Archers thread #178: Ambridge or Scambridge? 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 fancy Mucky Mick, 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.)

The scars from Scambridge week will take some healing. Most of us felt we were the ones scammed - where was The Archers we know and (very occasionally) love?

Anyway, onwards and - almost certainly not - upwards. Will it be the best Christmas ever in Ambridge? Do we still care? Over to you!

Ficklemind
Helen did sound mentally unstable.

That's been the case any time this century, so nothing new in that.

Yes and her latest rage at Tom seemed more aggressive, excellent acting.

I have to say, Tom’s indignant ‘me???’ was brilliant. Gnasher really does keep dropping him in it with his family and I love it.

If it's Clive he'll be giving George tips on how to survive inside and he'll be going on about drones. He's left it a bit late though, if he's just giving advice.

I'd be amazed if it were any of George's family.

It could be Alan, though I v much doubt George would agree to see him.

But Oliver is a good call. Another one we haven't heard for a while. I suppose they can only afford half a dozen actors a week these days.

I was wondering if as well as the BBC cutting costs whether quite a few of the older actors just don't want to do the journey to the recording studios so regularly anymore, I think it's in Birmingham?

I don't know about that. I used to have professional dealings with actors in my last job. They had to be at death's door before they turned down work. Returning to TA, I believe June Spencer was in a retirement home for her very last months/years, but prior to that she spent a lot of time in Spain and still made it back to Brum to record her scenes. What a trooper!

@Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g ... What a trooper!

I'm now picturing June Spencer in camouflage gear and a tin helmet, trundling up the M40 in a tank.

The Battle of Lakey Hill.

Now thinking that should have been trouper. Ah well.

I feel quite indignant about having my thanks button taken away but I refuse to react.

If it is Fallon who has visited George, I assume we can look forward to Harrison doing his cow in labour act on Christmas Day when he finds out.

In future, @Godesstobe, I would be grateful if you might refrain from making me laugh while I’m trying to chew crusty bread on the side of my mouth not containing the excruciatingly painful tooth.

Tut!

(And surely life is hard enough for the beleaguered residents of this country without the BBC inflicting Harrison Burns on us on Christmas Day?)

I have great hopes for Christmas! Peggy making another of her famous "I never cared for you" speeches to Tony, revealing that she has left all that remains of her money to a Home for Recalcitrant Felines, and being subsequently found dead in her chair. Harrison being on duty and fired by Ma'am. The prison burning down. Something dreadful happening to Jill (I can't think of anything bad enough, but am working on it).

I think I may be the Wrong Kind of Listener.

I hope it was Fallon who visited george

Just realised I missed tonight’s as well! Ah well

Deary me, Helen's a one. As for all of them together...yeah, right.

My money is still on Hellin going to live with the parentals.

Same

Sinkhole opens up underneath Brookfield. Most of the occupants are in the house at the time. How's that?

I am nervous of using emojis as my DC are forever mocking my use of them (in a kind but patronising way, bless them). I was comfortable using 'thanks', but now I don't know what to do. I'm definitely the wrong generation (or possibly just too inhibited) to use ❤️ to anyone outside my family or a couple of very old friends. Laughing and clapping look patronising to me. So should I use 👍 where I would have used 'thanks'? Feel free to tell me I am over-thinking this and that there are more important TA issues to worry about.

If no one else can see the reaction I can’t really see the point of having more than 1

I liked the "thanks". But it's now a 2-step process so I'll pass

I haven't listened to tonight yet, will catch up in a minute, so I don't know if we got any further clues as to who visited George. But my money would be on it not being a good, relatively unproblematic, person like Oliver or Fallon. Emma's scene with Susan seemed to set it up to be doomed and a moment of Great Drama for her. So either it's Clive or another associate hoping to go into some shady business deal with George, or it's someone who is ok in themselves but would really worry Emma (Eddie or similar).

Edited for typo

I've just hit "thanks" on that post and I can see it - and presumably you can, otherwise it would be mad! Can anyone else?

I don't think it's Eddie although he is behaving like a prize prick.

I can see it but no one else can

if everyone could see that I ‘agreed’then that would be good but otherwise I would reply to the post saying ‘agree’.

If nobody else can see it then we need a really offensive one to deal with personal vendettas. Otherwise they are entirely pointless. 😆