Discuss The Archers - yes, this really is Thread 103. Are you going to vote for feet, stations of the cross, or a hologram? Will Natasha ever return? Will Russ ever leave?

[DadDadDad]

Exciting times - this thread will witness our 100,000th post in this long-running unbroken chain of threads.

New and old posters welcome. Don't spoil with any future plotlines.

And if you need a beginners' guide see here: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/radio_addicts/3557323-For-Archers-fans-a-guide-to-acronyms-on-the-long-running-discussion-threads-and-any-other-meta-thread-questions-you-may-have

Carry on...

Ref. J'lene She's already been humiliated on line hasn't she, it does seem odd that she's still got stars in her eyes.

Russ's 'art' is as pretentious as I thought it would be. Go for it Kenton!

Well, there wasn't much for him to do, apart from let people know, stick some gaffer tape on the floor, and set up a projector in the other room!

Thanks Ppeat and Bert. Sorry I keep missing things on the thread and IRL and the show.

Oooh Bore! I actually think Tracey could do better than Will. I'd be happy with Jazzer although he's being a bit of a prize pillock at the mo'.

I've only been listening a few years and evidentially my Horrobin history is a bit thin on the ground but I've always enjoyed Tracey's little interludes, I'd be happy to hear more from her. It's nice to mix things up. Classic Archers affection though, not to be confused with people I'd abide off air. See also Brine, Freddie, Kate.

Lilian Interesting about the Gwen John, I wonder if CMR knows about Nigel's "good art" in the attic that Leonard admired when he was up there with Freddie?

I'm not so sure about CMR's ulterior motives. he's just a freeloader who's up his own artistic arse.

Inky Tracey'd end up killing Will !! I don't reckon anyone's chances married to her.

I wonder if CMR knows about Nigel's "good art" in the attic Freddie’s new tour is about to bring all that into the light. I don’t think CMR is a thief - I think he wants to get his feet properly under the table at LL. I think he hasn’t fully understood who he needs to be setting his cap at - how much longer until Freddie takes charge?

How old is CMR? Is he the same age as Elizabeth? Astonishing that she would be bailing out a grown man - he must have some money of his own even if he is getting divorced. She is truly under his spell.

Yes, interesting, I wonder how long it takes before Russ and Freddie properly lock horns?

Russ is around 40, I think?

CMR is in his early 40s I think, and Elizabeth is 52.

Russ doesn’t seem to have an entry in the BBC TA Who’s Who - but googling him brings up lots of articles in the Express and Mirror fulminating over his ‘growing closeness’ to Elizabeth ...

I don't see how persuading Jolene to go for cheapie portfolio photos would protect her?

Russ's 'art' is as pretentious as I thought it would be. Go for it Kenton!

Kenton isn't his target audience.

As a strategy for an art gallery in a stately home going for modern rather than gift shop watercolours makes perfect sense for the business. It could bring in a new audience with money to spend, not just for the gallery but for LL.

None of which stops CMR being a slimy, manipulative creep of the vulnerable - first Lily, now Elizabeth. I too am deeply impressed by his ability to conjure up an exhibition with guestlist in a couple of weeks.

Incidentally my assumption when Elizabeth/Lily doubted Freddies attic tour was that they both understand what it takes to put on even a small event and they both know that Freddie doesn't understand putting on events.

But Russ is a figurative artist....did he do the gaffer tape and the projection? If so-well done him. Fantastic gallery opening ploy!

But Russ is a figurative artist

I don't think it was meant to be his art was it? I can actually see Russ as a gallery manager/sales more than as an artist. As an artist he is going nowhere.

I'd assumed the artists had done installations themselves - they normally would for installations.

“I'd assumed the artists had done installations themselves - they normally would for installations.”

But there was no mention of the artists, was there? Or did I miss that bit?

I found out the actor who plays Joe Grundy died a few weeks ago. I wonder how they are going to deal with his character. How sad I will really miss his voice. One of the originals. Sorry if it's already been covered I didn't read the whole thread it seemed to be mostly about Lilly. So far they keep mentioning Joe with the ferrets and Mia and the toenails.

Also I predict Russ and Elizabeth will be having an affair in the future

Or did I miss that bit?

I think so - I'm sure I heard CMR talking about the "artists", especially when he was explaining the gaffer tape to Shula there was discussion about what th artist was trying to convey.

Yes, sadly the end of an era lillypainter. If you’re interested you’ll find all the commiserating on the previous thread:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/radio_addicts/3555897--102-Fatted-calf-is-off-the-menu-will-the-Easter-Bunny-save-Lower-Loxleys-bacon-or-will-there-be-egg-on-Russs-face-Will-Toms-sausage-business-get-the-chop-Join-us-here-to-discuss-The-Archers

from 24 April.

I see it that CMR was trying to show artists and galleries how the space in Lower Loxley could be used differently to the standard paintings-on-walls layout that it sounds like it previously had. As much as it pains me to say it, it sounded like he did a good job for the type of audience he was aiming for.

I’m sure it would get a Lynda Snell sniff though

And yes to Kenton being a hypocrite, he can see CMR for what he is because they’re using the same playbook.

Lily thinks that CMR is wonderful - talented, charismatic, etc. Do we think that there is still a little cabal of students from the school who feel the same way ... and it was them who CMR persuaded to put on the pretentious claptrap thought-provoking Event?

I also like hearing Tom and Jazzer’s opposite versions of the bust-up and walkout. Tom is a total numpty.

Thankyou @GeorgeTheBleeder I'll take a look