Archers Addicts 2

Johnny is in real danger as he's is so impressionable. I think Tony will step in if Rob tries his manipulation act. He has stood up to him before and he adores Johnny.

Sadly Johnny seems to be falling under Rob's spell. Thank goodness Tom isn't fooled.

I haven't heard slurring but I did wonder if the actor is/has been a heavy smoker.
I've missed Sunday, Monday and tonight - so I shouldn't even be looking at this thread but I'm addicted. Maybe she is hitting the bottle Leonora47 (the character I mean) maybe that's the next Big Storyline.

Has anyone else commented in previous posts about Rob's mother's speech?

I would be perfectly happy if the part has been offered to an actor with a slight speech impediment; many people have speech problems and, ( in the spirit of inclusiveness) I can see no reason to exclude them from the radio.

However, if the actor who is playing the part is handicapped - in such a way that it is obvious to the listener, some explanation of her character's back-story is needed.
Maybe his mother could be recovering from recent stroke, or a car crash.

I do hope that his mother's speech isn't slurred because she's hitting the bottle. Especially if she is to be Helen's birth companion.

I could shake Pat!

If I was thrown out of my friend's house by her husband I think I'd want to get even. Surely Kirsty would at least tell Fallon and Emma?

I am not sure poor Helen is even frightened sadly, as the two baddies have undermind her so much that she doubts her own mind. That is more dangerous as she is becoming an enemy to herself..

I think Ursula is even worse than Rob if possible. She sounds so rational then puts the knife in. They both have a dangerous psychological disorder.

Tonight's episode is not even over,and I'm shouting at the radio!

Let's hope that lots of other people are doing the same as you chloe1984, and seeing controlling behaviour in lots of situations and with lots of people. Maybe some of those being controlled will seek help - wouldn't that be something.

Leonora47 I am inclined to agree with your scenario just don't think I can bear it if Rob continues as I am starting to see his controlling behaviour in lots of situations and with lots of people.

I can't bear it anymore. Something has to happen to stop him. Helen is obviously terrified of him now and daren't speak out even when she has the chance.

Is it possible that Rob and his "mother" don't actually want the new baby to survive at all?

Home birth can a wonderful and fulfilling experience for the many mothers who have either already had a trouble-free first delivery, or are in tip-top physical condition.
Helen had a difficult pre-term delivery ; is obviously in poor health ; and had been strongly advised to have a hospital birth.

We need to remember who will be in charge of summoning the midwife when Helen goes into labour.
How simple would it be to put off the vital call to the midwife for an hour or so, " just to keep the birth as natural as possible darling"?

How we would weep with frustration, (because we saw it coming weeks ago) as Helen dies from post partum haemorrhage; leaving You Know Who, and his Mum, with parental control over poor little motherless Henry.

Poor dear Rob, the devastated young husband. How wonderfully he will be able to wring the withers of Helen's Kith and Kin, as he bravely tries to rise above his own suffering, with the loyal support of his mother to look after Henry.

It's just possible you know.
But, we will be in pure Dickensian territory by then.

I'm beginning to think that if everyone left Helen alone, didn't visit or ask after her, she'd soon get fed up with the lack on attention.

Tom needs to raise his concerns with Pat and Tony. Not about Helen but the fact that Rob is taking over her share in the farm. Just because they've retired it doesn't mean they don't still have considerable clout where the finances are concerned. Johnny's job needs protecting for a start.

Now.....It's not real so I really must stop worrying about the farm but somebody needs to tell the SW that when a farmer's daughter unexpectedly turns up with a wedding ring on her finger, alarm bells start clanging and the first phone call he makes is to his solicitor.

By my reckoning Rob has so far pissed off Tony, Johnny, Tom, Kirsty + Ian. Surely some of them have got to get together soon + sort him out.

Rob is annoying Tom, has kicked Kirsty out and got it in for Jonny. That is (I hope) a dangerous combination as surely Pat and Tony's loyalty to their dead son and his son will override Rob's blandishments. Hope he has gone too far!

Oh dear, Kirsty has played right into Rob's hands!

Is there no hope?

x

Rob has it in for Johnny now!
Go, Kirsty!!!!

yes it is talked about a lot, it is a gripping storyline, thats sometimes painful to listen to, but many people say it is believable and mirrors their experiences. It has kept me listening unlike the boring Ruth/David and the crisis in dairy farming not to mention the unlikely Pip. I also like the moer humourous characters- Lilian, Brian, Jennifer, the Grundys. The Archers is a good mix of light and serious at the moment IMHI.

Mumsnet's thread on TA picks it apart in detail and is very funny.

I am pretty certain that the BBC's Audience Research Department is keeping a very close watch on all Forums similar to our beloved Grans' Net.
They will see that the majority of our regular listeners are totally involved in the Helen/Rod story line.
Yes, a few of us are able to resist our fascination with this part of the allover Archers' story; but even they can't resist a second- hand fix by checking up here from time to time, just to find out what is happening.

The producers must be rubbing their hand with glee. They have proved that a more, 'racy/scary' plot line will keep us coming back for more.
They employed a very pricey script writer to add some zing to the story-line; and have proved that it worked. I bet they have the highest listening figures since Grace Archer walked into the flames.
The BBC probably can't afford his services for much longer, but the scary format has been proved to attract, and hold, a very involved audience.
So stand by for more cliff-hanger scandals, and skulduggery.

Will it end with the baby being born? I wonder if Rob is not now turning his attention to getting Tom and Johny out of the way of his and Helen's inheritance. He obviously plans never to get another job.

Now that Rob has given Kirsty the brush off, perhaps she will confide in Tom who at least is not as besotted with Rob as Pat and Tony seem to be. Kirsty and Tom will then join forces and get together again along the way.
Can the scriptwriters keep this up until May though (which is when I think the baby is due)??

Emotional domestic abuse of the sort Helen is being subjected to is alive and happening to many women all the time. Helen has had mental health issues and is very vulnerable. Rob's behaviour is all too realistic.

I have also stopped listening I find this story creepy and to be honest a bit unbelievable,although I realise this a serious subject, I wonder if the listener numbers have dropped, can they be monitored like viewing numbers on TV programmes

I agree lucky legs. We used to listen every day but I find it annoying/scary, not what I want to listen to. So glad scriptwriter is going. Please can we have our comfy old Archers back.

When will this storylne be at an end and I can go back to listening again, I look on here from time to time to see what's going on. It is so depressing that a seemingly intelligent woman could be so manipulated and without those around her not even knowing. Now it seems evil mil is piling on the pressure. A lot of bad things happen to people everyday, every time I look at the news, now it's taken over my favourite radio programme.