Season 38

E1. Wed Jan 1 1997

Jan 1, 1997 · 24m

Curly got as far as Stockport before realising he was chasing a mirage. He feels he has everything to live for in Weatherfield. He tells Samantha she can stay at No.7 as his lodger and is stunned when she tells him it's her house now under her rental agreement and he'll have to move out. Maureen tells Curly that Bill knows about their night of passion and tells him he should never have come back. The Platts have dinner at the Baldwins' flat. They toast for a prosperous New Year. Maxine is horrified to see Curly back in Weatherfield and confesses to Fiona that Curly was the man she slept with. Fiona thinks it's hysterical. Liz tells Andy and Jim that Fraser has warned her about Steve and Malcolm Fox.

E2. Jan. 3, 1997

Jan 3, 1997 · 25m

Alma is sickened to receive a letter from Don, posted on the day of his suicide attempt, telling her it's Mike's fault he's lost everything. Anne is excited about her first day as acting manager at Firman's Freezers. The Malletts return from Spain to find Samantha is their next door neighbour. Anne is horrified to find Curly at work. She is angry that he's back because she wanted his job and feels that she's betrayed Andy by kissing him. She tells him that she hates him and is upset when he tells her that he's forgotten all about her declaration. Gary tells Joyce she can go home as he's sorted out the back rent with her landlord Bernard. Samantha tells Curly he can't stay at No.7 any more and suggests he goes to stay with a friend. Tricia gives the DSS Terry's name but she is told he won't be traced until the baby is born. Jack is pleased as he wants Terry to pay up. Alma shows Mike the letter and is hurt when he finds it amusing.

E3. Jan. 5, 1997

Jan 5, 1997 · 25m

Jack wants rid of the Armstrongs but Vera enjoys having them around. Anne is hostile toward Curly, telling him she wants him to leave as soon as possible. Tricia realises Jack wants her out of the Rovers and tries to win him round, saying how good he is for Jamie. Alma confronts Don over his letter and asks him why he wrote it to her when she's never hurt him. She tells him no one's to blame but himself for the mess he's in. He tells her that she destroyed him as Mike did as she married him. She is shaken by his aggression. Joyce and Scamper return to Gable Street.

E4. Jan. 6, 1997

Jan 6, 1997 · 25m

Ken panics when he gets a date for Daniel's hearing and finds it's sooner than he expected. He goes to see Alison Dunkley to ask her to testify against Denise. He tells Deirdre he needs her to support him through it all. Stephen arrives from Canada and calls at the factory. He is disturbed to hear a message from Don on Mike's answerphone, calling him a thieving swine. Mike is shaken by the message and is annoyed when Stephen recognises Don's voice. Mike tries to explain what Don has against him but Stephen doesn't like the idea of people having grudges against Mike. Eric Firman tells Curly that if he hadn't returned he was going to get Reg to look after the store with Anne as his assistant. Liz and Jim visit Steve in prison and tell him they're concerned about his involvement with Malcolm Fox

E5. Episode 4122 (8th January 1997)

Jan 8, 1997 · 25m

Vera misses having the Armstrongs to stay as they felt like family. Gary offers to look over Samantha's bike when it gives her trouble, but Judy stops him. Audrey presses Alf to use his Square Dealership to help him in court as he appears on a charge of dangerous driving. To help Don out, Jack buys his share of the horse for £150. Vera tells him it's good to help a friend in need and suggests they help Tricia, as well as Don. Deirdre admits to Emily that she feels Daniel would be better off with Denise so she and Ken can have an uncomplicated start to their relationship. Jack has new spectacles fitted. Alf is fined £200 and told he'll have to take his driving test again. Audrey feels that Weatherfield is the only town that has incorruptible officials

E6. Episode 4123 (10th January 1997)

Jan 10, 1997 · 25m

Knowing Vera is going to visit, Tricia turns the heating off so the flat is cold. Alma tells Mike she bumped into Stephen and had a drink with him. He's instantly suspicious. Andy tells Curly he can stay with them as long as he likes and that he and Anne don't see eye to eye all the time. Ken is surprised when Denise turns up with Daniel. She asks Ken to look after him overnight as she and Brian Dunkley have business, trying to make him see she is not the enemy and she does want him to be part of Daniel's life. Ken happily takes care of Daniel. Vera is appalled by the cold flat and insists the Armstrongs move back to the Rovers permanently.

E7. Episode 4124 (12th January 1997)

Jan 12, 1997 · 25m

Mike can't believe Stephen would cancel the contract over Don. Jack tries to prepare Vera for the day Tricia finds herself another man, accusing her of getting too attached. Audrey feels Alf has got into bad habits with his driving and gives him a lesson. He refuses to have any more with her as she nags him too much. Andy realises he doesn't care if Anne fancies Curly or not as he's had enough of living with her. Mike begs Stephen to reconsider as he'll be putting people on the dole. Stephen refuses so Mike accuses him of pulling out because of Alma embarrassing him. Andy is embarrassed when Anne is rude to Curly, demanding to know when he's going to leave. Curly is appalled when Anne tells him she's told Andy about her declaration of love. When Becky is locked out of No.6, Ashley takes her in for the afternoon.

E8. Episode 4125 (13th January 1997)

Jan 13, 1997 · 25m

Andy has moved back in at No.11. Anne tells Curly she's glad Andy has gone and insists he stays, saying she can't manage the mortgage without his help. Samantha is furious when Tricia lords it over her at the Rovers. She tells Jack she'll leave if she doesn't get an apology. Alma is upset to see Mike so low and is short with Gail as she's Stephen's sister. Bill is stunned to discover Andy has left Anne with Curly living in the house. He advises him to separate them and thump Curly. Jim pushes Bill to make things up with Maureen, using her birthday as an excuse. He gives her a plant as a present, pleasing her but she is annoyed by the way Maud tries to push them together.

E9. Episode 4126 (15th January 1997)

Jan 15, 1997 · 25m

Alma tells Mike that Stephen humiliated her and she hates him. Maud wonders why Maureen has cooled towards Bill and tries to find out if he's got another woman. Maureen tells her to shut up. Alma is touched when Mike tells her he's glad she hates Stephen as he could never have coped with losing her. She assures him they'll survive. Jim tells Bill he'll never be able to forget Maureen sleeping with Curly and advises him to finish with her. Stephen tells Audrey that he's dropping Mike and Alma is upset.

E10. Episode 4127 (17th January 1997)

Jan 17, 1997 · 25m

Becky plans to convert Ashley to vegetarianism. Lauren is amused that she has a crush. Tony is annoyed when Kevin refuses to let him take a holiday, saying they have to build up the business first. Jack and Don watch Betty's Hot Shot racing on the TV. Don is furious when, against all the odds, it wins. Mike tells Sally and the workers that he's lost the Kbec contract. He tells them he'll fight to ensure they don't go under and assures them there'll be no redundancies. Vera is thrilled that the horse has won and plans to spend Jack's owner's winnings on a new coat and a buggy for the baby. Don is bitter that he hasn't got any winnings to look forward to. Ken tells Denise he agrees to settle out of court but wants to pay maintenance for Daniel.

E11. Jan 19, 1997

Jan 19, 1997

Mike makes enquiries regarding Kbec's other contracts. Anne alarms Curly by introducing him to her parents. Fred faces tough questions from his fellow horse owners.

E12. Episode 4129 (20th January 1997)

Jan 20, 1997

Samantha forces Curly to sleep on the sofa and then tells him he must leave. He tells her that he had to escape from Anne but Samantha refuses to be moved. He offers to reduce her rent and she finally agrees when he knocks £40 a week off. She tells him she must have the best bedroom and a bolt fitted on the bathroom door. Sally thinks it's wicked that Stephen used Don as an excuse to drop them. Anne pleads with Curly to come home with her and turns on him when he refuses. She accuses him of lusting after Samantha and tells him he'll regret spurning her. Ashley falls for Maxine and is thrilled when she asks him to model for her. Gail and Alma fall out over the Mike/Stephen business and the atmosphere in the cafe upsets Roy. Gail tells Alma she doesn't want to fall out with her but Alma tells her she is involved; if Stephen ruins Mike she is ruined too.

E13. Episode 4130 (22nd January 1997)

Jan 22, 1997

Mike decides to cut his losses by selling counterfeit Kbec-wear. Alma is alarmed at the thought of him trading illegally. She is angry to hear Audrey bad-mouthing Mike to Gail and tells her Mike is worried sick because of Stephen's actions. Audrey hits back by reminding Alma of her infatuation with Stephen. Curly assures Eric that Anne didn't throw him out over his advances; he left because of hers. He swears he never laid a finger on her. Gail tries to sort out the aggro between herself and Alma but Alma sees her as the enemy as she's related to Stephen and Audrey. When Gail blames Mike for Don's suicide attempt, Alma reminds her of all the upset she caused Don over the house. Gail tells Alma that she didn't find Stephen so vile when she tried to bed him and Alma hits back by saying it's no wonder Nick left home and walks out of the cafe.

E14. Episode 4131 (24th January 1997)

Jan 24, 1997

Deirdre tells Ken it's obvious Sue Jeffers fancies him and she is jealous. She tells him to think about the signals he gives Sue. Becky spies on Ashley and discovers it's his birthday. Des teases her about her obsession. Mike assures Sally he needs her but will have to lay off half the workforce. Des lends Becky a Walkman that Lisa once gave him. Ken pleads with Sue not to make him redundant. She tells him she's sympathetic but she has to lose some of her experienced staff. She questions him about Deirdre, annoyed that they are so friendly. Gail tries to make up with Alma and is shocked when Alma tells her she's dissolving their partnership and selling the cafe. Alma offers to sell her share to Gail but Gail gets angry, pointing out she can't afford it. Alma assures her it's nothing personal, she's doing it to help Mike.

E15. Jan. 26, 1997

Jan 26, 1997

Samantha and Sean set out for Todmorden on her bike. Kevin is annoyed when Tony says he's only working Sunday morning as he wants to take his girlfriend out. Des sees that Ashley has his Walkman and fears Becky has given it to him. Sean is exhausted walking but Samantha keeps pushing him, saying they'll have a pub lunch. Mike finds a buyer, Mr Bottomley, for the Crimea Street flats, but he needs them vacant. Martin rows with Alma for putting the cafe on the market. Mike suggests he talks to Stephen about buying into the business. Sean is furious when after walking for hours a snowbound pub on the edge of the moors is closed. Samantha feels sorry for him and when he questions her she gives him her life story, including details of her marriage. She explains she's running away from her past and no one knows where she is. He is staggered by her story.

E16. Episode 4133 (27th January 1997)

Jan 27, 1997

Mike warns Deirdre that she's going to lose her home and her caretaker job when he sells the Crimea Street flats. Ken suggests she moves in with him at No.1 but she feels she doesn't just want to drift back into his life. Tony has a bad back which stops him being much help at the garage. Mike talks to the workforce, telling them he's only got the one order for sportswear and will have to lay half of them off. Ida is convinced she'll be first to go. Curly is annoyed to find Anne has changed all the rotas in his absence. He is also upset by the way she refuses to be alone with him and always keeps the office door open. Sally realises that Mike's new designs are the same as Kbec's and tells him he can't copy them as it's illegal. He points out Kbec has left him with no option and she has to go along with him or he'll have to sack all sixty workers instead of thirty.

E17. Jan. 29, 1997

Jan 29, 1997

Deirdre doesn't want to rush things with Ken as she's enjoying life at the moment and doesn't want to risk another break-up. Kevin is suspicious of Mike's motives. The residents of the Crimea Street flats receive notice to quit. Joyce tells Judy to try a home pregnancy testing kit rather than wait for each doctor's appointment. Gail worries that any new owner of the cafe won't want her. Martin persuades her to speak to Alma again. Alma turns up in the cafe but brings Paul Buckley, a prospective buyer, with her. He plans to turn the cafe into a takeaway pizza shop. Gail tearfully begs her to reconsider and is astonished to hear from Roy that the flats are also up for sale. Mike wants Sally to help him sell gear on the markets at the weekends and realises that Mike has no new orders to work on. Roy worries about where he's going to live and if he will settle in there. Joyce tells a delighted Gary that Judy might be pregnant. Sean agrees to go with Samantha to her self-defence classes. Sue lets Ken know his job is safe for the time being and that two other teachers are being made redundant. She tells him that he owes her a favour now.

E18. Jan. 31, 1997

Jan 31, 1997

Gary worries that Judy is rushing round too much but doesn't tell her that he thinks she's pregnant. Maud suggests Bill moves in with them to a shocked Maureen. Roy is depressed about losing his home and his job. He realises that the only answer is to buy the cafe himself. Des takes the mickey out of Sean for his interest in Samantha. Alma brings Paul Buckley and his colleague Michael Pearce back to the cafe. Gail tells Roy that he'll need to raise £30,000 to buy Alma's share and he goes off to see the banks. Alma tells Mike that she thinks the two men will buy the cafe. Deirdre is not sure about moving back in with Ken.

E19. Episode 4136 (2nd February 1997)

Feb 2, 1997

Kevin is annoyed when Sally spends Sunday working with Mike. Judy tells Gary she isn't pregnant and he wonders if he's sterile. Deirdre feels Ken is taking it for granted that she'll move into No.1 with him. He thinks it's because the house has bad memories for her and suggests he sells up and they buy somewhere together. She tells him it isn't just the house; she doesn't want to live with him. She is dismayed when he is upset that she won't take the risk. Sean is pleased when Samantha invites him round to No.7 for a meal, until he realises Curly will also be there. Ken tells Deirdre he's furious with her and accuses her of using him as therapy to get over Samir. She tells him that's the worst thing he's ever said to her and storms out. Alma is embarrassed when Roy tells her he wants to buy the cafe.

E20. Episode 4137 (3rd February 1997)

Feb 3, 1997

After Deirdre's hurried departure, Ken and Sue are embarrassed by what has happened. Sue is upset that Deirdre had a key to the house and is angry when Ken thanks her for going to bed with him. Gail is annoyed that the Baldwins haven't taken Roy's offer seriously. Maureen is fed up that Bill is more interested in the new flat than making love to her. Mike is amazed when Martin tells him Roy really has got £35,000 from an inheritance. Ken begs Deirdre to forgive him, saying he made a mistake sleeping with Sue. She tells him he used Sue and it's disgusting. Mike tells Alma she must sell to Roy as he has the cash but Alma feels that would be taking advantage of him. Deirdre takes time off from work and goes to see Tracy in London. Sue tells Ken she's annoyed because he hasn't been honest with her over Deirdre. She asks him to make his mind up between them. Alma tells Roy she won't sell the cafe to him and accuses Gail of taking advantage of Roy to hang onto her own job. Gail is furious when Alma tells her she won't let her exploit Roy.

E21. Feb 5, 1997

Feb 5, 1997

Sally feels the strain of covering up Mike's criminal activity. Gail implores Alma to sell the café to Roy. Sue gives Ken the cold shoulder at school.

E22. Feb 7, 1997

Feb 7, 1997

Mike uses emotional blackmail against Sally when she refuses to collude in his scam any longer. Sean accompanies Samantha to a self-defence class. Derek forms a theory about his allotment robbery.

E23. Episode 4140 (9th February 1997)

Feb 9, 1997

Don is angry and disappointed when Ashley goes off with Mike to sell his Kbec stock on the Sunday markets. Vera is invited to a Licenced Victuallers function and teases Jack by saying she's not taking him. Jack is furious that she'd go without him, especially as it's a Valentine's dance and the gossips would think they've split up. Alec looks forward to taking Rita for lunch in the country but his relaxing time is spoilt when she insists on bringing Rosie and Sophie so the Websters can have a break. Sean tells Samantha that no one will sponsor him and is horrified when Des says he's backing him £20 and he's got sponsorship from the employees at all four of his betting shops. Gerry meets Fraser as he leaves prison. His first thought is to see Liz. Sean is furious with Des for double-crossing him and is scared that he'll injure himself on the jump. He is relieved to discover he'll need a doctor's note saying he's fit for the jump. He is certain he can get the doctor to say he's unfit but Des points out that Samantha might go off him if he's not fit. Anne is annoyed to discover Curly has allowed an assistant to lock up the store.

E24. Episode 4141 (10th February 1997)

Feb 10, 1997

Andy is alarmed when Liz tells him Fraser is out. He wants to cancel his trip to Ireland but Liz refuses to let him. Curly is embarrassed to find Anne talking to the female staff about sexual harassment. He tells Eric Firman that Anne is trying to make him out as a pervert and talks to him about leaving the keys with an assistant before discovering Anne hasn't told him about the incident. Ken tells Emily that he'd like to give his relationship with Deirdre one last try. Betty agrees to look after the Rovers when Vera tells her that she really does want Jack to be her guest. Sally warns Ashley that Mike is selling dodgy goods and advises him to stay clear of it. Roy's solicitor sorts out the contracts on the cafe. He assures the customers he won't be making any changes. Mike is annoyed when Ashley tells him he can't work for him any more. He guesses Sally has put him off and rows with her, saying that if he always played honest he'd have lost everything. Liz asks Alan for his advice on how to deal with Fraser. Alan tells her that Fraser served eighteen months for fraud and that he's known to be a gent. Liz is relieved.

E25. Feb 12, 1997

Feb 12, 1997

Deirdre returns from London with a decision for Ken. Curly struggles to comprehend Anne's grudge against him. Fiona dislikes Alan's lack of regard for Liz's safety.

E26. Feb 14, 1997

Feb 14, 1997

Tricia helps Betty to man the bar while the Duckworths attend the brewery function. Anne's histrionics put paid to Curly's career. Fraser makes a large purchase when he visits Liz at work.

E27. Feb. 16, 1997

Feb 16, 1997

Tricia isn't allowed to hold her baby as he's so small at five weeks premature. Jamie overhears Vera worrying that the baby might not live. He convinces himself that his brother is going to die but Tricia assures him he'll fight back and get stronger. Curly is amazed when Anne seeks him out, saying she wants to remain friends. He tells her he wants nothing more to do with her. She turns on Samantha, accusing her of seducing him into living at No.7. Alan is intrigued to discover Fraser has bought The Hour Glass. Fraser spends the day behind the bar with Liz. He tells her he's bought it as a business proposition and assures her he won't interfere with the way she runs it. Maureen and Bill decorate his new flat. Sue tells Ken how she wishes she could tell the school how much she loves him but they agree they should keep their relationship a secret. Des is horrified when he discovers Sean has got sponsors for a jump in his name. He refuses to do the jump and doesn't care what the sponsors think of him. Don suggests to Jack that Tricia's baby might not be premature at all as it might not be Terry's baby. Tricia breaks down, fearing the baby won't pull through. Vera tries to comfort her. Liz meets with Alan at Fiona's flat, scared because Fraser gives her a lift there. Alan tells her that Fraser is a dangerous man and Steve is vulnerable in prison. He advises her not to antagonise Fraser and to keep him informed of what's going on. He gives her his card to get in touch with him again. When Liz has gone, Fiona demands to know from Alan what he’s up to.

E28. Feb. 17, 1997

Feb 17, 1997

Fiona worries that Steve could get hurt by Fraser's friends if Liz speaks against him. Jack suggests to Vera that the baby came on time and wasn't Terry's but she refuses to believe him. Gail tells Roy she'd be happy if the more experienced partner had the majority share and is surprised when he agrees. Liz is grateful when Fraser gives her a pay rise. Joyce asks Alec to take her back as cleaner but he refuses, annoying her. Jack visits Tricia in hospital and feels uncomfortable when she says she feels she's not a good mother. He asks Martin's advice on the baby and is told it is definitely premature. Tricia is thrilled when she's allowed to hold her baby for the first time. Joyce is annoyed when Judy takes Alec's side, pointing out that she did steal from him. Jamie is thrilled when Tricia returns from hospital for a break. Ashley gives Maxine a chicken and is despondent when she doesn't invite him for a meal. Samantha forces herself to get drunk when entertaining Sean. She lets him kiss her and surprises him by inviting him up to her bedroom. When she tells him she can't avoid sex with him forever he realises she has got drunk to give her the courage to bed him. He tells her it's insulting as he wants her to enjoy sex, not to see it as a one-way thing. She gets upset when he storms out. Alan tells Liz that he'd try to move Steve to another prison, out of Fraser's reach, but in return he wants information about Fraser's movements as he knows he's planning a big job. She feels she has to go along with Alan, for Steve's sake.

E29. Feb. 19, 1997

Feb 19, 1997

Don gets annoyed by the off-hand way Maxine treats Ashley. He tells her all hairdressers are the same and she's as bad as Denise for leading men on. She is stunned by the outburst. Samantha confides in Curly that although she fancies Sean she hates sex. He is stunned when she tells him she was once married. Gail tells Roy she wants to sort out a loan to buy his 20% and is amazed when he tells her he doesn't want to sell 20%; he agreed the person with the most experience should have the majority share and thinks that is him as he worked so long in a four-star hotel. Gail is dismayed. Liz tells Fraser she'd like to give him the £1,000 back. He accepts this on the condition she accepts something else from him. She introduces him to Deirdre, who is horrified to see him out of prison and working with Liz. Tony buys a new sports car. Ashley is concerned when Maxine lays into him over Don criticising her over her treatment of him. Ashley tells Don to keep out of his love life. Deirdre can't understand why Liz is still with Fraser until she realises that she fancies him. Liz is embarrassed by Deirdre's concern. Jack tries to steer Tricia away from naming the baby Terry, saying Terry is lowlife and she's better off without him. Fiona calls at The Hour Glass, curious to see Fraser. He is charming towards her, recognising her as Steve's old flame. Tricia decides to call the baby Brad and tells Vera he'll be bottle-fed. Sean tells Samantha that sex isn't everything. She tells him she does want a normal relationship and feels she might need counselling. He tells her he's prepared to wait for her, until she's ready. Liz is stunned when Fraser buys her a car. She tells him he confuses her but when he tells her how attracted he is to her she kisses him passionately.

E30. Feb. 21, 1997

Feb 21, 1997

Alan is furious to hear Fiona has been at The Hour Glass to spy on Fraser. He tells her to stay away in future, out of harm's way. She is thrilled when he tells her her loves her and wants her kept safe. Liz tells Fraser she has no regrets after spending the night with him. She is flattered by the way he gives her money to spend, saying she deserves the best as she's a lady. Joyce is annoyed that she has to clean up the Rovers for the baby's homecoming and asks Judy to walk Scamper. Liz tells Alan she doesn't want to spy on Fraser as she's certain Steve is safe. Alan tells her that if she doesn't cooperate Steve's parole might be cancelled. She accuses him of blackmailing her but he makes her that he's serious. Liz is upset when Deirdre refuses a lift in her car because it's been bought by a criminal. Becky is upset when she leaves dye on Claire's hair too long and bleaches it too much. Claire rushes to the salon for help. Judy forgets to walk Scamper when Gary chases her into bed, turned on by her sexy new dress. Kevin is annoyed with Tony playing around with his new car and neglecting the garage. Joyce rows with Judy for not walking Scamper. Fraser tells Liz not to buy modest outfits as he likes her in mini-skirts. Joyce walks Scamper at night and crosses Ashdale Road only to be hit by Tony in his car. He tries to brake but fails and Joyce bounces over the car and lies still in the road.