The Archers #96: Is that a rat I smell or the whiff of Snell? In Chaucer’s famous Tale of Two Torsos, Brian’s ‘still got it’ and Poldark is searching for scything opportunities in Susan’s kitchen.

[NotdeadyetBOING]

Welcome..... I'd concocted a longer title with all sorts of references to bitch stitching and pasta bakes, but was thwarted by the pesky character limit

Other than Josh (who is marvellous) a bit of a damp squib all in all.

I think the BBC should let us see Bess in the cast photos.

I missed the bit as to why Kenton wasn't there at the meal.

I think Kenton and many others were in the kitchen a lot of the time.

What did josh say?

Wish they hadn't popped Ben back into the cereal cupboard for old times sake. He's such a funny character - would have love to see him and Josh teaming up against Russ.

Josh refused to call him Russ and called him Mr Jones at every opportunity. Delegated his sprouts prep to him when Jill was clearly trying to get RJ out of the kitchen.

Brine and Jenny's posh nosh did not require that much airtime. I wish they'd do a feature length festive episode.

Merry Christmas you lot. Am oop north away from Borsetshire, so need to catch up. Looking forward to Canterbury Tales in the barn though.

I thought Josh acted like a prat.

I wish the BBC had splashed a bit of cash and had a 30 min episode with lots of characters.

I wish the BBC had splashed a bit of cash and had a 30 min episode with lots of characters.

We get 2h of the Canterbury Tales instead.

Disappointing episode, 'Mr Jones' was amusing first two times but not after that. Pigeon and black pudding terrain sounds revolting.

Also disappointed with yesterday's episode- not nearly as dramatic as it could have been!

We definitely needed to hear Kenton!

I thought it was fine that Josh kept MrJonesing Russ. Josh is two years older than Lily and can see how dodgy Russ is.

I liked Josh "Mr Jonesing" . I agree it made it clear just how dodgy Russ is no matter how hard he tries to ingratiate himself.

I too was disappointed in yesterday's episode, and the repetiton of Josh's jibe grated on me.

In a previous episode I also found the "Lynda sees barn reveal" started too late in the scene. I wanted to hear the before bit, and the moment Lynda saw it, but the scene began just after this, so wasn't as satisfying as it could have been.

- truly one of the great songs of all time.

Though Josh is far too young to have heard it! I'm still giggling from yesterday.

Josh was rude to his cousin's guest. He just looked immature.

With more cast members and better writing it could have been a deliciously excruciating scene.

Josh is about 21, i think. If my cousin aged 19 turned up for Christmas dinner with a 40 yr-old-former teacher, I doubt I would have wanted to suddenly start calling him by his 1st name.

Well I am 47 and I wouldn't have sat at the table with him let alone called him by his first name. I have always liked Josh.

the repetition of Josh’s jibe grated on me

Exactly what Josh intended then!

So you'd embarrass your cousin whom you're fond of?

Yes. I would be quite blunt.

In my family you could have easily had far ruder behaviour to a "Russ" equivalents than a bit of Mr Jonesing. I really dread to think just what my awful Grandma would have said.

Barns are not vermin proof. Poor Jenny's soft furnishings.

I'm so bored of Lizzie, Lily and Russ. I really don't care if Lizzie locks herself into an attic at LL and pines away. And Lily is an irritating idiot.