🏏Archers thread #136: Howzat! Oliver’s bowled a googly, Kathy’s out, Grey Gables left with nightwatchman. Tracy knocked for six. Is Ambridge on a sticky wicket? Discuss The Archers here.

[Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g]

Thank you, @PseudoBadger, for kicking off this long, long series of Archers threads.

All views on The Archers welcome here! New blood welcomed. We don't all agree on all points and most of us are posting tongue in cheek a lot of the time, so don't worry about revealing that you are entranced by new character Adil, or other unusual views.

Spoilers: not on this thread, please. We don't wait for the omnibus to discuss the weeknight episodes, but we do try our best to avoid cross-contamination from www.mumsnet.com/Talk/radio_addicts/4197199--The-Archers-spoilers-thread-6-Cant-wait-for-7-02pm-Join-us-here, where spoilers are positively welcomed!

For newer listeners, lurkers or those who just have no idea what we're talking about, @DadDadDad has created this useful thread: 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 - BOOP point for him! (See thread for explanation.)

Apologies if anybody made a thread title suggestion and I missed it. I decided to mark the start of the cricket season in the hope that things will take a turn for the better for poor Tracy.

It feels like months since the last new thread, which was just after Phoebe departed for Scotland. Has she been mentioned since? I can't recall. Not greatly missed, by me, at any rate. Her fish gifts didn't last long.

I can't shake off the feeling that The Archers is going through a long dull patch. I don't feel greatly engaged by anything that's happening at the moment other than Tracy's plight. Such a good actor, which helps, of course.

What's keeping you listening? Habit? Genuinely enjoying it? Over to you!

(PS In the process of starting this thread, I've discovered that our custom-made Archers emoji has gone. You used to get it by typing . Not any more.)

Remind me, what’s the opposite of a BOOP?

Total bilge tonight.

POOP?

It was dire. I'm not interested in the Caseys, They don't even live in (Sh)ambridge.

What was THAT?

Drivel, and not a harbinger of more to come. I hope.

It's quite taken the edge off my morning cuppa.

The way she says ‘daddy’ 😬

Why on earth is Steph getting so much air time? I'm worried she's going to end up in a relationship with someone or moving into the village... I found myself cringing when listening earlier.

I think Steph is getting air time because:
a) it makes a good contrast to steady Beth'nBen
b) They need an 'off the rails' youngster, and they have already done Pip & Josh, and Lily & Freddy, and Alice.

Steph is a totally unbelievable caricature, and Beth seems to be going the other direction in becoming dull and earnest and therefore worthy of an Archer. How old is she, 19, and with a parental background of flashy spending and an aura of glamour, but very happy spending a day out a cattle auction with her boyfriend's mum, integrated into the family to the extent that she's content in a farm kitchen making cups of tea for the older generation. Doesn't Ben want some independence, the experience of establishing himself as an adult separate from his parents?

I agree. I was trying to remember what Stella had previously said about her family - didn't she have to go home to look after an ailing relative at one point?
Last night was awful - the worst episode for some time.

To my eternal shame, my husband came into the room while I was catching up with last night's episode. I had to explain I was listening to The Archers, as it was unrecognisable. He already thinks it's tosh, but this brief exposure to the current rubbish has clearly convinced him I've taken leave of my senses continuing to listen to this. What are they thinking? Who wants to listen to bilge like that?

Yes @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g bilge is the correct word.

Poorly written and badly acted

That was Hannah I think.

I don’t think that she is going to turn out to be a lair or a villain. I think they are using her to fill the Debbie-shaped hole.

the Debbie-shaped hole.

Gosh, yes - that’s exactly who she is!

D’you think, if Debbie were not an internationally in demand (and expensive) actress, she might have considered coming home? Jenny’s oldest daughter will be 52 at the end of this year - and must have earned enough (aside from any inheritance) to retire comfortably. Last we heard, I’m not sure she was involved in any relationship? Not that that’s the only reason to stay in a place. But we do know she’s fond of all her family and keen to provide aid and succour if the cause appeals. (Spiritual Home …) I miss her.

And where on earth is Jenny?

And - where on earth or river are the Fairbrethren? It’s been months since we heard from them.

I expect Rex has either started squatting at the disused pig farm that Brian forgot about or he and his boat have been swept down the Am and out to sea. The hitherto implausible moorings were fairly close to the Village Green so I am surprised that he didn't help put up the marquee (or whatever they had for the Jubilee celebrations). Surely his boat renovations deserve a mention even if we don't hear him speak!

Goodness knows what happened to Toby; I am still struggling with the idea that he was sharing a bed with Pip, but not in the biblical sense. What was the point of having him sell Scruff Gin for a lot of money if he's just stuck doing the school run!

Is it asking too much for there to be a mention of the characters booted off the main cast once in a while!

No loss, although i'd be more than delighted if the Fairfather popped in for a while.

I could do without Steph, and various other characters who drop in, i wish that Advil pi**ed off back to Walford

Steph‘s exaggerated tears were just rubbish! How are we supposed to believe in that family if everyone except Beth is a total caricature?

such a good point about stella being replacement debbie

Nobody could replace Dobbin

I like Stella with Brian. I particularly like that it seems to be a relationship where there's no hint of it becoming sexual (years ago this would definitely have been a concern!). Agree (although it hadn't occurred to me until mentioned above) that she is taking Debbie's place as a sensible sounding board for all sorts of things.

I'm missing Jenny though - hope the actress is okay.

It is nice for Brian to have someone to speak to who isn't too tired, too drunk/self-centred, too flakey, too distracted by dubious paid relationships, or too Jennifer (can't think what her main characteristic is) to be reasonable, now that he can't talk to Neil (too angry).

Speaking of having someone to speak to - Greenacres will surely be rather drab now; Jim and Alistair together aren’t exactly scintillating entertainment. No doubt the SWs will manufacture some hilarious comedy moments for them. Or perhaps Denise will have to flee her home and seek asylum there. (All the better to whip up Shula’s jealousy to the point where she decides she wants her ex-husband back.)

What I found unbelievable about last night's episode was Vince, probably the most grounded character there, being so utterly deluded. I know parents can be a bit blind with regard to their children, but no-one with half a brain could be that self-deceiving, surely?

Maybe Steph is destined for Jazzer's room - please no!

Wasn't there a hint early on that Stella was, in some way, in cahoots with Justin?

May I refer you to my earlier post, CaptainMyCaptain? (Until someone comes along and mocks my memory.)

On the other hand at least two posters suspect her of … not being quite what she seems, so who knows?

Can I ask, how old are Beth and Steph supposed to be?