Alice and her drink problem The Archers

Thanks for restarting Archers thread Iam. Who's going to join me for the Life Class?

I find the idea that Lee/Leigh is "fit" altogether quite extraordinary as he has such a terrible voice!
I'm sorry to say he sounds to me as though stamp collecting would be too much effort.

Regarding the original title, I hope Alice will speak to Kate and find her a support in the future.

I agree they should tell their relatives and friends that Alice has a drink problem. They may not be that supportive ( but they can hopefully get support
elsewhere), but at least they will know not to offer drink, leave Alice on her own etc. Actually I am surprised Peggy hasn’t at least told Jennifer, I know it would be a breach of trust, but it is such a serious situation.

I wouldnt find Kate a supportive person to talk to . I have found the Lee life drawing stuff very irritating. TA are really bad at comedy.

I can see why an alcoholic might not want people to know about their addiction because they are scared and ashamed. I hope as the story line progresses it will emphasise the importance of support for both of them, as they have unrealistic expectations at present. Support needs to be lifelong because of the chronic nature of Alcoholism. I think relapses aren’t uncommon in the early days, and don’t indicate long term failure, if overcome with sufficient professional help and support. Chris really needs help because his understanding will be crucial in supporting Alice, especially if they are to survive as a couple.. Will be interesting to see how it progresses, and may be a help to listeners who also have a problem.

As regards to Kate I think she is learning a few life lessons herself, late in the day, from Jakob.

It’s about time Kate did learn a few life lessons. As a teenager she was always self centred and rather selfish and has continued that way over many years, I don’t think I have ever heard her apologise, a really irritating character.

As for the Alice story line it will develop over a period of time and yes the issues they have covered, , dementia, coercive control, and now alcoholism as well as modern slavery is dealt with very slowly.

Maybe not Galaxy but she is without a doubt the one who has been off the rails a lot..
That may help Alice who is struggling with the addition.

Actually its not a bad idea now I think of it. Kate is fundamentally selfish and Alice needs to be told to put her needs first. Personally I think she needs to be given permission so to speak to leave Chris.

... obviously I mean addiction ...I don't think she's struggling with maths problems!

Is it just me or did anyone else find tonight's episode upsetting?

Not really as it was so unrealistic! One minute, Alice was turning down the gift of Champagne, the next so drunk on miniatures that Chris deemed her unsafe around the baby.
Great cliffhanger but in real life, everyone would know about the drink problem, they’d struggle through the Christening in an attempt to keep normal life going, the row would happen at home after the event and eventually, with luck,perhaps after years, Alice would reach rock bottom and seek help. Or die. By that stage, close family members would also have suffered.
Back in the world of what now looks like permanent four nights a week radio drama, (BBC still not owning up to this) I thought Emma’s reaction was appalling. Horrible and smug reaction.
On the other hand, if Alice had been honest with everyone, she may have got more sympathy.

The trouble is Alice was vile to Emma, I think it might be quite difficult to be generous to someone who was making threatening phone calls to you. But I have always had a soft spot for Emma.
I am hoping Rex's move to LL with his pigs is setting up a story for him and Lily to be together so Russ is finally given his marching orders.

I thought it was very poorly written too Kate. I was also amazed they just walked away from the christening.

Galaxy - I would be disappointed if Rex took up with the awful Lily.

I haven’t heard last night’s yet. I’m not surprised the Christening was the catalyst for Alice’s drink problem being made known.

I’m enjoying the story of Rex moving to Lower Loxley. I hope he and Lily become good friends and more.

I think although lily can be difficult, she is actually kind at heart, and no one deserves creepy Russ. Lily being with Rex carries on Elizabeth's historical relationship with the Fairbrothers.

Exactly Galaxy, plus I rather like Rex. Russ on the other hand, creep if the first order

Elizabeth seems to be losing patience with Russ. He does seem to be a waste of space when it comes to work. I hope for good things for Rex and Lily.

I'm not coming to any conclusion about Alice and Chris's family (as they all now seem to be involved) until I hear a little more. Neil will probably act as a counter-balance to the two women.

What about Rex and Pip though? He has always been keen on her.

I found the episode upsetting too Merlot. In RL I don’t think they’d even have got to the christening after Alice’s lapse. She is basically following a usual alcoholic trajectory and I feel so sad for her. Chris needs a lot of support to understand what is happening, but I guess TA is primarily a drama so needs to ramp it up a bit. As to Rex and Lilly, I always expected him to end up with Pip.

I listened to the Christening episode at lunch time. Excellent script and acting IMO though a tough listen.
Chris loved Alice, he’s no experience of addiction, wanted a family and believed if he supported Alice with detox, her love of Martha along with his love and support would see them through. Desperately sad

I agree that rex will end up with pip eventually, they like the whole brothers feud thing, but I think he will be with Lily first.

Yes, sad and upsetting. It must be awful to be an addict.
What will happen to all the Martha biscuits?!

I always thought Pip and Rex should end up together, he’s too good for Lily. I do agree that Russ is useless though.

I’ve listened to the omnibus. What a shocking outburst from Brian to Fallon