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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Mel O&#039;Drama" data-source="post: 362181" data-attributes="member: 23">5 May - 28 July 1981 3452 - 3488It’s very satisfying that Glenda has journeyed from being a sassy troublemaker to one of Xrds’ most sweet and vulnerable. Thanks to the writing and Lynette McMorrough’s portrayal it also feels like a perfectly credible one because there’s the sense that her previous form of petty theft, stirring and running off is connected to her current marital problems since both are rooted in her chronic low self esteem.Glenda’s far from the first Xrds character to be referred for a talking therapy but, despite being offscreen, hers feels more rooted in reality for taking place outside of the usual incestuous, gossipy goldfish bowl. Much as I’ve enjoyed Lloyd Munroe and Dr Butterworth their combination of omniscience and questionable professional ethics frequently made situations all about them. In this case it feels right that we should allow Glenda space away from prying eyes.Kath’s been especially aware of Glenda’s unhappiness, but for all her gnashing of teeth and sighing about “men” due to her husband’s perceived lack of understanding, it’s Arthur himself who was the one to make a quiet, dignified sacrifice by giving up a promotion to ensure his wife could stay and micromanage her married daughter’s feelings. It’s an act that Glenda herself appreciates now she’s learnt the truth from Arthur’s boss Mr Jenkins but, adding to the quiet dignity, she’s chosen not to tell him she knows.Not that it’s been all bad news for Glenda. New hubby Kevin is proving to be perfectly supportive and understanding even as he gets his new decorating business off the ground (naturally, he’s got a contract at the motel, despite his pantomime villain former boss trying to put him out of business). And he also took her on a lovely honeymoon (“Oooh”, trilled Kath approvingly upon learning they were going to the Isle Of Wight. “She’s always wanted to go abroad”).If Iris held up a mirror to certain aspects of Old Glenda, so in her own way did Rene Haines, the pushy applicant who blagged her way into a job (despite Meg’s rejection) and added fuel to an already volatile situation. “She’s a stirrer”, said Glenda after a short time of putting up with her, and this was not-so-subtly shown in the direction of another episode which saw Rene in the background literally stirring a pot and smiling as an argument took place in the foreground.Rene was great fun in her short stint. Fanny Carby’s face is very familiar. Looking at her IMDb she’s been in no end of British sitcoms, dramas and films, though I didn’t spot one role in particular that stood out as “the one from which I remembered her”. I think she’s now gone for good, with Rene having stolen “the trunk” (a metal petty cash box where the kitchen staff deposit their tips) and skipped out.Causing most of the bad feeling in the kitchen has been “Lady Diane”, as Shughie has now christened Mrs Hunter. Who has ascended from Cold Buffet waitress (I always hear Rosemary Hunter’s voice whenever the “cold buffet” is mentioned) to a Member Of The Board. Kind of. Her current position is best explained in her own words:In David’s absence, he’s asked Diane to have his proxy vote, a move heartily endorsed by Meg and Jill since the alternative would be Chris. But between them they’ve created a monster, since - as Shughie observed - it’s gone to Diane’s head.It’s a case of too much, too soon, and we’ve all known a Diane or two, who are in positions with a degree of power without the background and skill to deal with it. It’s the career equivalent of Nouveau Riche. Just like a pop star or footballer, Diane’s gone off the rails very quickly, throwing her weight around and taking bad decisions without consulting her temporary partners whilst giving herself airs by pronouncing all her “t”s.This is a particularly ugly side of Diane that I’m quite enjoying. She’s annoying as hell, but it’s also fun to see this different side to her.Diane’s ego has caused Shughie to walk out (later checking in as a guest in order to critique the kitchen and service), and in the latest episode there’s been a near riot when Diane passed on Adam’s dictate that there would be no television in the staff room in order to watch the following day’s Royal Wedding of Charles and Di. Calling her fellows to arms and threatening a walkout, Doris let our very own Lady Diane have it:Meg, too is losing patience: continued...</blockquote>

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