EMMERDALE EPISODE REVIEW - A TOUGH AND EMOTIONAL WEEK FOR LIV

Following on from Monday's blog on the exit of Aaron Dingle. The rest of the weeks episodes saw Liv adjusting to life in prison, and saw her on an emotional rollercoaster, but thank god she has Vinny Dingle on her side.

Tuesday, and Wednesday's episode were directed by Jane Ashmore with Thursday and Friday's episodes being directed by Alan Wareing. Scripts this week in order from Lesley Clare O'Neill, Jo Summerscales, Sarah Hooper, Isobel Cameron, and Bill Lyons.

In Tuesday's episode, the started with Chas Dingle in The Woolpack where she was struggling following the departure of her son, Aaron Dingle as she told her mother, Faith about Aaron leaving as Cain Dingle walks in. Whilst in Home Farm, Gabby Thomas laid her son, Thomas down for a nap as Bernice Blackstock walks in, where they talk about her as a baby where Gabby asks her mum to look after her son, whilst she heads out for a pamper as Will Taylor walks in where Bernice agreeing to looking after her grandson. Back in The Woolpack, Faith was confused over what's happens with Aaron leaving but I can personally see and understand both sides as they talk about Aaron's plans and Cain's honesty was something made a lot of sense, I get that Cain only wanted to protect Aaron and respect his decision. As Chas then goes to visit Liv Flaherty in prison where she told her about Aaron leaving, leaving her even more confused, Chas' honesty was a little harsh, but one I hope will led to a few changes within Liv for the better - only time will tell. The camera angles as Liv looked back to Chas added another levels of emotion to the scene, but I also liked the long shot after the scene had finished with having Chas seat there saw a little vulnerability come through. Back in Home Farm, Bernice talks to Thomas as Will overhears her talking about her childhood leading to them agreeing to a meal together, however, later as they enjoy their meal Gabby returns and joins them. Back in prison, Liv remains to show her innocence as Chas brings up her issues. Chas, please believe Liv she is telling the truth. The moment Chas decided to cut ties with her was heart-breaking viewing. Chas throwing the fact that Liv isn't a proper Dingle in her face was devastating. Back in the pub, Chas informs some of the Dingles about Aaron's departure, Vinny being in Liv's corner is the sweetest thing, however in the final scene of the episode had me emotional as you could how lost and alone Liv feels - these scenes are ones that Isobel Steele does incredibly well and in such a way that you can feel so many emotions within.

During the first scene of Wednesday's episode viewers were taken into the backroom of The Woolpack where Chas Dingle was looking at a photo of her and Aaron demonstrating how much Chas is missing her son. Back in The Woolpack, Sam Dingle looks down as Vinny Dingle enters asking why he's down he mentions his wife, Lydia as Vinny's sad over Liv Flaherty - the faith he has in her is sweet, I personally love how determined he is to support her despite their recent issues as Chas walks in on the wrong part of the conversation. Vinny's talk over how much faith he has in Liv was necessary to hear. Vinny later went on to receive a call from Liv the smile on his face spoke volumes, meanwhile, Liv being worried about calling him was sweet as it shows how much the characters generally care for one another, as Vinny words are clearly a comfort to Liv. Liv's heartbroken, I was all emotional as she doesn't deserve to be alone. Vinny's faith in her says a lot about the character - the dialogue broke me.

Also during the episode, In Home Farm Bernice calls Will its so obvious how much she likes Will it has me laughing. Moments later, Bernice was seen walking around in a coat which you can tell is Kim Tate's it was too funny. Samantha Giles as me in tears so many times in this episode especially as Kim walks in on her. Kim later demands answers of why Bernice is in her clothes to which Bernice is quick to give a response. Will walks in surprised to see Kim there too - I am really enjoying seeing Claire King back on screen. Will being happy to see Kim was wonderful, but Kim's heartfelt words were timed beautifully. I also loved seeing Kerry Wyatt back where she belongs in the salon it's wonderful having Laura Norton back. The Mandy and Kerry banter is fantastic - Laura and Lisa Riley work really well together.

In Thursday's first episode, Emmerdale viewers were taking in the Dingles Farm in the first scene as Chas Dingle goes to see Mandy Dingle asking if Vinny Dingle is ok to look after the scrapyard for Aaron Dingle who recently left the village. With Mandy wanting to help her son get over Liv Flaherty just like Chas wanted Aaron to get over Robert Sugden the Robron feels I got once again this week - I miss Robron and Vinny/ Liv together. As Vinny overhears Mandy and Chas' conversation asking about Liv Flaherty, Vinny stands up for her once again - the belief he has in her is amazing to see, she really needs someone in her corner, and I am personally rather pleased it's Vinny. A while later, Liv is in her cell as her cellmate checks in on her, seeing Liv this lonely and isolated makes many viewers feel sad as she doesn't deserve the Dingle's abandoning her. Moments later, Mandy visited Liv in prison where she told her that Vinny loves her, but that if she really cared about him she needs to put him first which comes from a heartfelt place as his mother, but you could have worded it better! Liv wanting to know Mandy's thoughts why am I crying once again?! One thing that is incredibly obvious after this scene is that Liv needs Vinny as much as Vinny needs Liv! Lisa Riley and Isobel Steele scenes are brilliantly we definitely need to see more. Vinny at The Hop with chocolates for Liv was lovely as Vinny clearly cares a lot about her with every detail being given. Back in The Woolpack, Chas is seen having a chat with Belle Dingle where she opens up about missing Aaron the feeling Chas has me in tears. In the final scene featuring Vinny was when he showed open at the prison to visit Liv which saw him turned away which leaves him confused - loved the use of the Emmerdale set.

In Thursday's second episode, Emmerdale viewers saw Vinny Dingle arriving back from trying to visit Liv Flaherty to Mandy Dingle who was just sitting there acting all surprised. I really feel quite sad for Vinny in all of this, but I get that Liv is doing it to protect themselves! Vinny then receiving a call from Liv where she explains that she was the one who could him off the visiting list - Vinny's shocked, the way that Liv is so vulnerable and cutting ties with the one person who actually believes her is doing her more harm than good. Why am I getting emotional over this. Vinny then deciding to get answers - Mandy please just confess what you have done as he goes to see Chas and ask her for answers. As Vinny goes to see Chas at The Woolpack it's obvious that Chas isn't the one who's told Liv to get stop contact, but I do understand his frustration as Vinny demands answers as Mandy confesses her reasons seeing Vinny get even more frustrated. Seconds later, Liv was seen seen crying in her cell when her cellmate offers her words of comfort before Liv decided to go back to her old ways. Liv's breaking me this week. Mandy its a little too late for the tears. In the final scene of the episode, Liv was seen having an fit after drinking once again.

Also, I have to give Rebecca Sarker and Paige Sandhu the biggest shout-out of all of their incredible scenes tonight but this week in general. There is something so wonderful about the way they work together. I have to add how much I really enjoyed the Kim Tate and Will Taylor scenes over the episodes, especially as they discussed Christmas. The scene between Amy Wyatt and Chloe Harris in the cafe were beautiful seeing some heartfelt moments especially as Amy opened up to her mum, Kerry Wyatt about how she was feeling this moment was very much needed. I loved the scenes between Billy Fletcher and Dawn Taylor who are just a wonderful pairing. The little details for the characters are wonderfully chosen, the smiles say a lot.

In Friday's episode, Liv was back at the prison hospital following last night's events which saw her feeling sorry for herself, which see Liv's vulnerability at the forefront. Liv looks so grateful, and the nurse tells her some home truths as the nurse tells her about talking. Liv thinking of Vinny all the time gets me emotional as Vinny is seen sitting down with her Mandy as he receives a phone call from the hospital. WOW, Mandy. Liv is vulnerable and needs your support not your Dingle code rubbish at this moment in time. As they arrive at the hospital, Vinny opens up about him wanting Liv in his future, I am screaming. As Vinny enters to see Liv, he is grateful the way that the pair wearing their heart on their sleeve during their chat has me teary. Vinny really cares about her, where she hears some brutal home truths from Vinny that were needed as he can hopefully get through to her. After the break, Vinny continues with the brutal honesty is amazing as Vinny admits he needs her help. Vinny's belief is very much needed as they sit and talk through what she can remember as Vinny tries to help her. The  memories that Liv remembers are ones that seem very honest as she started to open up about what she remembers from the night in question. Mandy goes to see Chas Dingle to let her know about Liv being in hospital showing a caring side to Chas. As Vinny then tells Chas and Mandy about how Liv is, and how they have a plan to get her out of prison - love how determined Liv is to get Liv out of prison. I really hope Vinny does get Liv out!

Isobel Steele, and Bradley Johnson - please take a bow for this week's amazing performances. I have nothing but praise for this pair.

These episodes aired between Monday 6th - Friday 10th December on ITV.