Archers thread #165: Bridge over troubled waters! 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, 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 believe Rochelle exists, 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 https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/radio_addicts/5071889-the-archers-spoilers-thread-9-cant-wait-for-702pm-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.)

This thread may well fill up as fast as the last one, so let's just get stuck in!

She’s already decided Martha is better off without her. And a long time ago that Chris was better off without her. A few steps further down the line she may feel the whole world is better off without her. She already feels there’s no hope for a future without an alcohol problem.

Tracy can be kind and wise, but she can also go into full Eastenders “it’s faaaaamily” mode where she is an absolute arse. I know she’s upset and angry but Alice had been sober for a long time. Had it not crossed Tracy’s mind that perhaps something had happened to Alice to tip her back over the edge?

And to say what she did was just nasty and there’s no excusing that.

Yes. I laughed.

What happened to Alice was that contrary to everything she knew would be sensible, she elected to remain very much involved with an alcoholic who was not in remission, whose behaviour was decidedly erratic, and who made the sort of unreasonable demands of her which can be expected of someone completely self-oriented.

I hope the sex with Harry was worth it.

It always strikes me that there is a lot of judgement on here about the characters, which I find quite uncomfortable (as if they were real people!).

Mostly (exceptions being Rob, Clive Horribin, Hazel Woolley) I feel that the characters are just flawed human beings, who behave well most of the time and occasionally make mistakes (Ruari and his escorting, Alice getting involved with Harry), or get drawn into difficult situations (Alistair and Denise falling for each other) that are at some level understandable. I get why Tracey was so horrible to Alice. I get why Harrison list the plot…. It’s all part of the drama and the tragedy of being alive and having strong emotions.

The real question is whether their behaviour is in character. For a drama, that’s all that counts.

In that basis it annoys me that Elizabeth is with Vince. It annoyed me that Elizabeth supported Russ. She doesn’t feel like a believable character any more.

I got the impression that it was Fallon's admiration (and online post) that tipped the balance. Until then, he had been trying to hide away and not accept any praise. He only came to meet her in the Bull unwillingly. But then he flipped suddenly to lapping it up. He's gratified that his crush is showing him (in his eyes) adultation. And that has led to him supressing all the uncomfortable feelings about what really happened.

Elizabeth falling for Roy was a big stretch character wise for me. Although I suppose grief does funny things.

Kenton and Jolene must have written off May's profits inviting the entire extended Grundy clan to a free steak and ale meal. I lost count of how many were coming, but if Tracy, Brad and Chelsea were there surely it must have been a huge party. Those three plus Bert, who is George's Great-Grandpa, George, Emma, Ed, Will, Poppy, Keira, Eddie, Clarrie, Susan, Neil? Chris and Martha too, if Chris could face it?

I thought the same when Chelsea started reeling off who was going to the meal, and I too lost count. I would imagine that family can put it away and the bill would have cost hundreds of pounds.

Yes I agree with all of this, including Elizabeth's unbelievable relationship with Vince.

Every day that passes makes it more difficult for George. The more people do to celebrate his hero status, the less easy it makes it for him to back out.

Isn’t the point of listening to soaps to get invested in the characters and discuss them in depth? At the point they are acting out of character then it’s lost

agree I’m not sure who Elizabeth is

I sense impending DOOOOM

I wouldn't like to be George when Chris finds out who was driving.

Finally listened to this week. Last night was emotional, I really felt for Alice. Despite her alcoholism and privilege she's a broken hearted mum.

Or Harrison or Brian or mick or Adam or Jolene!

I don't suppose Alistair or Denise will be delighted with George either, come to that. And Tracy will feel a complete idiot and therefore inclined to be vicious to him.

Alan should be nice

and Helen should be very understanding!

There are so many directions the plot could go at the moment aren't there? My wildest speculation is that Alice will go to London with Ruari, and there'll be a little spin off Archers in the City kind of thing. Alice will go into recovery again, and train as a pyschotherapist, returning to Ambridge to set up a successful practice.
As for George - gosh he's up to his neck, and the water is rising isn't it?

I would imagine that family can put it away and the bill would have cost hundreds of pounds.

I would well imagine that the Grundys are going to fill their boots and then some, when it’s a free meal. Hard cash says Eddie tries to wangle a doggy bag that would feed the five thousand.

My wildest speculation is that Alice will go to London with Ruari, and there'll be a little spin off Archers in the City kind of thing.

They tried that before with Ambridge Extra, which did not go down well especially when the resolution of a storyline (Matt telling Lillian he knew about her affair with the insipid Paul) was played out in AE rather than in the normal Archers episodes.

Eddie DEFINITELY the type to always have his trusty Tupperware container hidden about his person, all the better to smuggle out food going spare from any party gatherings/buffets/cricket teas...!

Yes, I think the Grundies are what my DH calls ‘heavy grubbers’. Kenton and Jolene also provided the cricket tea last week I think?

Elizabeth Pargetter

Ah - just realised you meant that in a metaphysical sense ☹️

Ha ha! Yes!!

That's the problem with online communication.