With plans for Borsetshire’s new road revealed, listeners prepared to join Ambridge in protest after the alarming ‘Ruthwail’ acted as a call to arms.
Meanwhile, it was farewell to Tom; a few (but not many) words of support for Tony; further speculation about another affair for Adam and calls for Elizabeth to ‘grow up’ about her forthcoming camping expedition.
Here’s my pick of the listener discussions between 22 and 28 May.
As most of Ambridge turned up to hear about the new road plans, some listeners sympathised with the village’s plight while others wondered whether residents were being overdramatic.
Oh Daaaaayyyyyyvid! Brilliant. A proper storyline to enjoy. Im off to make placards to save the farm, who’s with me? (Sarah Begley on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
This road scheme - it's Borsetshire's #HS2, yes? #theArchers an opportunity to deploy Lynda Snell & imagine how she'd take on Govt! #noHS2 (@Bookchick3 on Twitter)
That's why I love #thearchers. The lynch mob have decided the new road is pure evil before they even know anything about it. (@SueHomeyard on Twitter)
Another David and Goliath storyline! Super dairies super roadways. Can't we have some more quaint country drama please.... couple of affairs, a broken combine harvester and repainting the village hall?? (Cath Anderson-Carroll on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
This whole storyline really reminds me of the beginning of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Maybe BL and the council are planning an inter-galactic space highway (Anna Court on Archers Archers Addicts Facebook group)
That was indeed intense. I'm sure they'll come out smelling of roses but I feel a bit sorry for Deevid and Roof. #thearchers (@Real_StefP on Twitter)
Maybe the hedgehogs will be some rare species and save Brookfield? (Sarah Barnard on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
Nevertheless, Ruth’s outcry at the meeting got a strong reaction – even if it did drown out any mention of Plan C.
Ruths "neoooooooow Deeeeeeviiiiid! " was spectacular! I love the way when she's upset we almost need subtitles for her (of course being radio that wouldn't work but you get my drift) (Sarah Gravett on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Never has any sound made me support a new road more than Ruth's "Oh David!" on learning that Brookfield is to be tarmacced. #thearchers (@DAaronovitch on Twitter)
That was some scream from Ruth ! Almost a Kirsty ! (Trisha Lesley McCarthy on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
I found that episode the most entertaining since the infamous roof fall. Happy days (Abby Alexandria Jones on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Am I right in thinking they said there were three options? We didn't hear the last one over the Ruthwail!! (Jo Gibson on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
Scenes were no less emotional at Bridge Farm as listeners wondered whether Tom’s move to Canada would be permanent – and whether he might be taking anyone (*coughs* Tony *coughs*) with him.
Well done Tom. Stick that Tony you muppet. (Jane Phillips on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
You know what? Despite all Tom's mistakes and stupidity I feel rather sorry for him.... you try living in the shadow of your dead brother. At last he can live the life he wants rather than the one that he is expected to.... go for it, Tom! (Alison Bailey on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
HE'S GOING! YESSSSSSSS! #thearchers (@DustySubstances on Twitter)
I hope Tom makes his fortune, because there will nothing left of Bridge Farm once Rob gets his mitts on it. (Avril Hall-Evitts on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
@BBCTheArchers I don't know quite what to say?? This can't be the last we hear of Tom, surely?? For all is groaning I'll miss him. Don't go! (@jco0872 on Twitter)
Tom lad, be a star and take your dad along, eh? #thearchers (@PaulRed82sed on Twitter)
Just had a few tears roll down my face then when I heard tony say 'son' #thearchers @BBCTheArchers (@Shoegalsedgwick on Twitter)
Heartbreaking episode for this dysfunctional family. Brilliantly done...but so sad for all of them. Just wondering how things can ever be mended. (Caroline Stevens on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
@BBCTheArchers how many Archers do we have to lose until we rename it The Grundy's ? #missingtomalready (@adangerousage on Twitter)
All bets are off on the subject of Charlie and Adam and whether their relationship will remain strictly professional. Look out, Ian?
affair incoming. alert, affair incoming #thearchers (@Sandtalon on Twitter)
I think Charlie fancies Adam. (Maggie Beech on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
Yup, same thought crossed my mind...but we had the unfaithful Adam story last year. Maybe Charlie will be a stalker? (Marguerite Fleming on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
Was that Charlie asking Adam on a date? #thearchers #pawelalert - someone warn Ian! (@SocialistGreen on Twitter)
#thearchers Adam, you get back to that lovely Ian. (@nosila_63 on Twitter)
Charlie is shaping up to be a Mr Darcy. Hard exterior, but soft inside. Will Adam turn out to be his Elizabeth? #thearchers (@JessicaMarkwel1 on Twitter)
Talking of Elizabeth, there was little compassion for her camping aversion, with many keen to learn how she’ll cope under canvas – with Roy?
So not only have we got the new road to worry about, we have Roy and Elizabeth camping! Are they sharing a tent??? (Doreen Costar on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
Lizzie under canvas *shudder* #TheArchers (@hugzee on Twitter)
Elizabeth, you can't die from camping. Although I would cheer if you did #thearchers (@barefootmower on Twitter)
Lizzie is no cool cat when it comes to a festival mud bath is she? I think Brownies "camped" indoors until recently and today's tents are quite a big improvement on Guides' tents ~ I'd love to see Lizzie using her wellie sticks and digging a latrine! (Jean Bell on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Lizzie needs a Winnebago at the very least #thearchers (@mcmrhona on Twitter)
Tayler Cresswell is The Archers’ social media host
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