Silence in court! Discuss The Archers and shout from the gallery here. Send him down.

[PseudoBadger]

What day is it again?

[GrumpyOldBag]

I wonder whether Jess will get the opportunity to tell the jury that Rob tried to scare her into not giving evidence.

I think that's probably an offence isn't it - perverting the course of justice?

[CeciledeVolanges]

dragons the jury can take it into account, but I really can't see how it is relevant except for towards the overall picture that might make her believe her life was at risk. Or Henry's.

[CeciledeVolanges]

Gruach my podcast was marked "explicit" the day Tom audibly said "doesn't give a sh*t".

[Redcliff]

What a good episode. I love a bit of "back office courtroom drama" me. I really hope that Jess can testify. Rob would be shocked to see her. I loved the thought of her seeing his smug mug on telly and not being able to let him get away with it.

[JasperDamerel]

I'm still wondering what Sinday's episode will be. I'm hoping for the jurors' deliberations, interspersed with gossip back in Ambridge where life carries on as usual.

[JudyCoolibar]

Bore, Helen did tell WA about the rape. Good old Lowfield for Good Friday:

The Helpline counsellor does her best to put Helen at ease. Her husband has taken her car keys away and he says things. There has been no violence, well only once. One night - more than one actually - he forced her to have sex. She gets cold feet; she is making things sound worse than they are; she doesn't need support. Hearing Rob come back (again!) she terminates the call but not before the counsellor gives her an id number. When Rob enquires about supper she recommends that he makes it; she is going to lie down. Bravo!

[BoreOfWhabylon]

Ah, thanks Judy - I misremembered that!

Good old Lowfield indeed

[HometoMandalay]

Well that was superb, if harrowing, listening. Hardly dare hope that Rob's comeuppance is on its way - as PPs have said it seems a bit early in the week for good news, dramatically speaking.

Also managed to LA to yesterday's and realised why the "darling I'm here" sounded so weird: it's because Pat doesn't say darling, she calls everyone "love". I'd thought it was the timing that bothered me but actually it was the language.

Anyway. BOOPs all round for these two episodes. Really hoping we hear Jess tomorrow with some dressed-salmon-fuelled revenge for the Knob.

[Northernlurker]

I felt that the judge allowing Helen to continue was a clear pointer he believed her. I don't think he will keep Jess out but if he does I think Anna might be able to appeal if Helen is convicted on that basis.
I really felt for pat. I know we've all cursed her short sight but can you imagine the horror of realising you congratulated your daughter's rapist? That's truly horrible

[arranged]

I read the Facebook comment on the archers yesterday thinking "yeah yeah, some people cry at anything".....

Then listened to the episode before bed. Tears!! My goodness Louise thingy did brill. I'm really looking forward to tonight's ep.

Glad I stuck with it through the crap.....

[arranged]

Oh and well done MNers on guessing Max was a female.

I haven't kept up with this thread in a good while but the Max breakthrough came as I was driving across London in rush hour, my first thought was that you lot were bang on!

[DoctorTwo]

Harrison's report was probably all blood and custard.

Good work Errol. Made me guffaw. :o

[EsmesBees]

I agree on the sympathy for Pat. She's been driving me crazy with her wailing but tonight I really felt for her and her powerless position.

[BertrandRussell]

That "I'm here darling" was the thing that made me cry. I have a ddwith mental health issues- I can so imagine myself doing that........

[ibrowze]

Who is protecting Henry from the media fallout and schoolgate gossip ?

[MissBrooke]

Thanks Vango & Gaspode, and indeed everyone shedding light on the culvert/Canada stuff.

Heartbreaking tonight, when Hellin was talking about how she felt when she woke up every morning and looked at Jack. She must feel so ambivalent. When she realised she was pregnant after the rape didn't she want time to think it all through (and possibly terminate) but Knob took over & told everyone? So sad. Also so sad for poor Henwee having his conception known about by all & sundry.

someone needs to break to me it's not real

[MissBrooke]

In fact, did Hellin tell Rob straight away after poas or did he find out by accident?
I remember her shuffling around in the loo all flustered when he came back unexpectedly, I think ...

[tomtherabbit]

Yes - and did they tell Pat together? I'm not sure they did. Helen was refusing to believe she could be but Pat suggested she get a test.

It was the scan picture that Rob went off and showed Pat by himself.

[TheAntiBoop]

She hid it from him for a few weeks and then he came home and was angry for some reason (Kirsty was there?) so she told him to stop him hitting her

[Minimammoth]

Did I catch a slight hesitation I the voice when asked who had donated sperm for Henry? Step up Ian??

[dragonsarebest]

Thank you Cecile, good point.

[Minimammoth]

In her voice

[Arsenicinthesugarbowl]

It was a good listen tonight! But I won't be sorry when it's all over and things settle down again.

[MissBrooke]

That's right the anti I knew she'd not really volunteered the info.

[Scorbus]

Please let Jess be allowed to stand in evidence. I agree that because she's supporting Hel that hopefully they can avoid the vengeful ex wife image.