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Life in Ambridge
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.
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ReplyDeleteZoetrope - June 6, 2021 at 6:47 PM
I thought Ruairi was brilliant with Mia, and so was William the following day.
Archerphile - June 6, 2021 at 10:14 PM
There was some very good scriptwriting last week, and acting too. I think Keri Davies was responsible for some episodes, you can often tell!
maryellen - June 7, 2021 at 2:10 AM
I agree about the acting, especially relative newcomer Mia - I thought she was excellent and could teach some of the older actors a thing or two,
Archerphile - June 7, 2021 at 8:15 AM
I wonder how old Mia’s actress is, she sounds quite young but is obviously very accomplished and knows just how to act for radio broadcasts.
maryellen - June 7, 2021 at 9:01 AM
Mollly Pipe is 23, so young by Archers standards. She began as a child actor with the RSC like the actor who plays Ed.
Archerphile - June 7, 2021 at 10:06 AM
Thank you for that info Maryellen. She is certainly able to sound like a young teenager.
One of the casting directors better choices I think.
Miriam - June 7, 2021 at 7:56 PM
I really enjoyed tonight's TA visit to Ambridge.
There is so much to think and peruse about, which I still need to do.
The one comment I will make, is that I feel Harrison + Fallon are now not feeling very supportive towards Chris + Alice
It is OK for them to agree for a night out, but was it heartfelt or are they just doing what is expected from them.
maryellen - June 8, 2021 at 6:35 AM
I got the opposite impression - that the Burns are now revving up their attempts to support both families in a genuine desire to help. Harrison repeated his offer to babysit Martha (which he’s clearly dying to do) and Fallon went to comfort Jennifer. I was expecting her to suggest a family support group but the closing music got there first!
Lady R - June 8, 2021 at 12:53 AM
How come you suddenly “understand” Fallon? You didn’t when you found out about “the kiss” - being an alcoholic didn’t count then yet now you feel you’ve lost a great friend. Ed was fortunate in Oliver’s friendship but he has always had good parents behind him too and of course Joe as well at that time. Although the poorer family rich in common sense Alice not so lucky in that regard.
Yes, Jenny going round wringing her hands and Brian being preachy in spite of his own peccadilloes in the past! I thought it very thoughtless of Jenny talking to Ed about addiction. It’s a thing well in his past and he has since risen above it only to have this reminder of it which I am sure he wouldn’t want. Instead of canvassing around the village Jenny should be seeking professional help for herself and Alice.
DeleteAbsolutely Ev ✔️
DeleteVery much agree about the professional help.
DeleteI know Jennifer is finding the whole ‘having an alcoholic daughter’ scenario difficult to handle and wants to help Alice but I cringed when she virtually forced Ed to relive his days of addiction.
ReplyDeleteHe obviously didn’t want to go though it all again and it was painful for him to recall and relate.
I think she was using him unfairly.
If only Jennifer would do the most obvious thing: go online and ‘Google’ “Help for alcoholics and their families”. Get the details of the local AA & Al-Anon groups or any other sources of help and information, rather than badger someone like Ed.
I thought the Jennnifer/Ed conversation was a very unlikely scenario but could only assume the scriptwriters were trying to find a way to introduce Ed in the serious drama, where he’s been absent for some time, and came up with this clumsy result.
ReplyDeleteI was expecting, or perhaps hoping that Ed would bring to the conversation his own experience with Alice, ( which now feels about two years since ) and Emma's realisation that Alice was in a deep and troubled relationship with alcohol. This would have opened Jennifer's eyes to the realisation that others outside of her family unit were aware of Alice's problems.
ReplyDeleteAlthough of course Susan was very reluctant to face the truth at the time.
As others have said, Jennifer needs to get some professional help and a support group too. Her badgering of Ed was not helpful and inappropriate. Ed was made more than uncomfortable and Jennifer gained nothing.
ReplyDeleteI have thought since last night.
ReplyDeleteEd spoke sincerely, explaining his problems and how they were finally overcome. To me this somehow gave Jennifer something to cling on to.
To repeat, from many previous ramblings:-
Alice will only accept help, when she finally realises the total truth about her addiction, her life + life-style.
A mentor who is very close by, seems quite a realistic start, to help guide her forwards.
I nominate Niel.
He is the father of Chris, Grandfather to Martha, but has always said that Alice is like another daughter to him. He also realises that the best place for Martha is, in The Nest with her loving parents.
I love a fairy tale.
There is a saying something like
ReplyDeleteYou can take a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink.
Sorry if I didn't get it right.
This is how I now see the Alice situation, along with all those who know her and supposedly, are trying to support her.
It is an upsetting S/L all the same.
I don't think that you would have any problem getting the horse to drink in this particular scenario....
DeleteThought you were out of touch for a few days Gary !
DeleteGot WiFi where I am at the moment!
DeleteVery funny GG.
DeleteI can’t listen to tonight’s Archers - it place in the list of tonight’s programmes on Sounds is faded out! Has anyone else had problems?
ReplyDeletePerhaps a catastrophe has happened in Ambridge and it has been obliterated...... 😱
I’ve been trying on and off since about 8.30pm AP and as you can see it is now technically Thursday-am and still it is not downloaded either on Sounds or TA site on Catch up. The only programme not available 😡
DeleteI’ve just checked again and still can’t get the archers from last night. Weird.
ReplyDeletePerhaps I will have to break the habit of a lifetime and listen after lunch today!
DeleteI have busted my computer so am doing everything on phone and it's hell! But now it appears everyone is no longer using catch up or sounds.
ReplyDeleteDidn't use 7.00 time as we were having a barbecue. Thought it was just me!
This post is about repeat broadcasts. Sorry for confusion!
ReplyDeleteAbout time too! Will like AP probably do the 2pm slot now.
ReplyDeleteI listened at the usual time yesterday.
ReplyDeleteUnlike Jennifer, both Brian and Peggy were very supportive of Alice's marriage to Christopher.
Brian said he was a serious young man who thought the world of Alice.
Peggy was giving them a cheque and on finding out they had married doubled it.
Now Alice blames Brian for her abandoning of her family and Christopher for encouraging her drinking.
Jennifer blames Peggy for keeping her in the dark and steering Christopher towards leaving Alice.
I find it all too black and white without allowing any grey.
You are so spot on with the comment, that there has been no grey area.
DeleteI still wonder why, Jennifer hasn't sourced, what help is available for both Alice, plus those who are more understanding towards her "illness".
I think Alice and Jennifer see it in black and white. When Alice found out about Ruairi she was very upset and stressed: I don't want to be horrible, I just can't help the way I feel. Brian wasn't sure if she'd accept his offer of a cottage but she did. Such feelings don't go away, they lay dormant until now when Alice has lost her inhibitions and feels justified to throw stones at others.
DeleteI often use Sounds to listen to TA, on my phone. Mine is android, if that makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteI am still very undecided, if Peggy did the right thing by hiding her thoughts, about Alice's problem. She surmised the situation correctly, but only spoke to Chris.
ReplyDeleteIf this had been mentioned to Jennifer, the then reply would have been along the lines of:-
"Don't be so ridiculous, what do you know?".
Perhaps though, Jennifer might have then seen something in Alice's behaviour, to make her think about Peggy's comment...
Who knows, I certainly don't, nor do I pretend to.
Chris asked Peggy not to say anything because Alice wanted it kept secret.
DeletePerhaps she acted against her better judgement.
I find it very harsh coming from Jennifer that she won't be able to forgive her.
Chris must still have a massive credit card bill, after the £7500 he spent for Alice's 2 week de-tox.
ReplyDeleteI recall someone gave them a cheque for the baby (now known as Martha) but the balance must still be quite large, even at a 0% rate.
I hope that this will not cause further angst + anguish...🤞
Two positive notes to finish the week on. Makes a nice change. Well done, Fallon and Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe that I am actually missing Pip..and what is Toby doing?
ReplyDeleteGoodness, that was all very dramatic.
ReplyDeleteRather than catch up yesterday’s episode at lunch time I listened to both episodes tonight,
It was a good idea. giving me a complete picture of both sides of the current drama, Chris and Alice.
I was definitely on Team Peggy rather than Team Jennifer. Peggy, with her personal experience of alcoholism with Jack, did what she thought best and I felt Jennifer was very hard on her mother
Fallon and Harrison were brilliant, what good friends they were for Chris, he really needs such understanding support.
But Alice - is she really ready to face her problems and try to get well or was she just feeling guilty for upsetting Jennifer so much?
Only time will tell but she is lucky to have parents willing and able to afford first class treatment for her.
Personally, I’m looking forward to some less stressful stories and a little bit of humour whilst Alice is away getting treatment.
I did the same AP both episodes together. I am so impressed with June Spencer 102yrs on Monday 14th and still giving her all to the role of Peggy - well done her 👏🏻
DeleteI am wondering if Alice is intending to go into rehab or just signing the form to get B & J off her back before she disappears in the way Ed did some years back. Although I hope Jennifer’s stark remark that she might die frightened her more than she was willing to admit so said she was doing it for her mum. Which way will the SW go 🤔
Test
ReplyDeleteI think that the editor is constantly trying to find an issue to latch onto and then looks for someone whose character they can change In order to fulfil this idea.
ReplyDeleteThe present person in waiting is Ruarie.
When Alice and Christopher were married ,Alice was a lovely pleasant friendly girl.
Recently she has sounded much more like her selfish sister.
I agree Lanjan, it seems to be one issue after another which I find very wearing.
DeleteI agree. It’s always the latest issue in the news. Now who’s going to be the one who wants to be transgender?🤔 …….please don’t let it be Neil!!!
DeleteI am in absolute agreement PTBY. I am hoping to "pop my clogs" before that issue is made compulsory!🤮
DeleteOr possibly Rex trying to sell his pork to Northern Ireland and falling foul of the B..x.t conditions; or someone in the village testing positive for Variant Delta; orJoy suggesting to her new neighbours that they set up a ménage de trois?
DeleteEqually 🤮
I think they have been handling the current preoccupation with creating a greener world very well, with people eg. Eddie Grundy responding predictably. I didn’t mind it getting interwoven with a teenage heartbreak story because Mis’s acting was so good. I hope she is here to stay.
DeleteThank goodness Alice decided to sign. There's a light at the end of the tunnel now and she needs to move towards it, take the help, and stay sober. She is fortunate that her parents can afford this for her and I wonder what others who don't have the money do.
ReplyDeleteFallon and Harrison were such good friends to Chris. So supportive and understanding. Chris' comment about missing a limb reminded me how I felt on my first outing with friends after my separation. Very painful experience. Sorry I digress.
I forgot to add that I never did find Wednesday's episode anywhere.
ReplyDeleteWhen I logged into Sounds last night, I went back one day (to Wednesday) and the episode was there. Then went forward to Thursday to listen to that episode straight after. Wednesday should still be there, or there is always Sunday’s Omnibus, of course.
DeleteThanks Archerphile.
DeleteAs you all know, I love TA and never miss an episode, be they be on "catch up".
ReplyDeleteI have been a bit dissapointed recently. This is due to:-
a) There have been so many wonderful S/L's. However, these have been very deep + traumatic.
b) Where are the more silly + frivolous interludes? One was Joy being a life model. Then there was Jazzer + Tracy's motor bike hiccup.
More of these light-hearted interludes need to appear in TA.
My own opinion only.
Not only your opinion Miriam, it is mine too!
DeleteI long for a bit of lightheartedness to counteract the drama.
When are we going to drop into tte Cricket Club a gain and hear what’s in the sandwiches and how Tracy’s coaching is working out?
😉
There must be a middle way between 'issues' and trivia.
ReplyDeleteThe one "issue" I was interested in was the one involving Phillip ,Kirsty and Gavin.
That seems to have died a death .
One day Kirsty was in her house ;the next day it belonged to Helen..
How are things working out for Kirsty?
What has happened to Phillip's slaves.?
What has happened to the accommodation lived in by the workers who came over to work for Adam?
Perhaps I’m alone in preferring TA to be the serious drama it was originally intended to be, and have a point to each episode, whether it’s something of national concern or preoccupying the residents of Ambridge.i don’t want to waste my listening time on the pointless sitcom-style.episodes recently involving Jazzer or Lee.
DeleteI’m not anti-sitcom, I know the point is to make listeners laugh, and these episodes succeeded in thar with other listeners, but for me they were irritating and ridiculous interruptions in the more interesting flow of Ambridge residents’ concerns (not excluding the cricket tea!)
I think my only remedy is to skip scenes involving the sitcom characters but with the themes for each episode being interwoven, that’s not so easy.
I agree Lanjan, I'd like to know the answers to those questions too.
DeleteThe fruit pickers lived in caravans, perhaps they were hired.
Who's going to pick strawberries now?
Is it not possible to have both - serious drama *and* a little levity?
DeleteThis is a serious question, I am not being simply contrary.
Years ago, we used to watch Coronation Street, not from the beginning but during the 80s - 90s. We appreciated and enjoyed the serious stories but were also very entertained by the humour in the series. Then things started getting very dark. New producers were appointed and the whole atmosphere of the programme was changed
There were Murders, some really nasty violence, frightening characters and humour flew out of the window. We decided we didn’t want to watch this type of ‘soap’ any longer and stopped watching. It was too dark and not entertaining any longer.
If The Archers is supposed to represent life in a country setting there surely must be some lighter stories as well as the serious and really challenging ones.
Just as there should be stories relating to both agriculture and other types of employment ; problems regarding living in a rural village (e.g. no buses) and also the advantages ( e.g. the camaraderie in the local pub or, yes, the cricket club); personal and medical problems that can occur wherever one lives, such as the coercion story, Nic’s sepsis, or Alice’s alcoholism.
Life is not totally serious therefore (IMHO) a daily serial purporting to represent real life should show the lighter side of life as well as tackling very important current concerns.
TA has been doing the serious drama very well recently with some excellent scriptwriting and acting. But if there were no little moments of humour, (not always so well done, I must admit), I should have to give up a lifetime of listening.
There’s plenty of humour to be derived from the everyday conversations of Ambridge residents. - the appalling behaviour of Brian Aldridge, for example, has been overlooked by many on account of his witty one liners (in short supply recently. I like that kind of humour but not the custard pie humour of the Jazzer and Tracy picnic or Lee’ s decorating attempts. Those scenes were contrived solely for a laugh, and were silly, predictable sitcom stuff - apologies to people who enjoyed them as intended, but that’s how they came over to me.
DeleteI’m shutting up about this topic now - clearly I have to learn to manage my expectations of TA!
DeleteI've thought of something, remember when when William after his incident with the gun came across Ian with Xander who told him that he'd always be concerned for his well being. William said that even though he was 36 his parents must be worried about him in the same way, so he gave up his job with access to firearms.
ReplyDeleteInitially Alice said she wouldn't go to rehab fearing to lose contact with Martha (are there no visits?) but when Jennifer voiced her fears, she reflected and being a mother herself realised that she'd try to prevent any harm to her daughter.
Keri Davies was the only scriptwriter this week, so well done.
Throughout the episode I kept thinking of Amy Winehouse and Rehab, she did go but to no avail.
Alice is a mother and past the crucial age of 27 which proved fateful for Amy and Janis.
TA has worked its magic again.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good and friendly discussion as to the current likes + dislikes...
but that is Keri Davies at his best. His "week" always has an impact.
Your not alone Maryellen, I too would prefer TA to be as it was in the early days, but accept that the world has changed and a certain amount of slapstick ( or soap) humour needs to be endured today.
ReplyDeleteI endure it by allowing it to flow over my head, then listen intently to what does engage me.
So I suppose I am 'managing my expectations ' !
Yes, I tend to blot out slapstick, but find it amusing how Brian never seems to lose his appetite, there was one previous occasion recently when Jennifer watched him eat, in dismay.
DeleteI loved how, he just tucked into and scoffed down, the food left from the non- event christening.
DeleteThanks Miriam, that must have been the other occasion (apart from Thu).
DeleteBrian obviously won't let the good food go to waste.
Very sadly to say, but I am loving the slapstick/funny TA interludes and find them welcome.
ReplyDeleteAfter the 14 months that has been experienced by all, I have enjoyed these, which has made such a difference.
I think that the TA team, have got the balance right.
Maryellen is right!
ReplyDeleteI DON’T want silly, contrived slapstick, like the decorating lark.
I just want a bit of naturally occurring gentle humour occasionally.
The end.
I'd like a bit more balance in the Archers. Instead of one storyline dominating with a few incidental happenings that seem to go nowhere on the sidelines I would like to hear more ongoing stories of life in the village. What's happening in the various farms, Grey Gables and The Bull?
ReplyDeleteAah The Bull..
DeleteIt has been absent for too long.
DeleteWhat a lovely and gentle interlude it would be, to just hear David + Ruth chatting to Bert, whilst supping pints of Shires along with a Scruff + T. Not forgetting Kenton making a comment or perhaps even two.
I can but dream, wish + hope.
I would like a bit more balance too. Real life is not heavy drama all the time and a bit of light relief is welcome by me. Where are Lynda and Robert. Kenton and Jolene?
ReplyDeleteI am a crotchety old woman I know but I am not missing any of the four people you mentioned one iota Anneveggie.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wonder why I still listen to the programme because increasingly I find that as time goes on I am liking fewer of the characters.
Perhaps this is due to the fact that to me the storylines are in the main so uninteresting and in some cases downright boring.
If someone telephones during an episode it doesn't worry me.
I just catch up by reading what bloggers have posted on our site.
Many thanks .
Oi!…crotchety old woman!
DeleteI agree re Kenton and jolene but I have grown to love obnoxious Linda and mild mannered Robert.
Ps…I’m sure you are not really all that crotchety!🤞
Can't abide Lynda's voice.
DeleteRobert is wet.
Kenton is weak.
Jolene is common.
I rest my case!
LJ
DeleteI so agree with PtbY re you not being "crotchety". You have suffered a massive incident, and tragic loss so very recently.
You must be still greaving greatly, and trying to adapt to your new situation.
Just take care and carry on...
If I have spoken "out of turn" - then accept my sincere aplogies..
My Sunday comment this week, relates to Brian.
ReplyDeleteI originaly thought that he was in total denial, but my thoughts are now wavering.
I think that he is just unable to voice, what his true thoughts really are (although he knows the truth). Perhaps that this is why, he has seemed unsupportive to Jenny, didn't want Fallon to go out with Alice and took out his frustration at Berrow Farm.
Luckily Niel is a wise person, and another grandfather to Martha, so truely understood.
Jazzer still has very mixed un-said emotions - I think, but might be wrong.
What Alice signed - is it legally binding, or can she now negate it. But then all she has to do, is tear it up!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts too Miriam, and I'm pretty sure she will just tear it up sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteDear crotchety old woman.......
ReplyDeleteLynda - horrible voice
Robert - wet
Kenton - weak
Jolene - common
AND ? ......................... just like life really !
.....oh dear.
DeleteI actually like these Ambridge characters in TA.
This says a lot about me...but I cannot change.
I actually relate myself to Joy, Susan and in some ways to Emma (as I always have a wooden spoon to stir things up)!
It’s possible to be any of those things and still be likeable! I like Kenton’s way with wotds which makes him first choice for MC at village events.
DeleteIf and when there are any village events
DeleteBrian and Jennifer need to act quickly before Alice gets a chance to tear up the agreement.
ReplyDeletePerhaps Jennifer and Brian already have it under lock and key - though they can hardly use force if Alice changes her mind....
DeleteAnd there is really no point in forcing her to go to the rehab place if she doesn’t want to.
DeleteUnless she truly wants to beat her addiction it would be a waste of time and money.
Agree AP, and would add to the nasty repercussions of ...... " you made me do it, when I didn't want to, and now .....etc etc "
DeleteAlice could ask to read the signed agreement again, to then accidently, spill a coffee or similar on it.
DeleteHer signature would then be obliterated.
It’s normal practice for there to be two signed copies of an agreement, one to go back to the originator, the other retained by the signatory. I don’t actually think Alice will do any of the things suggested. Why should she? She just has to say she won’t go and leave her parents to take any legal/financial rap from the rehab clinic.
Delete"Stolen" money and a broken toy box seem to be of equal weight in the Archers.
ReplyDeleteHands up those of you who thought as soon Adam and Brian started talking that Adam had stolen the money.
ReplyDeleteThe script writers are not very subtle .
Me... ✋✋
DeleteThe redoing of Adam + Ian's electrics had to be paid for springs to mind.
My first thought was about some scam, only looking back it was obvious, Adam trying to get rid of Brian. Was it for the rewiring they had done at the cottage?
DeleteHmm! A hint of tension surfacing at Beechwood. First, Lee’s dig at Jack and then Helen’s concern about her children upsetting Lee over his damaged model boxes - reminiscent of a previous relationship, I wonder, or is that just what I’m meant to think???
DeleteBit dense of Joy to open them in the first place!
DeleteThey were in sealed boxes, in a cupboard. They could have been presents, for Jack and Henry, or AN Other.
Why on earth would she think they were 'spare'? Perhaps she thought Lee bought them on BOGOF.
THese are collector's items, not pocket money toys from the toy shop. They're not going to be cheap to replace (assuming they're even available still).
I don't think Joy is going to be asked to babysit again any time soon.
Why are Adam and Ian so short of money that Adam needed to “borrow “ to pay the electrician? are they just not budgeting very well, presumably Ian would be furloughed so still on a reasonable amount, and Ian has worked through the pandemic.
ReplyDeleteI feel quite sorry for Brian, and Jennifer, as they are coming to terms with the severity of Alice’s condition. They are also having to face the truth of their reduced financial situation, in the past they have been able to throw money at problems, but the cost of residential psychiatric care is truly eye watering. Makes me wonder how Helen’s treatment for her eating disorder was funded.
There was some difficulty about payment at the time. I don't remember the details, it may have been emergency work, or have cost far more than expected. I think Ian was fretting about it and Adam assured him it had all been sorted.
DeleteIan was on paternity leave, and Adam doesn't earn a fortune at the farm.
I don't remember about Helen's treatment - it could have been NHS.
When the missing money was mentioned I immediately thought it had been used in Alice’s detox trip. Never imagined it would be Adam.
ReplyDeleteCan’t get my head round Joy. One minute she’s growing on me then the next I can’t stand her.
Joy should not have gone into any cupboard.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure I was really listening but I suspect that she offered to look after the boys and Helen didn't explain things properly.
Were the boys tucked up in bed in which case Helen should have suggested that she read a story to Jack and let Henry read whatever book he is reading at the moment?
It all seems rather contrived.
Someone commented that she now has three children to look after.
I think that is right.
She is soon going to tire of Lee.if he continues in this way
I agree with you aboutJoy ,P tbY
On balance I think her slow way of speaking would soon annoy me in addition to what she actually says.
I do think she means well and is genuinely kind hearted but she wants to become everyone's friend and involve herself in all aspects of the village instead of taking things more slowly.
Joy should not have gone into any cupboard.
I am not sure I was really listening but I suspect that she offered to look after the boys and Helen didn't explain things properly.
Were the boys tucked up in bed in which case Helen should have suggested that she read a story to Jack and let Henry read whatever book he is reading at the moment?
It all seems rather contrived.
Someone commented that she now has three children to look after.
I think that is right.
She is soon going to tire of Lee.if he continues in this way
I agree with you aboutJoy ,P tbY
On balance I think her slow way of speaking would soon annoy me in addition to what she actually says.
I do think she means well and is genuinely kind hearted but she wants to become everyone's friend and involve herself in all aspects of the village instead of taking things more slowlyJoy should not have gone into any cupboard.
I am not sure I was really listening but I suspect that she offered to look after the boys and Helen didn't explain things properly.
Were the boys tucked up in bed in which case Helen should have suggested that she read a story to Jack and let Henry read whatever book he is reading at the moment?
It all seems rather contrived.
Someone commented that she now has three children to look after.
I think that is right.
She is soon going to tire of Lee.if he continues in this way
I agree with you aboutJoy ,P tbY
On balance I think her slow way of speaking would soon annoy me in addition to what she actually says.
I do think she means well and is genuinely kind hearted but she wants to become everyone's friend and involve herself in all aspects of the village instead of taking things more slowly.
.
Well there's odd!
ReplyDeleteThree identical comments for the price of one!
Don't ask me why that happened.
I don't know, you wait around for a comment for ages and then three come along at once. Or is that buses?
Delete😄!
DeleteI like Joy. I admire her capsblity, friendliness and willingness to hav a go. I think she is an asset to Ambridge..
ReplyDeleteOld Woman✔️
ReplyDeleteApologies everyone.
I think it was Mistral who told me how to copy and paste and because I am keeping on getting "blogger error" I was doing "braces and belt " so copied the post before I pressed published..
That'll teach me.
I didn't think for a moment it was Alice. Chris took out a loan on his credit card and later when Brian gave them money for the baby's arrival Alice said what a pity it'd have to go towards repayments.
ReplyDeleteWhy was Adam so proud to ask and "borrowed" instead?
Lanjan - I agree with your description of Joy.
Just caught up with yesterday, after my A&E drama yesterday, so sorry for lateness of comments.
ReplyDeleteYes I agree Adam’s ‘borrowing of company funds must have been for the work that Ian was worried about paying for. But, neither can I understand why he didn’t so secretly instead of clearing it with Brian first. I suppose he feared Brian’s antagonism and didn’t want to give Brian another stick to beat him with. But he did sound very devious on the phone and should have cleared the matter up immediately.
As for Joy, OK she means well, but is not the brightest stone on the beach, and I still find her very irritating to listen to. If, as she has always maintained, she used to look after her invisible grandchildren, surely she would have known not to get those collectibles out of the cupboard, let the boys ruin the boxes and play with them.
Helens reaction worries me; why is she so afraid of upsetting Lee, to the extent of asking Joy not to mention the incident and effectively lying about it.
‘did so secretly’. Sorry for typos, brain still muzzy!
DeleteArcherphile - see my post about Helen’s reaction above!
DeleteMaryellen - I note your point.
DeleteYes I too heard the anxiety in Helens voice and wondered are we retracing our steps here ?
Which in turn reminded me of the ferocity of the arguments on here during the beginning of Helen and Robs relationship regarding Helens submissive attitude.
Sorry Maryellen, hadn’t read your post re Helen. Bit preoccupied being hors de combat yesterday!
DeleteYes, I agree it is reminiscent, but surely they can’t take us down that line again ….not impossible though.
I agree with others that Joy should not have opened the cupboard, let alone let the boys take out the figures with boxes etc. It is concerning to me that Helen now wants to conceal what happened. That's crazy. Why not just tell Lee what happened? He will find out anyway later.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why Adam took the money instead of having a word with Brian. Brian can be grumpy to say the least but surely honesty is always best and, once the reason explained, the matter would have been sorted.
Helen said: I can't not tell him Joy, so I hope she does, even though Joy said: it's up to you.
ReplyDeleteAlso, in the typical Archers' fashion Pat and Tony were free to babysit in the end.
Two examples of deceit: better to clear up straightaway...
As for Joy, agree she should not be looking in any cupboards that were not in the boys room.
ReplyDeleteIt was so obviously contrived !
Joy still seems a lonely/solitary person, who just wants the company of the new family, now living next. I still think that are no grandchildren, but there was once before.
ReplyDeleteShe only wants to please and be appreciated, as she did with Kirsty + Philip and her constant baking for them.
Did she know the figures are collectable (but are they)?
Henry is 10yrs and must be as manipulative as the 10yr old in my life. All he needed to say was, Mummy lets us play with them. She didn't know any difference, as if she had been told, she would not have opened the cupboard.
I don't fully blame Joy, but she has to accept partial responsibity.
I am having thoughts about Brian. He seems so stressed out, finding the Alice + now Adam, problems hard to accept.
ReplyDeleteI predict a health issue for him, in the near future - but I am NOT wishing it on him.
What could it be, if at all:-
High BP
A minor heart "do" such as angina.
He has been eating a lot recently - so could this be also be a trigger factor?
Just a silly thought + idea, but part of this silliness, is that Alice finely understands that she does need help.
I’d be interested to hear what Ambridge farmers think of the UK/Australia trade deal.
DeleteI agree Maryellen. There are some real farming issues that could be explored there.
DeleteMe too Maryellen!
DeleteLynda's back! Lee was sensible in giving Adam that advice and Adam was a bit self-righteous.
ReplyDeleteOnly four actors instead of the usual six, so they filled it with next to nothing: "administrative error" and twirling buttons.
ReplyDeleteIs that the Button sisters...or just twirling batons 😁
DeleteOh, I see, I had no idea what it was, just shows my ignorance and lack of interest!
DeleteThe highlight tonight, well for me, had to be Linda with her signature sniff.
ReplyDeleteIt is one of those things, once heard but never forgotten, even if it is only very fleeting.
As I remember, Adam and Lee have never spoken to each other before, so that was a unlikely topic of conversation for two people talking to each other for the first time. I thought the Joy/Lynda scenario was equally implausible.
ReplyDeleteYes, the first time we've heaed them together but who knows what happens off episode?
DeleteKeri D once said if we don’t hear something, it hasn’t happened......
DeleteWell, garrulous
ReplyDeleteJoy managed to talk herself into the Fete committee!
I reckon Lynda just gave her the job to shut her up!
🤣🤣🤣
DeleteJoy could get an Olympic gold medal for talking.
I liked her getting one over on Linda.
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ReplyDeleteYes, Joy unintentionally shut Lynda up, a feat few people have achieved! Anyway, how come Lynda is suddenly Fete Fuerhrer with power to hire and fire Committee members? Is she self-appointed? If not, who appointed her? Where are Jill and Fallon?
DeleteI totally agree about Adam/Lee but as you often say, they were available.
DeleteThe story so far: a broken toy box, a petty cash theft, twirling batons and plenty of Joy.
This is supposed to be a break from Alice's story.
I wonder what else is in store this week.
Adam, Ian and Lee did some male bonding when Lee messed up decorating the boys’ rooms.
DeleteAnd Lee does seem to be able to get people to talk, so not entirely implausible.
Oh yes, I’d forgotten that, but still think it implausible that Adam should talk so intimately about his own and Home Farm’s financial,arrangements on such a shallow acquaintance. But as Basia says it may have been an easy option if Lee was around the studio at the time.
Delete...and surely Lee would have been busy working as the physiotherapist, that he is.
DeleteI also found it an unlikely situation...
Lee was pressed for time to go to work and Adam first lashed out and then confided in him, very odd.
DeleteOh, I agree with you all. It was not entirely implausible, but it was still odd.
DeleteI enjoyed Linda + Joy together, as they are two of my favourite characters.
ReplyDeleteThey seem to be chalk and cheese, but friendships often start in a strange way.
I am not sure if this will actually happen, but it will end up in one of 2 ways - Two strong + individual females, working well together and so creating a fantastic Summer fete - OR - there will handbags at dawn on the village green (or Linda will set her llama onto Joy).
I'm with you Miriam.
ReplyDeleteI think Linda and Joy will become friends and in doing so the back story of Joy will be revealed as the compassion within Linda is shown to be alive yet again.
We had various hints from Joy in that uncomfortable conversation that she might have been another Linda in a previous time.
I am still convinced, that Joy has a story to reveal and one with some degree of angst + sadness, in it.
DeleteYes, what happened to Rochelle & the grandchildren? They are obviously still very much on Joy’s mind. Have we heard the story yet? I can’t remember.
DeleteNo AP - we haven't yet heard the story of Joy and Rochelle and children, but we have had many hints that it probably is, as Miriam has said, a sad story and probably full of misunderstanding.
DeleteMy post earlier was explaining my thoughts that when Joy reveals her story, or perhaps just part of it, to Linda, who herself can be compassionate when she understands the reasons for a persons difficulties, we will find a friendship developing.
Joy this evening was very understanding with Helen and with Lee, who himself rather surprisingly wasn't as upset as expected, and then became open to a different perspective.
I thought that the conversation between Peggy and Lilian was very moving and handled the differences between earlier times and now to educate those who might be very concerned themselves with the subject of alcoholism and how it is treated today.
I was surprised that the words of wisdom from continuity regarding accessing helplines ( which so annoys LanJan) were absent after the airing of such a sensitive item tonight.
So Lee really is Mr Nice Guy. and not Rob Titchener Mark 2 ....but Rob was Mr Nice Guy in public before revealed as the opposite in private. I think I will put my theory on the back burner but not abandon it just yet.
ReplyDeleteI think there will be many times when Helen will expect, or fear that, Lee will behave in anger as Rob did but the Lee we saw tonight was still gentle and understanding after Joy had left.
ReplyDeleteOf course, Lee is currently dependent on Helen for a roof over his head (or is he contributing his fair share of the rent and household expenses?)
DeleteI read on another site that the problem is that Hellen still has Rob in her head. That once you have been through a coercive relationship, you may try to get over it and think you have successfully recovered, but the oppressor will always be there, in the back of your brain. Making you always subconsciously cautious about new relationships
DeleteThat’s an interesting comment, Archerphile. It chimes with what Sean O‘Connor said at the time about this being a storyline that could play out for the next 25-30 years, which I thought then referred mainly to Jack and Henry. Is it significant that we hear much more about Jack than Henry - or am I over-thinking?
DeleteNo, we haven’t heard much about Henry, or much from him either.
DeletePerhaps it’s because he is at school most of the time?
GARY - We have another pirate on board!
ReplyDeleteThey have now been repelled!
Delete?
DeleteIs there actually a Rochelle?
ReplyDeleteGood question Lanjan, though my thoughts are that there was and no longer is.
DeleteAs for last night, Lillian and Peggy's heart to heart cleared up a lot and I hope Jennifer will see it this way.
I also hope that drug treatments are no longer used at rehabs, but what I came away with was that Jack managed to smuggle in a bottle of whisky. Such people can be very devious in their behaviour and this hasn't changed. I'll give it a chance though and try to stay positive.
I found Peggy’s story very moving. His horrible death has been brought up again by Alice’s problem. I personally think she should have been more honest with her children about how Jack died instead of sugar-coating it. Perhaps when they became adults.
DeleteJennifer might then have been more tolerant of Peggy’s actions.
I do hope Lilian will be able to get them on good terms again.
Another excellent performance by June Spencer at 102yrs she is magnificent IMO.
DeleteI think Peggy’s conversation with Lillian was long overdue, while I can understand a parent wanting to protect their child from certain facts, once they are adults more frankness is better.
ReplyDeletePossibly Peggy should have a conversation with Alice about her grandfather and his death, without putting Alice off rehab preferably. Emphasising that Jack didn’t seek help until it was too late.
I have this niggling fear that Helen could become the controlling partner in her and Lee’s relationship, I just hope I’m wrong. Lee seems a gentle soul but quite but he could be seen as weak. That said I thought he did a good job of communicating with Adam to make Adam see Brian’s point of view.
Regarding Lee’s action figures, did he buy them as investments, presumably if he bought them when they came out they wouldn’t have been that expensive, so although they now have a value to a collector he hasn’t lost money per se.
It seemed to me that Adam was very arrogant over the “borrowed” money. He has shifted all the blame for discord onto Brian for his understandable reaction. Whichever way you look at it taking money without consent is stealing and if he was reported it would be embezzlement. He should have apologised and immediately repaid the £5000 which may be peanuts to him but it IS a lot of money!! All this confirms that he actually isn’t a nice character and that he bears a grudge against his siblings as he is the least favourite. Not surprising!!
ReplyDeleteAs I said, Adam made it look like taking £5 out of petty cash!
DeleteI agree, it was a most unedifying reflection on Adam and his values.
DeleteIn contrast Lee came across as a far nicer person. His later encounter with Helen and Joy when realising the fate of his models and his subsequent acceptance that the boys could enjoy some of them shows him to be a well rounded individual.
I thought Lee was remarkably patient at having his precious collection vandalised. His surprise at the amount of money (£5000) that Adam had stolen/borrowed was quite telling. Lee obviously doesn't have access to that kind of money and his collection, as an emergency source of funds, would have been important to him.
ReplyDeleteI also thought that Adam's comment basically saying that £5000 was peanuts to the family business showed he had little knowledge of, or empathy with, people like Lee who had to totally rely on themselves.
I've just relistened to Joy and Lynda.
ReplyDeleteI loved the way Joy was completely oblivious to the immense cultural significance of the Ambridge Village Fete and what an honour it would be to be admitted onto the organising committee. (Especially since, as we know, there are at least 100 applicants for every seat around the hallowed table.)
Clearly she has rather more experience than Lynda expected. Loved how Joy brought them back to business, 'So, what are the qualities required?', having ably illustrated that she's more than up to the task.
She'll be a breath of fresh air to the fete. ('Though the Morris dancers may have to work hard to maintain their spot.)
Interesting line about Rochelle not being accepted into the existing group. 'She was only insecure, not bad-tempered.' I wonder what other challenges the little girl had?
I agree with others' comments about Adam and thought he was dismissive and arrogant. This is not a small amount of money to most people and he did act as if it was a trifling matter.
ReplyDeleteLee showed himself to be patient and thoughtful and he had a change of attitude also. Helen is indeed damaged by her relationship with Rob and this showed in her behaviour.
I have wondered at times if Rochelle is in fact a real person but Joy is an interesting character. She certainly challenged Lynda and may prove a real asset.
I thought that Peggy and Lillians talk, was heartfelt, moving, along with being upsetting.
ReplyDeleteI am still though, slightly dismayed at how Peggy talked to both Chris + Jenny, previously.
It is obvious now, this was purely based on her experience, with the original Jack and his so-called "treatment".
Modern re-hab. cannot even be compared to that situation, which was nearly 50 years ago.
I hope she will understand, that Alice who is a grand-daughter needs it.
The question is - will Alice finally agree? I think Aunty Lillian needs to talk to her.
Perhaps Lilian will go with her...🤣😂
DeleteI think it’s ironic that Peggy’s approach to a problematic situation was the same that Brian Aldridge is known for - throw money at it.
ReplyDeleteAt least they are both in the situation, that they can, in order to get Alice help, she so desparatly needs.
DeleteMany aren't so fortunate.
The point I was making wasn’t specifically about Alice’s alcoholism but the unexpected similarity of Peggy and Brian’s chequebook approach to life’s problems.
DeleteIf they have the money why not use it to help Alice? Throwing money around is only wrong if it is a means of boasting about how good I am! Brian isn’t good in tricky situations and Peggy is an elderly lady who feels she might have said the wrong things - she did check with Lilian to see what she thought. They feel on the periphery of the problem for different reasons so maybe they can only offer their support in monetary terms.
DeleteBrian has attracted criticism on these pages for his general ‘reach for the chequebook’ approach. Peggy is also reaching for the cheque book in order to get back into Jennifer’s good books. I’m not moralising, just making the connection.
DeletePerhaps Lilian will fund, at least in some partial way, the costs of Alice's rehab.
ReplyDeleteWell !
ReplyDeleteWere did all that come from ?
Certainly Adams discontent has been evident for years, but suddenly it all flares up between him and Brian.... out of nowhere.
Often it's the small mistakes ........ yes yes I know five grand is not a small amount, but nevertheless...... that forego the big guns, isn't it.
They will both be on the phone to Debbie in the next five minutes.
I have every sympathy with Adam. Brian’s autocratic attitude is intolerable.
DeleteI am team Adam!
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ReplyDeleteAdam is the second of Brian’s children to bombard him with some home truths - will there be others? And how will he react when he learns that Rory (a) isn’t interested in farming as a career, and (b) is ambisextrous?
ReplyDeleteI love the term ambisextrous.
DeleteI will include it in my vocabulary. Thank you
Well, Adam clearly didn't listen too hard to Lee's advice!
ReplyDeleteNothing like a nice conciliatory approach: 'My bad, Brian, I shouldn't have taken the money without asking. I've paid it back now. Will you let me explain why I acted as I did?'
Assuming Brian isn't sent ballistic by 'My bad', Adam might have had some hope of rebuilding bridges. Instead, it's everybody's fault but his own. If an employee had been found with their hand in the till, they'd have been out on their ear.
Yes, Brian doesn't treat Adam fairly. But that does not excuse Adam's actions this time.
So, Adam's off job hunting. And Brian has lost another member of the family firm. I wonder who will back down first?
Perhaps Ed could train Adam up to take over from Jazzer on the sheep shearing circuit : )
There are some interesting and thoughtful posts re Adam and Brian.
ReplyDeleteMy response was 'oh diddums'.
I agree with Brian. I actually thought he was initially very reasonable in response to Adam's snotty lack of apology.
Oh well, it could be Bye Bye Adam.
ReplyDeleteBut somehow I don’t think so. Not when Jennifer finds out!
Adam is one of the partners in the family firm. Presumably the other partners could outvote Brian on this. (Rory is now of age to take part in business meetings. Previously Roth acted for him.)
ReplyDeletePerhaps Adam could see if any of the others would buy him out of the partnership or he could sell his shares to an outsider?
ReplyDeleteDon’t understand much about these things but there are several possibilities to leave if he really is determined to.
But I think Jennifer will fight against his leaving all the way. She would hate not being able to see Zander for one thing, and I can see this row leading to serious problems the Aldridge marriage.
There’s also Ian’s job position to consider. I think it will all blow over when the shouting stops, but if not, a denouement I would like to see is Adam becoming a lecturer at the local agricultural college, and from there to independent agricultural advisor and tv expert. Meantime Brian can stew in his own juice or possibly try to lure Charlie Thomas (plus partner) back to Ambridge. I never liked the man, but I know some listeners would like him to return.
DeleteI have just listened to last night's repeat.
ReplyDeleteWell said Brian.
Totally agree!
DeleteI think it’s 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. Brian is an autocrat who will not tolerate any opposition. Adam has a massive chip on his shoulder about not being treated the same as his siblings. The fact is that there is a personality clash which will never be resolved. Whatever Adam does it will never be good in Brian’s eyes. There is no common ground. Probably better not to work together at all but you do wonder where Adam goes from here. He will not be able to borrow without consequences in a non family concern! He has worked very hard and Brian will not find it easy to fill his shoes. We have had these sorts of clashes before as at Brookfield between Phil and David. Never an easy situation.
ReplyDeleteAll it needs surely, is for Debbie to return, for a holiday or perhaps a longer term.
DeleteAs TA is normal, she can do this without any problems as to travel/isolation, which I accept.
She will either take over, or talk sense to both Brian + Adam.
I still am of the opinion that Brian will soon have a health episode, which will bring both Adam + Alice, to view things differently.
Where is Kate, with her individual perspective, in this Aldridge family drama?
Brian treated Adam exactly as Debbie, when he first married Jennifer, although Adam's behaviour was awful. It says in one of my books that Adam was afraid that 'Brian would walk out exactly like Roger (?) did.'
ReplyDeleteIt seems that Adam has always been a miserable so-and-so!
It seemed an ideal solution, although not to Jennifer, that Adam skiddaddled off to Canada and then Africa,
What has Adam 'worked to the bone' on the farm? Soft fruits and fish paste (never worked that one out ) both failed! Most proberley the attributes Brian worked on!
You mean Jazzer was doing all that work for fishpaste?
Delete😂😂😂. 🐠 🐟
OWiAS :
ReplyDeleteEd +Adam, love it,
😱🤣
My after omnibus comments are these, but sadly relate to the Alice situation and its effects.
ReplyDeleteI felt for Peggy, and now understand why she didn't say anything when she realised that Alice was an alcohilc. Sadly, she was basing it on a situation 40 years ago. I still feel that she was wrong, as this has caused more problems, for both her grand-daughter and great-grandaughter.
Brian is so focused on Alice and paying for her necessary re-hab, that this is clouding his judgement and understanding.
I was pleased how Adam supported Ruairi and told Brian his thoughts.
I stand by a previously posted comment of mine, in that Brian will have an "episode" in some way. It might be a physical health issue, a stressed related issue, or the finances will just drive him to total distraction
ReplyDeleteI think a combination of Peggy + Lilian, could well help.
...plus my thoughts about Linda + Joy, who will work well together, becoming friends and so Joy will tell all.
DeleteI stand by my idea, which I posted years ago, that the grandchildren are sadly no more. I think Rochelle is still around, but does not want anything to do with her mother, due to a previous tradgedy.
This was a car accident when Joy was driving her grandkids + son-in-law. She was the only survivor and spent time undergoing a mental health problem, in some way.
As such her husband divorced her, Rochelle blames her so there is no contact - hence her new start at Beechwood.
Perhaps Linda will find out the truth?
Wow, Miriam, that’s quite some backstory for Joy.
DeleteI certainly think there is a story about Rochelle, and Linda may be the one to bring it out.
Alison, about "pirates": sometimes we get unsolicited posts on these sites, usually advertising some financial product and Gary removes them.
DeleteThanks Basia, I understand now.
DeleteA x
So did Joy buy the 4 bedroom Beechwood house because she is under the delusion her grandchildren are still alive, and is her delusional state a feature of her unspecified mental health problem? Presumably she financed the purchase from the proceeds of the comfortable family home in the NE which she received as part of the divorce settlement? Answers please, scriptwriter!🙂
DeleteMiriam ?
ReplyDeleteHave you ever thought about applying to be a script writer on The Archers or even just submitting a story idea.
I think you should you know, you have a fertile imagination.
Or perhaps they will pinch your story !
I think we are going to need our Friday and Sunday episodes back quickly to include all these new ideas for stories!
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with Miriam, I shouldn’t be surprised if Brian succumbs to a heart attack or stroke due to all the stress he creates for himself. I remember when he started having epileptic seizures after the mad cow incident. We never hear about them nowadays. Have he been cured?
I wonder how much longer Charles Collingwood and Judy Bennet want to stay in the cast?
I think we heard rumours last year about them cutting down or retiring and we rarely hear from Shula these days.
I think the actor who plays Pat (“it’s only soup”) must have left the cast and now it’s a question of whether she is replaced or becomes a silent character like Kathy.i
DeleteYes, I’d virtually forgotten Pat, and Tom and Natasha (though heard her in a play at the weekend, so the actor is working)
DeleteIt will be interesting to see which characters emerge from lockdown, and which are quietly dropped and just occasionally mentioned in passing.
Having stoped listening during the Alice storyline I have started to dip into the Archers again but am struggling to reconnect. It all seems to be conflict and misery and if there is something more light hearted and cheerful I find I'm just waiting for it to go wrong.
ReplyDelete