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Life in 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.
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ReplyDeletemaryellen - March 5, 2021 at 2:59 PM
I didn’t understand how it worked - Chris phoned Peggy.to enlist her help, she phoned Kate to say she’d had a fall (having conveniently ‘fallen’ with her phone in easy reach - or does she wear an alerter device with Kate as the key holder to be alerted?), and when Kate and Adam hotfooted it to The Lodge, did they find her lying artistically on the carpet, or having a cup of tea to get over the ‘shock’ after picking herself up. It didn’t sound at all credible to me, any more than Clarrie going all thespian did. Sigh!
Cheshire Cheese - March 5, 2021 at 3:06 PM
How did Adam and Kate get to the lodge after drinking all that bubbly?
Miriam - March 5, 2021 at 4:00 PM
Like others, I am also confused about the get together + Peggie.
Alice would not be drinking, regardless as is pregnant, and I just don't believe it was a set-up.
What with Peggy, having supposedly fallen, but then talking to Chris...what is this all about?
Basia - March 5, 2021 at 4:31 PM
It wasn't a set up, it was a clumsy effort by the team for our benefit and that's what they came up with, by putting Alice and alcohol together. Peggy was very displeased at having to pretend she'd had a fall and said there are only so many a grandmother can have, Jennifer was preparing the healing chicken soup. She wanted to put an end to the charade but Chris persuaded her to keep quiet for Alice's sake.
Janet - March 5, 2021 at 4:48 PM
I agree with all of you - a most unpleasant and unnecessary episode. I would have thought Alice's fight with the demon would have been solitary not as a silly jolly jinx with her bro and sis, who can't really be blamed???? I do hope she gives birth to a healthy baby. This is a story and we don't need more unhappiness at the mo. Except for Philip, the BAD. 😀
Alice's story about her + Chris, along with the baby, will be a long-term one, for many months and years, still to come.
ReplyDeleteCould be so wrong though, as who knows what the SW's will write!
Now Philip is now pleading guilty, will this mean a quicker end to this S/L?
ReplyDeleteBut how will this impact on Kirsty, along with what will happen to the Beechwood house, so Kirsty could become homeless with no prospects....
No idea.
Nice picture at the top as sheep may not last long in Ambridge.
ReplyDeleteI really am trying to work out how Alice's pregnancy story will develop. We've had months of worrying about the potential effects alcohol can have on the fetus. Surely the message can't be that it's fine to drink as heavily during pregnancy as Alice has been doing? To me, it would be irresponsible of the BBC for there to be no consequences.
ReplyDeleteI have lost track of how far the pregnancy has progressed, but it must be too late now for a miscarriage. That leaves a very brave decision for the editorial team to take. The baby could be disabled in some way, in which case I think we'd see Alice really developing and putting her self-centred life style behind her. However, this would commit the Archers to decades-long storyline. What else could happen? It's difficult to contemplate, but there could be a stillbirth or a neonatal death. These are real-life problems which, as I said, would require considerable bravery to introduce. What do others think? Are there any other ways out?
I always felt cheated, that Bethany (the daughter of Mike + Vicky, who had Down's Syndrome) was moved away. This would have been a good opportunity, to introduce a young child with learning and social difficulties into Ambridge.
DeleteWill this be the case for Alice's babe, be it not known for a year or more, just yet?
I hope not...but
I really should have said "real-life tragedies" rather than "problems".
ReplyDeleteThere was a discussion not long ago and I think all agree with your view point that Alice should suffer or rather the baby the consequences of her life style. Some think it should be immediate, others that it will show in time.
DeleteYesterday, Adam said Alice will be holding the baby within weeks, I didn't realise it was so soon.
I think that many of us were surprised by Adams remark about a baby within weeks.
DeleteBut since all of this story line has taken place during our time of Covid, it's hardly surprising that we have all lost the plot regarding the time lapse.
Me? I lost the plot years ago ; )
DeleteHas anyone picked up anything recently about a return to more than 4 episodes each week?
ReplyDeleteNo, and I have been keeping my ear opens for such news.
DeletePresumably the episodes we are hearing now were written and recorded whilst we we still had strict Covid restrictions.
I guess we may after to wait until much later in the year when everything, including radio drama, returns to normal.
There's always an announcement of a recording before "the current restrictions" which to me sounds like they are not recording now, but I hope they do. I miss the Friday's episode, not so much Sunday's.
DeleteThey managed to pack in quite a lot this week, Philip's change of plea, Jade's outburst, proposed 'transhumance' of sheep from Brookfield to Home Farm and did Alice resist the champagne. All with Lynda's "mystery" and infiltration hovering in the background.
Yes, there is so much to agree + disagree with about the current S/L's which I am enjoying, but then when do I don't?
DeleteAs much as I love cooking programmes, the one I don't watch is Ready, Steady, Cook.
I mention this programme, as they recorded 31 programmes in 9 days, all done socially distanced, so perhaps TA also has done similar.
Basia, you mentioned the transhumance of sheep from Brookfield
ReplyDeleteThis is my third attempt!
DeleteThe roundabout I drive past on my way to pick my grandson up from school was full of sheep the other day!
DeleteJust like the goats in Llandudno (which usually live on the Gt. Orme) and are wandering in the town again! Not TA, I know, but fitted in.
DeleteSimilar posts, will go onto the other site.
After this mornings omnibus, I still can't work out the baby shower, and Chris + Peggy.
ReplyDeleteIt seemed set-up in one way, but not in another, the latter relating to Adam + Kate.
What surprised me, was Adam's involvement, so spending time away from Ian + Xander, as things are not running that smoothly there.
I did have one of my wild thoughts. This is that Peggy paid for his re-wiring bill, payback being to go with Kate to this silly scenario.
Also could either Adam + Kate, afford to buy 2 bottles of champagne...perhaps, but then not.
Also Mia moving into Grange Farm and doing all the cooking - does she realise what it will entail? This will be along with her school work, rehearsals, buying and sourcing the ingredients she will need, which I doubt will not all be local.
I am certainly not mocking nor dismissing her ideals. In fact I admire her.
My thought is that, she won't last long, feeding the Grundy clan.
Where does Will, Poppy + George now live?
DeleteI am getting more and more irritated, or should that be annoyed, with Phoebe!
ReplyDeleteTo me she is covering up her own inadequacies by, getting Brian + Peggy to agree with her.
She seems quick to point a finger at Rex .
He did a wonderful job, getting Brian to sort the source of the potential cattle out.
I just want Rex to get the Council Farm, sever his ties as to the re-wilding project, and set up his own sucessful pig business, along with Neil. A future S/L of mine only.
I still think that Rex only joined the re-wilding project, as Pip was involved at that time.
I know! I overthink things, a bad habit of mine 🤣
Also...how does a camping site, as suggested, promote re-wilding?
DeleteSurely, it could be the opposite re debris left behind.
The camping site will bring in revenue which the project needs to be viable long-term. Any litter problem would be dealt with in the usual way (I imagine).
DeleteI watched Joanna Lumley's programme touring Britain, Home, Sweet Home, the other day and for the first time saw an example of rewilding. It is Knepp Castle Estate near Horsham in West Sussex. It was in the third and last episode. They had various b and b, camping and self- catering options. It said rewilding is ideal for abandoned or failing farmland.
DeleteIt's glamping.
DeleteHi Miriam,
DeleteI wholeheartedly agree with your opinions on Phoebe and Rex.
I do not think you have overthought matters and I know I could not have expressed the view better.
Many thanks.
I, too, agree with you Miriam. Rex has taken a character bashing recently. Until then he'd been hardworking, helpful and a good friend/brother. Let him have the Council Farm SW's he's made for it.
ReplyDeleteand if he's got too much land, as was suggested he could rewild it. 😀
ReplyDeleteBut would the Council from whom Rex would be renting the farm, agree to this use of good agricultural land? Would the rewilded land be enough to generate the income it needs to sustain it? I’m sure T❤️O❤️B❤️Y could come up with a more profitable use for any land that Rex can’t handle.
DeleteIf Rex gets the Council Farm he will move outside thenclave and be referred to only.
ReplyDeleteShould read: the enclave.
DeleteHmmm you may well be right maryellen - where is it? I thought it was nearby. It could be neat as Phoebe, Pip, could marry him and we'd have another location with flowers/herbs and a clear, eco friendly, green shooted path, for the bright eyed of Ambridge. 🌳☘️🍄🐖
ReplyDeleteWhat about Kirsty lodging with Rex, if he gets the farm?
DeleteShe needs something/someone to help, apart from Linda.
I hope Rex is still included in TA.
This could be become another, yet more traditional farm, without too much diversification.
I wish...
I am assuming Rex gets the farm..🤞🤞
DeleteSo the re-wilding project could be doing not doing camping but "glamping".
ReplyDeleteSurely this means some sort of luxury, be it hot water + showers, proper toilet facilities, heating and comfort.
If this is the case, which I accept will be a great income source, does it go along with the ethos of the re-wilding project.
It just seems, too much commerciallised to be match the initial idea.
Just saying.
Three major decisions pending: farming, practical and spiritual.
ReplyDeleteI'm concerned by Peggy's bruising during the pretend fall, but at her age it can just appear at any time, so she showed some of the old ones, if at all.
Kirsty is so up-beat at the moment, whilst being Linda's side-kick with The Mysteries.
ReplyDeleteWhat will happen when this ends, Philip + Gavin go to trial, and when she realises her true situation and nothing to focus on?
I predict a major decision, but will it be good or bad?
I started listening to the Life Scientific (not my usual) and found out that the man interviewed comes from Warmington in Warwickshire (there is another one of this name), a village which in the 70s was often used for the promotional material of the Archers.
ReplyDeleteThanks Basia, I must make sure to catch it.
DeleteI do usually listen to most of the science programmes.
The Life Scientific on Radio 4 is one of my favourite programmes. Jim Al Kalini (sp.?) interviews a different scientist every week and I have learn a tremendous amount from these very interesting programmes.
Delete( sorry, should have been in other blog)
No, it fits in here, at this time.
DeleteIt did have a TA link to start with.
PS. There are not a lot of TA topics being discussed at the moment, after all 😁
DeleteHello baby girl! I heard you!
ReplyDeleteWhat an episode.
ReplyDeleteIt was TA at it's best, even in this difficult time.
Now, the name!
...and also to hear Susan's and Jenny's reactions...two clucking Grandmum's together.
What a load of hysterical angst from both parents.
ReplyDeleteEmma, understanding the truth and being strong for her brother.
Jim taking control and Jazzer delivering the baby.
Well done that man, but ........ ? ? ?
Given tonight's performance I do wonder if Peggy was correct. Becoming a mother, Alice does not know what is about to hit her.
Of course 'they' may be trying to fool us.
I'm willing to stand corrected in due course.
I just hope that Alice + Chris are so besotted with their new daughter, that other problems are forgotten about, for the time being.
DeleteExciting episode! Jazzer will just have to be Godfather! It was rather quick for a first baby though. Stretches the imagination a bit!
ReplyDeleteApparently premature labour can be pretty quick.
DeletePersonally, I thought Emma should have gone in by ambulance, 'though in the circumstances Jazzer and Jim worked with commendable sense and calmness.
(And I suppose the ambulance drivers might have had problems with satnav in Ambridge.)
You mean Alice?
DeleteIndeed I do, Basia.
DeleteMemo to self: Always proof-read your post before pressing 'Publish'.
Quite understandable with all the excitement.
DeleteI've just listened. I was fine until the baby was born - why, why, did they make us wait for that first cry? (Was I the onl one who shouted at the radio to tell the baby to cry?)
ReplyDeleteI was there with you Owias, but there had to be suspense.
DeleteSack the editor. That was abysmal.
ReplyDeleteWell, quite a variety of responses here. It's not unknown for babies to be born on the roadside, sometimes assisted by total strangers.
DeleteI hear of such deliveries by the road side quite often, sometimes the road police coming to the rescue. My sister has a friend who gave birth in the car.
DeleteObviously so in real life where individuals don’t necessarily have a choice. But this is fiction where the editorial team has any number of more believable choices than this melodramatic, EastEndery stuff. Of course, it may have been that Jazzer and Jim were the only spare actors so got pressed into service, however unlikely.
DeleteWhy did they need to get Jim away on such a weak pretext and not wearing his coat?
I once sent a friend off to hospital by ambulance with suspected premature labour.
DeleteHusband couldn't go in the ambulance with her so OMiaS drove him in. The hospital staff were quite bemused when Dad-to-be walked in with his own personal vicar. 'Don't worry,' said OMiaS, 'I'm just the taxi driver.'
So that Jazzer would catch the baby, Jim's not so agile.
DeleteThe baby’s not a cricket ball!!🙂
DeleteNow there'll be conflict again between Emma who said stay and Chris who said go, I'd have done the same in each case, so not to be reconciled. I wonder why they chose Jazzer to hold the baby, is it to give him ideas about one of his own?
ReplyDeleteJazzer was down to earth, reassuring, and pretty calm in a crisis. Just think, if Baby Carter had come a few days earlier she'd have had Kate and Adam as midwives. Now there's an opportunity I'd certainly want to miss.
DeleteOh my OwiaS ! How right you are. What a fiasco that would have been, and even more hysterical.
DeleteI'm definitely with Maryellen, I thought this episode disgraceful.
Hysterical and overacted and melodramatic television soap stuff.
Note to self : do not listen again tomorrow afternoon.
I’d have found Kate and Adam with their greater experience of babies( both animal and human) a good deal more convincing as midwives than Jazzer (Jim having made his escape).
DeleteI enjoyed tonight’s episode, even if was overly melodramatic. I was fearful of a late miscarriage and all the pain of listening to that, but I think they said she wasn’t due for 6 weeks or maybe she was 36 weeks pregnant so 4 weeks early, still premature enough for there to be problems with breathing etc.
ReplyDeleteI think driving in from Ambridge was probably the better call than waiting for an ambulance although I think they could have called 999 earlier to be talked through the process,
Well, I’m not sure what to say, having listened later than the rest of you.
ReplyDeleteWhen is there going to
be a perfectly normal birth on TA? Why does there always have to be an emergency, mother or baby in danger, last minute dashes to hospital, at least we were spared a hold up
on the bypass!
Jazzer as midwife?
Baby caught in Jim’s coat? Farther unable to get to birth in time? It’s all a bit clichéd, isn’t it?
And now we have to wait to see if the baby is OK, the after effects of time in an incubator, perhaps? Long term effects of a premature birth, to say nothing of foetal alcohol syndrome?
Poor child.
Blame it on the Editor!
Maryellen suggests he should be sacked Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteMrs P - For once I totally agree with Maryellen. And I also agree with you Maryellen about last night being ‘Eastender-ish’.
DeleteI must be getting very sceptical in my old age because, unlike many correspondents on other Archers sites, I was not in tears, or gripped by the drama of the situation - I just kept thinking, ‘Oh no, what are they going to pile on next, who is going to die in a car crash the way to the scene, this is getting ridiculous’.
I supposed I shall be drummed out of the Archers Fan club now for being so critical, but I couldn’t believe a word of was happening . Sorry everyone!
Come on, The Archers killed off Grace Archer in a fire just to compete with Corrie. Perhaps when melodramatic stuff happens on TV the viewers complain it's all too Archerish.
Delete😊😊😊
DeleteThe whole pregnancy has been very haphazard, so the story continues and it's far from over.
ReplyDeleteI had the same thought as you Archerphile - the ambulance will crash into the parked car next -
ReplyDeletePile on the melodrama !
Oh ! And I wasn't in tears either.
The obvious thing to do in that situation is to call an ambulance and stay put, but I suppose it was all about bringing a reconciliation between Jim and Jazzer. I'm firmly in the what a farce camp.
ReplyDeleteSo am I, it's happening at last, I told my sister that looking ahead it seems like the FAS baby will be born. Has anyone been counting, I think they've shortened it all somewhere along the line, with it being premature on top. Who's going to clean up Jim's car and buy him a new coat? Did Lexi send Kirsty's rug to the dry cleaners?
DeleteI took it for what it was - a birth in a car on the way to hospital. I don’t believe that is unusual. Alice was very much in character throughout and Jazzer coped well. I had suspended my disbelief enough to be affected by the baby’s first cry. Welcome to Ambridge Miss Carter.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to listening to last night's episode later. Sounds perfectly awful!
ReplyDeleteThey always have to have a drama around childbirth. I seem to remember the lead up to Henry’s birth was a bit traumatic! Well, folks, it has generated discussion which can’t be bad!!😉😊
ReplyDeleteUnusually I was in bed listening on my ipad. My hubby doesn't usually listen but gets a potted history every so often - we heard it together, both near sleep, both definitly engaged, me more so. So unlikely that Jazzer and Jim would do the honours but I did find it quite moving and hope that, in the long term, 'little lady' will thrive. She's got a lovely dad and, hopefully, a much more focased mum. xxx
DeleteKate will help her as, although she's hopeless after infanthood, she's is a real earth mother for babes. She's longing for another herself and now can't have one. We haven't heard from Jakob or her relationship with him recently!!!
DeleteEv, at least no-one fell off the roof this time!
DeleteAs far as I remember, Owias, amongst the dramas there hasn’t been a murder in TA as in EE and Corrie! I stopped watching the latter when Katie murdered her Dad and EE when Angie and Dirty Den exited stage right!!
DeleteHow interesting there are now two comments I've made in the last month or so that have disappeared. I didn't think there was anything abrasive about them???
ReplyDeleteWere they the ones with your full name? If not, perhaps it's to be investigated?
DeleteThey were as 'Janet' only. It doesn't matter but it's v strange. 😊🤨
DeleteAha - I may have seen the light and it's no problem xxx
DeleteThe baby's birth certainly didn't make me feel emotional but I did want to hear a cry, which thankfully did happen. I wonder if the baby will have any problems. My daughter was a premie and had quite a lot of complications but it's not always the case.
ReplyDeleteThere are bound to be complications which Alice will attribute to her drinking. She said she'd done too much baby yoga when she came into the shop. Abby was premature, as far as I remember she was jaundiced but no more than that.
DeleteJust to say - even though not strictly about the storyline - that lockdown has made me immensely emotional and I'm lucky no real problems. I emote much more with fiction than I did.
DeleteI thought the reason Grace Archer was killed off because she had a dispute with the higher ups. There was even a radio play about it.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Gianna, the actress explained it on WH, but because of the coincidence that's how it has stayed in people's minds.
DeleteWhat wonderful + diverse comments about the arrival, of the new Miss Carter.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts:-
Is the babe really 6 weeks early, or perhaps the baby was just small, due to various circumstances.
Jazzer + Jim, were just sensible + calm, as was Emma with Chris.
I know of a birth just like this - baby born in the car park of a B+Q, just a short way from the hospital. An ambulance was there in minutes.
As to the current editor.
I think differently from many others, in that I approve how TA is going foreward.
2020 was a bad year for every-one, yet TA is still here with very interesting and intriguing, S/L's
Could any-one else have done better? If so, who should be the next editor.
I am happy, in my simplistic mind, with TA at the moment, though I realise, many aren't.
March 8th 2020, a date to remember.
ReplyDeleteThis was when Grey Gables suffered a devastating + traumatic event.
Sadly, the anniversary of this, has not been mentioned nor acknowelged, in any way.
It would have been nice to have had a "slot in" conversation, with perhaps Oliver + Tracy, or Roy + Freddy, to mark this day.
But then, I might have got the date wrong 😣
DeleteKirsty mentioned it to David when they were on Lakey Hill together, it's an easy date to remember as it is International Women's Day.
DeleteThank-you. I must have missed that little snippet i just thought it should have had, a more noticeable mention.
DeleteThat's all I meant; but I appreciate the info.
I posted a while back, that I thought Martha Carter, would be a mouthful. but now it is official ...
ReplyDeleteMartha Jasmine Carter 😊🤱👶😊
ReplyDeleteIs Alice rejecting the baby? She was very quick to say she didn't want to hold her, then added, I felt as an afterthought, that Chris hadn't held her yet. And she couldn't stay for the blessing. I hope it's a temporary reaction and that she will be able to start bonding soon.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Alan talking of her 'fragile body' helped.
DeleteI suspect it's a mixture of fear of hurting her and guilt at the damage she may have already caused. Perhaps she's afraid to love her in case she loses her.
Let's hope she's able to talk through her fears and worries with an understanding doctor or midwife and get the support she needs.
Well that went well didn't it ?
ReplyDeleteWent well for Jazzer and Jim, and they got a reward, no, two rewards. Whiskey and the name Jasmine.
But it didn't seem to go well for Alice ........ no, not at all.
I think I see Christopher becoming a single parent at some point.
Still it would be manna from heaven for Susan !
But not for Jennifer darling.
Why would Chris become a single parent.
DeleteSurely, Alice is still shocked as to the birth, concerned about FAS and still doesn't realise that she is now a mother.
She will have a lot to understand + contend with, but will she abandon Martha, her a new daughter?
She just needs help.
I wonder why they didn’t go for the feminine form of James (Jacqueline), or simply James itself. Martha James Carter sounds good to me.
ReplyDeleteMartha Woodford was the lodger whom Neil Carter lodged with when first working for Phil.
ReplyDeleteBut I suspect that Martha Jasmine Carter will not be long for this world.
Welcome back Spicy. I hope you are doing well.
DeleteSorry, but I don't agree re Martha, but then who knows what the SW's have up their sleeves. You might be so right, but I hope
Take Care 🤗🤗
Peggy told Chris he might have to care for the baby alone when Alice goes back to her old ways, we'll see, hello Spicy.
DeleteLovely to see you back on the blog Spicy. I hope it's a good sign that you're doing well x
DeleteThanks for seeing my point Basia.
DeleteAnd good to see Spiceycushion posting.
Welcome back
Thanks for seeing my point Basia.
DeleteAnd good to see Spiceycushion posting.
Welcome back
Hello Spicey. So glad to see your post tonight.
ReplyDeleteHope you are not correct about Martha. Mind you, I can’t stand babies so I wouldn’t be bothered if there was a complication.
Yes, welcome back Spicy , hope you are recovering well. It’s so good to see your posts here again, but don’t rush and take care.
ReplyDeleteIt's good you can use a keyboard again and find the right words Spicycushion. Hope you continue to improve.
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that Chris insisted Alan continue his prayer and didn't go rushing out after Alice. Almost like his priorities have changed and protecting his daughter is going to come first now.
Also if there are any problems with the baby Alice's family will assume it is because of the premature birth and it could be a long time before they (with the exception of Peggy) realise the truth.
I think the scriptwriters have been quite clever here.
✔️
DeleteGood to hear from you again Spicy, KBO.
ReplyDeleteI had to google KBO! 😀 Still smiling!
DeleteGood to see you back here Spicy. I think the baby will survive but I am worried about Alice. I fear that she is going to be so frightened of damaging the baby even more than she might have done already, that she will shrink from contact. She is riddled with guilt and I’m not sure where that is going to lead. She desperately needs help but the only person who knows the full situation is Emma. Maybe she will have the insight to realise what is going on in Alice’s head. I expect all mothers are worried whether they will cope; in Alice’s case this fear is magnified many times.
ReplyDeleteChris is clearly going to need help with his new household, with full time self employment and two needy women (assuming Martha J survives). I think it’s a job for the sisters rather than the grannies, and with Emma taking on Chair of the Parish Council (fingers crossed there), this may be the time that Kate comes into her own!
ReplyDeleteI know Kate can surprise at times but that is a huge leap of faith on recent showing.
DeleteI don’t think anyone disputes the fact that Kate is good with babies eg. Xander,
DeleteGood with babies but supporting an anxious mother whose alcoholism is not known as far as Kate is concerned.
DeleteKate can learn that fact which puts her on a par with Emma. The sisters have a good rapport in general, on which to build a path into the future.
DeleteSpeaking of the Grannies - where is JENNIFER these days, still making chicken soup for Peggy?
ReplyDeleteI don’t recall hearing her voice for months, I hope Angela Piper has not been ill.
We heard Jennifer around the time of Rory’s 18th birthday, so a lot more recently than Pat (for instance),, but I too thought she was less vocal these days, certainly compared with Brian. I thought it might be because the actor was less happy with lockdown recording conditions.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, I’d forgotten about the birthday, seems quite a while ago now.
DeleteGlad you are feeling better, Spicy!
ReplyDeleteGood to see you back Spicy! Do take care of yourself and get completely well again.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone in saying welcome back Spicy!
ReplyDeleteParsley & Hilary - I googled KBO and came up with Korean Basketball Organization. Don't think that can be what is meant?
Alice is very vulnerable. She feels so guilty. I hope that baby Martha thrives. We shall see.
Keep Bu... ering On!! Favourite saying of Churchill 's, apparently 😉
ReplyDeleteThank you parsley! Now I know.
DeleteI wonder if "Pat" is classed as vunerable in real life, or perhaps her husband/partner might be. She might have made the decision, to stay away, due to the situation and to stay safe.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of other actors/actresses, who made the same decision.
Who knows, with the vaccine programme going so well, she might suddenly reappear again.
I hope so...
I have a fear.
ReplyDeleteThis is that, Alice on returning home with Chris, with Martha still in an incubator, in hospital. Alice will react to this situation.
I hope she doesn't feel, that she is a worthless Mum, so reverts back to her old ways. This is what my fear is.
However, she may just surprise us all.
She will need a lot of help + support, but by whom?
I think it will be Adam + Ian, rather than Kate. But then Emma could also be very supportive, plus Jazzer might play a part. He, after all, was there at the birth.
It appears that Chris is the more fragile one. I hope that, as a result of his talk with Alan, he will rise to the challenge of being a devoted husband and father.
ReplyDeleteAlice will need his support, even more now.
Well done Susan, just what Alice needed to hear.
ReplyDeleteAnd Chris opening up to Alan too.
Here's hoping they can find the strength together.
(And that Alice doesn't go ballistic when she discovers Alan knows her little secret.)
Fantastic episode well done all and so pleased Chris has opened to Alan and Susan has proved she is heart over irritation
ReplyDeleteAgree, I thought it was a good episode: the contrast of poor Clarrie revealing her inability to keep a secret and Chris struggling to come to terms with his. I hadn’t given enough thought to Chris and how his feelings are in turmoil. I understand his fear of hating Alice if her behaviour has damaged the baby. I would be interested to hear Alan’s response.
DeleteI only picked up today that Alice had a premature baby.
ReplyDeleteIs it because the baby is premature that Chris is so worried or has he been told that there may be something wrong with the baby?
I mentioned ,possibly on the BBC blog that my elder son was premature.
He was in an incubator for 3weeks and I wasn't even shown the baby when he was born.
I asked to see the baby and wasn't allowed to in case he died!
I was 22years old .
Thank goodness things have changed since the time when your son was born LanJan. It must have been torture not being allowed to see him.
ReplyDeleteI think Alice is feeling very guilty that the premature birth was her fault because of her drinking, even though the doctor said this might not have been the case.
Now it is poor Chris who
Is worried that little Martha is at risk, even though he has not been told of any specific problems that I remember.
I’m so glad that he eventually confided in Alan about Alice’s drinking. He needs all the support Alan can give him and I just wish he would agree to tell the rest of the family too. It is going to become increasingly difficult to keep this huge secret and will
Put increasing strain on Chris & Alices marriage.
Dear Scriptwriters
ReplyDeleteYou have given us a birth for 2021 - could we also have a marriage and a death?
Thanks, Maryellen
With so many elderly characters and actors I think it is highly likely we will have a death. I always imagine the scriptwriters have a stock of death stories they can slot in, a bit like the newspapers have a library of obituaries ready to go.
DeleteSlotting in a marriage might be harder, the only established unmarried couple I can think of is Lily and Russ and I really don’t want them to marry!!
Pip and T❤️O❤️B❤️Y!
DeleteOf course! And can Rex be a bridesmaid because I can’t see Toby wanting him as best man! 😊
DeleteWhy not best man? Tobes has never shown any animosity to his brother, even when Rex was at his snidest!
DeleteAlice has dug herself into a huge hole by not confiding in her family. She is going to find herself under pressure from family and friends to have a drink to celebrate or relax now she’s had the baby and I fear she is going to struggle big time.
ReplyDeleteI do feel that the most appropriate path would have been an early abortion, possibly without telling Chris ( not ideal but probably simpler) not quite as dramatic but I am sure some drama could be drawn out.
I felt Chris’s feelings were well portrayed, I think he is going to prioritise Martha over Alice as Peggy told him to, he loves Alice, but unless she seeks ongoing help from others rather than just him resentment will build up very quickly.
Alice thought of abortion before she told Chris she was pregnant. She confided in Gavin of all people, because he was the one who found her and knew she was drunk. He in turn said she should take someone with her, because his girlfriend had an abortion too.
DeleteNo one knows what impact the alcohol might have on the baby in the long term, that's why both Chris and Alice are on a high state of alert.
Susan had the best intentions but I think her intervention did nothing to allay Alice's worries and she remained unconvinced. The baby is at risk from her drinking and on top of that is premature whether as a result or not. Telling the rest of the family will do nothing at this point and could only aggravate the situation. Alan and Harrison know how Christopher feels. As Janice said, the grandparents will be the last to know. Susan was given this information by Emma but chose to disregard it.
ReplyDeleteon the contrary I thought Susan's talk to Alice was brilliantly done, (not my usual take on Susan). The only thing was that Alice, having been brought int a state of reason, we did see her next interaction with Chris.
DeleteAs I said, I disagree with most here that what Susan said was what Alice needed. There is nothing that can dispel her fears because the damage is/will not be visible.
DeleteI am going off-piste here, but firmly believe that Alice was drunk when going into labour. She had the surly, spiteful tone of voice she used with Ed and Emma when plastered, and was so desperate for Chris, who would know what was happening.
ReplyDeleteI think this would explain her guilt and possible rejection of the baby, also agreeing to a name she disliked, to keep Chris happy/on-side.
After being de-toxed, possibly the baby couldn't cope with the alcohol again, and rejected Alice?? I think she is heading for a complete melt-down/psychosis, and agree that Chris will be left 'holding the baby'. I hope little Martha will be healthy though, and that Chris will have te strength to cope, especially with the fall-out from the Aldridges. Perhaps Kate will try to foster??
Well observed Mistral, Alice sounded very unpleasant but it may have been panic of the imminent birth and what it might show. Thinking now, I reckon she'd have been relieved to see some tangible sign, like a hare lip and persuade herself that it was all there was to it. I agree, she's already well on the way into meltdown and her only coping mechanism is alcohol. Kate's role was already suggested, especially since she failed to get pregnant herself.
DeleteSusan's conversation with Alice showed kindness and she tried to be reassuring but Alice has too much guilt and fear for that to have an effect. I am pleased that Chris told Alan as he will be able to turn to him, as well as Harrison, as friends who won't betray a confidence.
ReplyDeleteAnyone else think it was a bit much to give Clarrie the sack for talking? This light-hearted S/L is a bit daft.
Absolutely agree about the Mystery Plays storyline, Annieveggie. Why is Lynda unable to pick up a phone, and is using Kirsty as her cat’s paw to punish Clarrie? Oh well, maybe Susan will get Clarrie’s forfeited role. I don’t really care!
DeleteWhen I wrote a few days ago that Chris might become a single parent, Miriam asked why I would think that.
ReplyDeleteI didn't feel inclined to write a dissertation on Alice, her state of mind and the further development from that state, followed by possible consequences, and the extremely well acted nastiness spewing from Alice as she went into labour did not allay any fears I had.
So....... thank you MISTRAL .... for putting my thoughts into words.
Not at all off piste.
Alice has never wanted to be a mother, and it is possible that if she does reject the baby, that Kate may step in to do the required practical help.
Chris on the other hand has clearly wanted fatherhood for a very long time and has waited patiently for his time to come. Now it has, and given his present feelings, which are already developing into disgust for Alice's behaviour, he will I am sure become a dedicated father to his little girl.
The single ( caring) parent that I referred to.
Listening again today to Susan recounting to Alice the birth of Christopher with his hare lip, I suddenly remembered it all quite vividly. Like Alice Susan was very reluctant to bond with him.
I still have faith in Alice..and do not think she has been drinking again....well just yet. The truth about FAS frightened her.
ReplyDeleteThat's all I am responding to.
I think Alice is frightened, that when the wider family know about her alcoholism, she will be judged and not in a good way.
ReplyDeleteShe is so wrong. I feel, that they all would wish to have known, so to have given her + Chris, the support needed then, and will need even more now.
They will be upset to hear this situation now, but judgemental - surely not? Hopefully just understanding.
But then, this is Ambridge, so who can predict what the reaction will be - I can't even begin to pre-empt this.
I agree Miriam that Alice is frightened.
ReplyDeleteFrightened of several aspects of what is and what might be happening.
If you are correct and you may well be, Alice is very worried about being judged.
But I don't think it is so much that she will be judged by her family so much as by herself. Actually I think she is already judging herself by being disgusted at her inability to control herself in her need for drink and the consequent behaviour when she is drunk.
Of course it is her father Brian, who is most likely to judge her, but might also make excuses for her, since she is of course' his girl' - his chip off the old block.
Then of course she is also very frightened by the FAS that might materialise at any point in the future.
Of course she might also be frightened of losing Chris, who she believes she needs to keep her on the straight and narrow.
She does need Chris for support, but it's her responsibility to sort herself out.
Unfortunately Alice has never been enabled to develop the skills to do that.