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Archers thread #149: This is not a drill, it’s a plot device. Here’s hoping for Stella-r rows in Ambridge. Discuss The Archers here.

979 replies

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 06/06/2023 08:28

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

Archers All views on The Archers welcome here! New blood welcomed, and of course we are always delighted to welcome back former or occasional listeners/posters. We don't all agree on all points, although we do mostly try to be civil about it. Most of us are posting tongue in cheek a lot of the time, so don't worry about revealing that you think George Grundy's bantz make him a great laugh and totally harmless to women, or other unusual views. Grin

Archers 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/4636789-the-archers-spoilers-thread-7-cant-wait-for-702pm-join-us-here, where spoilers are positively welcomed!

Archers 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.)

Thanks for title suggestions - @FallonsNewCoat started us off with Drilling down OR What’s the drill?: So many jobs hanging in the balance - what’s planned for Adam, Stella, Freddie and horrible George?, @OverArmour's suggestion was ‘Drilling down on less than Stella-r performances and who will be a pig in muck’ and @TeenDivided contributed the laserdrill focussed Lets drill into plot holes and hope George gets his comeuppance. I went for a bit of all of that. The phrase at the back of my head, which I am very pleased to have tracked down, was from one of my favourite film franchises where the character Conklin says in Jason Bourne's memory This is not a drill, soldier. We clear on that? This is a live project. You are go. Training is over. Training is over. Well, that's us, troops. Training is over, discussing The Archers is a live project, and it's our job to drill down into all aspects of what we hear. Grin

On the last thread, people were discussing how unrealistic the portrayal of mental health problems is on TA. I wholeheartedly agree, but I suppose they don't feel they can tackle long-running slow burn storylines that often. They made a great effort with Jack Woolley's Alzheimer's. Other than that, I don't recall anybody having a recurring illness that's been portrayed realistically (and actually that goes for physical conditions as well). Most things clear up and are hardly mentioned again. Sticking just to mental illness, Pat had depression after John died, Mike Tucker had a bad bout of depression, so did Elizabeth. Helen's ED may or may not be about to re-appear, but nobody's mentioning it. Ben's rapid-onset depresssion recently led to a psychotic episode but now he's fine, not least because he got prompt, skilled and appropriate treatment on the NHS, unlike most of the UK. Hmm This is one area where I feel they shouldn't even attempt it if they can't do it in a way that reflects the reality of what most of us experience, for ourselves and our loved ones.

Anyway, with that off my chest - over to you!

OP posts:
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JanglyBeads · 03/07/2023 00:06

Phowar, as Mia might think but would never say.

Also, hasn't Tracy heard of dating apps/ SM in general, where many many young people meet potential dates these days without leaving their rooms?

But she said some lovely things to him this evening.

CaptainMyCaptain · 03/07/2023 06:55

Didn't Tracey once meet Roy on a dating app? Perhaps she thinks it's for older people (or she has forgotten).

CaptainMyCaptain · 03/07/2023 06:55

Or the SW have forgotten.

suzyscat · 03/07/2023 09:37

At 17 he's a too young for OLD.

I think Tracey more meant opportunities won't just fall into your lap sat at home. Although she was seemingly proved wrong by that timely ding dong.

FallonsNewCoat · 03/07/2023 10:18

I don’t mind Brad and Mere getting together I suppose but it makes for some dull plot lines. Love matches are pure gold in a story when an unexpected couple gets together eg Lizzie and Mr Darcy/Bridget Jones and Mark/Tracey and Oliver etc. That’s why we are so keen on the Freddie/Chelsea match. Both Brad and Mere are from the same social class and are both misfits as they are unusually bright. Witnessing them pairing up could prove very dull indeed.

JanglyBeads · 03/07/2023 11:27

Maybe too young for official dating sites but teen spend loads of time "meeting" and chatting to people online.

WitcheryDivine · 03/07/2023 11:29

Yeah I feel that the doorbell moment means that those two are very much NOT destined to be together forever. They're both too drippy anyway.

I know this is wrong but... I'm starting to miss Shula.

Do we think Neil's good works with his grandson will do any good?

MereDintofPandiculation · 03/07/2023 13:59

suzyscat · 02/07/2023 21:14

Isn't the whole point of Mia that she deeply cares but she's still a teenager and so some of her heartfelt opinions and causes are actually flawed and really cringeworthy?

I love Brad in his green suit! Well done Chelsea. Think he could do better than Mia though.

I wonder how many blows to the head Lee suffered in karate instructor training?

Not that many. Karate training in my experience. even competition fighting, is based on minimal contact. Slight tap, not full kick, and you wouldn't punch to the head.

MereDintofPandiculation · 03/07/2023 14:02

FallonsNewCoat · 03/07/2023 10:18

I don’t mind Brad and Mere getting together I suppose but it makes for some dull plot lines. Love matches are pure gold in a story when an unexpected couple gets together eg Lizzie and Mr Darcy/Bridget Jones and Mark/Tracey and Oliver etc. That’s why we are so keen on the Freddie/Chelsea match. Both Brad and Mere are from the same social class and are both misfits as they are unusually bright. Witnessing them pairing up could prove very dull indeed.

Possibly. But happy relationships are usually dull to the outsider. I'd much prefer Brad in a dull relationship than an interesting one.

suzyscat · 03/07/2023 14:21

Of course @MereDintofPandiculation but how on earth can any one be so spectacularly stooopid.

Totally agree happy full relationship for Brad please 🙏

FallonsNewCoat · 03/07/2023 15:19

I'd much prefer Brad in a dull relationship than an interesting one

But this is a soap…

MereDintofPandiculation · 03/07/2023 15:58

FallonsNewCoat · 03/07/2023 15:19

I'd much prefer Brad in a dull relationship than an interesting one

But this is a soap…

You'll be suggesting Brad isn't a real person next Grin

WitcheryDivine · 03/07/2023 16:09

I'd like Brad to do what a Brad realistically would do which is go to university and bring some totally different new blood to the village. Maybe a research scientist from France, or an American journalist, or a Tibetan refugee meditation teacher to really annoy Kate.

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 03/07/2023 16:16

I'd like Brad to go to a top university to do a degree in Maths or something else requiring fabulous mathematical ability, and then to go on to career in something very high-flying which makes him extremely rich. He can pop back to Ambridge occasionally to see Tracy and Jazzer. He will put money into Chelsea's hairdressing chain and she will be hugely successful. He will either buy the Horrobin home to secure Tracy's future if she wants to stay there, or he will buy her a house somewhere else in the Ambridge area. In due course the programme can be re-named The Horrobins.

If what actually happens is that he starts a degree in something non-mathematical at the University of Felpersham, drops out and ends up working at Grey Gables as a porter, I won't be responsible for my actions.

OP posts:
WitcheryDivine · 03/07/2023 16:17

Picturing him as the Elon Musk of Borsetshire now. But less mad.

CaptainMyCaptain · 03/07/2023 16:53

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 03/07/2023 16:16

I'd like Brad to go to a top university to do a degree in Maths or something else requiring fabulous mathematical ability, and then to go on to career in something very high-flying which makes him extremely rich. He can pop back to Ambridge occasionally to see Tracy and Jazzer. He will put money into Chelsea's hairdressing chain and she will be hugely successful. He will either buy the Horrobin home to secure Tracy's future if she wants to stay there, or he will buy her a house somewhere else in the Ambridge area. In due course the programme can be re-named The Horrobins.

If what actually happens is that he starts a degree in something non-mathematical at the University of Felpersham, drops out and ends up working at Grey Gables as a porter, I won't be responsible for my actions.

Absolutely agree with this. I want Mere to go to university as well and escape her Grundy destiny.

DadDadDad · 03/07/2023 16:58

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 03/07/2023 16:16

I'd like Brad to go to a top university to do a degree in Maths or something else requiring fabulous mathematical ability, and then to go on to career in something very high-flying which makes him extremely rich. He can pop back to Ambridge occasionally to see Tracy and Jazzer. He will put money into Chelsea's hairdressing chain and she will be hugely successful. He will either buy the Horrobin home to secure Tracy's future if she wants to stay there, or he will buy her a house somewhere else in the Ambridge area. In due course the programme can be re-named The Horrobins.

If what actually happens is that he starts a degree in something non-mathematical at the University of Felpersham, drops out and ends up working at Grey Gables as a porter, I won't be responsible for my actions.

Excellent suggestion, @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g - my company is based in the West Midlands area and we're always looking for strong maths graduates to come and train to be actuaries. I'm not sure if our diversity and inclusion policy extends to fictional characters.

WitcheryDivine · 03/07/2023 17:17

DadDadDad · 03/07/2023 16:58

Excellent suggestion, @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g - my company is based in the West Midlands area and we're always looking for strong maths graduates to come and train to be actuaries. I'm not sure if our diversity and inclusion policy extends to fictional characters.

Oh come on surely you can make an exception for Brad!

JanglyBeads · 03/07/2023 17:18

Missing Shula? Steady on!

Yes, any character who annoys Kate has my vote.

stilldumdedumming · 03/07/2023 20:19

So...what will discover on Henwee's phone eh?

TopOfTheCliff · 03/07/2023 20:37

My DS 28 is a maths whizz who got a first from Oxford then did a Masters in statistics. He has a fabulously well paid job in London and has bought a £1million house at the age of 27. Brad is bright enough as long as he believes in himself. I really want him to break free of his Horrobin destiny.

JanglyBeads · 03/07/2023 20:39

After that episode I don't think there is any m particular point about his phone use, he's just a normal 12 year old in that respect.

OverArmour · 04/07/2023 02:26

I think it could be either - a normal sanction on a teenager - but also there is the possibility of contact from Rob. A la Happy Valley with the Xbox.

BerylBillings · 04/07/2023 06:48

stilldumdedumming · 03/07/2023 20:19

So...what will discover on Henwee's phone eh?

That he's amassed a small fortune by quietly flogging a few of Lee's Captain America figures?
<snigger>

CaptainMyCaptain · 04/07/2023 07:15

The phone has been flagged up a couple of times now so I think there must be something to it.

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