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The Archers: The Crook, the Vet, His Wife & Her Lodger - discussion #80

985 replies

DadDadDad · 16/08/2017 13:14

In full acknowledgement of PseudoBadger's great achievement in providing the previous 79 threads over the past 4 years (and credit to R4 for this thread's title)...

Discuss TA (The Archers). New posters encouraged - it's not (too) cliquey here and plenty of regulars are happy to answer questions. Archers

One rule: no spoilers (ie no mentioning future plot teasers from Radio Times listings etc) - there's a separate thread for that.

So, is Phoebe pregnant? will Anisha dob in (dobbin - geddit?) Alistair?

PS I don't presume to take on PB's role permanently - hopefully the job of starting new threads will rotate among regulars until she returns

OP posts:
EBearhug · 23/08/2017 01:24

And if they haven't got any facilities, what was Anisha showing Latif round?

Imbroglio · 23/08/2017 07:33

They have the surgery where they operate on horses.

Minimammoth · 23/08/2017 07:45

I agree re the vet set up, ours though small, seem to have about 5 people as well as vets. There must be cleaners, reception, nurse, and usually work experience looking after small animals on overnight stays.

R4 · 23/08/2017 08:11

Love the alternative thread title. Maybe we'll use it next time!

I don't understand Susan and the kefir - why is she merrily doing Tom's R&D for him in her own time? She is normally quite grabby so you think that she would want a commission on every pot sold. Or even set up a rival facepack business.

Ceto · 23/08/2017 08:43

I assume Susan sees herself as a big wheel in the kefir business - head of R&D or something. I was quite pleased that Pat caught her out.

Mrsemcgregor · 23/08/2017 10:02

Hello all, I am new to TA and this thread. I don't know much about the characters past etc but I get a really uncomfortable feeling about Justin. He seems a bit unhealthy in his attitude to his relationship with Lilian. Like he is trying to buy her or something. Is it just my inexperience with TA making me feel this?

R4 · 23/08/2017 10:50

Hello MrsMcG and welcome. I'm afraid that you are spot on. Where did you come into the story? Lillian was originally Justin's bit on the side. He divorced his wife to marry Lillian and Lillian, when originally informed of this wonderful decision, ran like a startled rabbit. She should have listened to her instincts but has since relented and agreed to marry (she asked him this time).
I hope that she gets everything she deserves.Hmm #NotTeamLillian

Cromwell1536 · 23/08/2017 10:52

Hello Mrs! Justin/Lillian dynamic is odd, but tbh, Lillian has never been much averse to being bought, and her taste in men does lead her to make some strange choices (Matt Crawford, Matt Crawford's controlling, depressive brother, and an amoral toy boy are examples that come to mind). Nancy Banks-Smith (Guardian reviewer) nailed it, in my view, with her description of Lillian as 'born to be a gangster's moll.'

Veterinari · 23/08/2017 11:04

Sorry I must have missed the fitting of the specialist equine operating theatre (where did they put this when the practice is in Alistair and Shula's house?) Who cleans/maintains/manages it?
It's a bit like the expanding bedrooms at BH cottage - ludicrous

Mrsemcgregor · 23/08/2017 11:07

The first episode I listened to was the one where Caroline died, so not that long by ago at all!

I am glad my instincts about Justin are not unfounded. He just gives me the raised eyebrow so often. I know that Matt Crawford seems to be an unsavoury self serving git, but Justin's resolve to have him out of the picture seems to be more about possession of Lilian than anything else. Though, like you say, Lilian seems fairly comfortable with the situation as it stands.

birdsdestiny · 23/08/2017 11:40

Lillians taste in men is awful. But I don't mind Justin, he is the best of a terrible bunch. I know however that as I have decided I am team Justin, he will turn into a cold blooded killer.

Bekabeech · 23/08/2017 11:51

The bit that is puzzling/intriguing me recently is: When Justin buys the Dower house - who gets the money? Lilian or Matt or someone else? I am sure this is important - but I'm surprised Justin hasn't checked on this.

Bekabeech · 23/08/2017 11:57

Oh and I thought the Surgery was in one of the other buildings up at the Stables - a converted old barn.

Mrsemcgregor · 23/08/2017 13:25

beka good question, I'm not sure, who are the other trustees? Who owned it originally and why is Matt Crawford even involved?

RockNRollNerd · 23/08/2017 13:34

Welcome to the new posters and glad you're still with us Pseudo.

I think the SW are still trying to work out what kind of character Justin is. He was brought in as the suave (for Ambridge) big business man, then he was a bit of a baddy over his dealings with Rob and the way he treated Charlie. They're now seemingly trying to establish him a bit more so we have odd bits of good character (Ruby the puppy seems entirely there to show his softer side) but he's also still got this misogynistic side to him...

MrsArthurShappey · 23/08/2017 13:36

I loved Clarrie when Susan was waxing on about kefir. Will everyone come out in a horrible rash, do you think?

An early bid for 'nothing to fear but kefir itself' for the next thread title, particularly if it turns out to be rash-inducing!

TheAntiBoop · 23/08/2017 16:33

Lillian is the beneficiary of the trust whether it be the house or the cash.

EBearhug · 23/08/2017 16:57

I must have missed the fitting of the specialist equine operating theatre (where did they put this when the practice is in Alistair and Shula's house?) Who cleans/maintains/manages it?

This was all part of the agreement for Anisha coming into the partnership and investing her money. It's why she is meant to be focusing on schmoozing with monies, horsey types like Latif, to bring in the business to pay for it.

I assume there are various outbuildings round the stables, some of which were already in use for vetting rather than livery. In fact, I have a very faint memory of Alistair and Shula discussing whether it was feasible.

It was a very quiet rebuilding, though. About all we heard of it was a discussion about whether they needed to redecorate the reception (yes, because it's the public face of the practice.)

Ceto · 23/08/2017 17:07

I'm pretty sure the surgery has been a separate building for a long time. Didn't it get destroyed in the Great Flood and Alistair had to go elsewhere?

Redcliff · 23/08/2017 17:17

I'm intrigued where this whole Susan Queen of kefir storyline is going - is her stuff nicer because she isn't doing some vital step?

Mrs - you have really made me see Justin in a whole new (creepy) light - I really hope he buggers off somewhere

Vango · 23/08/2017 17:42

How, honestly, can anyone think Justin's better than Matt after the whole Rob business? If Justin hadn't offered him a job he'd have had no choice but to probably leave the village. Helen is Lillan's niece!!!

birdsdestiny · 23/08/2017 17:47

Justin gave a job to someone who abused his wife. Matt abused his wife.

birdsdestiny · 23/08/2017 17:49

I kniw I won't win this arguement but I loathe matt. I don't even think he's a very good actor. There I said it Grin

Vango · 23/08/2017 17:55

I don't think that leaving your partner (almost, but not completely) financially high and dry fully equates to the treatment doled out by Rob to Helen!!!

Mrsemcgregor · 23/08/2017 17:57

What was the extent of Lilian's and Matts relationship? Were they serious/together long or was it a fling type situation?