Archers addicts 3!

AND what about the half a dogs body that mysteriously managed to hang itself over the feed at Berrow Farm, thus poisoning the feed? I'd feared it was Scruff but thankfully, he returned and cheered up Lynda Snell's life. I know there was a flood but honestly, half a dogs body hanging in perfect position to poison the feed and so ruin Charlie's career there.
I blame Rob. No, I don't think he caused the rain but I suspect he was the person stuffing the missing bunting (or the other half of the dogs body) into the culvert and thus flooding the village.

Stefan's body is yet to be found- maybe its in the attic at Blossom Hill Cottage and the forensic folks will stumble over it. Maybe Rob didn't kill Stefan, he'll see something on the internet about events in Ambridge and return.

Thanks Merlot and 64, I remember now. What a rotter spoiling that lovely bunting they all made.

Why are younger children in the Archers either mute (Ruairi) or pre-recorded (Henry) which makes him sound like a robot?

In a TV drama an important child character would have a few more words to say than 'Aaaaaawright' or 'Soweee, Mummy'. It may be all about child labour rules but listening to a silly voice is excruciating.

We know that Helen has never met Henry in RL but she probably doesn't want to in case he turns out to be 23, still in short trousers and playing with a fluffy bunny.

Why can't Ruairi burst into Jennifer's kitchen shouting, 'What's for dinner?' as he stomps across her Italian tiles in muddy trainers?

When you think of all the talented child actors that appear on TV, why do Radio ones have to be so unreal?

How long before Johnny's mum decides she wants him out of a disaster prone family?

I suppose it's cheaper to record Henry doing just a few repeated sentences. "Sorree Mummee" etc.

Yes merlot gran you can see where Rob got his influence from. Bruce sounded just like Rob, was amazed at Ursula taking it from him.
As you say everyone should speak up about things which have happened with Rob-especially Shula-which will give the bigger picture.

No matter who speaks up about what, the fact remains that Helen stabbed an unarmed man, not once but three times. She is now a criminal, even with mitigating circumstances.

What an absolutely dreadful message to anyone suffering domestic abuse of any kind - that there's no way out for a reasonable person! I'm especially angry about this because of all the virtue waving the Editor was doing about it being a story line that can happen to anyone, regardless of class, location etc. and it being played in real time (2 years) to reflect real life. It's now just a melodramatic farce.

This is nothing to do with middle class Archers fans not wanting such dreadful happenings in their 'naice' homes, (yes, I'm looking at you Grace Dent, you inverted snob) it's about turning what should have been a message that this is an insidious evil that is difficult to identify, but it is possible to escape from, into sensationalist drivel.

Oh I do agree with you SloeG , what a chance missed to show how to get out of the dreadful situation safely !

I don't mean an escape fairy to get her out , but on the phone to the safe line and escape to a safe house and show all the help that is available

It seems she was on tranquilers and they are now known to cause alterations in the brain. A barrier ( to kiill or hurt Rob) went down in her brain and she did it.

Absolutely spot on, SloeGinny

I thought she had only just started the tranquillisers (forced by Rob) and I think those of us on any anti-depressant medication would find it hard to identify an absence of inhibitions to the point where she "lost control" or any "barrier " to hurting/killing Rob went down .
Defending her child from what was certainly going to be corporal punishment is another matter, any mum would shelve her inhibitions to protect a little boy from a bully whom she knows to be capable of violence (from his attacks on her and also Jess, , rape, hitting etc)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0B6q52g2Ec

Saw this on the mumsnet Archers thread.

I wonder if we will hear an identified jury? If we do I am sure there will be a character with your view SloeGinny, Aggie and Merlotgran.

I am not happy about the melodrama - the GBH was not necessary to highlight the issue of DV. And it's aftermath will dominate the prog for months to come.

Helen hasn't been charged with GBH Luckygirl - at least so far - I think she was charged with wounding. I wonder if this was done so that we can see how those (characters) who didn't have the advantage we have had in actually hearing the ins and outs - react.

I do like that merlot!!!!!! Good bit of.dark humour.

Luckygirl I have checked and apparently - according to the solicitors, etc., listening, this could change to wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm or it may even be attempted murder - if Rob lives. If he dies - and there is still time - it would have to be murder or so they say.

Why is Helen's solicitor still advising her to say, 'No comment?'

He then rings Pat to say how sorry he is that she's going to be charged with attempted murder. What did he expect?

Well after tonight women suffering DV are never going to trust the police to help them. Yes, she stabbed him but no one is looking into why she did it. Is the solicitor right to tell her to say no comment all the time? How can the SW feel that they are helping these victims of terrible abuse by giving these story lines of the last week? If they really wanted to help they would have given her the chance to leave the abuser and receive help from various sources to get her life back. Thus showing it can be done.

We have to remember that no one, including the solicitor, knows what actually happened Merlotgran. The police will be attempting to either obtain a confession or get answers that will in some way undermines any account Helen may give in the future. Anything she says can be used for this. I remember reading a policeman's suggestions about what to do if arrested a couple of years ago. Apparently those who are part of the criminal set know exactly to say nothing but people like Helen want to explain but their very explanation can come back to haunt them.

Alea You have to differentiate between a normal presciption of tranquilisers and a case like Helen who without Rob would not have started on them. Why did the doctor prescribe them anyway. She was under immense stress but to attack with a knife. It will go to court I'm sure .
I agree pinkwallpaper. real ways out of this mess don't make interesting radio. its all to do with finding a flat and going without money, children who want ot go home to their own bedroom and their pets if any and then being scared iin case the man, once he's out of prison starts stalking and waiting at school gates.

The problem is that Helen did not really tell anyone early on. No one else knew all that was going on and at present there is almost no evidence from anyone else.

I don't think she is in any fit state to do anything but say no comment at present.
She needs a good talk with her solicitor and barrister to work out a plan of action.
Certainly not while she is under a police caution.

She's not under a caution, she's been charged with attempted murder I think.

AaaRrrrggghhhh!!!!!