Archers thread #193: Christmas in Ambridge! Don't expect any wise men (or women). 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'd love a couple of acquaintances to clean and tidy your house without your permission, 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/5457344-the-archers-spoilers-thread-11-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.)

What do we think - best Christmas ever followed by a nice quiet New Year? No, me neither. We have the tractor run to look forward to , and then whatever they've got lined up for the 75th anniversary of the first ever episode - New Year's Day 1951. I can't imagine that anybody involved with the programme then expected it would still be on the air 75 years later. I wonder what they would make of the current direction. The lack of farming content would be a surprise, given that was the whole reason for devising the programme in the first place.

Over to you!

Excellent acting from the cast tonight.

Jazzer seems to be acting suspiciously though!

So many red herrings!

Fallon's cut hand ...

Yup, in the cue the BBC4 continuity guy used the words ‘an’, ‘inspector’ and ‘calls’.

and made it clear it’s supplementary to the main eps - ‘imagined’ reactions.

So this play - the announcer said we are are both in Ambridge and not in Ambridge - does that mean that these interviews don't actually happen in the Archers storyline?

It's a proper whodunnit. Neil didn't do any basic first aid if George really is at death's door. Perhaps the call handler didn't like George either.

That’s how I interpreted it, yes.

you can listen to just the usual eps and get all the drama.

My understanding is that Clare Skinner is rehashing a few classic storylines from recent history to explain various potential motives.

Traitors clashes with TA play?! WTF?! Will no-one at the BBC think of the renaissance women and men who enjoy both?!

Apologies. As you were. One starts as the other ends.

phew.

when to eat though?!

An Inspector Calls…

They’ve already done Murder on the Orient Express with Matt.

We’re doing telly; not really caring about George (but might listen on Sounds later).

Oh right, you’re already there and I’m late to the party 🥳

Glad to hear Lillian still runs 'a housing company'. Haven't heard anything about Amside in years!

And I’ve had to juggle listening, reading this thread and watching Leeds United! I’m exhausted!

Argh it's killing me not being able to listen today. I haven't read anyone's posts, will have to try and catch up tomorrow!

A Woman Up North?! 😱

How does the Detective know all these personal details about everyone??

OK so i wasn't on board with the "An Inspector Calls"-ness of it all.
But as it has gone on, i am enjoying it more and more. A potted history of the current characters, their feelings and motivations.
(I did think Brian was going to cark it at one point tho)

Claire Skinner is having the time of her life with this, but what a load of tosh. Could have been a clever recap device, but sadly just silly.

The announcer said it was Ambridge but not Ambridge so I'm confused as to whether it is 'cannon' or not. No way they have interviewed them all in one day, including Clive surely?

We are hearing how so many who have been righteous about George really shouldn't be.

Not finished yet and I'm bloody annoyed. Utter bollocks.

Its a bit silly.

Given the concept, I’m not sure a real TA character being investigated can die in this imaginary realm - because how would that impact real Ambridge? (If you see what I mean?)