The Archers

Oh dear, I hope that is tongue in cheek, Iam64 and I haven't unintentionally offended you.

I love the Archers too Iam. It is almost as old as I am and has been part of most of my life. It was played on Forces broadcasting when my father was posted abroad and I have sat in a car, outside a French gite when on holiday, in order to get a signal to listen.

I agree with your views of the characters too. Some become irritating from time to time but so do some of my friends; it doesn't stop me caring about them. You are right about the dogs too. I have got to know most of the people I know in our village because I met their dog first. Dogs are a strong theme in village life.

One of things I love about it most is it's speed. I have long since ceased to watch what I see as the 'shouty' TV soaps but I also feel they play storylines out very quickly and life really isn't like that. The Archers has the opportunity to play things at nearer to RL speed and that gives them a chance to round out the characters and give us more insight in to just being human.

Mary doll, no I wasn’t offended at all and yes, tongue in cheek is correct

Thank you!

What do people think of the Shula/ Alastair situation. Is it OK and totally reasonable to end a marriage because you have ‘fallen out of love?’ When one side had no idea? Is this now acceptable? If so what is the legal /public / marriage commitment?

I'm wondering what 'message' this storyline will be attempting to get across to listeners. The difficulties encountered by two estranged people living under the same roof and running side-by-side business perhaps?

Or maybe Shula will just take off for pastures new.

Hurrah!!!!

Go Ruth go!!! - she will sort Brian out.

I had to laugh when Ruth said she'd like to talk to Rauiri. How's he going to reply?

Semaphore?

A new Archers thread was started following the 'silliness' on here. Shall we abandon this one in favour of the new?
www.gransnet.com/forums/tv_radio_film_arts/1246455-The-Archers-2?msgid=26643781

Well the proverbial has well and truly hit the fan in Ambridge now. What will become if them.

Certainly has! Don't think I have ever heard Jennifer sound quite so animated before.

Good to hear that Brian has been outed. It was beginning to sound a bit implausible. A secret isn't a secret anymore when it's shared with just one person.

I think Shula has been through all the heart rending and falling out of love bit over a long time. I have to admit I am surprised that some of you are surprised that this happens. Individually I think most people will try to save a marriage but there are obviously more who decide they can't. Marriage is a patriarchal device and Shula isn't the dependant type so it would have to be a marriage of equals for her and I'm not sure it was.

I was wondering, like you merlot, if they would have to share the house for some time. I know a couple of couples who have had to. I wonder if it's big enough to split it?

I had to laugh when Ruth said she'd like to talk to Rauiri. How's he going to reply?

He's fifteen! I think he's still about 8 in my head.

Shula is an independent woman but she's also a Christian, so ending her marriage will be even tougher for her than it is for all of us.
She's supported Alistair through all kinds of stuff and has seemed increasingly isolated and unhappy. I know she isn't most people's favourite character in the Archers but I think she's interesting and represents lots of women like herself in any village community.
`I loved Jill's response. Initial horror that Shula could think of ending her marriage without trying harder, then the dawning realisation that Shula wouldn't do something like that on the spur of the moment (no laughing at the back). Jill then felt guilty so no doubt dashed off a couple of lemon drizzle cakes, I just wish she'd send one round here.

I think your word "isolated' does sum up a lot of what has been happening in Shula's life Iam.

He's 15?? How have we missed so much of his life? Are he and Mousie incarcerated at Dotheboys Hall?

Will's revelation was a shock, poor Nic to have that burden. Good to hear Will and Ed being close for once.

I wonder if I misheard Elrel. That's a lot of water under the bridge without us noticing.

Just a thought, where's Johnny gone?

Perhaps back to mother for his Easter Eggs?

Or is he hiding in his room and writing his life story, could be a best seller!

Or maybe he and Ruari are running an online business empire ...

Poor Ed. Thanks to Will unburdening himself he will now have to watch every word as well as worrying about whatever Joe might say. Will's going to be on his case all the time now.

Will did seem to be aware he may go to prison.

I missed a few episodes and particularly the one where Joe told Ed what Nic said, so now am a bit behind. Has Ed told Will?

No Will has told Ed.