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Life in Ambridge: Comments week of January 18, 2019
Life in Ambridge: Comments week of January 18, 2019
Will Lexi have her baby here?
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THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments' - Episode 8 Life Outside Ambridge Beach Chairs
That must be Honeysuckle Cottage, after last night’s episode Ruthy?
ReplyDeleteOh whoops! Your title only appeared after I commented! Sorry to look like a fool!
DeleteWhat has happened to Alice? She used to be a very intelligent, hardworking girl, trying to get into the RAF, studying hard for her Aeronautical Engineering degree, really switched on, reliable, sensible, serious.
ReplyDeleteNow she is a whining mess, hoping that a sort of nepotism will ensure a big bonus and kudos at work, obviously unreliable due to the drinking which loosens her tongue and thinking that her family will support her every whim, business- wise.
I suspect she is going to indulge in a huge drinking binge and blurt out Adam and Ian’s business to all and sundry in The Bull.
I can't be doing with Alice and I know a lot of it is because of the way she speaks "har " instead of "her " for example but also because she is such a selfish ,spoilt individual.
ReplyDeleteMind you,I am not over enamoured with her husband.
Mrs P will know better than I will if Christopher's Pam Ayres ooh ahh accent is genuine.
It sounds totally put on to me.
Surely these are not the same actors who I enjoyed listening to when they decided to get married 9 years ago?
Not sure that I do know better than you, LJ, or indeed why I should.
DeletePersonally I'm not too bothered with Chris's accent.
Both Neil and Susan have genuine accents, Susan's a bit closer to Northamptonshire than B'rum and Emma's close to her mums.
It is my experience that siblings have different accents.
My husbands was different to his sisters and my two daughters are also different to each other. And certainly my sister and I speak very differently.
'Alice' is a competent performer, I think - that voice goes so well with the kind of drunk who has lost all sense of when to shut up + the spoilt girl who has been unexpectedly thwarted, as she was last night.
ReplyDeleteFunnily enough maybe, felt rather sorry for Chris last night, knee jerk reaction being to defend his wife, but not understanding why her plan was rejected. Don't blame Adam at all, nor Brian who had at least told her to check with Adam first ( though not firmly enough - should know by now that his daughter is deaf when it comes to getting her own way).
...but surely her accent is too plummy to be true.
DeleteJennifer and Lilian have accents that in my opinion they wouldn't have having been brought up by two very ordinary parents but Alice's is ridiculous.
Too Sloaney by half and it never used to be so I can only assume that the actress has changed.
Absolutely agree with you Lanjan. The 'old' Alice never sounded that posh, just neutral, and she used to be one of my favourite characters - loved it when she and Chris ran off to Las Vagas to get married, and completely discombobulated Jennifer. Chris too - he was down-to-earth like his Dad, Neil, and only had a slightly rural accent. The one he has now is way over the top. I live in a remote part of Gloucestershire, and it's far broader than anything I hear around here. They both seem to have been manipulated into caricatures of of their previous characters.
DeleteI am glad I am not alone ,Suz
DeleteLike you I used to like Alice
I was on holiday in Canada when Alice and Chris got married.
A friend emailed my son to say that I had to listen to The Archers to hear the best ever episode.
I didn't have an IPad then so my son managed to get the programme for me.
It really was good.
Michael Caine was on the radio recently and said that if you are asked to play a drunken man you have to act like a drunken man trying to make everyone think he is sober not the other way round as I think the actress who plays Alice is doing.
Agree, Lanjan. The episode when Alice and Chris got back from their holiday in the US was very, very funny. One was really rooting for them against her parents' snobbery. ('We should think of this as Alice's starter marriage.' Brian.)
DeleteFound that outburst of joy at Lexi's likely pregnancy chilling : it was Ian's airy dismissal of Roy's heartache, the attitude that so long as he got what he wanted, never mind the collateral damage, but then, he & Adam were like that from the beginning - never mind that the surrogacy was a threat to a new relationship between Roy & Lexi.
ReplyDeleteSeems even more likely that she conceived in Bulgaria. Surely she can't fool the doctors ? Or explain away an early birth ? ( though if she flies back home soon, she could probably get away with both...)
I suspect she isn't lying when she keeps saying she cares for Roy, but that the reason she ended the affair has nothing much to do with their children, more to do with whatever entanglement she has got into.
Agree. If she returns to Bulgaria and has the baby early, she could claim it to be a premature birth. Who would know if it wasn't the truth?
DeleteAs Ruthy pointed out on an earlier blog, the clinic would have checked that Lexi wasn’t already pregnant, before they undertook each impregnation. So here’s to Adam and Ian’s baby!
DeleteI am not sure how far Lexi is in her pregnancy, we could still have a miscarriage.
DeleteWe had a miscarriage storyline with Kirsty, which was very sad - we wouldn’t want another one.
DeleteI suspect a put up job one way or the other.
DeleteAgree with Carolyn about the disrespect and disregard from Ian in particular regarding ' others ' principally Roy.
I suspect this SL is likely to become even more convoluted.
I do not trust Lexi, but I don't know why.
Instinct ?
I also don't trust Lexi and don't like her character. Ian and Adam's celebratory laughs sounded so fake to me. I still want them to adopt an older child or foster.
DeleteI was disappointed in Ian's dismissal of Roy's feelings. They are colleagues of longstanding and are meant to be friends.
DeleteThey've packed into this storyline as much as they could: IVF (most complex), surrogacy for two men, Brexit, reaction and speculation in the village.
ReplyDeleteLanjan. I live in Worcestershire and nobody round here speaks like Chris. In Evesham they pronounce it Evie sham and Christmoss. Chris sounds more Mummerset to me.
ReplyDeleteThere again I have an accent, and am not from here so I could be wrong, but I don't think so.
I've just replied in much the same vein to Lanjan, Stasia. Completely phony in my opinion.
DeleteI lived in Ledbury where the accent was more West Country but when in Worcester, not too far north of Ledbury it was tinged with Brummy accent much as Hayley used to speak. I have the impression that Ambridge is situated somewhere in the middle of England so a Somerset accent is unrealistic for Chris. It is difficult for us when actors change. Tony is a prime example as the previous actor was so well established and the present one has a gentler delivery so that the character is almost changed. IMO the Clarrie character has been seamlessly changed between actors hardly noticing the difference!
DeleteYes, it is strange how Chris has suddenly developed such a strong accent that he never had before, when younger.
ReplyDeleteThink the new Chris actor may have been instructed to sound different to the other young male characters and is just trying too hard!
This was a point I made at the end -well the penultimate point -of the previous blog.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth did not want Shula to go in with her when seeing the Doctor.
I can't say I blame her but did she tell the Dr the truth ?
I wonder how long she was in the Dr's Surgery.
I am surprised that she was immediately given sleeping pills.
They are surely not the answer.
I would like to hear what other people thought about that.
We know that it was a locum who saw her.
Was that meant to be significant?
Possibly not.
On the other hand. Had she seen Dr Locke....................
Is he still around thogh?
It was incredible how Dr Locke was brought back and before much happened he faded away again. It could have developed into an interesting SL.
DeleteElizabeth's main complaint was that she was suffering from lack of sleep, so the short term solution was to dispense a few pills, possibly straight away, not enough to overdose I hope. She told Shula that the locum asked all the right questions and we assume she answered accordingly, stress etc. I think the fact that the doctor doesn't know her is significant. Dr Locke might have noticed she wasn't herself and Elizabeth might have told him more. Shula was oblivious to all the signs: hesitant replies as to the outcome of the appeal, rising irritation at not finding things, breakage and the general mess around.
DeleteI don't think Shula was oblivious to the signs Basia, she reacted and saw that at the very least, not sleeping for a period of several weeks needed to be acknowledged and dealt with.
DeleteLJ, it was a locum who suggested to me that I have sleeping tabs and having refused them EVER throughout my life, I finally agreed.
As far as I remember, I was given a prescription for THREE tablets only.
As I understand it, not enough to do ' harm' if all taken at once.
I have since negotiated in depth with my regular GP and I am given a prescription for a pack. At the most I may take one tablet on two nights per week. And not successive nights.
In fact I take one tablet about every three weeks.
So the fact that I request them about once every four months shows the doctor that I am using them sparingly.
Elizabeth is not herself at the moment. I think the only person she is not lying to is herself.
She is in a bad way and I would expect that she will eventually find a way to be truthful to one other person, or she will descend into a full blown breakdown.
Having a breakdown is painful. Often more so for those watching and caring.
But it is not always the end of the world for the individual concerned.
Sometimes it is the way forward.
Hmm .
ReplyDeleteI don't like the idea of sleeping pills.
I have only ever one in my life when I was in hospital over 50 years ago having just given birth to my older son.
They were handed out to us every evening.
I felt awful and found it difficult to wake up so I didn't take any more.
I think she'd be better having a nice strong whisky .
We don't know what she said to him of course .
If she'd told him the truth I doubt he would have prescribed sleeping pills.
I wouldn't be surprised if there is a lot more to this story and I am expecting Lily to return pretty soon.
We were writing at the same time LanJan.
ReplyDeleteI am not trying to contradict you.
That's fine Mrs P
DeleteI didn't think you were.
In truth I think I might be a bit silly over sleeping pills.
Just because over 55years ago I didn't like it shouldn't mean I won't take them again.
Next time my son phones I will ask him what he would have said to Elizabeth.
Poor lad .
I am sure he thinks his mother is going mad because whenever anything medical happens in The Archers I ask him what that person should do or should have done.
I haven't mentioned Lexi because he knows I would not approve .
I must say Lan Jan that was how I came to terms with accepting sleeping tablets. When young I was virulently against them, but having had massive sleeping problems for over twenty years now, with nothing making any significant difference including attending a sleep clinic at Guys for a year, I finally agreed that sleeping tablets would help.
DeleteAnd they do.
We can change our attitudes with age, without denying our younger selves.
Now lexi is pregnant, will she be returning to Bulgaria and her daughters? I am not sure, but I think, rightly or wrongly, that this part of the deal made with Adam + Ian.
ReplyDeleteThe obvious thought is, will she be able to return to the UK for the birth, or can Adam + Ian bring him/her back from Bulgaria to Ambridge.
With, (and I am not mentioning that word), looming - who knows what will happen re borders and the EU. I certainly have no idea.
Is anybody happy that Lexi is pregnant?
ReplyDeleteI had decided I wasn't going to comment about it but I hate the idea.
I honestly can't see how it can work out.
I only hope that she goes back to Rumania or wherever she comes from and stays there with the baby.
I've had my fill of babies with Rosie.
How are Ian and Adam going to cope with a young baby when they are both working?
The idea is ridiculous.
I don't want another miscarriage but I wish it had never happened.
Yes, Jennifer Aldridge will be happy and very probably other members of the Archer clan will be also be happy for Adam and Ian. Nobody who originally knew about the surrogacy plan turned a hair. Adam and Ian’s two-working parent care arrangements for their childstand a better chance of success than single-working parent Pip’s did for Rosie (before she allowed T❤️O❤️B❤️Y a look in). I am sure Jennifer will take on the Jill role if needed.
DeleteQuite a lot of gay men are using 'rent a womb'. Some have had arrangements with lesbians and other have headed for the USA where the laws are much more relaxed. If Adam and Ian had paid Lexie then they would be breaking British Law. I thought she was very clear on her intention to return to Bulgaria and that the two men would financially support her until the birth. That way she could spend time with her daughters. Of course what she wants, and what she gets will depend on the S/L.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn. I also found the whooping and jubilations a bit over the top and a tad unpleasant. But then I'm a bit like Kirsty at the moment, so just call me Grumpty Gert.
I cannot understand Jennifer.
ReplyDeleteTo some extent I admire her.
There is no way I would feel like that.
She is in her 70s and it won't be easy looking after a young baby..
On the other hand Jill will be able to give her some advice.
I can. She has grandchildren from Kate, who she now rarely sees. She loved her time with Nolly, but that was short-lived. To have a grandson/daughter, who might live in Ambridge, so to see him/her growing up on a daily basis, she will appreciate it. She loves Pheobe, but was not involved with her, in the early years.
DeleteCan't really understand why some people find Iain & Adam's joy at finding out about being parents being in any way over the top, or selfish or unfeeling. In what reality would someone in that moment think "Oh actually, let's tone down our joy and think about how this will affect some little sad-sac in the village"? It has literally nothing to do with anyone else apart from the 3 people involved. And it also seems to me there should be no issues about looking after a baby - or is that somehow beyond the ken of two seemingly caring, successful, wealthy, intelligent middle-aged men...?
ReplyDeleteStill can't stand Adam though. Or Lexi.
Fair comment Gary. But my complaint was with the disregard of any feeling Roy might have. A simple sentence from Ian acknowledging that Roy might feel less than happy would have sufficed.
DeleteIncidentally would the baby ever be a genetic grandchild for Jennifer ?
Not sure I ever took in the details about ownership of sperm.
Nevertheless Jenny would clearly not have a problem given her maternal ministrations towards Ruari.
GG.You are so right.
DeleteIt is the 3 persons imvolved - Adam, Ian + Lexi- who are the ones involved in this S/L. Thank-you for pointing this out, and I will certainly re-think my thoughts.
It is Adam's biological child with an unknown woman, so the genetic connection to Jennifer is straightforward. It was Ian who wanted a baby, so he is the happiest.
DeleteInterestingly though, it was Ian who wanted the baby to be biologically his at the beginning of this SL. His low sperm count precluded this.
DeleteAgree that the surrogacy is only the business of 3 people, &, yes, Gary, in the moment of implant success, anything less than whoops of joy would be unrealistic. It was Lexi who off loaded her guilt about him & something which sounded like regret. Roy may be a sad sac, evidence being agreeing to Lexi's role in the first place. Anyone worth his salt would have drawn the line there. They were not an established couple, so it was a strange sort of altruism on her part to risk the future with a new love, by restricting it so drastically - a year or more of abstinence, whilst the surrogacy programme went on. She shouldn't have asked it of him ( that's why some of us were suspicious of her motives) & why didn't Roy give her a clear choice 'Me, or this plan, decide on your commitment'. He's desperate or weak, or both & meekly goes along with it. Helen or Kate would have been more honourable choices, but, of course, they chickened out. As for Ian, it's not his problem or responsibility for the way Roy is, but I do think he shouldn't have just dismissed his feelings, when Lexi ( have-my-cake-&-eat-it) starts sighing about her ex. On reflection, SHE was the tactless & insensitive one !
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Carolyn I've been banging on about this over many a blog!! This is such an unlikely scenario to have happened at the beginning of this relationship (Lexi & Roy) that one can only summise as I've said before it was a 'It's Friday night, let's get a new story line in the can, then down the pub everyone' from the SW's. Farcical and an insult to it's audience.
DeleteWell now Lexi is pregnant she could have had sex with Roy again (had she still been with him) but as much as Roy is a bit of a wet week I’m glad he is not to be used in such a way!
DeleteYes, Lexi should never have put herself forward as a surrogate when newly involved with Roy and Ian was sensitive to R’s feelings. Irrespective of the sex of the receiving couple, I find it hard to accept the conception of a child in this way.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ev. Imo exceptions are a family member or a close friend being the surrogate e.g. Kate, if she was a different type of person and a bit younger. Helen was unsuitable on health and psychological grounds. One of the Kardashians (Kim?) has announced that her surrogate is pregnant for 2nd time. KK would thoroughly recommend surrogacy. KK has 2 children with her husband, Kanye West, one of whom is called North! 😁 She's unable to carry further pregnancies herself. Why can they not be satisfied with 2. I feel the same way about surrogacy as about people cloning their dead pets. 🐱👤🐱🐉🐱👓🐱🚀🐱💻
DeleteThanks to whoever explained how to do emojis.
....& does the world really need more Kardashians/Wests/ Norths/Whatevers ?
DeleteDid someone suggest that surrogacy had come up in most of the TV soaps and so had to be 'ticked off' in The Archers?
ReplyDeleteI believe there may be an attempt to change the law in Britain. Perhaps this is TA in education or campaigning mode.
DeleteWho will tell Roy?
ReplyDeleteThis will not happen
ReplyDeleteScene-The Village Shop
Susan-Hello Roy,we don't often see you in here.
What can I get you?
Roy-Just a pint of milk please Susan.
Susan-Well if you don't mind me saying ,Roy,you look as if you could do with more than a pint of milk.
You've looking really peaky recently but I suppose that is because of the br..
Roy-How much do you want Susan?
Susan-That'll be 64p Roy..
Lexi was in here the other day.
She does look well.
Blooming as you might say if you get my meaning.
Roy?
Oh he's left his change.
Very good Lanjan. You’ve got the job.
DeleteIf only 👏😉
DeleteGood scriptwriting Lanjan.
DeleteI could just hear Susan’s voice, reading that, Lanjan. 😁
DeleteThe Ambridge Observer ‘does’ Susan really well - see her diary in this week’s edition (20 Jan)!
DeleteAfter listening to the omnibus this morning, I had another thought about Lexi.
ReplyDeleteShe announced her pregrancy, after returning from a horrible day at work at the chicken factory. The celebrations were justified, as it was the final attempt.
My thought is simply this:-
Can working with raw chicken, in such a factory, affect the pregnancy, such as contracting salmonella?
I know this has to be ingested but....
PS I am loving The Archers at the moment, and I put it down to the new editor. There are a lot of ongoing situations, but these are all Ambridge based, as they should be. Examples are:-
a) Lizzie, and how her family are missing how she really is, regardless of getting a few sleeping pills, with Shula
b) David wanting Kenton to pay his loan back and rightly so esp. after his ridiculous buy of record desks + LP's.
c) Philip Moss - just how viable is his business, and will he fulfill the Brookfield Farm work.
Just a few ideal, Sunday afternoon thoughts.
Sorry as meant idle thoughts, not ideal a typo.
DeleteHave lots of other thoughts but now is not the time to reveal.
Little + Often. 🤣🤣
Miriam, I think Lexi might intend to stop work at the chicken factory. When Ian asked her about it, after she said it was no worse than usual she started to say “and now that I am...” then changed the subject, having just established that Adam wasn’t back from work. It would also free her up to return to Bulgaria.
DeleteI just think that there could well be a later problem about Lexi being pregnant, but just don't know what.
DeleteI am just thinking aloud.
Perhaps this is not such a good idea.
I will think a little bit more about my posts in the future.
The problem might be Brexit-Baby.
DeleteWhy has Roy never gone to Bulgaria for a holiday? He was willing to move there to keep his relationship with Lexi but he's never visited the country. Another thing - how can Lexi not get a job in a Bulgarian hotel yet Roy found one he thought he could apply for after a brief time googling.
It is the half marathon tonight.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear how Alistair does, and most importantly - what Jazzer has planned.
Not long to wait to find out.
I just hope it is goes as planned.
I wonder how Ian will feel when the baby is born ?
ReplyDeleteHe wanted to be the biological father but was unable to be so..
Will it cause a problem between him and Adam?
If and when Lexi returns to her own Country will she want to return to Ambridge?
Lexis last “visit” to the clinic was a solo one at her request (I think) so did she not actually go knowing she is pregnant (unintentionally) but still wants A & I money and therefore is willing to hand over the baby anyway. Would there be a dna test done or just assumed that it is Adams 🤔
DeleteOk I’m getting tied up in knots now 🙄 but I do not think it is / or will be straight forward.
Did she go to the clinic at all? It also occurs that after Brexit will she be able to return for the birth? She will need some time here beyond tourism. I don’t know the regulations but it could be interesting!
DeleteI can't remember a couple of details about the surrogacy. Is Lexi the biological mother, or was the ovum from an anonymous donor? And where is it planned that the baby will be born? If it is born in Bulgaria and Lexi decided to keep it, then it would probably be impossible for Adam and Ian to get custody. If she was still willing to hand over the baby to them, what would be its nationality? After Brexit, that would be very unclear.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure the egg was donated, Ex-Londoner. That's the easy one!
ReplyDeleteI think that's true
DeleteI would imagine Lexi would return to the UK for the baby's birth to give it UK citizenship. It was interesting to hear Adam's doubts tonight. He was hesitant about fatherhood when Ian first suggested a surrogacy and had to be somewhat persuaded. I think he's being realistic about new fatherhood at his age and fitting it in with his job.
ReplyDeleteWell done Alistair!
Surrogacy was illegal in Bulgaria. Situation may have changed. I just googled and got an advert for surrogates in Bulgaria. 👮♀️
Delete3 cheers for Alistair ! That man is rising out of the ashes, most satisfying to witness. Some credit to Jim's encouragement & Jazzer's friendship, as well.
ReplyDeleteSo Adam is having doubts about becoming a new father at 51 and how he will manage his job when looking after a child? Pity he didn't sort that out before giving way to Ian's continuous whining. Jennifer's attitude was ridiculous. She would know how tiring and time-consuming a new baby is yet all she says is 'All it needs is love.'
ReplyDeleteLexi may spend the first six months in Bulgaria but travelling back to UK to have the baby may be problematic. My son and dil had to travel by train and ferry from Vienna for my youngest granddaughter to be born British. Airlines are reluctant to carry pregnant women in their final weeks. Sad also we have yet another major storyline about a pregnancy.
I totally agree with your final sentence Spicycushion.
DeleteRegarding Elizabeth's GP visit.
ReplyDeleteDr son says that Doctors only have 10minutes to see a patient.
He said that in his opinion ,giving Elizabeth sleeping pills for a short amount of time was OK but he would have said he would want follow up visits to find out more about and treat the underlying cause..
Perhaps the locum suggested that.
I love storylines about pregnancies - comes of having so many midwives in the family, I suspect. Being a basic fact of everyday life in the country, pregnancy was talked about a lot outside home as well as in.We could do with some death storylines too, death also being a basic fact of everyday life in the country.
ReplyDelete,
I agree with you Maryellen, we are a little top heavy with the elderly, some younger blood is needed.
DeleteI may have been half asleep last night when listening to TA, but I am very confused about the result of the long-awaited half marathon.
ReplyDeleteDo I understand the Alistair and Philip competed in a pantomime horse costume or was that another pair of contestants?
It all seemed a bit surreal, Jim not being able to see Alistair on the course and Jazzer’s comments.
Can someone explain to me just what happened - and who won? 🤔
I felt the same, didn't even know it was a horse, but gathered a disguise inspired by Lynda? The sad truth is I couldn't care less. The same goes for Brian's plea, from what I know of the judicial system he may have a point but he's taking a risk and can Jennifer influence him? He may change his mind, so we won't know until the last moment.
DeleteI meant to add how inspiring it is that all the midwives I know or have known in the past have been completely non-judgmental. A baby is a baby is a baby!
ReplyDeleteThe very butch Gertrude Stein would be horrified.
DeleteMy mistake, Stasia - I thought A rose is a rose etc was Emily Dickinson! Though I feel it’s a quote that transcends its author....
DeleteIsn’t the Rose quote from Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet?
DeleteEv, you’re thinking of A rose by any other name would smell as sweet....
DeleteStasia's right - it is Gertrude Stein!
DeleteI’m not disputing it! 🙂
DeleteThanks, Maryellen! You’ re quite right!
DeleteI can't fault Brian in wanting to plea not guilty. He may have evidence in those diaries that shows he didn't know the content of the barrels that were buried. The clean up was done and I assume there will be a hefty fine but why the imprisonment? I don't know English laws but I believe innocent until proven guilty?
ReplyDeleteYou are right Ruthy, you are innocent until proved guilty.
DeleteBrian does know he is guilty, by pleading not guilty, he is hoping that there is insufficient evidence to prove his guilt. If he went down this route and was found guilty he would in all likelihood receive a stiffer penalty.
I agree with you , prison would serve no purpose other than to the delights of Kirsty and others. It would also be at a cost to the tax payer. A very large fine would have a greater impact, in my view.
I agree with what you say Cow Girl.
DeleteI cannot see the point in imprisoning any person who is of no danger to anybody else.
I would make somebody like Brian pay a hefty fine and do some Community work as well.
I think something menial like tidying up grass verges or picking. up litter. .
I agree with you CowGirl and Lanjan on your views about Brian. No point in putting him in prison. Let him pay a fine if found guilty.
DeleteI just want to hear the proof that Brian was totally and individually, responsible for the dumping of the toxic waste. Yes, he has very many problems with the EA and clean up, which he has to fined and pay for, so rightly so.
DeleteBut was he personally responsible for the toxic waste - to be convicted of its dumping - is still undecided in my mind.
Brian did not dump the waste, toxic or otherwise.
DeleteHe did allow the waste to be dumped on his land.
When it was dumped, in the seventies I believe, attitudes towards the disposal of waste were very different to today's regulations.
At at least Alister has been practising for the half marathon for months, but PMoss decided to participate only a few weeks ago. He and Alister decide to run as a pantomime horse, him as the backside, so can't see where he is going and ends up sprawled out on the grass. He was earlier complaining about being tied and too old for our beloved Kirsty.
ReplyDeleteFlogged, horse, dead comes to mind. I accept A bit concrete in interpretation, but Maryellen has a point, someone needs to be pushing up the daisies in the green, green grass of Ambridge.
I hope it isn't Peggy.
ReplyDeleteThe actress playing her is actually older than Peggy is and I would like to think that they will only get rid of Peggy when June Spencer has had enough.
I suspect that the next one might be Joe.
To be fair to him for a man of well over 90 he does very well.
My lovely 96 year old neighbour is now having to get a Carer in every day and have a bed downstairs.
She herself is the Carer for her younger sister who has schizophrenia
I’m hoping June Spencer remains too
DeleteLJ in June she will be 100yrs and should make the headlines on that special day 🤗
I am going back to last week, so indulge me.
ReplyDeleteEd + Emma have had their mortgage approved, on the proviso that the deposit is in place.
I think that this is still not so. When do they need to pay it?Despite Emma's 3 jobs + Ed doing extra jobs, (and not paying Grange Farm rent in December), they still do not have the relevant money in place.
Will they manage to pay the mortgage - which if they do, they will have no family life.
Perhaps Grange Farm, is still a suitable home after all and this is where Ed's texcels are.
Who knows what could happen - perhaps Oliver will make sure Ed + Emma take Grange Farm over in time, with Eddie + Clarrie as residents paying their way (sadly no Joe).
What about Holly? Not heard about recently, as is George
DeleteOh, dear, reading your post, Miriam, I don't think I've been paying attention ! I thought Ed & Emma had got the deposit, the mortgage has been agreed, but now they are worried about making the mortgage repayments. Have I got it all wrong? Help!
DeleteWho is Holly?
DeleteDog ?
DeleteHolly is their dog.
DeleteThanks.
DeleteOf course .
I may be behind the times in discovering this, but I've just read that Barry Farrimond (Ed Grundy) is one and the same as the CEO of an organisation that runs orchestras for special schools and the National Open Youth Orchestra for disabled young musicians, all of which has earned him an MBE.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that.
DeleteWhat a wonderful acheivement, and well deserved.
Yes I read that a couple of months ago and deduced that’s why he’s not been heard for a while. It’s good to have him back and very impressive achievement.
DeleteI did not know the latest ( MBE etc) but did know that he had something to do with young people and music.
DeleteYes wonderful.
And such a gentle voice.
I did not know about this- well done Barry (Ed) 👏
DeleteCould easily be up the creek about this, but wondering if Brian has a point in pleading not guilty. He can hardly deny that he allowed toxic waste to be buried on his land, BUT it happened 40 yrs. ago, at a time when there was less knowledge about toxic substances & long term effects. He could plead ignorance of consequences, an ignorance shared by most people at the time. That doesn't exonerate him from commiting an illegal act, but possibly from criminal responsibility. Depends on what the charge is, how it is worded.
ReplyDeleteI have very similar thoughts. Ignorance is not an excuse, but it was in the 1970's when things were very different.
DeleteI think Brian is right. Why plead guilty to something which seems, cannot be proven conclusively.
He will pay for the clean up and EA costs, which He + Jenny know will happen and cannot deny this. Hence the sale of the Home Farm farmhouse to be able to do so.
I just think that there might be a "Get out of Jail" card with Brian's name on.
Who knows - I don't. I only give my thoughts + ideas as to my interpretacion to what I listen to.
I had assumed Jennifer’s position but this is a sound argument. Many substances are now banned that were in regular use back then. It will be interesting to hear the meeting on Friday, that is if we are let in.
DeleteBefore my father died, he had a wasps nest under the patio door in an air brick, so constant wasps were around. I was told to get the wasp insecticide from the garage + use it. Once I saw it, I refused (to be told, it was my duty as his daughter!).. I recognised that this once common chemical, was banned as now classed as toxic + carcinogenic.
DeleteThings change very quickly re chemicals etc.
Sorry.
DeleteI gave my answer similar to above posts after those thoughts posted early this afternoon.
One small point.
It was not illegal to dump stuff on land owned by self back in the seventies, as far as I know.
If so then it was not an illegal act at the time it was dumped.
But if/when the stuff became illegal, because the full extent of the tocicity of the chemicals involved was realised, shouldn’t Brian Aldridge have done something to mitigate the potential for damage then? I favour a prison sentence which wouldn’t penalise the family business in the same way a heavy fine would.
DeleteI thought there was no doubt that the dumping was illegal. Brian accepted payment for allowing the dumping to take place on his land, and didn't trouble to find out what was being dumped. So it was a sin of omission, perhaps, rather than one of commission, but his 'not guilty' plea is based on a hope that the prosecution won't be able to prove his guilt, not on a belief that he really isn't guilty. Dishonest, and silly.
DeleteIs it my imagination, or has the new editor introduced quite a lot of "jump cuts" recently? Where two characters are talking about doing something later and then - voilà! Immediately there they are doing it, with no apparent indication that any time has passed! Slightly disconcerting if you aren't paying full attention I find.
ReplyDeleteI'd noticed in the last week or so. Is "jump cuts" the technical name? Did it happen in scenes with Helen & karate man (her personal trainer) ? Characters in the episode were Helen & Lee, Tom, Ruth and Ben (and Rosie). Not many character permutations for scene changes. Justin's wife had a "personal trainer" or a tennis coach.
DeleteI'm not in the mood to hear the Lee/Helen romance which seems to be about to happen. Lee must be a real townie to not get correctly attired for a hill walk. His personal trainer story was very believable and he thought quickly on that one.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was nice. Did you notice, when they were discussing films, Lee mentioned a character with secrets.
DeleteLee may not possess appropriate attire. Which hill were they climbing? I imagined Lakey Hill as a gentle stroll. Perhaps it was Hayden Barrow.
I get the impression Lee isn’t very well off?
DeleteYou could well be right Maryellen. Presumably he has to maintain his two girls, contribute to the costs (possibly a mortgage)
Deleteof the house they live in, maintenance for his wife (not sure if she is ‘officially’ ex or not yet) - and his own accommodation, wherever that is. All on the salary of a physiotherapist. Does he get paid to run the Karate club I wonder, or is that voluntary work? Not much left over for new clothes or taking new girl friends out, I should think.
Helen, Helen. Fall in love, but beware of falling into a trap, let's hope Lee is a kind man. However, you may be facing another trap, called Natasha. Would any other business woman/man really allow a relatively new acquaintance interfere with the future of the business? You did hit the nail on the head, Tom is only the mouthpiece for the new "ugly face of capitalism". Take over by stealth, Natasha.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Ben on his alternative to Valintines day. 💔💜
✓✓ your last sentence, Stasia - Ben is emerging as an interesting character, a touch original, edgy - a rarity in TA !
DeleteBarry Farrimond (aka Ed Grundy) obviously a man of many talents. Wikipedia:- Farrimond friction hitch.........no' a lo' of people know that! 😏
ReplyDeleteProbably would have sounded more like Michael Caine if I'd spelt it as "nota lota"!!
Delete.............However, you get the gist. 🙄
I reckon you got it just right, BB -swallowing the 't' is the authentic sound !
DeleteI liked the general atmosphere of the walk, Helen and Lee sounded good together.
ReplyDeleteBut Helen lying again about her new 'friend.'
ReplyDeleteThe girl just can't help it 🙂
At some point she will have to tell Lee about the fathers of her sons, and how the babies were conceived. That's going to be difficult and will really test her new relationship
DeleteThere is that but I was thinking about the lies she was telling Ruth. Echoes of how she lied to all when she was stalking Rob.
DeleteAgree, Basia ( even made me quite like Helen for a few minutes...) The relaxed, slightly flirtatious banter between them promised well. I hope it works out for them. Can understand her reticence, Spicy, given she had nightmarish 'publicity' in the recent past. Best, perhaps, to give the relationship a chance to develop in private, without family & other opinions ?
ReplyDeleteAgree Carolyn.
DeleteAnd other conversations, Ruth and Ben plus Ben talking in the background with Rosie while Ruth on the phone with Jennifer.
T A altogether sounding far more natural recently.
New editor ?
New Writers ?
Both, I reckon, Mrs P. - may the naturalness continue !
DeleteLots of different storylines to chew over.
ReplyDeleteHenry sounds like a 4year old now.
Will he regress even further if a " new daddy " comes into his life?
Poor Henry. With all that’s happened to him I fear his teenage years will be difficult. Is it me? I find it hard to tell whether Lee or Tom is talking!
DeleteI reckon Lee could be the best thing that has happened to Henry in terms of adult males in his life. Tony & Tom, very normal & affectionate uncle & grandad, that's helpful, but the 'Dad' role ? Ghastly. With Lee already, there's been teaching, encouragement to achieve in a demanding physical activity, firm but fair disciplining when he stepped out of line, so that bodes well for a closer relationship if it all happens between Lee & Helen. Contrast that with Titchener's bullying, masked as disciplining, the twisted values the man promoted & the secrets 'We won't tell Mummy', covert signals in the playground....nasty, dangerous stuff. Lee, turn all this around, please !
Delete✔️✔️
DeleteSeveral different options for the Lexi storyline.
ReplyDelete1) Lexi has the baby in Bulgaria and returns to Ambridge in which case Roy may decide he has to leave the village.
2) She has a miscarriage.
3) She knows she isn't actually pregnant but returns to Bulgaria (flight paid for by Adam and Ian with a bit of pocket money thrown in ) where at a later date she will inform them that a) she has lost the baby
4) After a few months she will let A and I know that she wants to keep the baby but wishes to live in Bulgaria and /or she needs more money or she was in fact pregnant by Stephan or Marius a former boyfriend and is staying in Bulgaria or although the baby is Adam's she still wants to stay in Bulgaria.
4) She returns to the clinic to discover that in fact (although initially she was told they thought she was pregnant ,she actually isn't)
5) I hope this doesn't happen.
It is discovered that there is something wrong with the foetus and she wants to abort or perhaps she didn't want to but Adam and Ian do.
There may be other scenarios.
My favourite is that the clinic have made a mistake (unlikely) and that she isn't in fact pregnant.
6) Lexi gives birth to Adam and Ian’s baby with no complications, hands the child to them as soon as the medics allow. and returns to her life in Bulgaria. They exchange Christmas cards for the next 20 years and everyone lives happily ever after.
Delete.......except Roy.
DeleteQuite, Lanjan, except poor old Roy who will have to live in the village watching the child, who might have been his, had his relationship with Lexi blossomed, grow up.
DeleteSo Lexi is the 3rd woman he really, really loved to turn him down.. Am I supposed to feel sorry for him?
Delete.
Really, Archerphile? This is the man who was prepared to abandon his legitimate children without a moment’s thought when the next love of his life showed up.
DeleteI thought that she hadn't yet been to the doctor. She said she '''done two tests" which were positive and would see the doctor next week. Definitely home tests but may have not heard when she saw/is seeing the doctor.
DeleteStasia, 10.15 today - agree about Natasha's apparent takeover ! Tony has grudgingly been won over by her much vaunted expertise, but that could change, as Tom allows her ideas & farm practice to dominate Bridge Farm decisions. Helen is slightly hesitant but can't find anything specific against her, & is too preoccupied with her personal life to give this new development much thought. Pat is so pleased that Tom is happy that she can't be objective. It's an intriguing SL, because at the moment, N. could easily be either a Good or Bad thing - we don't have enough evidence !
ReplyDeleteI wouldn’t take any bets on either choice, Carolyn. I wonder if the SWs have decided how she will turn out eventually - after all they did originally write Rob as a pleasant new addition to the village, and look what they did with him after a while.
DeleteIndeed Archerphile.
DeleteI am not that struck with either pushy Natasha or Lexi but if push came to shove I would settle for Natasha any day.
At least-so far-she hasn't done the dirty on her boyfriend.
Me, too, Lanjan. It'd be fair to give N. the benefit of the doubt unless something specific happens to arouse suspicions. Her pushiness could simply be ultra professionalism & a consequence of being more up to speed, more modern, than the dear Bridge Farm family.
DeleteAs for Lexi, she isn't convincing, somehow, not a 'real'person. I see her as a peg upon which to hang a storyline, not even a 2, let alone a 3 dimensional character.
Lanjan, your brain is extremely overactive today.
DeleteI shall quote Maryellen, "a baby, is a baby, is a baby" and unlike a beautiful rose it is very boring little thing. When it gets to about 18yrs I might be interested. That is if Lexie ever gives birth. When Adam was waxing on with Jenifer about his role, he didn't really include Ian. It will be his baby, he is the biological father.
carolyn. I agree, and fear that Tom will marry Natasha and then we can hear the fur fly. If Natasha is so brilliant (Tom's word) why shack up with such a brainless twit, it is reminiscent of Rob taking over the shop and farm.
DeleteStasia when the baby gets to the age of 18 I think I might be past caring!
DeleteHenry is now 8yrs old. When Jack was born in 2016 he was 5yr old and his Mum Helen was in jail.
ReplyDeleteRob, who Henry called Daddy, was still around.
My thought is:-
Henry must remember Rob, as he was his Daddy for about 2 years, so why doesn't he ask about him? He must have memories, be they good or bad. As an 8yr old, he must have memories of his life as a 5yr old. I do.
I am confused about Natasha.
ReplyDeleteShe is the CEO of a fruit juice empire, a Nuffield project major success, and is now Tom's girlfriend.
What I don't understand, is why is she the suitable person, to be able to help Bridge Farm, with its new enterprises - such as Helen and her cheese making, which relates to Josh taking over the new cows arriving from France.
Does Natasha have true expertise in these "fields"?
I am not sure, but if she has, I for one would like to learn about this as to when and wear.
Re "poor Roy" - I'm still failing to understand how Lexi has done anything wrong. She was upfront with him about the surrogacy from the beginning was she not? Then he lays on the proclamations of love a bit thick (I thought anyway) and it all goes a bit pear-shaped and she flies off home, to come back later as she promised she would to continue with the attempts at implantation. No cheating or lying as far as I remember.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for Roy "having" to watch Iain & Adam's child grow up and be a constant reminder of the child that "could" have been his - tough! That's life. That's what hundreds of millions of people do around the globe in every village, town & city when they have broken up with someone. Especially if they, like Roy, can't hold down a relationship. And it's not as if he hasn't got a child of his own...
He is to be no more pitied than the rest of us... Here endeth the homily!
You've made an inescapably valid point, Gary. Roy does screw up relationships, or get screwed up : Kate, well, a happy release, no man has been able to stand her for long; Hayley, he was entirely responsible for ruining a very good marriage ( wherein she was mum to his Phoebe, because kate is not able to mother anyone), by lusting after the mixed up Elizabeth, who ditched him without a qualm, the whole episode causing him the loss of a job, &, more disastrously, a loving marriage & his 2 Nd daughter. The man is a victim.Lastly, he didn't even have the confidence to stand up to Lexi. Ok, she would have gone ahead with the surrogacy, she was determined to do that, but if they'd parted company at that point, he wouldn't be suffering now.
DeleteHe's his own worst enemy - that's my reason for feeling sorry for the guy !
OK, Ok, everyone! I get the point - Roy is not to be pitied, he is the architect of his own downfall on several occasions. He is week and stupid. I get the drift.
DeleteBut I still think he has been badly treated by Lexi. And I think it was Elizabeth who was the prime instigator of their affair, I distinctly remember her ‘chasing’ him at the Loxley Fest rather than him propositioning her. What a pity he didn’t resist and kept his marriage and family though.
Yes, he’s too easily manipulated. I found his declarations of love for Lexi a bit much too and he was weak in agreeing to the situation whilst carrying on with the relationship. She in her turn should never have asked it of him. The child is nothing to do with him so maybe it wouldn’t be as bad as all that. I think Adam’s fears about bringing a baby into the world and the responsibility are justified. Ian’s broodiness won but at what cost?
DeleteI should have said it maybe wouldn’t be as bad as all that for R to see a child growing up in the village.
DeleteI've always felt sorry for Roy but I really see your point Gary. His situation is regular life for many folks. He was incredibly weak to sleep with Elizabeth when he had lovely Hayley and a happy marriage. He is really paying the price of being hasty and weak in realtionships though.
DeleteI am wondering if some characters, who are basically non Ambridge residents, will be slowly and surely written out. This is another of my silly ideas, but I am referring to Lexi, Natasha, and Philip.
ReplyDeleteI just cannot see why they are necessary as relevant Ambridge regulars.
Lee + Helen, that is different. Lee is providing a true social and healthy input into
Ambridge, which is not about monetary gain. He deserves to stay.
.....and what about Tim?
ReplyDeleteAnother Soundalike.
I thought he was Tom at first but then I heard a touch of the Christopher's.
If the BBC are scrapped for cash why do they have to keep introducing new characters?
Why do all the males refer to each other as "mate"?
As far as I am aware Tim's new mate Ed only met him a week or two ago.
Where did he suddenly spring from and why does he get all the work instead of the Grundys?
Now the first thing we need to do is to establish his age and marital status.
Is he too young for Hannah for example?
I hope so.
✔️✔️✔️
ReplyDeleteGood points, esscee - though I think Joe Grundy is 10 times more opinionated than Hannah!
ReplyDeleteIn answer to your final sentence Esscee ...
ReplyDeleteBecause that is what happens in Ambridge.
Think Rob and Helen, Lee and Helen ,Justin and Lilian,Matt and Lilian,Nic and Will,
Toby and Pip,Rex and Anisha,Harrison and Fallon,Natasha and Tom, Hannah and Tom,Lexi and Roy.,Kirsty and Phil,Sam and Ruth,Matthew and Pip.
When Mike and Vicki moved we didn't know a thing about the couple who moved in except that they liked their garden(but never entered the Flower and Produce Show ) and they never had loud parties because Kirsty didn't have to complain.
If new characters have to be introduced then at least let a few of them be ordinary married couples and let them have voices we can recognise.
Perhaps they should have a finite number of characters and have a one in-one out - policy
I thought esscee meant (correct me if I’m wrong!) not the actual pairings up but
Deleteall the conjectural pairing up - as satirised by Jane Ausren in the opening of Pride and Prejudice: It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife?
Well said Maryellen! It irks me that so much time is spent on conjecture whenever a new character is introduced, too. Perhaps I should start wondering whether my new neighbours would make suitable partners for anyone else already living in the village. 😉
DeleteObviously when I said yesterday at 9.08 pm that we needed to find out about Tim's age and marital status I assumed it would be realised that I was being sarcastic.
DeleteI still think there are far too many single folk being introduced into the village and that as soon as they arrive they are paired off with someone which is totally unrealistic.
Too many of the story lines are related to relationships in my opinion.
The whole surrogacy issue has been played out for maximum impact, involving two couples from the village, IVF, possibly "exit" and for people like Susan to have their say. She's already worked out half the truth, let's wait till she finds out the rest. Yes, Tim is very 'matey', texting at 5:30 am.
ReplyDeleteEsscee - ✔️✔️✔️
ReplyDeleteIt often seems that any new character is treated with suspicion and has to prove themselves to be a good egg before listeners will accept them.
We have new neighbours just moved in along the road and I have no reason to think they might be suspicious characters - why not give newcomers a chance in TA too?
Unfortunately for us listensers when new characters arrive they come with little background and usually behave in a negative manner. Hence we have to fill in or fantasise about their future with village regulars, so our discussions become more interesting than the characters themselves. Tim for example is beginning to sound shady, 'cash in hand' mate. Etc
ReplyDeleteWell, stuff has to happen ! Some of regulars are more than a little shady. New characters change the dynamic, otherwise we'd just have local chat, farming & veterinary conversations, bland small talk. It would be grown up Noddy, & listeners would stop listening.
DeleteRe the comments about new characters. Yes it's good to have new people coming into the village although in my experience they are not usually single and unattached, mainly because of the housing situation nowadays. However they really ought to be realistic.
ReplyDeleteFor instance Lee asked Helen what she felt about outdoor stuff, implying he was au fait with such pastimes yet turns up for a country walk in January with no coat and brand new white trainers. He is a fitness enthusiast yet gets puffed out up the ''climb' when meeting Ruth who is either pushing a pram or wearing a baby carrier. This man is a degree holding professional so should not be portrayed as stupid.
Physiotherapist's salaries start in NHS around £26K p.a. As he has a black belt he probably runs the karate club as a part-time franchise bringing in extra money, similar to slimming clubs and other types of evening classes.
Hopefully Brian gets his day in court in the next couple of weeks and he can revert to the character we used to know and love!☺️
Spot on Spicycushion!
DeleteTotally agree. Pointless silly detail about the trainers. Physios are experts at keeping fit and would not make such a mistake.
DeleteEsscee and GaryGilday 👍
DeleteAnd Seasider 😀
DeleteAnd me. 👞👞
Delete😊
DeleteYes agree.
DeletePoor plot point.
The newest incomers to Ambridge, will be The Gill's, who are the new owners of the Home Farm Farmhouse. This could go 2 ways.
ReplyDelete1) They are lottery winners, spending their millions and will cause mayhem. This might give an equal gossip to Susan, and will interfere with whoever takes over from Lynda re village productions.
2) A very wealthy couple, who will challenge Lilian + Justin, to become the "Lord + Lady" of Ambridge.
As new residents, I just hope their prescence will be prevalent and they become regular characters, whatever their background. It is time that new regular characters were introduced, for the long term - as there are so many elderly residents who cannot last for ever.
I am being realistic, not pessimistic, but life has to go on.
My thought is that this is the right time, to bring in new central + major Ambridge Village chaacters.
I might be so wrong.
Agree Miriam with your second para particularly.
DeleteWhere has Carole T. disapprared to, as she hasn't been heard from, for months.
DeleteAlso Bert. I thought that he would be the person to realise that all is not well with Lizxie, but not sadly not so.
DeleteHas Lewis moved out?
DeleteNot sure my invaluable 😀contributions are being received. I mentioned that Lewis must have moved out.
DeleteWell, at long last and it's only the beginning...
ReplyDeleteAt last.
ReplyDeleteIt has taken Elizabeth's siblings long enough to realise that there is something wrong.
It would seem that she hasn't been taking the sleeping pills.
Yes ,Shula.
I think you are right instead of going to your Art Classes and spending your time doing other pursuits you should have been back to see Elizabeth.
David knows a bit about depression apparently
Well thank goodness for that.
Better late than never.
Duh! You dumbos! Kenton, Shula and David. Your sister is having a breakdown! Name it. Seek some professional advice and stop pussy footing around it in order to give the SW's a couple more angst written episodes and hand wringing to cram into this week. Heavens above! Give me strength! 😟
ReplyDelete👏
DeleteIt took them a loong time to grasp that Elizabeth was ill, but the truth has dawned. Don't see why Kenton beat himself up as it was his persistence that caused E. to own up, & break down. She did the despair & hysteria very convincingly. This needed to happen.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, liked the talk between Ed & Emma, when they woke up in the small hours - they have sound understanding of each other & are mutually supportive. It also clarified what I wasn't 100 % sure of : yes, they've got the minimum deposit, 5%, to qualify for the mortgage, but wish it had been more, as the monthly repayments will be very challenging.
On yet another note, Tom is pushing too far, isn't he, taking the piss, in fact, to insist they change the meeting time to suit Natasha, whatever other family commitments there might be, when his girlfriend has no stake in the business, no rights ? If he wants to use her as a consultant, she could put her advice in writing, or dictate to Tom to pass on.
I know! Tom seems to be the worshiping at the Church Of Natasha full time now - think he has definitely drank the (organic) Kool Aid...😲
DeleteAgree ,Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteWhere has Natasha learned all this stuff?
If I were Pat ,Tony and Helen I would tell Tom that it is to be a family meeting and if Natasha can make it as an observer she would be welcome and they will listen to any suggestions she might make but that they cannot change the timing to suit her
I was surprised that they didn’t react in this way, Lanjan.
DeleteAbsolutely. Natasha is setting herself up to be very unpopular at Bridge Farm, except possibly with Tom's parents, who may be desperate to see him married off.
DeleteI totally agree Carolyn, re Kenton and all above.
ReplyDeleteLan Jan that’s a perfect way to put it. They need to say something and nip this in the bud. Another issue left to fester and eat away at us until it’s a crisis.
Gary 😂, except it’s not funny. You’re making a fool of yourself, Tom, grow up and act like the professional you think you are.
Kenton+David+Shula = 3 blind mice.
ReplyDeleteAgree Ruthy. They sounded so slow on the uptake. David saying something like "I think it's depression, no the real illness". Good grief, you don't say!! Urgent action is needed to help E now. The actress played that scene really well and I was left thinking poor soul.
DeleteThe trio obviously do not realise that Lily is pretty much in the picture already, and anyway she is E immediate family and how can they help efficiently without Jillfinding out? With her age and wisdom why would she fall apart she runs Brookfield and baby sits Rosie and is always on the run so hardly someone they have to protect. Shula needs to get over to LL and set to wherever she is needed, although if Oliver gets wind of the situation he may well step in, or maybe the return of Geraldine.....
ReplyDeleteIt will be some time before Lily will be able to take over the reins again single handed.
Are new characters automatically treated with suspicion? I think Philip seems a decent chap, though not ideal for Kirsty, Lee seems thoroughly likeable, though given Helen's past I'm apprehensive that her judgement may not be great, and Natasha – yes, I have my reservations. Hannah is not the likeable character she was when first introduced, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteAnneveggie, I found David's realisation that Elizabeth is ill encouraging. I have suffered from depression, and one of the difficult things about it is that even nice, well-meaning people just don't get it. So, well done, David.
ReplyDeleteAnd in Ambridge depression is always a temporary difficulty (less convincing).