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Archers Comments week of March 15, 2019
Archers Comments week of March 15, 2019
Helen / Lee
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
But whose heart?
ReplyDeleteInspired picture, Ruthy ! That's the question, GG, I guess we'll soon find out. It could be a case of broken, but later, months later, mended...
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely with all the final comments on the last blog - an excellent episode, pitch perfect, & Emma was great, both practical & loving to that very nice girl. Will & Susan at their best ( you're so right, Mrs P.,we had the gossiping & kind, noticing side of Susan tonight)
ReplyDeleteVery odd indeed that Tom had said nothing to Natasha about Helen.
Indeed GG...
ReplyDeleteThe good and caring side of Emma tonight, I am sure periods starting can be a difficult time for many daughters with only a dad around. Subject dealt with in a factual yet sympathetic way well done SW and no shouting involved👏
Susan being full on Susan tonight 😂
I am beginning to fear Hannah may vere in Will’s direction to become a “friend” enough said 😮
Hadn't thought of that Lady R! I think you may be right. Why not?
DeleteYes Emma was very loving and caring to Mia tonight which is exactly what Mia needed. Good of Susan to catch on and send out the alert too.
Delete*** Mad theory alert ***
ReplyDeleteGiven that we know very little of Lee's marriage & how it ended, wouldn't it be interesting if he too managed to escape an abuser? That when Helen does open up to him he does the exact same (to her shock and surprise) and they can then both work together to learn how to trust and love again? They end up forging an amazing, unbreakable relationship and live happily ever after...
Think that’s a good mad theory alert.
DeleteCould be just a bit vomit making if it gets too slushy though.
Oh, absolutely PtbY!
DeleteCould be. During Custardgate we did discuss the fact that men can be subjected to abusive relationships too. This would be a possible way to raise the issue without re-running the whole storyline.
DeleteHowever, Lee did seem to suggest to Helen that the relationship failed because he was too wrapped up in his work to give his ex enough time and consideration. He assured her he'd learnt his lesson and would put more effort into any future relationship.
GG That is not a mad alert, far from it. It makes a lot of sense.
DeleteMy thoughts are that Helen needs to tell Lee all, in her own words (not Susans). I feel Lee will appreciate it, but not accept immediatly, but will understand and able to relate to the situation.
So agree, and what is Lee's background with his wife and are they divorced??
How interesting that TA covered the subject of young schoolgirls with periods tonight, after the Chancellor announced, yesterday, that schools will be able to provide free sanitary products for pupils in future.
ReplyDeleteEmma was marvellous tonight, so understanding and caring, just what Mia needed. Will, too, was at his best and once again has reason to be grateful to Emma.
And though I congratulate Susan for noticing Mia’s predicament and alerting Emma to help, I was furious with her for gossiping to Natasha about Helen and Rob. I hope this is not an occasion when her loose tongue causes problems for the Bridge Farm family. She treally is incorrigible sometimes.
Three cheers for Emma! After tonight's conversation I take back anything horrid I've ever said about her.
DeleteAlso three cheers for the campaigners who've worked so hard to break the taboo of periods and to raise the issue of period povery. As Emma told Mia, being a girl's great, but it can be pretty hard at times. Let's hope these campaigns continue to make a real difference for women and girls both in the UK and abroad.
Despite the fact that Susan's such a gossip, I always find her entertaining. I too hope that her disclosure to Natasha does not cause problems.
ReplyDeleteThe characters who irritate me are: Kate, Lexi, Ian sometimes and Helen, not forgetting Elizabeth.
😂😂 not too many then AV know how you feel though 😉
DeleteSusan was spot on alerting Emma to help Mia but out of order spouting off to Natasha. Emma, talking to Lee the other night, did it much better - 'It's not my place to give you the details but you need to talk to Helen.'
DeleteEmma has had her ups and downs but I think she could become a linchpin of the village over the coming years. So long as her mother doesn't convince her to sign up to CIA!
Always been an 'Emma Supporter'. The kindness from her father. A very slight shrewishness from Susan.........who though 'alert monitor' to Mia's predicament was also her ghastly self as usual. It would have been very satisfying if Natasha had told her where to get off. Surely the SW's could allow someone to tell Susan gossip can be very damaging..........some hope though, too valuable a character I imagine. 😟
DeleteBut..... Susan can be very supportive too, lets not forget she organised the rota to help Will in the early days after Nic died.
ReplyDeleteWithout her gossip, life in Ambridge would be duller.
More than anyone else in Ambridge, Susan has a way with words, and I cherish her for that reason as well as admiring the practical supportive skills that Cow Girl has just mentioned. Remember how successfully she adapted Chris’s suit for Jazzer without prior warning and against the clock!
DeleteYes to CG and Maryellen comments.
DeleteSusan is THE biggest gossip but she has a kind heart and is always there for any one in need in the village.
And the best actress with Emma running a close second.
Agree CG, Maryellen and Mrs. P.
DeleteThe next thing for Emma to tell Mia is that it is good to have spots as a teenager because it means that your skin is oily and that means that you won’t have skin like an old prune when you are 50.
ReplyDeleteI wish someone had told me that.
Succinctly put!
DeleteThe SW gives Emma a duo personality - she can be bull in the china shop and also her gentle side. Perhaps we all have duo personalities.
DeleteLee - that is Helen. Get out and get over it.
ReplyDeleteWhy am I starting to suddenly like Natasha but beginning to detest Kate even more??
ReplyDeleteMy best acted + favourite Ambridge Character, at the moment, just has to be Peggy - with her side-kick, Hilda.
What a Dynamic Duo.
Hahaha. ......and about your rent Kate. ....Kate, Kate, get up off the floor, no need to faint like that!!
ReplyDeleteDon’t forget, that’s remove cat sh*t daily!!!!!!
If I wasn’t already lying down you’d have to pick me up!!!🤣🤣🤣
Helen .....that’s it , just be a miserable, lonely and bitter old cheese making spinster for the rest of your life.
Lee has had a lucky escape.
Though gritted teeth admittedly, PtbY, I did feel sorry for Helen tonight simply because she is so traumatized, so stuck.
DeleteOf course, she behaved appallingly to Lee, but she isn't capable of behaving decently, or of confronting her severe emotional state. Perhaps her mother & Kirsty can move her in the direction of seeking help, but not unless she turns to them.
So much in common with Elizabeth, who at least is now trying to get back on track, but both of them alienate others & hide behind a mask of spurious self control.
I felt exactly as you did Carolyn, but remembered the shutting down too, and compassion rose, combined with tears rising also.
DeleteI hope that Lee stays on, in karate terms at least.
When then, he will be a semi permanent thorn in Helens side, reminding herself often enough that she has chances to heal if she will allow herself to open up to her damage.
Ah ,PtbY but do you really think that is the end of Lee?
ReplyDeleteI have to say I would prefer for Helen to leave Ambridge and Lee continue to be the Ambridge Karate Kid.
Yes that would be a good solution Lanjan.
DeleteWhen Natasha and Tom decided to get married and emailed the wedding invitations to all and sundry why did they not say that in view of the fact that not much notice had been given to the invitees ,they requested that no presents should be bought.?
ReplyDeleteI presume they did not have time to include the ubiquitous wedding gift list which was why they got the two sets of knives and other unwanted presents.
The last wedding we were invited to we were asked to give money instead of a gift.
Perhaps Natasha will be the one who sits Helen down and gets her to accept she needs counselling far all she's been through.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, Lee is a nice guy and seems to be doing a lot for the community. I hope he'll stick around and not just be a 5 minute plot device.
I had doubts about Lee when he first appeared but he's turning out to be a nice bloke after all and he deserves some answers from Helen.
DeleteLetter openers! Whoever uses such items in these days of email etc.
Re-gifting?
DeleteEr....I use a letter opener.
DeleteVery old fashioned I know.
Husband uses one too. I always forget.. Mainly because, as I've said to him, it's not 1923...
DeletePtby me too! We have a pewter letter opener a present from sister and bil from Far East travels, and another beautiful wood turned one handmade by our very clever cabinetmaker/ carpenter friend.
DeleteA letter-opener is just the job for slicing sheets off your watercolour block.
DeleteI am another one who wouldn’t be without a letter opener.
DeleteRightly or wrongly I still get my Bank Statements etc sent to be by post
On the other hand I would think that the letter openers received by Natasha and Tom would be ones which were doing the rounds and were given to them by Auntie Angharrad and Auntie Blodwen
When they were told about the wedding the Welsh Aunties looked to see what they had been given as presents that they would never use and decided that would do for their niece .
If Natasha and Tom don’t want them, I’ll take them off their hands.
I use a letter opener too
DeleteThank you for all the responses. Actually I use a little device with a blade in it so not as attractive as a real letter opener.
DeleteOh Helen, what have you done? Chased away the chance of a close relationship with a really nice guy who obviously cares for you and could make you and the boys very happy.
ReplyDeleteIf only you would admit , even just to yourself, that you need professional help to recover from the trauma of life with Rob.
Unless and until you can do that, you will be living in a closed world that nobody else can penetrate. Don’t remain shut in for the rest of your life.
Go and seek out proper help, not just from Kirsty or Natasha but from somebody who really knows how to guide you out of the abyss and into a full and loving life again.
✔️ Here’s hoping AP.
DeletePeggy you are priceless, I predict interesting times ahead at The Lodge 😂
Seems we have a lot to learn about Natasha - tonight she came across better than I have been anticipating but it certainly showed how little they really know about each other it will be a steep learning curve... plenty of fodder for the SW 🤗
Do agree with your 2nd paragraph., Lady R. Tom was so quick to fly off the handle & assume his much vaunted new love lapped up village gossip, &she, understandably, wasn't at all happy that he hadn't told her anything about the Helen disaster. My only puzzle about the conversation ( unusually direct for TA !) was that N. was so Keen to become part of the Archer family....she's not like them at all.
Delete✔️✔️to both Lady R and Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure about Natasha now I have to say.
What she said last night made sense and I would have felt the same way on the other hand I still have my suspicions that she saw becoming an Archer as a way of moving up in the world financially.
Having said that ,she certainly knew more about Tom than Mr LJ and I knew about each other when we decided to marry .
It's hardly the end of Helen and Lee, the SWs are onto a good thing and they'll stretch it out.
ReplyDeleteYou bet ! I suppose Helen won't be left to rot with the blue cheese, as PtbY suggested earlier because there's been so much investment in The Helen Story by the TA team.
DeleteIndeed, in real time I guess feelings are mentally buried and a person convinced they are coping until a really emotional event rocks the boat!
DeleteWe keep saying Helen needs time, therepy etc. All of these are acceptable but imo this could take a lifetime for her to accept, if at all. She could become so entrenched in her behaviour and pain (her response to Lee about there always being someone else i.e. Rob), her life could pass her by. (I'm sure the SW's have thought of this!!) Some sort of catalyst could be just the breakthrough needed. It would not be gossiping for someone to give the outline to Lee, after all it is in the public domain. I nominate Emma. She's already shown discretion in that area. We just need one of them to see the light and get talking!
ReplyDelete✔️ 🙏
DeleteI endorse your wise words BB - one can think of Miss Haversham at the very least.
DeleteAnd this could be the long term strategy, by the SW for Helen.
A story line taking us in real time through the next forty years.
In addition it is easy to forget that the Rob SL was after other painful events in Helen's life.
The death of Greg, and the eating issues, are just two, I have probably forgotten others. These painful events can be incremental, and combined with Helens temperament and personality leave me to feel that we may see Helen stay, trapped, and emotionally alone for ever.
Much as I like Great Expectations, it always riles me to think of Miss H wearing the same clothes day in day out for years and years. That and the wedding breakfast mouldering away. I know it's gothic and all that but it still feels like stretching credibility too far, even for Dickens!
DeleteHowever, Helen would never do a full Miss H - can you imagine what the food inspectors would say if she let herself and the dairy get into the same state as Satis House?
It was interesting to hear how cross Natasha was with Tom for telling Helen his idea of moving into the farmhouse and pushing Pat and Tony out to a bungalow. She instantly realised how upsetting it would be for Helen to hear that little piece of news.
ReplyDeleteTom obviously hadn’t given a thought as to where Helen and the boys would live, totally wrapped up in his and Natasha’s own future and not thinking how it would affect others
Hopefully Natasha will be able teach him some consideration for others and to think harder before opening his mouth!
✔️ again
DeleteSo true Archerphile.
DeleteWhat exactly is it that Helen gets so upset about?
ReplyDeleteIs it just the fact that she stabbed Rob (bad enough) or is it the fact that she had to put up with the coercive behaviour for so long?
Why did that particular tune set her off ?
Was that what was playing when she stabbed Rob.?
The record was 'Is this love?'' by Corrine Bailey Rae. Rob played it the night he raped her for the first time i.e when she got pregnant with Jack. Later, Rob played it again, on 'stab night', saying that he'd played it 'the night I gave you our baby'. So, to psycho Rob, it was the equivalent of their song, whereas for Helen, it was the trigger that brought back all the trauma just as things were getting physical between her and Lee.
DeleteGood to see you Nemo.
DeleteWe learnt at the trial that it wasn't the first time he raped her. She said he'd done so repeatedly. But yes, the same tune was played when he made her pregnant and on Stab Night. I didn't recall its name but as soon as Lee said he'd made a play list it was obivious that it would contain That Song.
Rob did rape Helen several times after that first time (we heard one of the occasions on air, when she was heavily pregnant).
DeleteOne of the subsequent occasions, I mean. We heard the first time on air too, when Rob's 'romantic' evening turned into something very different, and Helen was so traumatised the next morning.
Delete....more likely when he raped her. She had probably nearly 2 years of a chilling, drip, drip demolishment of her identity & autonomy.She couldn't move without permission in the end, or drive or bring up her own child, so many abuses, including being forced into an unwanted pregnancy. Any confidence she had was destroyed. This was never addressed in the aftermath by the authorities, her family, least of all by herself. Not surprising she is paralysed with fear at the approach of another relationship, however much she liked the man, & imagined she could trust him.
ReplyDeleteWell said Carolyn 👏🏻
ReplyDeleteObviously Lee would not be the answer to all of Helen's trauma. She may well not end up with him in the long run. However, she has allowed him to become close in many ways and I think she trusts him. If she cannot be the instigator of her own recovery maybe Lee can break through some of the barriers. Of course only if he is told!! The secrets many families hold onto often cause a lifetime of despair, anguish and pain. T.V reality programmes are littered with them, and of course therapists earn a very good living from them too! (Not an accusation an informed observation!)
ReplyDeleteI have experience of dealing with rape victims, Helen needs proffessional help.
ReplyDeleteOf course she needs professional help that goes without saying. But as she is unable to facilitate that option in her own mind at the moment it might by useful if someone close to her who has had some conversations on the subject, (i.e Emma, Kirsty)or particularly Lee as a prospective partner, nudge her in that direction. As you well know CC the waiting lists are extremely long. Privately.......who to choose from? There are hundreds. Recommendation is useful, but not always available. We are talking about a layperson as a facilitator not a professional substitute.
DeleteI had forgotten about the rape,Carolyn and anemone and I didn’t realise that the song was what he played both then and on the night of the stabbing so now I understand a bit more why Helen behaved as she did.
ReplyDeleteHelen is in my opinion being totally unfair to Lee.
She should have gone round to his flat but told him that she wanted to tell him something about her past.
She could have started with Greg and then gone on to tell him about the circumstances of Henry’s birth before telling him about Rob.
She must realise that all men are not like him.
She doesn’t have to -like Kirsty -move in with him.She could take things slowly.
I'd forgotten about Greg! I think Rob and Custard Gate would be enough to tell him at first. Bring up Greg as well and Lee might start to question his own safety. (Not implying that Helen caused Greg's suicide, just Helen's partner seems to be a hazaardous career move!)
DeleteFor anemone please read Nemo
ReplyDeleteHmm...I rather like anemone! Glad to have found this blog again--I tend to have trouble retrieving passwords sometimes!
DeleteNemo - thank you for surfacing on our blog to give us insight on why Helen ran out. Good to see you again.
ReplyDeleteI'd like Kirsty to have a break from Helen's problems quite honestly, & enjoy her own life ! ( with Philip & in finding a more satisfying career). She was the first to see H. was in trouble & was hugely supportive, still is. Not Lee, not yet at any rate. Emma could be one to enlighten him, as suggested, but again, I'd like to see her getting more than drudgery out of her own life, & let her enjoy being an independent family at long last.
ReplyDeleteI think Natasha would be both sensible & sensitive, & of course there's Pat & Tony, if the former finds out about the miserable ending to the date night with Lee. I rule out Tom, no explanation needed ! Peggy possibly, but she's going to have her hands full with Kate...It all depends if H. Will let any of these people in.
You are right in what you say about Kirsty and Emma ,Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteI don’t remember Helen bending over backwards to be supportive to either of them
Kirsty was an absolute brick to Helen during the Rob period
I would quite like a break from Helen.
I don’t know when the new 5week slot starts but we haven’t heard from Fallon ,Harrison or Jazzer for a week or two so they they are due back.
Don’t think we have heard too much of Josh or Leonard or Jill or Lynda.
Yes it’s been weeks since we heard Lynda and Robert, wonder what they’ve been up to?
DeleteAnd Monty.🐕
DeleteAm missing Jim, Christine (with her new abode) Fallon, Harrison but most importantly - Jazzer with the new Mrs.Archer.
DeleteThey are probably silent at this time, as will become more vocal on Freddie's upcoming release and Ambridge return, along with the Brookfield "Clan".
Natasha is certainly becoming an Ambridge resident, and as Tom's wife, rightly so.
ReplyDeleteBut - what about her own enterprise/business??
Is she doing so well that she can easily leave others to manage it, or is she hiding a problem with it.
I still have many doubts her marrying Tom.
I'm wondering if we've assumed she has her own business when in fact she's for a company or a farm collective, if there is such a thing ? Hence the knowledge re Agriculture & meeting Tom at the Nuffield conference. She may be some kind of consultant ( who has a line in juicing!)
ReplyDelete'she's working for a company'.
DeleteGood point, Carolyn.
DeleteIs Natasha trying to do similar with the new web-site and food boxes at Bridge Farm.
I hadn't thought about that very interesting angle. It makes sense to me.
Have wondered about the cost of the new web-site and who wil actually be financing it. Is there a "Big Brother" lurking behind the scenes?
DeleteIt will be many months to learn if it is true - and might then be too late, for some.
Ah, just listened to the beginning of last night which I missed : she works in the cosmetics industry.
ReplyDeleteYet to catch up on last night's episode - can understand H's reactions, JONNY MAY ! ! sorry, interrupted, she needs to acknowledge that she needs pro help. Also agree that I at least need a break from the woman.
ReplyDeleteOn the Archers website there is a clip showing Jolene (aka Buffy) singing Jolene which is just as bad as the rendition on the program! However, to be fair to her there is another one where she sings The Gambler and that is much better, she really gets into the rhythm and the song suits her voice!
ReplyDeleteWatched an episode of Escape to the Country from IOW.
DeleteHow lovely it is and some-where I have never visited. Must correct that sometime soon.
Yes, there is lovely countryside and excellent beaches. If you like walking there are some good ones. The ferry cost puts people off but you can get a deal with some of the hotels and it costs much less than flying abroad. Like the rest of the UK we can’t guarantee the weather but on the whole it is warmer year round than further north! There are plenty of attractions and good eateries. I have lived here for four years and have loved it. Maybe helped by my daughter being here! I do know that some people find it hard to settle.
DeleteI wonder too how Helen would cope if Jack eventually turns out to resemble his father in looks, movements etc. She seemed to accept the similarity with perfect equanimity when she told Ian she had noticed a facial resemblance, but who knows what was happening deep down? Plus there’s been a change of editor since then who may be more prepared to tackle the ‘issues’ involved than the clueless last one was.
ReplyDeleteTwo interesting and good points Maryellen.
DeleteFascinating times ahead as Jack develops and grows.
And....
One day will want to know about his father, not to mention his and his brothers origins.
I am appreciating Jeremy Howe as the new editor, who IMO is starting to make a difference - all positive, so far.
DeleteWhat an interesting point Maryellen, about Jack as Rob's son and possible inheritance looks/traits.
Are they know as Jack & Henry Archer now ?
DeleteDon't know which is worse as they grow up, the one having an untraceable unknown on the Birth Certificate, the other being told some bland version of ' why daddy left', but imagination running riot with insufficient information. It is unlikely that they won't be very curious, maybe even obsessive. Who wouldn't want to know ? Feel they had a right, given the incompleteness of their familial/genetic identity ? Adopted children's rights are recognized these days.
Henry has the right to ask the authorities who his biological father was when he turns 18. What he does with the information is down to him. Jack May want to make contact with his father and paternal grandparents. He will be able to do what Lee hasn’t thought to, and google. (It did cross my mind that maybe Lee couldn’t read?)
DeleteMaybe Lee isn't the sort of man who's into researching the past of a woman he's interested in. Presumably he hasn't lived in the area long & doesn't follow court cases in the news either.
DeleteI'm not sure Henry does have such rights at 18. Who'd be a sperm donor, unless it was a private friend or family arrangement, if he'd risk being traced 18 yrs. or more later ? Surely there are safeguards. Don't know how many donations a man is allowed to make, but the prospect of unwelcome encounters years on could be a considerable deterrent !
...but Lee is a qualified physiotherapist so must be able to read. Perhaps he doesn't want to nor trust, social media. It is a shame if a relationship relyes on what is seen or read on-line. What is wrong with feelings and "chemistry" aka Tom + Natasha (but that is another ongoing saga).
DeleteSperm donor requisites:
Deletehttp://www.ngdt.co.uk/sperm-donor/key-requisites-sperm-donor/
Yes, Henry can receive identifying information about his donor dad if it is available when he is 18 - see relevant government websites. He can also find out about his donor-conceived half-siblings.
DeleteYes, I’m sure you’re right about Lee, Miriam. Besides, we’ve already had a ‘not being able to read well’ story with Johnny.
DeleteNatasha had no idea about Helen’s past and you wonder whether it would have featured predominantly in national newspapers as Rob wasn’t killed. It would have been big locally but Natasha and Lee are not local people. Susan talked about it to Natasha because she might have assumed she knew about it but there is no connection publicly between Helen and Lee to initiate any conversation about the case. The poor man deserves an explanation but Helen has sidestepped by saying there is someone else and he will now retreat because of that. Let’s hope somehow he will be told of the facts simply so that he isn’t too hurt but he would have to be very strong to take Helen and her boys on. Maybe it would be best for him to ride into the sunset!
DeleteI listened to the last 20 minutes or so of the Omnibus this morning and heard the lovely chat between Emma and Mia.
ReplyDeleteIf Mia regularly visits her father and his wife I wondered why her step mother hasn’t mentioned certain things to Mia.
She has possiibly known her longer than she has known Emma.
Perhaps Mia didn't feel comfortable talking to her Dad + partner/wife, wheras she knows Emma just as much. Emma was so empathetic and helpful. It was poignant and loved when she said - the "thing" everyone needs at such a time - chocolate!
DeleteAbsolutely ! I'm sure she knew about menstruation, but she hadn't started until she was living with Will, so she can't consult with stepmum. Emma was great with her.
DeleteAs I have said twice now,Emma was lovely with Mia.but my point was that I presumed that Andrew had been with his new wife/partner for longer than Nic had been with Will and therefore Mia had known her as a step mother for quite a while.
DeleteI think her step mum should have said something to Mia
When there might have been a custody battle which seems to have fallen through ,it was obvious to me since it was Will who went to comfort Mia when her mum was dying that Mia and Will were very close.
However since Mia goes to stay with Andrew and his wife and since they realised that there was no female adult in the household any more I would have thought Mia’s step mother would take some responsibility for telling her what Emma did so well.
I would have thought that Mia knew her step mum better than she knew Emma as for a lot of the time relations between Will and Emma were not that great.
(That is very convoluting but I am not going back to check it out.
I know what I meant.)
I get you, but think it happened in the moment, period pain, & Emma was there at the right time. She & Mia have developed a relationship over the last year.
DeleteThose speculating as to why Lee hasn’t found out about Helen’s past via the Internet should remember that reports would have been about Helen Titchener of Blossom Hill Cottage and not Helen Archer of Bridge Farm.
ReplyDeleteGood point, AP!
DeleteNatasha was grumbling about writing thank you cards to people for their wedding presents.
ReplyDeletePeople she and Tom had met on the Course were invited to the wedding and couldn’t come but still sent presents.
I think both of them sound ungrateful.
Tom can’t remember who sent what.
They laughed about the presents they received.
As I said before ....
They should have said .No presents by request “
then Natasha wouldn’t have had to write all those thank you “cards”
Wait until Christmas Natasha and see who is the one who writes all the cards then,
I wonder if Jill will enjoy a makeover. Can't believe Ruth was ordering one for herself. The little lambs will be sent to the slaughter house when they're six weeks I think. I remember when I used to eat meat, thinking how tiny lamb chops were.
ReplyDeleteI thought Ruth was making an appointment for Jill.
DeleteLeonard sounds a tad anally retentive to me.
Tom Archer perceptive?? Pull the other one. 🗿🆔
I thought it was rather well done, the exposure of Leoard to everyday life on a farm ! The Brookfield crew played with gusto, & were welcoming, even 'tired' Pip !
DeleteCouldn't help enjoying hearing Leonard at length last night. He has a lovely voice, warm and reassuring. Whatever part he plays, Paul Copley really is one if my favourite actors. And there is no fear of mistaking him for anoyone else in the programme.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile - a women that stabs her husband and almost kills him, goes on trial for rape, Helen has a baby while in jail - I think that would make more than the local news/paper. Where did the trial take place? Not far from Ambridge I suppose. Just another manipulation from S/W that Lee wouldn't know. If Natasha hasn't know, I would believe that.
ReplyDeleteI agree Ruthy and Lee is also presented to us as someone slow on the uptake. Emma told him that it wasn't her place to explain (she was the one who directed Lee to the village shop and Helen told her that Rob was all forgotten). Then at the same time there was Johnny saying something to the effect, be gentle with her. But Lee didn't pick up the subtle signs, like most men all he can ask: is there someone else, standard and basic.
DeleteHaving said that, I don't see why anyone should put themselves out there on Helen's behalf. She ran off twice now, also when Lee explained that his separation from his wife was the result of him being too wrapped up in his work, Helen said, is that all. She might as well face up to her past, I don't think that life just happens, without us noticing.
DeletePerhaps it's a standard procedure but that lamb in the oven together with the accompanying banter made me feel uneasy, even though as a child I saw 'worse' on the farms but don't want it now.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what is so distasteful about a sickly lamb being placed in a warming drawer? My grandmother and father would put newly hatched chicks in a warming/proving oven of a Rayburn cooker when they raised chickens for the Christmas 'pot' some four months later. It's not like the door is slammed shut and the creature is left in the dark!
DeleteI take your point Spicycushion but that's how I felt and I was only comfortable when Leonard carried the lamb back to its mother, it must be my age, as I said.
DeleteThere would probably be enough work for Lily at Lower Loxley if they had the licence. Still, she feels really pleased to escape Russ and Kenton arguing and who knows what with Freddie returning, Elizabeth smothering him and Russ feeling resentful.
ReplyDeleteI sympathise with Russ - I’m not one of Nature’s bunny suit wearers either. I think our right not to wear a bunny suit should be restected. Kenton can easily ask one ofthe volunteer guides or hire a professional.
ReplyDelete...respected.
DeleteMe neither Maryellen.
DeleteI'm with you all the way on that.
Oh, Lily, Kenton, get Rex to don bunny outfit, he's not proud & the children would love it.
ReplyDeleteWhat an irritating episode, Russ pouting, Elizabeth only focused on little Lord Fauntleroy's return, Helen running away as usual, & dragging Henry with her...
Kenton, get the hell out back to The Bull & your nice wife, let them all stew.
Good for Lily, though, the job will keep her sane. All she needs to do now is topple Russ, but she won't. How dare E. upbraid Kenton, when she had been far from seeing the point of Russ herself ? What a mess.
What happens when Henry finds out from Keira that his mum was lying about Karate being cancelled?
ReplyDeleteAnd what a position she will have put Johnny in with her lie.
DeleteExactly! As for Henry and THAT voice I want to scream 😮 I’ve forgotten his exact age 6 or 7 now or maybe even 8? Whatever he sounds like 3 still, surely the producers are aware of how children of his age really talk. Ye gods you see some on the tv news of his age discussing Brexit, some one even thought 6 yr olds to should have had a vote. Can you imagine Henry putting his view forward 😂
DeleteKenton ,your sister’s name is Elizabeth not Sis.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it is me but when he calls her that ,it really irritates me
Good point Lanjan as Henry inevitably will find out that his mummy told him a fib about the classes. Not a smart move Helen.
ReplyDeleteLily was not feeling appreciated by E and little useless since she returned to LL. So good for her for landing a job - good for her self esteem too. I still say Russ should be assigned to toilet cleaning, if he feels wearing a bunny outfit is undignified for him. He also feel ashamed that Lily will be earning money to support them/him and he still just sit around painting vases.
ReplyDeleteI can't add anything else to Helen - except I NEED A BREAK FROM HER!!!
✔️👏🏻✔️👏🏻 Ruthy
Delete👍 same here Ruthy.
DeleteShe’s at that point where I want to give her a good slap and tell her to grow up!
Freddie could be asked to wear the bunny suit. He might have inherited his father’s animal-suit-wearing gene, and it might suit him (haha):to be unrecognisable rather than pointed out as an ex- con.
ReplyDeleteBetter a Bunny than a Gorilla! 😏
DeleteExcellent idea Maryellen.
DeleteUnless he has changed dramatically -including new actor- I don’t thinkI will be liking Freddie any better than I did.
There is one thing the scriptwriters have done for me.
ReplyDeleteMy least liked character changes almost weekly.
Recently I have gone from Hannah to Natasha to Kate and now it is Helen.
I feel exactly like P tbY does about her.
All women .
However ,Freddie is due back soon..................
I can't wait for Fredddie to return. I hope he has learned something from his time in Nick and applies his newly found vocal skills towards Russ, and sends him off with his bunny tail between his legs.
DeleteStasia - 😂😂🐰
DeleteHelen seems to have turned into a serial liar over the past few years. Not an attractive trait and one that is bound to bring her more grief. I dread to think of the repercussions when Henry finds out.
ReplyDeleteI think she's a moral coward. There's no doubt she's severely traumatised, but her value system has been questionable for years.
DeleteAgree with every word regarding Helen Carolyn.
DeleteI too am looking forward to Freddie's return. I am assuming that he has learned absolutely nothing whilst in juvie - he's not the brightest is he? After all, this is a boy who thought it would be a good idea to sell drugs in a pub that was rammed full of policemen! Would be realistic if he came out addicted to drugs too.
ReplyDeleteAs to E's insistence on Freddie returning to LL and foregoing the alcohol license - what a short sighted decision! What with that & Kenton supposedly now in charge of the business (!!!?) I give it 6 months before Elizabeth is either bankrupt, homeless or sectioned...
Any of those outcomes would be realistic, Gary, but unlikely in TA thinking !
ReplyDeleteI won't believe it if Freddie emerges articulate & purposeful. I reckon he'll be broken, lost, remorseful. I doubt he'll lunge into Russ, given the man stood up for him in court, UNLESS he's confessed all, thereby implicating the DP in a cover up. In fact, that could be Russ's exit route - wanted for questioning & then arrested....
Kenton : surprisingly, maybe, but he seems to have done as good a job as possible at LL, given E.'s stupid decision .
I do hope that Freddie will lunge into Russ - can't wait. When is he coming home? March 29? Let's count down the days. I think I have the new post coming into my head.
DeleteAlthough the date has not been told, it Has to be March 29th, as the other major topic of this day is still not known. This will give a wonderful episode, so avoiding other issues.
DeletePerhaps TA will "insert" a quick mention?
I wonder which 2 characters are on "stand-by" to record a quick 30 sec.scene to be added in?
DeleteAdam + Brian,
David + Ruth,
Tony + Pat,
or my preffered two-some has to be -
Jim + Bert.
There was a query earlier on the blog about. Natasha’s business - under ‘Natasha Archer’ in the Bridge Farm section of Characters on the BBC blog. It explains that she had an established career in marketing in the cosmetics industry before changing tack and setting up her own business called Summer Orchard selling high quality fruit jouices. She leases an orchard to produce her juices. Within 2 years she went from start up to national listing in wholefood stores.
ReplyDeleteI was one who queried her background. My thoughts are that now she has totally moved into Ambridge as the latest Mrs. Archer - how is she managing her Empire?
DeleteI still have doubts about whether it is financially stable and sustainable, now she has re-located away from her business.
The first thing that Freddie is going to say when he returns to LL is something along the lines of
ReplyDelete“Who the bl****y h**l has been messing about in my room.
How dare they “.
Well that would be my first reaction anyway.
🗣😆
DeleteI just Love It - and as such I just accept the "rough" with the "smooth".
ReplyDeleteEsscee I may have mentioned this before but the only Leonard I knew was always known as Leonard even as a young man.
ReplyDeleteHe sadly died when he was only in his 60s but after Mr LJ he was the most handsome man of my acquaintance.
Thought everyone came out rather well tonight ( except Kenton, off stage as it were, but avoiding his debts; oh, & Kate, also off stage, but her silliness reported is always good for a laugh). A delightful episode ! Leonard is a seeetie, David at last being natural with him, Natasha was lovely with Jill, to whom I'm warming these last 5-6 months - never thought I'd write that. Alice, very understandable, yet Peggy was wise. She's well aware of Kate's glaring shortcomings, of course she is, didn't disagree with Alice, in fact, but strives to be the family conciliatory.
ReplyDeleteConciliator ( & I don't Care if spell check or whatever it is doesn't judge that to be a proper word !!
DeleteOh gosh ,I never thought I would say it but I really fancy going to Natasha for a make over.
DeleteI was once treated to one by a friend whom I stayed with in Stratford Upon Avon as a treat ,just before a School Inspection .
Apparently I had been wearing the wrong colour lipstick and eyeshadow all my life until then
She was flattering -lying actually- about my eyes and eye lashes and when she finished I was really pleased as Jill was.
One thing about this evening’s episode......
ReplyDeleteDavid didn’t give Jolene or whoever he was talking to on the ‘phone ,time to answer.
It really annoys me when that happens and it does happen a lot on The Archers.
It is better when we hear both voices when there is a telephone conversation.
The name Leonard is reminding me of an old TV series called Butterflies with Wendy Craig. Leonard was her fantasy man I think. Anyone else remember it?
ReplyDelete"Love is like a butterfly, soft and gentle as a sigh..."
DeleteYes with two strapping sons, one of whom was played by whatsisname who also played Rodney Trotter
Deletein Only Fools and Horses. I remember Wendy Craig playing the mother who couldn’t cook and served up disgusting meals to her long suffering family!
I think I played the part rather well AP 😂😂😂
Deletel loved the programme Anneveggie
Oh how I used to love “Butterflies”. The scenes where Ria was in the kitchen attempting to dish up some catastrophe that she’d cooked were very funny.
DeleteEnjoyed tonight’s episode no angst for a change. Dare we hope this is real Natasha or will she turn out to have an agenda?
ReplyDelete