Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney) has been a constant source of trouble for her mother Evelyn (Maureen Lipman) and long-lost son Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) ever since she moved to Coronation Street last year.
It seems that the ITV soap opera is determined to retain her. However, Cassie has only made little progress so far, interspersed with severe setbacks that are all her own fault.
Though we know the character is capable of kindness, there is now considerably more hate than warmth on show. It’s past time that her redemption story took a serious turn.
We can see that Cassie isn’t intended to be a villain because of the captivating depiction given by actor Claire Sweeney. Why, then, is she being written as one? Despite their complicated past, she is obviously fond of Tyrone and her granddaughters Hope (Isabella Flanagan) and Ruby (Billie Naylor), as well as her mother.
As the two examined their relationship, the poignant moments between Cassie and Evelyn during the former’s debut garnered well-deserved praise. This gave us a solid base upon which to grow, but Cassie hasn’t shown enough balance, and that’s what’s been lacking.
According to her description, Cassie is an addict in recovery who aspires to be a better person for her family. However, every kind deed—like attempting to close a puppy farm or discovering a nice Christmas present—has only brought Abi Webster (Sally Carman-Duttine) and Evelyn drama and problems, respectively.
To make matters worse, Abi, a fellow addict, has been Cassie’s best ally, covering for her when she committed a theft and repeatedly providing her the opportunity to continue working at the garage. However, Cassie paid Abi back by accusing her of being involved in an accident and then spying on her to try to destroy her union with Kevin (Michael Le Vell)!
Given Kev’s past of adultery and Cassie’s evident infatuation on him, we fear that Corrie may choose to go there once more or that Cassie will continue to stir things up whether or not he is tempted. We are, however, requesting that she stop her shenanigans before her conduct gets to that point.
The way she treated Abi, who won over admirers with her struggle to improve her own difficult life, has not gone over well with viewers. Then there’s Evelyn, who was just arrested for assault; in reality, Cassie was the one who let her old mother sit through hours of interrogation at the police station.
Cassie’s naughty personality was amusing at first. Her acts have cast a very negative light on this, portraying her as cold-blooded and heartless. Less obscene, egotistical behaviour and more enjoyment are what we need to see.
For instance, Cassie made the incorrect choice when she decided to give Hope a nose piercing for her birthday, but there was no malice intended. This would have been a whole different conversation if Corrie had spent more time highlighting Cassie’s innocence rather than portraying her as a narcissist.
Recall how there was an instant familial pull when Cassie first saw Hope and Ruby during their Little Big Shotz concert. She was enthralled by her grandkids and eager to be close to Tyrone.
As Cassie continues to put herself first, this delicate, crucial part of the character runs the risk of being overlooked. Cassie’s faults must obviously be exposed before she can be saved, but as they mount, we find ourselves wondering where and when they will stop.
I think, for the time being at least, that we’ve hit the limit of the problems she can create in short order!
Cassie would benefit from having a strong mentor in the form of a friend, similar to the one Abi had with Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor). An excellent choice would be the virtuous Roy Cropper (David Neilson), but Cassie hasn’t responded well to his efforts to nudge her in the right path.
Tracy McDonald (Kate Ford) would be the ideal match, but their mutual influence might be devastating. Tracy did, however, somewhat repent a few years ago, and she may be able to assist Cassie in settling down without fully taming her wild side—something we definitely don’t want her to lose.
Tyrone’s spouse Fiz (Jennie McAlpine) is scheduled to make a reappearance in the next weeks, and Claire has hinted at how the reunion may alter the relationships inside the home. Although it is unlikely that Fiz will be pleased by Cassie’s attitude, she will need to behave more civilly towards the Street’s mainstays if she want to stay.
Cassie is deserving of the opportunity to turn around. All Coronation Street has to do is put an end to her naughty antics and concentrate on more subdued, character-driven narratives. Corrie magic may result from combining this with Claire’s excellent performances and her playful mischievousness.
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