Archers Addict

I think the way Rob's role has been written is very clever - the subtle ways in which he's undermining Helen's confidence - commenting on her hair, changing the menu she had chosen, preventing her from tending to her child, etc., etc. - all the hallmarks of a controlling personality. Unlike the melodramatic plot in Eastenders several years ago (psychotic husband/terrorised wife), this depiction seems much more realistic in the way it demonstrates how controlling behaviour starts small but gradually gathers momentum.

NFK Jennifer is a total snob and has always been a spoilt brat. Does anyone remember the hilarious episodes when Jenny realised she was going to be related to the Horobins after Alice's marriage to Chris Carter son of Susan Horobin.

It seems that Alice as a wedding planner is going to keep raising the bills for the wedding. This could prove a financial disaster for Tom and Kirsty, Alice is certainly Jennifer's daughter.

phoenix shysal All the "audience clues" about Rob's controlling behaviour suggests Helen is heading for a disaster with Rob.

I remember when they disclosed this plot only on Ambridge Extra too. It was the first time I'd listened to it.
But shame they decided to 'rest' Ambridge E.

www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/10607929/Archers-bosses-axe-Ambridge-Extra-from-BBC-Radio-4-Extra.html

I agree shysal trying to remember where I heard the argument and I think it was on Radio 4's Feedback.

Right, we seem to agree on that, but when will it start to feature in the storyline?

I have at times in the past become very frustrated when I can see a storyline in the offing, but it takes aaaaages to actually "appear" so to speak!

Penguin, Surely most people have digital TV. That is how I accessed and recorded Ambridge Extra.

Definitely domestic abuse for Helen and Rob, possibly psychological rather than physical. This will be the latest message to the public, there is a TV campaign going on at the moment to help victims recognise the signs.

although the Archers has some 'dud' storylines, they tend to be not laboured as much as some other soaps (mentioning no names but I suppose TV soaps have a different approach and need to be in your face)
the Archers also tend to be more realistic and build the characters quite nicely (in our heads at least) so we can voyeuristically (sp.) watch the story unfold - bit like a good book.

Yes Phoenix, all the signs are there that's where the relationship is going. I do hope Ruth's pregnancy is ok, we need some stability in the dynasty.
Where is Usha?

It is full of unanswered questions! That's the brilliance of The Archers. X

I can't see Tom & Brenda getting back together, but I've thought of a way for Brian to redress the balance with Jennifer.

Next time she's moaning about needing a holiday, instead of the Maldives/Seychelles/Mauritius he can take her to Butlins in Minehead.

Why do I feel that the Ruth pregnancy thing will not go right? Can't be a problem with the baby, as we have already had that with Mike & Vicky with baby Bethany.

Re the Rob & Helen business, do you think it might degenerate into domestic violence, with Helen too frightened to say anything for fear of a chorus of "told you so" ?

I think Ruth is mid 40's. I read an article which wondered how Pip and Ben would feel about a new addition. I have an on and off relationship with The Archers. I understand the BBC was under siege for Ambridge Extra as they are, were promoting digital radio and AE was seen us an unfair perk which many wouldn't be able to listen to.

Yes Phoenix, but Brenda's just reappeared to announce her engagement. A timely visit I think. Especially when Kirsty's gone materialistic. X

J52 BRENDA! She and Tom split up ages ago!

How old is Ruth? Trying to work it out re the pregnancy! X

I've quite enjoyed the kitchen saga, and like Shysal, I suspect it's Jennifer's on going revenge for Brian's affairs, particularly the one that left jennifer looking after the child (well sending him to boarding school anyway)

Poor Tony and Pat, what a rotten time they're having with their remaining offspring. Helen a constant worry, and Tom seeming not to notice that his parents have feelings as well. As for Peggy, what on earth is she thinking, missing out Tony in her will, and not noticing that Rob is a controlling, emotionally abusive individual only interested in himself.

Wasn't the Bradley Wiggins visit fun. Long live the Archers

Maybe Jenny feels she deserves something special after taking on Brian's 'love child', even though they have packed him off to boarding school. I have no doubt that he can comfortably afford the kitchen. I was amazed that he was incapable of buying a few ready meals for himself though, he gave in too easily.

Am loving the Helen story am I being a bit old fashioned here but would she really leave her son with Rob or anyone that she has known for such a relatively short time. Wouldn't Pat have some concerns? As for the wedding surely Peggy will not be asked for yet more dosh to help out and when did she become so very rich?

Do you think the wedding will take place? Or will Tom and Brenda head off towards the sunset? X

cannot feel too much sympathy for the helen character as she has been a mite selfish, manipulative in the past and leans far too much on others who go around worrying about 'poor helen' - that said Rob is a definite bully
feel it is good they are highlighting the cost of weddings (how much for a wedding dress has Kirsty the eco-warrior lost all sense of proportion) and poor Tom being talked into an off-plan house with see-thru basins and the rest when they could so easily and cheaply have built on the farm
how will he get to his pigs when they live miles away. surprised they haven't been mentioning 'help to buy'.
agree about the kitchen - but Jennifer is always a bit smug and full of herself - thinks she is 'landed gentry' or the squire's escort. never though I would feel sorry for Brian or 'Ohh Brian' as she calls him.

Agree. Jennifer seems to have changed into a real spoilt brat.

And what about poor Helen? I feel she's heading for yet another let down.

So was I phoenix. I don't know why he didn't just call her bluff and go down the pub fpr a meal - expensive but not as expensive as this kitchen appears to be. Why do people fall for all these gimmicks - why does anyone need a tap that provides constant boiling water?

I feel he'll get his own back, eventually! x

I was absolutely incandescent with rage when Brian gave into Jennifer over the kitchen!

I was sorry to read that Ambridge Extra has been axed.

Sounds fascinating, phoenix, do tell!