Will it be porridge or curtains for Knob? Await a sensible and sensitive ending to That Storyline on The Archers thread.

[PseudoBadger]

Threads are moving so fast! Will this thread be here to welcome SOK?

SmallLegs I'm so sorry for what you went through. I hope that this storyline isn't bringing up too many bad memories for you.

I'm finding it helpful to see domestic abuse from the inside rather than the outside. It's made me see that it's more than physical abuse and that it's not that easy to acknowledge what's happening when you're inside the situation.

Emily I am finding I am at that stage where I recognise things and acknowledge them but they do not upset me. So I'm fine

The dc however did hear the scene just before Rob hit Helen. Normally they don't pay much attention but they both did noticeably react and one said later "did they make up ok?". In two minds about them hearing it but they still have a FW for a df even if they were very young when he was kicked out. I think probably they need to be able to talk about these things in a situation from which they are detached. I.e. it is doubly important for them to be able to recognise abusive behaviour.

Mostly when I hear it I think it is well done and I am glad they are doing it because it needs doing.

smalllegs. I was thinking exactly the same thing. The abusers abnormality becomes your normal. My exH used to tell me I sneezed loudly just to annoy him (everything he didn't like was just done to annoy him) and trying to reason with him would usually end with him in a full on rage.

I look back and can't understand why I just didn't realise how unreasonable, irrational and abnormal it all was. I accepted a new normal.

Knobs version of hellins unstable behaviour is her new normal.

Knob has already explained away henwees version of the sleepwalking as putting a brave face on it or something similar. So I'm not sure it will be brought up again.

In fact I think I will add to that and say I think it helps me to still have these little lightbulb moments like the corn on the cob because you tend to only remember the big flashpoints not the low level everyday stuff that washed over you. But it is important to recognise the small moments too as it is these moments which are the red flags.

The abusers abnormality becomes your normal.

Very much so! To the extent that I now find the fact the my bf does not do these things slightly odd and have to remind myself he is normal which is why I am bit by bit picking away at the last of the remnants of the conditioning. It isn't a bad thing it is a healing thing. I remember it and I see it. Clearly for what it was.

Knob would try to sabotage Kirsty's shifts at the Farm-shop cafe.... throw his weight around to keep her out. Plot device to omit that SL, I suppose.

For me, pussyfooting around is colluding with Hell to pretend that this situation is tolerable, at least "for now", or any problems can merely be sorted with a bit of compromise. It's playing along with Hell's delusion that her experience is ordinary enough.

K only has about 1 x 2 minute window to get Hell's attention once a week. Using that tiny precious opportunity to drop subtle hints won't achieve anything. As others point out, the dysfunctional relationship won't end until Hell decides to end it. She can't be rescued. K. is the only one challenging H. to see what's there.

Knob would try to sabotage Kirsty's shifts at the Farm-shop cafe.... throw his weight around to keep her out.

I don't see how he could do that. Fallon and Emma are the employers, not Bridge Farm. Even if he did try to get at Kirsty via the BF family, Pat and Tony are very fond of Kirsty and Tom could be guaranteed to step in on Kirsty's behalf. They are all still consumed with guilt over what happened at the time of the wedding.

Ref. Alf's 'new leaf'' He's obviously turned it over to become (or continue to be) a compulsive petty thief. Poor Clarrie Maybe also an arsonist?

BOOP for him going to church

Booming SmallLegs so glad you are out of there and safe now

When is the Lent money going to be discovered to be missing from the church?

I think that Kirsty although meaning well and she is very concerned, steamed in too heavily last night. She put Helen into the position that she had to defend Rob. 😡

I've just remembered, won't the reading on Good Friday be about the penitent thief crucified alongside Jesus? Maybe Alf's conscience will trouble him.

It's not a BOOP point for Alf to be going to church. He's just going to case the joint and nick the Lent money (in case he hasn't already.) Easter is when you get all the best silverware out on the alter.

I think ppeatfruit's aware of that, EBear, judging by the first paragraph of her post. But it's a BOOP in terms of the storyline and writing.

What if Kiera has been hiding the money from Uncle Alf because George told her he used to be a burglar?

Actually, what age is Kiera? Maybe she's only a toddler. I can't remember

Kiera is just coming up to her fifth birthday (06.04.11). At one stage, Helen and Emmur bonded but that was knocked on the head by Rob.

Isn't Kiera Henry's age? So about five? I think they might be in the same class at school.

It's a shame Helen doesn't see more of Emma and Ed. I think they have a great relationship.

Yes , thanks Elementary Alf seems to be very good at the 'butter wouldn't melt' bit while casing whatever joint he's in. I say "seems" because it could be Keira or George hiding the money from him, and ferrets might fly .

The church is ripe for a bit of petty larceny, of course Ebear

K only has about 1 x 2 minute window to get Hell's attention once a week.

But if she doesn't stop bullying her she won't have even that. She could be more subtle and still get Hel thinking. E.g. the are you s ared Rob will see us was a good question.

CA just let cat out of bag….. Henry IS going to tell his 'secret' tonight as predicted accurately by this thread

Scripted, I think - last night's CA said the same thing and that means, I think, that it is now safe to say that the Radio Times spoiler also says this.

Aha - missed CA last night. Hardly a surprise, but has got me chewing my nails nonetheless…..

Yes, I do hope it's not another damp squib!

Indeed. Imagine us all leaning into our radios waiting to hear Henry blurt out something about the baby borstal - only for him to reveal he's been playing kiss chase with the lovely Xanthe.

(Though I'm sure the Radio Times wouldn't let us down ...)

Net week's RT blurb for next Friday is also tantalising. It says Helen uncovers some truths.