephen Reid was hit by a car in Coronation Street, which led to his death. More specifically, Peter Barlow’s car ran him over.
Following a string of exchanges and encounters between Stephen and other characters on the show, this occurrence happened.
The show’s version of Peter Barlow’s terrifying character came to an end when his car struck Stephen.
A Grand Finale
The way Todd Boyce portrayed Stephen Reid in his last moments was remarkable.
Stephen’s leave was intense, with performers like Tina O’Brien, Sue Nicholls, and Sally Ann Matthews giving fantastic supporting turns.
Even though soap opera villains always end in tragedy, something about Stephen’s exit always held the attention and interest of the audience.
A Dangerous Future
With Stephen Reid’s terror reign coming to an end, Coronation Street viewers are left wondering what lies ahead.
The topic of whether Peter Barlow will be imprisoned in Stephen’s place now that he has been exonerated of all charges arises.
Viewers are left curious about Audrey Roberts’ plans for dealing with her son’s horrific deeds and her will to pursue justice.
A Complicated Enemy
Ultimately, Stephen Reid continues to be a nuanced and unforgettable antagonist within the chronicles of Coronation Street’s past.
Viewers were riveted to their TVs throughout his character’s terrifying reign of terror, which was a suspenseful and dramatic rollercoaster.
There’s no doubting the influence Stephen had on the audience of this adored British soap drama, even though it might be time for a change in how frequently these kinds of plots appear.
Viewers of Coronation Street can only wonder what fresh stories and people may surface as the show’s episodes go on, perpetuating the rich heritage of dramatic storytelling.
