Archers thread #174: God it's lame! But it still limps on. 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 think Ben-meets-Zainab is on a par with Elizabeth-meets-Darcy, 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/4636789-the-archers-spoilers-thread-7-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.)

Thanks to @Bruisername for the title inspiration. She said God it's lame and that seemed to strike a chord with many, for some reason.

I am terrified of wasps and live in fear of encountering a hornet, so that was a tricky episode. I hope that's the last we're going to hear of them, except for confirmation that they've been nuked. [shudder]

So what do we reckon - custodial or suspended sentence for George? Will Clarrie return from Great Yarmouth or will she realise that actually life as a carer for her (presumably disabled) sister is easier than the endless and thankless drudgery at Grange Farm? Will any more tables collapse at the Village Hall?

Over to you!

I'm listening live tonight, not doing my usual morning commute catch up.

Ha ha, the stars are aligning

Another vote for a gradual decline back to bad George. That's the problem if everyone hates you, no point in being nice. I think unless Ambridge forgives him, he will be right back where he started in a year or two. Suspect from SW point of view, bad George offers more potential for drama.

That’s why pats approach is better than the vengeful lot

I want him bringing Emmur’s grey hairs in sorrow to the grave. For purposes of this narrative, premature greying is assumed.

Is it premature to be greying at 40? 😬

DH's hair had started to turn white by the time he was thirty. And no, I wasn't married to him at the time.

Team George here. I'm hoping he gets a suspended sentence and goes to work for Meg to avoid the ill feeling in the village and make a fresh start.

For all his bravado, George is immature and not worldly wise and would be eaten alive by some of the hardened feral youngsters in a Young Offenders Institution. I am not sure how that would benefit George or society generally. I think is is perfectly believable that the whole Bridge-gate episode has given him the shock he needed to grow up and become a decent human being. He certainly seems to have learnt to appreciate his family, particularly his mother.

I think he'll avoid jail but leave Ambridge, possibly to Meg's because there has to be a reason for her.

I think prison is more likely to be his final downfall
than the making of him (in the real world I mean.)

Exactly [rubs hands] ⛓️‍💥

Excellent!! (He's not going down)

Is my guess

I think he’s realised how serious his actions have been and because everyone knows about it, he’s faced the kind of consequences he’s always avoided in the past, plus it’s sunk in that Emma ringing the police was the only possible thing for her to do. He’s not stupid.

Even though I have no time for Eddie at all, what he said to George was the right thing in the circumstances.

Maybe we are getting George going from bad to good and to balance the scales who shall we have getting their villain backstory? Not Brad but we need a goody two shoes who turns to the dark side.

maybe that’s Harrison actually

I had silver threads in my hair at my temples by my mid-teens, but almost 50 years later I am still not grey all over.

Sitting waiting for the archers and there’s an awfully unfunny show on with a member of the audience who is clearly trying to have a distinctive laugh but is making it unlistenable. Will have to switch to world service for half an hour

Oh is it that American woman talking about computers it's
unbearable.

Edit: yes it is.

Continuity announcer - Fallon relives her nightmare

yeah I bet that weird whimper that Harrison made that time haunts her

Even my teen with airpods in watching tiktok reels remarked on the laugh. Studio laughter does nothing to enhance a really unfunny show.

Right!!

nice to hear the solicitor. And could really hear the fear and trepidation in the Grundy voices. They’re very well acted. I guess Susan had to turn up as Emma alone would be bad radio.

Bloody Alice- let’s face it her alcoholism was at rock bottom. She’s the one who annoys me most in this!!!

fallons statement felt a bit gcse drama. And can’t believe she mentioned the pregnancy. Or putting the motive for him saving her as fact when we do know that’s not why he did it

so all those complaining about his supportive statements, well the ‘anti’ statements are so hyperbolic

of course the defence barrister cherry picked and no doubt Lillian and Adam will be livid. Will Adams stroppiness mean he leaves the job as he can’t refuse to work with yet another person

2 years though in an adults prison. Feels harsh. Poor George.

That wasn't what I was expecting.

(Didn't think there was any space in adult prisons, either...)

Hurrah for World Porridge Day, that’s what I say. That bung to the judge was money well spent.

I feel a bit tearful now. When ds was really going through it it used to break my heart thinking how scared and lonely he must be and hearing that I felt the same way

I wonder if he'll come out addicted to Spice?