Archers Addicts 2

Why are Helen's family not bothered about seeing her and Henry any more, and why is she content to never visit them, having previously seen them several times a week? Surely they miss each other and would pop round, in spite of the Rob/Ursula take over? In fact, I would have expected Ursula to be invited round for coffee or a meal by some of them. Why does the school not contact Helen? Why did we not hear what happened when the midwife called, did I miss something?

This story is all too real and very uncomfortable listening if you know someone who has been a Helen as I do. Actually it is unbearable at times. The reason it might seem unbelievable is that in real life it is a drip drip drip effect which passes unnoticed until the ceiling falls in. Hard to represent on a radio programme with other storylines (thank goodness) and only 15 minutes. We were hoodwinked by an outwardly charming and intelligent man and I still feel guilty for being duped for so long. It's Pat and Tony I want to shout at. The programme researchers have done a good job imho and, if you feel you can, find your local Domestic Violence Support Centre and give a donation, or to Women's Aid or Refuge. These services can help all if us by making us aware of domestic abuse in all its forms. Unfortunately the clever ones hurt their partners and children without leaving visible bruises.

Never thought I'd say it but poor Henry.

Has anyone noticed that David Troughton plays Tony Archer and William Troughton plays Tom Archer. I often wondered why they replaced the actor who played Tom - maybe nepotism rules!

Everyone says this is a useful plot as it shows how easily people can become victims of this type of abuse, but it is now becoming so stupid and unbelievable that it is making folk think that this type of abuse is just a television/radio story and could not possible happen in real life. It is doing the idea that it can help a complete disservice .

Child abuse is creeping into the storyline now.

Not nice.

Tony is more of an ostrich than Pat.

Gah!!

Was brave enough to listen hoping Tony was going to pick up on problem but no, he is adding to it. Can't bear it, back to not listening and catching up on this thread.

Oh no, Ursula is getting Pat and Tony onside.
How do they do that??

I am going to listen to it again after I swore I wouldn't until Rob went. I will practise deep breathing and rise above it.

Iam I think Tom played a blinder hinting to Johnny that he was 'just like his dad' when it came to animal management.

That did the trick and Johnny decided to ditch Rob's advice and go for Plan A.

Rob ain't gonna be happy. Another Archer with an eye to his future on a farm owned by....Archers? Can't have that.

I think/hope Tony will now start to pick up on some of the unease Rob is spreading around. In RL he'd have been on it by now even if Pat is wearing an oversized pair of rose tinteds.

You were right Iam! Rob will go ballistic, hope Tom or Tony is around to hear and that Jonny has put it in writing so there is no going back. I agree Tom and Kirsty would be a force to be reckoned with, and Tom and Tony likewise. Rob isn't so good at standing up to men. Bring in Dr Locke stage left to put his foot down about a home birth and we might be getting somewhere.

The way they spoke to each other hinted at the possibility of a reconciliation , or am I clutching at straws. They'd be a great combination in seeing what is really happening to Helen and Henry.
I was cooking whilst I listened last night but I'm pretty sure I heard Johnny deciding not to follow Rob's (unkind, destructive) advice about studying management/maths.

Well Tom and Kirsty nearly spoke to each other properly about Helen.
I heard somewhere Helen was about seven months.

I wish Kirsty and Tom had talked for longer but....Softly, softly, catchee monkey.

I love this storyline even though I am constantly screaming at Rob. It shows radio drama can be really powerful. I really want it to end well but can it?

I don't think you are yummygran1 because I've never heard so much talk about an Archer's story line. It's been discussed on various news media and even Facebook friends are sharing the Titchner must Go signs. It's a great storyline and it's highlighting a serious issue without lecturing us. What's not to 'enjoy'

As annoying and toe curling as the character Rob is (and I agree he must go soon). I am really enjoying the storyline, if that is the correct word to use. I feel it is much more 'meaty' than the usual 'what colour cows shall we have' stories. I know it is meant to reflect rural life in middle England, but you often don't know what goes on behind closed doors.

I certainly hope the serial doesn't taken on the stories of Corrie and Eastenders but at the moment I am finding it really listenable. Am I in the minority?

I think Tony will wake up before Pat. Rob has already ruffled his feathers once.....thin end of the wedge.

Maybe Johnny has been brought back into the storyline for a reason. He'll be the catalyst.

She says, hopefully

Pat is really annoying me now , come on wake up. How come a feminist is colluding with Rob?

Wish Tony + Pat would wake up!!

It has reached the pages of the DT today with Allison Pearson commenting on it in her weekly column.

One of the big problems is that Tom and Kirsty need to talk to each other about their worries for Helen, but after Tom jilted Kirsty it is going to be difficult for those two to get their heads together on this issue.

Here we go copy and paste it.

Ooh! I want a Rob must go sticker!

I just thought that the actor playing Ursula sounded quite elderly.