As the Archers threads age like a fine wine, or a cheese, come and join us - it's nearly time for the Ambridge Flower and Produce show

[PseudoBadger]

Hopefully we can go back to an ordinary tale of country folk?

Spoilers are frowned upon.... There's a thread for that.

I always show it to students, along with the Mitford essay, and they're really confused that serviette isn't the 'U' option!

I don't know about right, but I certainly prefer scone-to-rhyme-with-gone.

How can Tony stand being civilised in the same room as someone who repeatedly assaulted his daughter?

I thought they played Rob annoyingly sympathetically. I don't want him to sound all humble and reasonable. I can't bear to empathise with Rob FFS!

I love that Rob had to beg Tony to show him how to change Jack's nappy "please" and obey Tony's rules. He must have hated that.

Isn't that the sign of a civilised society though? That you can show compassion for those who seem to be incapable of showing it?

Oh god I thought rob was going to do a runner with jack when he went to change the nappy

No way that his contact wouldn't be supervised in a contact centre at first. It would be part of the assessment.

Well, if we ignore the ludicrous done-for-effect decision to have Rob's first contact in the cafe, rather than in a contact centre , I suppose that was OK. Yes, ridiculous to have Jack portrayed more like a newborn, but there we are.

I did like the F&P bits.

Tony played it perfectly. Firm, but fair and reasonable.

I hope no solicitors letters arise from the nappy rash.

Hello MCC to another oldie TA bod. I've been a listener since early 70s when Jack Woolley was the middle aged ruthless owner of among other things the Borchester Echo.

Scone definitely gone. Re Betjeman: I had to train DH not to say couch unless he was talking about a psychotherapy session

I was only half listening as reading to DS, but was Rob seriously going to get Ursula to come and change a nappy?

Of course this is why he will need Charlotte.

So ee audiences don't seem too thrilled with the way soc is driving the sl...

I was thinking that about the contact centre.

Tell us more AntiBoop.

Don't want to say as might be spoilers for people who watch EE! But there have been a few sl leaked that people are complaining about on certain forums. I don't watch it so i don't really understand!

Ah, fair point.

Will have to take a look next time I'm in a TV containing house.

I don't watch ee but thought it was funny that we all thought soc was going to his spiritual home and the EE fans aren't happy either!!

Was so worried Tony was going to let Jack out of his sight! But of course Rob is playing the long game, he will be on best behaviour and try to pull on everyone's heartstrings by purposely showing his emotional, vulnerable side. It's all an act. I don't believe the emotion about meeting Jack was genuine, was all for Tony's (and anyone else watching) benefit.

I don't know. That would make him rather one dimensional. I think he genuinely loves his boy and is genuinely bewildered by the position he is in. Doesn't change the fact he's an abusive bastard though.

agree that it is really asking too much of Tony to be civil to Rob

he doesn't love him, he loves the idea of him, 'my son'

I shall continue to say Scone, (moan), as its right where I come from.

I come from Gloucestershire and it was scone rhymes with moan in our house.

I have suffered in my adult life from people thinking I am trying to be posh and missing the mark by my use of scone/scoan, I have to explain that I am actually being true to my gloucestershire working class roots

Shalli has it spot on, he loves the idea of himself as doting dad and master of the household.