Lies and subterfuge in Ambridge - from a policeman? That's just not cricket! Discuss The Archers here.

[PseudoBadger]

Thank you R4 for the title.

I love Tiger because ... you're related to him?

I don't like Matt. Nor Justin. Nor Ian. In fact, I don't think I actually like anyone apart from Brine in his current persona. Oh, and Caroline - I always liked her.

I quite like Ben.

Wasn't the estate in excess of £300k Mega? I would have thought that should have made life more comfortable for them for a few years at least!

Is the Dower House in Lilian's name alone, or does Matt have his name on the deeds too?

I believe it's Lillian's. Which is why he was able to move in after divorcing Yvette (having hidden many of his assets)!

What's happened to Ruth's inheritance? There was the house and a massive life insurance payout.......

She didn't go to New Zealand. She actually went to Las Vegas and lived it up with the inheritance.

And the relationship with Lilian was very real, unlike this silly Bridget Jones farce with Justin. This. I don't think you have to like everything about him as a person, but as a character I much preferred him to Justin. As Vango says Justin veers between eager, lovesick puppy looking for retirement - a sort of Oliver replacement - and hard-faced, friend-of-Knob businessman - neither persona is particularly attractive. Part of the reason Tiger had to go in the first place in my opinion is that he would have seen right through Knob. I think Lilian was a more nuanced character when she was with Tiger and I think she would continue to be more interesting with him rather than the ridiculous parody of herself she has become with Justin.

I don't find Matt real at all. He reminds me of a Guy Ritchie villain.

I don't like Matt. Nor Justin. Nor Ian. In fact, I don't think I actually like anyone apart from Brine in his current persona. Oh, and Caroline - I always liked her.

Slim pickings R4! (And what will you do when Brian - eventually - shuffles?)

I want Matt back for good. He was just beginning to become embedded in village and family life - James might well have decided against fatherhood if Matt hadn't taken the time to offer advice. (One of the best TA dialogues ever imho.) So he rather deserves to be a part of the Bellamy/Archer/Snell power clan. And I never believed the nonsense of him taking up with some other woman (didn't Lilian see something on Facebarf?) No one could be quite so ungrateful. And anyway he actually liked Lilian.

On the other hand - Justin is pretty much wifeless now - bit of a loose end ...

Matt's departure was concocted to suit SOC's plotting - which was never character driven. That's also the reason why the character of Justin was so loosely drawn, veering between saint and villain as the plot required. He was never a realistic candidate to fill the Matt-shaped hole.

I like Ian, Harrison, Fallon, Roy, Kate, Brian, Neil, Jenny, Johnny, Jolene, Kenton, Tony , Pat, the vicar (whose name escapes me) Emma, Clarrie , Elizabeth and Justin, Caroline, Oliver, Jim and Carole. Susan is awful but believable.

The other Grundys are generally ok as is Adam, Peggy , Tom, Kirsty and Jill.

I can't abide Ruth , Pip , Lillian , Matt and Anisha.

And what will you do when Brian - eventually - shuffles?

Don't even think such things.

If we have a Matt/Lilian/Justin triangle with Home Farm reluctantly dragged into it, will that plot-line (whatever it is! ) rear its head re the recently-purchased-from-Justin acreage.

Didn't the unlovely Matt send a hit man to Paul ? Maybe Justin and Matt will take out contracts on each other.

I'm annoyed that Matt is back, merely because the next title will probably have to involve "'ello Pusscat" rather than "everything to do with cricket is balls" which is what I had been hoping to adapt.

Keep the balls. Another thing I loathe about Matt is the "' ' ello Pusscat"

"Pusscat and Tiger" is both twee and nauseating.

I thought that Kim left for reasons to do with a difference of opinion with SoC? Am I imagining that? It's testament to Hugh's understanding of, and obvious love for the programme and its storylines, that he's returned, I believe.

I hope that if Justin stays his character will develop the way Jim's did. I couldn't bear Jim when he first moved to the village and now he's one of my all-time favourite characters. His appearances always add value to an episode.

I don't see how Lilian can go back to Matt. His betrayal of her was utterly devastating. I can imagine a possible future for Tom and Kirsty, but not Matt and Lilian.

I would hate Lillian to return to Matt, but I think it's possible in terms of her character. I actually quite like Lillian, I think she is frequently kind, but her relationships with men are a disaster, Peggy is right she is vulnerable and this leads to her making disastrous, often selfish decisions.

I'm annoyed that Matt is back, merely because the next title will probably have to involve "'ello Pusscat" rather than "everything to do with cricket is balls" which is what I had been hoping to adapt.

I'm trying to picture Harrison attempting to get Matt to join the team but I can't quite see it happening..
The cricket story must have lots left in it, we haven't even started the season yet. It will run and run (arf).

BTW: Lilian's 70th birthday is on 08.07. Matt's is on 07.08. Get your party frocks ordered now from Underwoods!

Pseudo your proposed title is too wonderful to go to waste! I'm sure there's a way to incorporate love rivalry as well.

Although perhaps Matt has only returned briefly for business rather than pleasure?