Archers Addicts 2

Oh Luckylegs - it wasn't his fault poor chap - it was Helen's of course.

Speaking as a long time listener, I really don't know how much more of this storyline I can take.

Not many cliffs in Borsetshire I presume . He needs to walk into a plough perhaps. Thought she had found her guts for a moment. She must talk to Pat or its the blacking factory for little Henry.

I think Kirsty is Helen's only hope now. Rob was really nasty to her whereas Pat thinks the sun shines out of his whatsit.

I still can't get my head around the change in relationship between Rob and his mother. Doesn't make sense.

I haven't caught up with the hitting episode yet . This has been on the cards hasn't it, the pattern with so many abusive men is their abuse escalates during pregnancy from emotional (not minimising that in any way) to include physical. By that time, the partner on the receiving end of the abuse totally blames themselves for provocation. Omnibus for me!

I think they have taken the story line as quickly as they can as these relationships do build over years rather than weeks but that doesn't stop me wishing it would be over.

I am also of the opinion that Rob would manipulate the family and they may not notice. Kirsty noticed because she came back into Helen's life so had not been brainwashed along the way. You would think the professionals will notice though? I know Rob has persuaded Helen to have the baby at home but he cannot control what happens then ... surely.

I do find that it is so "true" that I am switching off quite a bit now.

Phew, I listened to the omnibus this morning and found the final episode in which Rob hit/slapped Helen after she lost it when he questioned her ability to have a) been given Henry and b) care for their baby - well, shocking, distressing and absolutely believable.

I agree with Gracesgran that he Rob would have successfully manipulated the family, especially given Helen's previous psychological/emotional vulnerabilities. Is it too much to hope that the professionals notice?! He suggested H needs psychiatric input - no she doesn't, she would benefit from talking with a skilled psychologist who would be able to explore the power issues here. Will they go to see Dr Locke to get an nhs referral or will Rob's awful parents pay privately and arrange for H to be seen by one of their friends. Arrrgghh

I think Bert hit the nail on the head tonight when he touched on Helen's temperamental track record. While people tiptoe around her Rob has no fear of anyone, other than Kirsty, sticking up for her and he's seen Kirsty off good and proper.

This cheered me up - sadly it isn't what Helen is really going to say.

The Archers: the speech everyone wants Helen to make. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03mjlly

I think it could be a mistake for Rob to send Helen to a shrink. The shrink might me able to sus out exactly what is going on and Rob's game would be up.

They could send Rob onto the roof of Lower Loxley to hang up a banner!

I think Ursula must have escaped from a secure unit, she is completely insane. I now have my doubts whether it is Rob's mother as he couldn't stand her once. This whole thing us tipping me over the edge, I think we will have to have a "Free Helen" campaign. I am still not listening to it properly, just switch it on now and then, and it always a bit where Helen is being mentally abused. Keep looking on here to see if Helen has tried to finish Rob and his mother off, of better still, turned on the pair of them and seen them off, after contacting the police and outing them to the whole village, who turn on the pair.

Nelliemoser, I love it!

Nelliemoser I love it too

I am growing increasingly suspicious of Rob's relationship with his mother. I can't recall offhand whether The Archers has tackled incest and the Oedipus complex before (except perhaps among sheep), but could this be it?

Thanks for the link, Nellie. I thought it was Ursula speaking for a moment!

If only someone could slip it into Helen's script.

What's the betting the 'shrink' turns out to be a Titchener family friend and not a referral from Doc Locke?

Carol Tregorran is smelling a rat where Rob is concerned. Let's hope she steps in.

Yes. Carol has probably noticed his dreadful aura! Hope so. She probably has a tea for Helen too.

Tonight - Helen has an appointment

Isn't Carol meeting up with Peggy soon?

merlotgran, that was my fear when Rob mentioned a psychiatrist, that his dreadful parents have a tame one as a friend, who will swallow whatever they Titchener's say about Helen and act accordingly.

Even going privately, it'd be a small miracle if she was to see said psych this evening. But could it be that she's finally going to see the midwife. Is it possible the midwife might notice a slap mark or a black eye ?

I do hope so Iam64.

go carol! just need kirsty to talk to tom and carol.

She was slapped by the sound of it. Doubt there is much of a bruise. depends where he got her though. Takes a bloody good punch to make a bruise. bitter experience Won't be long though now. done it once sort of breaks the restraint to do it again. I was surprised he did not start by blocking her access and grabbing her wrists and pushing her. Mind you he has raped her so not the first time he has been violent.

Ok I'm listening and just heard Rob telling Helen that when she was sleep walking, she stood over Henry saying such abusive things, he can't repeat them. She was sleep walking - is he drugging her? He's phoned the perinatal psychiatric services and they have a cancellation appointment later today.
I've worked with abusive men and know some in RL - but honestly, this is scaring me now. It's hideous.

It's ghastly. I don't think the scriptwriter has any intention of bringing this to a close just yet.