"The calm before the storm?" - Listener discussions from 15-17 May 2011

There's a strong sense of foreboding when it comes to David Archer's happy mood on Sunday. Nic Hanson's reluctance to speak to Will and Clarrie's big mouth have been the subject of debate about the Grundys. And listeners have been thoroughly infuriated by the youngest Aldridge daughters Kate and Alice...

Here's my pick of listener discussions on The Archers message board, Twitter and Facebook between 15-17 May 2011.

On Sunday (15th), David's happy mood was seen by some as a portent of doom. Or perhaps this was the end of his depression? Had David, in effect, got away with "murder"... ?

The Ambridge air has worked its magic again - on David. #thearchers #ambridgeisthenewlourdes (@TrufflesP on Twitter)

So what could possibly go wrong? We've had plenty of suggestions...

Thing is I am rather fond of David, in a platonic way ... and I don't really want him to be dedded but tonight was such a pointer that I think the end is nigh. .. will he trip on the platemeter, knock himself out on the edge of a cattle trough and fall face in and drown? (La Sharpeesima)

'While you're here, David, could you just pop up and check the treetop walk?' (Freda Fry)

I think he will let slip the "man or mouse" comment and the grieving widow will spend the rest of her natural span getting her revenge in suitably devious and dastardly ways. (Doodlysquat)

Join the discussion on the message board

Is Nic's reluctance to talk to Will about not wanting a baby a sign that the relationship is in serious trouble? Some were outraged that Clarrie had betrayed her confidence.

To extract a confidence, then immediately pass it on to - of all people - Edday.......shame on you Clarrie Grundy. (littleolga)

If you think Will should have another kid you give birth to it Eddy & leave Nic alone #TheArchers (@cha0tic on Twitter)

Mind you, it's nice to hear one of his parents look at things from Will's point of view for a change instead of expecting him to 'be happy' for Ed and Emma. (JustJanie - Fairweather Jogger)

I believe that Nic could turn out to be a strong long term female character in TA if she can sort out her ground rules for staying... for me it would have to be marriage, keys to the house, bank books and Clarrie's ear, hand and heart. The Grundys could come good under her tutelage. (Bert The Bard)

Have your say on the How DARE Clarrie... and Can't afford a baby? threads.

Debates raged about whether Kate could legally take Phoebe out of the country and just how ineffective Roy's advice - "Don't let it get to you" - to Hayley was...

Hey Roy, just pretending it won't happen for the sake of a quiet life will backfire, you know. #TheArchers (@MrsAlliance on Twitter)

I would instinctively tend towards letting Kate hoist herself by her own petard, whilst quietly and calmly safeguarding Phoebe as much as they can; but that's far easier said than done. This is the heart of this SL, and the most interesting bit of it. (Jacks Parakeet)



Hayley should get on the phone to Peggy, she's the only one who gives Kate an earful! (joanhood)

Seriously: I don't think I have heard a short, sweet, point-blank "no" used when someone is set on doing something unacceptable to someone else. Do you suppose anyone has ever said it to Kate? (Chris Ghoti)

Catch up on Steamroller Kate, Roy's advice: "Don't let her get to you" and What's the legal position re Phoebe?.

Ambridge Extra

There's some discussion about whether the storylines are too dark. Will Chaz's "boss" call in Chris's loan (would Brian come to the rescue)? And why does Alice let Chaz badmouth Chris? Has she no sense of loyalty?

Well I'm certainly beginning to think Chris could do a lot better than Alice. God, I hope she doesn't actually end up with the evil Chas though. We don't want to hear any more of him than we have to. (littleolga)

Alice let Chas' vulgar and insulting comments about Chris' lack of cash go completely unchallenged. If we could all hear Chris' discomfort, why didn't Alice who has previously been so loving? (soobeehere)

Pond life? Takes one to know one. Looks like Chas is swimming with even bigger sharks. When's dinnertime? #ambridgeextra (@kimnmilward on Twitter)

Mark my words Christopher. This will not end well. #ambridgeextra (@deanleivers on Twitter)

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Tayler Cresswell is host of The Archers message board.

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