Life in Ambridge
Life in Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
Starter kit for Ed & Emma
Life in Ambridge
Nothing to do with the current story-line but rather cute
ArcherphileMay 16, 2023 at 8:28 AM
ReplyDeleteI must admit to having rather enjoyed the showdown between Tom and Tony last night.
Strange to realise it was a massive argument between father and son, both in real life, and in character!
But I was annoyed that Natasha didn’t speak up and admit it was her that wanted to cash in on the twins photos and had to persuade Tom to agree, against his principles. He at least, and more loyally, took responsibility for the decision. I feared Tony might be about to trigger a heart attack, but perhaps one heart-related death in the Archer family is enough for a while.
REPLYDELETE
AmbridgesMrsPMay 16, 2023 at 9:33 AM
I wasn’t at all surprised that Natasha did not speak up and own her responsibility in the matter.
She did speak, but included Tom in the decision making without explaining that he did have doubts but was coerc
coerced by her to disown those doubts and agree with her argument that the fee would be a nest egg for the girls.
ReplyDeleteWe knew from her first appearance in Ambridge that Natasha was money orientated and although she has appeared, so far, to keep that side of her character controlled, it is still evident in driving her ambition.
Natasha’s character as written and acted comes across very clearly to me.
ArcherphileMay 16, 2023 at 9:16 PM
ReplyDeleteWhat a rubbish episode tonight, wonder who wrote the script?
All totally unconvincing, especially Martin Whatsisname steamrollering George into a job at Berrow.
REPLYDELETE
PortiaMay 16, 2023 at 10:49 PM
What a car crash of an interview that was tonight.Martin Gibson’s behaviour was unbelievable in his determination to give the job to George ,completely disregarding Neil’s opinions and also insisting that to properly qualify, for the post at Berrow,
George should move in with Neil and Susan with immediate effect.
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OldWomanInAShoeMay 17, 2023 at 9:33 AM
I thought George had his sights on management, not getting stuck in with the pigs. He won't enjoy his stint. Mind you, I'm sure he'll go back to Martin with a list of 'improvements' management could enforce.
So what if one of the other candidates had been ideal except for daily contact with other pigs? Would Martin have felt able to impose t
So what if one of the other candidates had been ideal except for daily contact with other pigs? Would Martin have felt able to impose them on Susan and Neil's hospitality too? Perhaps Neil should have said that if Martin was so keen to employ George then *he* should provide his protege's board and lodging.
ReplyDeleteI wondered if Martin just wanted to pay a lower rate, although I would think that George would be a complete liability trying to cut corners & not following guidelines
ReplyDeleteI think Martyn G. has a master plan for Berrow, but no idea what this is or why, just yet.
DeleteI am taking on differing personna such as Vera, Miss Marple, Jayne Tennyson but as yet, I/we are still investigating.
It all jusn't bode well, to my mind at the moment.
I felt that Neil was unusually assertive but even so was steamrollered by Martin Gibson nonetheless.
DeleteI hope Susan, when Neil reports to her, gets her angry hat on and gives Martin Gibson a damn good lashing of her tongue.
Go Girl Susan !
I’m with you Mrs P!
DeleteThat makes two prospective heirs turning their backs on their inheritance - the current scriptwriters evidently have a penchant for doing things in twos! It won't happen in either case, of course.
ReplyDeleteI think Tom has always found it hard to fill his brother John’s role as favourite son. He feels he can never live up to the enigma that was John, hence his upset at being criticised by Tony and his petulant refusal to accept Tony’s apology.
ReplyDeleteHe knows he has done wrong and upset his parents but thinks his only option is to run away and try to prove himself in Evesham.
I doubt they will ever get there mainly, because Natasha will see they’d be better off waiting for their inheritance of Bridge Farm - even if it is to be shared with Helen,
100% Archerphile.
DeleteJohnny has been mentioned in passing recently, but he has not been heard from for, what over a year, now.
DeleteI would love to hear his input, as being John's son esp.as it is Tom and Helen or are deemed to be the co-managers.
Johnny who is now 25yrs, must now get to give an opinion.
I’ve noticed the mention of Johnny several times recently, but also noted that we have not heard from him in a while.
DeleteIs it really a year Miriam ?
Is it because the actor has lots of work elsewhere I wonder.
I wasn’t surprised by Toms petulant attitude last night, and I suspect ARCHERPHILE is correct. Natasha will make any decisions on Toms behalf.
Which is why I now think of him as Tom Thumb...as have already said somewhere..be it here or not.
DeleteAs the con woman that Erin surely is I suspect her next communication will be to ask for money - don’t be fooled Adam!
ReplyDeleteGeorge makes my skin crawl fooling everyone even Emma, and Martin Gibson will somehow turn the without doubt failure at his new job onto “Neil for hiring him” and maybe it is even a set up to do just this so he can try to manoeuvre Neil into retirement…..
I'm surprised Adam hasn't talked to Jill and Peggy, and and other long-living villagers about their memories of his father's days as Phil's employee. They will remember what Paddy looked like, and whether Adam does indeed resemble him.
ReplyDeleteGood point. I should have thought Peggy or Lilian could even have a photo of him somewhere but perhaps Adam didn’t like to ask, for fear of dragging up old memories.
DeleteI read elsewhere that Erin has a Dublin Irish accent , whereas Paddy was supposed to come from Belfast? Not sure if that is true but it is becoming even more obvious that Erin is con artist and Adam seems to be taking everything she says on trust.
Yes, various sources confirm Paddy was an Ulsterman, engaged to Belfast girl Nora McCauley, barmaid at The Bull, which is how he came to be in Ambridge. It was she who told him he had a son when the truth came out but when he tried to make contact, Jennifer didn't want it and he and Brian had a showdown.
DeleteI wonder if Paddy might still be alive. Erin might have said he was dead to avoid Adam wanting to come to Ireland to meet him. I thought she showed Adam photos of his dad including early photos of special sandcastles her dad had built. So I wonder if perhaps she did have some connection with him even if not her dad, or even wilder imagining does Paddy bear some kind of grudge and has he set the whole thing up?
ReplyDeleteGot me thinking differently Janice beceause there will be a catch of some sort…..
DeleteIt’s so obviously been made to look like a scam that I don’t think it is one! Someone on another blog can’t imagine there is a listener who doesn’t believe it’s a scam.. Try harder, sir!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't describe Erin as a scammer as such, but as a person who intricates herself into a "wealthy" family, and what this might then lead onto.
ReplyDeleteIn other words - a clever schemer.
Sorry, TA Team, a fraternal soundalike won't compensate for the absence of Rob himself as far as I'm concerned. I think Helen should allow Rob to have 2 hours supervised contact with his son. Maybe she will come round to that view.
ReplyDeleteAs I recall, the judge said it wasn't a case of Rob's rights but Jack's. Would he really be well served by contact with his coercive father, even if supervised? I think not.
Delete(I have a friend who decided a few years ago to give her ex a second chance to prove he could be a good father when he deigned to show his face after years of wanting nothing to do with the child. Due to a messy host of reasons the child currently spends half the week with Mum and half with Dad. Which provides ample opportunity for him to maintain the coercive control and gaslighting that caused problems in the first place ☹.)
An older Jack may think that his rights included the right to meet his father. If that’s still possible he can do something about it (or not), if no longer possible, it might give rise to regret and blame.
DeleteNever used to like Hannah much, but she came up trumps tonight. She knew exactly how to handle cocky young George and I doubt he will last long as a pig unit labourer!
ReplyDelete'Sorry George, Martin hired you because you were cheap.' Squelch!
DeleteMiles was not in the cast list I guess because he is a Tichener and the game would have been up.
ReplyDeleteFurther battles ahead me thinks!
I wonder if Adam knows Paddy once tried to make contact when he was a child, and if he now finds out will he regret the lost opportunity and maybe blame Brian. I suppose the s/ws are deliberately drawing parallels showing how things might be for Jack in the future, and trying to get the listener to look at the long term rather than having a simple gut reaction along the lines of no he shouldn't have contact with that terrible Rob. We have also been shown Brad and Chelsea's father's attempt to renew contact in a lead up to this. Can Rob's character have changed the way Miles says it has? I am not at all convinced that deeply ingrained personality traits such as he had would change simply because he has lost his mother.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt there will be a legal battle, and presumably the very manipulative Rob might be able to persuade the decision makers he has changed.
What great thinking about the paralles between the father and son S/L's.
DeleteThis makes a lot of sense.
Like you Janice I’ve drawn parallels between the current story lines regarding ‘ lost fathers ‘ and I feel that the TA team have continued this SL cleverly, and with three different scenarios.
ReplyDeleteRob may well try to manipulate a court into believing he has changed, but although no authority on the matter, I believe that in the UK it is necessary for a father such as Rob, to need to have completed a course of therapy that addresses his personality type.
If any one knows otherwise I’m happy to be corrected.
As far as I'm aware, my friend's ex has done no such course. He has, however, been able to turn on the charm in buckets when speaking to the professionals. I'm sur Rob would do exactly the same.
DeleteHmm !
DeleteI stand corrected.
Perhaps the therapy I’ve heard of is only in certain regional areas.
Besides, Rob has no need of therapy for his personality type. He is a loving, devoted father unfairly deprived of his son by a vindictive, unhinged, murderous ex.
DeleteIf, however, some do-gooding social worker insists he takes this unnecessary course of action he will, for the good of Gideon, submit (through gritted teeth), pass with flying colours, gain access (and probably custody) of his son, and find a new a docile partner to share the childcare.
Then bring up Gideon in his own image and treat the new partner just as he treated Jess and Helen 🙁
I just feel for Jack, whose 7th birthday might not be as it should be.
ReplyDeleteA 7th birthday party should be carefree and fun - but will Helen be too freaked out and as a result, Jack suffers?
I hope not..
I thought Miles said ‘Rob is a changed man, you don’t know how he is now, he’s had a terrible time with the death of our mother’ or some such.
ReplyDeleteIt had me wondering if Rob is ill, perhaps has a terminal disease and wants to see the boys before he drops off his perch? Perhaps I was having the wool pulled over my ears?
Ah, this could be a reference to shock therapy - when individuals adopt negative behaviours for whatever reason and then becomes trapped in them, unless shocked out of them. I saw an RSC modern dress production of The Taming of the Shrew in which Petruchio set out to shock Kate out of her shrewishness with his coercive control measures (which, as he explains to the audience, are all for the best!) I don't know how successful shock therapy or talking therapy is with coercive controllers but I'd like to see standard therapy given a chance with Rob (if, as listeners suspect, he isn't a changed man).
DeleteBut, of course, TA is fiction not docudrama and Ambridge is a parallel universe which doesn't necessarily correspond with the world we live in, so anything could happen (within budget!)
Just a note to non-outside Ambridge posters - I am away from today for 15 days, bobbing on the Baltic Sea. I hope to be able to listen and perhaps comment but it will depend on how good the wifi is on the ship.
ReplyDeleteSo don’t think I have gone for good - as Arnold Schwarzenegger said - « I’ll be back »
Enjoy your holiday ARCHERPHILE
DeleteWishing you loads of thrills and no spills, happy hols, Archerphile!
DeleteLast cruise ship I was on, the charge for wifi was 50p a minute!
DeleteHave a lovely restful time.
Delete“Justin” Simon Williams on “love your weekend” today (Alan Titchmarsh ) which I gave an eye to while having a coffee. Amazingly and disappointingly no mention of his role in The Archers 😡 even though he has been in the show for 9 years now!
ReplyDeleteWOW Justin in Ambridge for 9 yrs now. I can't recall why he first appeared and how he got together with Lillian.
DeleteIndeed! He and Damara arrived on the scene in 2014. Maybe because of the (brewing) current SL no mention was made of TA in order not to put him on the spot 🤔
DeleteI am fascinated by Miles appearance as is he genuine or has Rob woven his evil web with him, so Miles does his bidding. 🕸
ReplyDeleteHmmm was it really true that Rob not aware of his brothers visit?
DeleteContacting Helen on his own initiative, without Rob’s knowledge, would mean Rob didn’t contravene the moleskin order by contacting Helen himself or employing a third party to contact her. I don’t know anything about Miles’ character so I’m starting from the premise that he’s a decent bloke who’s escaped the malign genetic and/or childhood influences which shaped Rob, and genuinely wants to help his brother now.
DeleteI'm now trying to imagine the terms of a moleskin order. Is Rob required to go around dressed up like the little gentleman in the black velvet waistcoat? 😉
DeleteApparently , according to another web site, Helen had never met Miles ! So much for lack of history of programme !
ReplyDeletePresumably Helen had seen photos of Miles. Has anyone in Ambridge ever said she’s never met him or is that a listener assumption, I wonder?
DeleteAs I recall Rob said he didn’t get o with Miles, so although Helen had some contact with his parents, especially Ursula I certainly don’t recall her meeting Miles
ReplyDeleteAnna's proposed visit to Helen "late afternoon on Friday" is perfectly timed for the weekend cliffhanger!
ReplyDeleteApparently Carole came to Ambridge in 1954 (69 yrs ago) I wonder how old she was then? Surely like Peggy, Jill etc she is well into her 90’s now and is another really healthy and on the ball villager!
ReplyDeleteAlthough Christine is in The Laurels….?
Carol Grey was described as a good-looking young woman when she started her market garden in Ambridge in 1954, and met John Tregorran who proposed to her many times before and after they both married other people and were widowed. when she finally accepted. If she was 25 say, when she arrived, you're right Lady R, she is in her mid-90s now.
DeleteI feel the same as KPNuts, it's nice to know the villagers are ticking over normally in the background!
I am surprised though that Anna hasn't met with Helen recently, but has she? Anna to me, is someone who would shop in the Bridge farm shop, rather than with Susan and the Village one.
DeleteIt would be only the best freshest produce available for her Mum, Carole T.
Does anyone like me, think that Susan and Emma, seem to have changed personalities?
ReplyDeleteTo add, I am loving Susan with Alice as to her understanding and help. It is a shame this what not there, when she and Chris really needed it.
Susan has shown her empathetic side before, for instance I remember her being gently supportive of Lynda when the latter was having suffering a severe wobbly over the current show, Calendar Girls maybe. Lately she has become the Aldridge family therapist, Adam, Alice and Brian have all benefitted from her advice. She’s inherited Jennifer’s role in this respect.
Delete“Can’t you come up with a better story than that?” You said it for this TA listener, Tracy, and possibly others!!
ReplyDeleteA Pyrrhic victory for Tom in the cricket team players battle with Tracy,but what will Adam’s opinion be?
ReplyDeleteI think Adam will be so cheesed off that he will go all out to defeat Tom's team.
ReplyDeleteDoes Adil know about Tracy's hen do in GG?
ReplyDeleteGuess it was sprung on him by Oliver, as ever in Ambridge events are arranged at the drop of a hat no matter what is required to be booked etc 😂
DeleteRob SL a slow burner then that means 2yrs minimum then, and will Helen and Lee survive the course🤔. Didn’t think much of the GG hen night
ReplyDeleteI just don't understand why the CPS is taking so long in making a decision.
DeleteIt was attempted kidnap - clear cut.
Fingers crossed for Tom and Chris’s team! They both deserve a break. I’m glad. Chris has.got over his earlier antagonism to mixed cricket.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying in a way, the acting by Helen, with her ongoing anxieties and all that this entails.
ReplyDeleteI can feel her worries.
Is Jim Lloyd heading for The Laurels or was his incompetence at the cricket match simply meant to provide comic relief from the serious Helen and (no) Rob story? He could renew his friendship with Christine there. They used to meet regularly for crossword and scones when she had her own place but then he took up with Jazzer. And hasn’t mentioned Christine for years.
ReplyDeleteIt has to be a comic relief interlude esp. at the cricket T20. After all he was "hungover" and didn't have his glasses...
DeleteI wonder if he was seeing double or not at all.
Wasn't it supposed to be a single wicket competition? Or has Jim inadvertently created a new genre of cricket? ; )
DeleteIt was supposed to be a single wicket competition and has always been !
DeleteNobody has suggested that the cricket was to be altered and as Keri Davies said 'If it's not on the programme then it never happened.'
I googled T20 cricket (short for TwentyTwenty); it’s a shorter form of cricket aimed at making the game more exciting. Each team has a single innings of 20 overs and 11 batsfolk. It was introduced at professional level in 2003 and has its own World Cup. Apologies to readers who already knew that, it was news to me.
DeleteMy comment was a poor attempt at a joke - if, as Miriam suggested, Jim was seeing double then it would not have been a *single* wicket competition ...
Delete(OK, I won't give up the day job 🙂)
I’m sorry - SOH failure here! I think Jim should give up the Sunday job. Hangover, inability to see the pitch, etc no excuse for incompetence and tetchiness. Why didn’t he find a replacement? It’s not the first time I’ve wondered if he’s losing it.
DeleteAs Archers fans and afficiendos, all must be aware of, that Friday June 9th is the 20,000th episode of The Archers (hope got date right).
ReplyDeleteOn another site I belong to, there are a lot of suggestions as to what should be heard in this 12mins.
Any ideas here?
Well, William Smethurst, the editor who rescued TA from the scrap heap, swore by birdsong on Lakey Hill and Tom Forrest’s words of country wisdom, to calm a listener’s troubled nerves. So definitely birdsong on Lakey Hill - but who to replace Tom Forrest as your invisible companion? T❤️O❤️B❤️Y for me!
Delete(I didn’t know about June 9th so fear I’m not a true fan!)
Many posters also belong to other sites which I know, but all these other sites must be different and so we don't always coincide. It would be nice to learn what posters here want to hear..
DeleteMine is Tracy + Jazzer getting married.
I recommend reading the BBC TA site’s headline for the episode on June 9th (as I’ve just done). I don’t think it’s much of spoiler to say I’m going to be disappointed!
DeleteI read more far than that!
DeleteIt's surprising what else can be found out to discuss and peruse
I give up, but I did try. 😵💫
Oh don’t despair Miriam and well done for trying to arouse us.
DeleteI was not aware of this important date, so thank you for educating us.
Perhaps like ME I’m not as dedicated a ‘ fan’ as some either.
I’m sorry if I’ve missed the point again, Miriam. I thought you were asking for what we would like to celebrate this milestone in TA’s history, and what I would like and I think would be appropriate is a fine summer afternoon on Lakey Hill with birdsong, bees buzzing and sheep bleating in the distance. The Brookfield Archers, including Rosie and her parents are having a picnic. Lots of warmth and wit, and (because I’m a romantic, and also with an eye on Brookfield’s future}, a surprise announcement from Toby and Pip that absence has made the heart grow fonder and they are getting married. Jill and David have got over their anti-Toby feelings at last and everyone wishes the couple well.
DeleteI expect there are many different ideas, as you said, and judging by the BBC headline, for the milestone episode cover two of the (to me) less. appealing of the current cast.
I've just read the strapline in the Radio Times for the 20,000th episode, it doesn't fill me with anticipation. Given that the programme is so disjointed and full of angst these days it would be nice to have have a happy occasion bringing people together.
ReplyDelete"Have had"!
DeleteThe strapline is:-
DeleteGeorge his confident of success.
This could mean anything.
1) His work at Berrow Farm.
2) His role in The Wedding and/or Reception..
Two different scenarios, which fit. 🤷♀️
To conclude, my Archers thoughts will now just be told on a lovely, small private group site, that I found purely by accident...
Delete...and they accepted me! 🤣🤣😱😱
DeleteAre you leaving us Miriam ?
DeleteAfter such a long time……. If so….. you will be missed, but enjoy yourself elsewhere.
Glad you found another group of Archers fans, Miriam.
DeleteBut why not enjoy both groups? I'll miss you if you leave our little lifeboat.
SPOILER ALERT
ReplyDeleteHenry has found his voice! Poppy could be next.
Hello everyone. Back from the Baltic after a fantastic holiday but am 2 weeks behind with the doings in Ambridge so will have to listen to 2 whole Omnibuses before I dare read any comments here. Can’t wait to find out what’s been happening (I am so addicted!)
ReplyDeleteWelcome home, Archerphile! I’m glad your cruise more than lived up to expectations I don’t think you missed much except Brian dispensing with consultation all the Home Farm partnership and firing Stella on the spot which obviously he couldn’t do in the real world. The one partner he did talk to beforehand behaved deviously and from self-interest. Another everyday story of conflict in the countryside!
DeleteFollowing on from ME comment -
DeleteI feel so disappointed in Adams devious behaviour and even more disappointed at Ian giving him tuition on how to execute that behaviour.
I do hope that there is some intervention from someone in or outside of the family who is brave enough to confront both Brian and Adam in this matter.
Might it be Ruth ?
Could it be Justin ? Unlikely I feel.
A lawyer, I think....
DeleteMrs P. She needs to talk to Usha who can point her in the right direction for help.
DeleteStella will not go quietly, as Brian did things completely in the wrong way.
I might have been a pharmacist, but I was also a manager and as such had to do disciplinary hearings, where there are strict guide-lines.
I was hoping Brian would believe Stella over Adam, after all Stela has never been caught with her fingers in the till.
ReplyDeleteAdam has back tracked, as it is to his advantage.
DeleteI wasn't going to post any more TA thoughts and ideas here. But on thinking about it - I thought why not, but will keep them short!
ReplyDelete😊 Good, we didn't want to lose you.
DeleteDuring a totally sleepless night in hospital I just had enough battery to hear both omnibuses in one go. Saved my sanity from all the chaos on the ward, plus my own anxiety, of course.
ReplyDeleteAm infuriated by George and now also by Emma whose voice, once admired, is getting on my nerves.
Also Freddy was way over the top with his DJ-ing News but at least he seems to have some sort of plan.
Don’t like Helen much but am very concerned by both her, and Pats, mental health. The return of Rob has caused far more upset than I ever imagined it would.
Expected to hear more of Erin but perhaps that story has been put on the ba k burner to. On entrâtes on Stella for a while.
But Mr A kindly brought in my iPad and charger this afternoon so at least I can keep up with TA for the next few days while I am stuck in here.
* to concentrate on Stella*
DeleteI have just read in the Radio Times that there is going to be a podcast on BBC Sounds about the Helen and Rob story. It will be available from Friday.
ReplyDeleteJust had another thought about that podcast coming out on the same day as the 20,000th episode. Is something going to blow up around that story?
DeleteBBC are certain to mark the occasion with something big.
DeleteE.G. Rob turns up at Bridge Farm, Pat aims shotgun at him, BANG!
Dum de dum de dum de dum……….
Considering how ruthless they were in getting rid of poor Nigel it wouldn't surprise me at all if you were right.
DeleteThe headline says Lee takes a massive step so could be him confronting (a silent) Rob with Pat’s gun.... I think Keri D. would have been given the episode to script, though, which he hasn’t.
DeletePS. Or maybe Lee gets the wrong man again, but this time does some real damage!!
DeletePPS. But seriously, I thought Pat had now moved on from her overwrought ‘shotgun’ approach and was counselling Helen to take a more level-headed ‘don’t let him get to us’ view. I was pleased about that.
DeletePossibly it’s a happy episode with a proposal from Lee?
DeleteSome massive spoilers in the newest Radio Times, whoever is writing what used to be Ambridge Diary is pretty useless, normally I’m up for a bit of a heads up but with some finesse please.
My thoughts:-
ReplyDeleteJustin is definitley up to something and not just the EV charging station....
Whatever is being hinted as to happenings at Bridge Farm..Lee will be a major player in some wqy.
I just cannot comment on TA this morning
ReplyDeleteThe news about our dear friend Ev is too overwhelming
It makes TA seem so trivial in our lives at the moment.
Perhaps someone other than I can write about Ev here for those who do not read the other blog.
Thank you
You echo my thoughts Archerfile
DeleteArcherfile has written well, and better than I could, about the loss of Ev on the other blog. Ev's daughter Katy despite her own grief kindly let us know that she died yesterday morning. We knew she was ill and in hospital but it was a shock to hear the news. I hadn't realised how ill she was and thought she would soon be back with us. I am really sad about it, and we are all going to miss her.
ReplyDeleteJanice,thank you for passing on the very sad news about Ev.She will be greatly missed.RIP.
ReplyDeleteMy message is exactly the same as Portia’s.
DeleteWe’re MrNuts & I alone int hiking that the 20,000th episode was a bit of a damp squib?
ReplyDeleteYes, the “massive step” we were expecting from Lee turned out to be backwards! Not surprising, given the daftness of Tom’ great idea. As if confronting Rob with the news that Bridge Farm is united behind Helen will make him do anything other than laugh! When was Bridge Farm not united in Helen’s defence? That’s if Rob agrees to meet him. I assume this will be a meeting arranged formally through solicitors and not a soapy-style turning up on Rob’s doorstep unannounced.
DeleteI might have misheard or misinterpreted, of course! It wasn’t an attention-grabbing episode. Neil and George playing word games also struck me as implausible.
I listened in real time for once, my reaction was "is that the best they can do?"
ReplyDeleteBack home from hospital - great relief
ReplyDeleteSpecial 20,000 Archers episode - great disappointment
Too much George
Too much Emma
Not much drama
ReplyDeleteAny plan by Tom Archer to confront Rob is bound to end in disaster and make things worse for Helen.Don’t do it Lee!
According to the latest RT there is to be an extended Archers programme
ReplyDeletenext Friday which may be the one we are all waiting for.
The headline for next Friday’s episode is definitely intriguing. No names are mentioned but it seems too obvious who we are meant to think the headline refers to - so could be a complete red herring!
DeletePS. The cast list for next week is also interesting.
DeletePortia, I thought that this 30 mins had been cancelled/postponed, as it is not showing on neither Sounds nor TA BBC web site.
DeleteMy radio guide shows 30 mins also.
Anything might happen as to a typical TA red herring..
I would like to refer to a previous discussion about sound effects and live sounds v. recorded clips.
ReplyDeleteP 11 of this week's RT has a fascinating piece about Foley artists, their role in the creation of sound effects and the items they use. It turns out that my suspicions were correct, and that it's quicker (and presumably cheaper) to pick up the right prop than spend hours trawling through digital libraries of pre-recorded tracks.
Bring on the crackly cellophane!
Interesting. I have noticed just how good the background sound effects now are. These were missing for a while, but seem to be back to normal again.
DeleteI love coconut shells for horses hooves...an oldie but goodie.
DeleteWell, that went about as well as could be expected.
ReplyDeleteSo, Gideon's step-father is a violent psychopath who seeks out and assaults his doting and maligned father. All grist for Rob's mill : (
I’m surprised noone’s suggested Rob faked his fall when Lee apparently lunged. at him - or perhaps they have.
DeleteAm with you ME in that no actual assault happened, but Lee did lunge towards him, Tom stopped him, and Rob fell, deliberatley or not...
DeleteA page three article in todays Sunday Times tells exactly what is going to happen and who turns up next Friday. It also tells why Rob was allowed to live and escape to America and that Jeremy Howe believes that about 7 years was the right time to bring him back to the programme.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting read but totally blows any ‘secrecy’ about the plot.
I googled the article but you have to jump through the. month’s free trial hoop in order to read it,which I can’t summon the energy to do. So I’ll have to go on guessing it”s Vince Casey who resurfaces on Friday!
DeleteNot according to the Times. They say the name starts with R and it’s not Ruairi!
DeleteDid anyone hear the dramatic TA trailer on Radio 4 this morning?
A breathy Helen with clips of what went on 7 years ago
“Tune in at 7pm on Friday for dramatic developments”
So the headline isn’t a red herring after all - but will we actually hear Rob? We hear about incidents which involve him (or not, in the case of the ice cream complaint) but not the voice we’ve been waiting for. So far, the scriptwriters have been toying with us!
Delete...and will continue to do so...
DeleteI signed up for my free Times trial to read the article - don't bother maryellen, the only interesting bit is that the original plan wasto kill Rob off, but they decided there was more story potential in keeping him alive.
DeleteNow I have my 30 days of free news I suppose I'd better make the most of it. Perhaps I'll trythe crossword.
Well, I thought it was quite interesting.
DeleteThanks, OWiaS - hope the crossword is less fearsome than it was reputed to be. I don’t think it was ever said which crossword Jim and Christine did together, but I always imagined the Telegraph or the Borchester Echo. Wonder if anyone in Ambridge does Wordle....
DeleteSorry Archerphile, it was interesting as far as it went, I just felt it hadn't been worth the bother of signing up to the free trial to read it!
DeleteI gather the crossword was tricky for a Monday. I think I'll stick to the Grauniad cryptics : )
The I crosswords are enough for me, OWiaS, especially the ones by Serpent!
DeleteThey don’t come more tricksy than Paul. In the unlikely event of Jim being a Guardian reader, he’d have been a fan of Custos who always played a very straight bat. My favourite was Araucaria of course!
DeleteIf I could work out a way to photograph the article and reproduce it for ME to read, I would.
DeleteSometimes I wish we could include photos in our posts but then it might get overwhelmed with everyone’s holiday snaps and pets!
Oh goodness - I've lost the plot.
ReplyDeleteAll I want to say is:-
Lee + Tom have just given Rob a lever, to gain contact with Myson - Gideon/Jack.
I fear for both Jack and Henry, if this happens. Jack doesn't know/remember his biological father, and will Henry remember Rob as to that night, when he saw too
much.
DeleteThe situation has been made much worse by Tom and Lee’s stupid actions. Rob has the upper hand now and will, no doubt, take full advantage.
DeleteAny more violence from any of the Archer family will hand him JackmysonGideon on a plate!
Enter Lily - although she is belatedly back at University 🤔
ReplyDeleteCan Freddie just resign he has an inherited position not a job! Either way he is still immature and very whiney. Obviously Brian is planning in his head for Rauari to come back to the farm (his inheritance I’m thinking) he has already made sure his room is very comfortable for him, special chair etc.
Re the inheritance thing: is that why Brian declined to talk about his will recently?
DeleteBack in the Sean O’Connor days there was talk of possible future upheaval in the Aldridge family due to Brian wanting to leave the farm to Ruairi.
Perhaps this is about to happen in the much nearer future.
I seem to remember that Brian made over the 'Will' to a company share-deviding scheme, that Jennifer made him do, so she wouldn't divoirce him, when he told her about Ruahair. She was frightened that the other children would inherit anything. I may be wrong !!
DeleteShe knew that Brian wanted a son to pass his inherited money etc. on to, as he inherited it from his parents.
Honestly I do hope that Ruahair does inherit and that Adam gets nothing.
Or then again Brian could marry Stella in a few months time and have another baby !!!!
Fed up with Helen who says it is all about 'me' and I may have to switch off again for a while if Rob appears.
Does Lizzie really think that Freddie will inherit, when she has done nothing to encourage it ,throughout the years!
Really all in all I don't like many woman in the Archers !!!!
I think you may be right Spicy…
DeleteDo I spy you in the wedding photo with son? and d-i- l, if so what a lovely happy photo of you all 🤗
Afraid so ! It was just over 2 months after my stroke and my hair! My hairdresser sorted me out at 8.00am and then once at the reception I messed it all up ! Never mind. It was a happy day and next week it is 2 years ago! Cotton anniversary I think !
DeleteA plague in all their houses - now I've got my own lines to learn. I'll come back when they've sorted themselves out!
ReplyDeleteIntimations that Carol is unable to cope in Glebe Cottage without a carer.
ReplyDeleteIs this the lead up to another vacant property in Ambridge.
Or could Jill move in with Leonard?
He seems more than able to ‘Care’ for 91 year old Jill and all the jobs that would need doing there.
I picked up on that as well and it crossed my mind that she would end up either in The Laurels, or moving in with Anna.
DeleteI don't think Jill will want to leave Brookfield, where she loves being with her family.
If Glebe Cottage does become vacant, it would make a great holiday let, with Tracy/Chelsea or similar doing the change-over. Both would like the earnings..
The beginning of another inheritance storyline, perhaps - who has Jill left Glebe Cottage to? Ben is her favourite.
DeleteRosie.
DeleteUnfair. Rosie stands to get Brookfield.
DeleteGoodness, it’s so long since we heard from Pip, I had forgotten all about poor little Rosie!
DeleteHave to admit I actually laughed out loud when Tony said Pat was making soup for lunch! 🫕
ReplyDeleteThe Helen/Rob story was not liked by many, which is understood.
ReplyDeleteHowever for any-one who is interested, there is a bonus episode on Sounds:-
When Helen met Rob -the story so far.
It is narrated by Kirsty.
If of interest, look under Podcasts.
Random thoughts: on the principle of' innocent until proved guilty', until there is fresh evidence to the contrary, I believe Rob. I've admired 'Helen's acting up to now but felt she wildly overacted this episode and the balance between her and Rob was too extreme. I blame an inept editor/producer, not the actor. I was surprised to hear Lee was a large man as he has a small man's voice, and I've always thought of him as short but wiry. Helen said he wouldn't attack anyone without provocation - she's forgotten Blake. Rob referred to Jack as Jack, not Gideon, which I thought was a genuinely conciliatory attempt.. On the whole, apart from the pleasure of hearing Rob's voice again - it's one I like - I ended up feeling distinctly underwhelmed.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone tell me why calling him Wob instead of Rob, as seen on FB is pertinent and/or amusing? Is it a reference to Henry's imaginary lisp?
Without applying your forensic analysis Maryellen I think I agree with you.
DeleteSeemed to me Robs voice was different and could only attribute it to being without the malice of the past. ( I don’t actually find his voice particularly pleasing - too cold ). However I wavered between - he has changed/ not changed - so for me the jury is still out.
Yes I had hoped that Helen would conduct herself without the histrionics, so was disappointed in that but she did get her anger across.
And I too had imagined Lee as lithe and little, not at all large, and Jack not Gideon was noted.
Felt at the end that he called her back to tell her that he had been diagnosed with something fatal, ( which of course would give her the opportunity to relent ) then collapsed or whatever it was and once recovered I felt I heard a hint of the manipulation of the past.
Agree acting good, but edit/ production not.
A good summary Mrs P I agree with all you have written. Also ditto my vision of Lee (which is odd as listeners often have widely differing opinions on this subject!!
DeleteWell I didn't know what to make of all that. He seemed so genuinely desperate to have contact with his child, and he did seem to have some insight into his past way of behaving. He recognised he had had no love from his own father, and wanted Jack to know he/ his father loved him. I wonder what it says about Helen's feelings that she accompanied him to hospital and didn't deny it when the doctor assumed she was Rob's partner. Will it transpire he has some serious life limiting illness so that Helen does agree to access. Personally I think a child should always have knowledge of both parents, even if when necessary it is just occasional and with supervised visiting. Then I think back to the time, which Helen mentioned, when he gave her the knife and told her to kill herself at a time when she was heavily pregnant with Jack. So he had no thought for the care of his unborn child then. Has he really changed I wonder.
ReplyDelete✔️✔️✔️
Delete👍✔️✔️. Janice
DeleteHmmm, how long is Rob due to be with us I wonder 🤔 Not in the current cast list although in the show - or next weeks but that doesn’t mean he won’t be heard. No one in the tearoom seemed at all perturbed by their pretty fiery discussion or indeed by Robs collapse Heleneven had to call out for help.
ReplyDeleteLike Mrs P I caught a whiff of the old Rob manipulation towards the end of the programme,and I feel that he will get his wish to see or have contact with Jack,though,hopefully under supervision.In his attempt to sway Helen initially,Rob’s brother emphasised how much Rob had changed his ways but there was no suggestion of a terminal illness then.
ReplyDeleteMore press coverage for TA with today’s Guardian offering a full-page feature headed “Rob’s return” on page 17 of its national news section. I’m saving it for my post-lunch coffee! They’ve used a publicity photo of the couple from 7 years ago, with Rob glowering, which seems prejudicial when he appears to be a changed man. I don’t they he’s got a terminal illness, even the current editor wouldn’t stoop so low!
ReplyDeleteThe photo' can be deemed as prejudicial and tottally understand that.
DeleteOn the other hand, it is known exactly who they are and why. A more up-to-date photo' would not have the same impact, well to me.
There are so many theories and ideas about Rob.
ReplyDelete1) Does he have a terminal illness
2) Is he faking it all
3) Did Helen do the right thing in meeting with him with only Kirsty knowing this
4) Did Lee harm him in some way, now to be found
And so it goes on...
I still think that there are quite a lot of red herrings, happily swimming around.
Even more melodramatic than a terminal illness would be a terminal illness resulting from a genetic condition which Jack had a 50% chance of inheriting! Fortunately TA doesn’t do terminal illness or life-changing disability.
DeleteHm, I have a friend who agreed to give her abusive ex a second chance to be a good father. The coercive control continues ; (
ReplyDeleteProbably of the children as well as your friend the ex wife !
DeleteFor the first time in months I listened to the Archers this morning.
ReplyDeleteI listened to the omnibus but had to switch off when I had a visitor when Helen was talking to Rob.
She was trying to persuade him to accept Lee's apology but I gather that something must have happened after that.
I think I am going to listen again but could please somebody tell me .......
Is Kirsty still by herself and is Joy still next door.
Johnny was mentioned but does he ever appear?
Old Woman .
ReplyDeleteI have The Times on my IPad .
Don't now get an actual newspaper.
I do several of of the puzzles daily my favourite being futoshiki
I also respond to some of the articles and people often press a "like " button.
It is a bit like the up arrows we had when the blog was the Archers BBC blog
My personal best for"likes" is 81 !
Gosh how sad am I ?
(Don't answer that)
My hope is that Rob is not faking the siezure, for one major reason only -
ReplyDeleteWasting valuable NHS time and money..
My worry is that it is the result of the bash on his head - that would be very bad for Lee.
DeleteOr perhaps it has unmasked some pre-existing condition that has been silently killing the rat. He will be so relieved to have it detected that he will be eternally grateful and promise never to bother Helen and co again. Who knows, he might even elect to go and live as a hermit on some mercifully uninhabited isle.
If something is found, then that will increase his case to meet up with Jack again, and the Rob Sob Story will carry on + on
DeleteSo the plot thickens...
St Kilda?
DeleteI think Rob's seizure is probably unrelated to whatever he was about to tell Helen. As OWiaS suggests,, it could well be the indirect result of Lee "pushing" him. If that proves to be the case, it might teach Lee the valuable lesson that he can't go around hitting people whenever he feels like it. The man's a liability and I dread the day Helen is forced to admit this.
Delete...but did Lee actually hit him, or as both he + Tom said, just shoved him out the way?
DeleteI give up.
Lee applied hand pressure to Rob and would have followed up with something more forceful on the push/shove/hit continuum if Tom hadn't stopped him.
DeleteAfter listening again at the end of the omnibus to Fridays episode I have a suspicion that Helen might be feeling ( very slightly) towards that condition that people develop when they are kidnapped ( I’m aware that it can happen in other situations where a person is a victim ).
DeleteSomething syndrome I think .
Maryellen will probably know the proper name, which is on the tip of my tongue, but can’t be reached by my brain.
Stockholm syndrome perhaps.
DeleteVery interesting programme about this supposed syndrome: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000s7n1. The person first 'diagnosed' with it has a rather different take on what it was all about.
DeleteI know what you mean, Mrs P. Helen’s current obsession with Rob seems to go way beyond her immediate concern with Henry and Jack’s safety. And when she accompanied him to hospital, I felt there was more than common humanity involved, and that she was being helplessly attracted to him again. Though not Stockholm syndrome, I think, because victims develop positive feelings towards their persecutors, even defending them,, and she hasn’t done that. But her closing comment last night about no one knowing what Rob would do next and she had to find out, suggests she wants to maintain contact.
DeleteI thought it was interesting that they said virtually the same thing about each other - Helen insisted she (and only she) understood Rob, and he said I know you, Helen (or words to that effect). I feel one’s right and one’s wrong,
Incidentally, the Guardian article I mentioned earlier said Rob would have returned earlier if Covid hadn’t upset long-term planning.
New thread opened
ReplyDelete