Look out, Lynda: there’s a new anti-Route B crusader in the village and she goes by the name of Jill “The Enforcer” Archer.
There was advice for Brian and Jennifer as they faced kitchen-sink drama; few words of support for Shula during Dan’s visit, and alarm as Helen likened her relationship with Rob to a fairy tale. Meanwhile, many were concerned about Lilian’s knitting capabilities, and for Peggy after her bad day.
Here’s my pick of the listener discussions between 5 and 11 June 2014.
As the battle against Route B gathers pace, Jill Archer emerged as Ambridge’s chief activist, but is she being overly sentimental – or worse still, a NIMBY?
Don't mess with Jill: The Enforcer #thearchers (@KittyBrownphoto on Twitter)
Go Jill go!! (Mary J Chowen on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
Loved Jill tonight ( well, always adore her actually). Thought she might tackle the road problem at the top. I think she should go with plan A - tackle Justin Elliott in her own inimitable way . (Julie Matthews on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
After tonight's epi I have a vision of Jill chained to the upper boughs of a tree as the bulldozers come in. (cath on The Archers blog)
So far the road campaign is rubbish. Just the Archers upset about private family memories. Nothing about community at all. #thearchers (@ElizabethBangs on Twitter)
#thearchers If not Ambridge then somewhere else, Jill. You NIMBY. (@DanzacRose on Twitter)
Controversially , I thought Jill was being like all the rest of the Archers - completely self absorbed and unable to see anyone else's point of view. The new road (if it ever gets built) may well bring prosperity to the whole area and a number of people. (Elaine Masters on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
It was more domestic matters that entertained many but frustrated others as suggestions came in about how Brian and Jennifer could solve their kitchen-sink dramas.
Brian is in a lather over the sink... #thearchers (@potterwigham on Twitter)
Oh, made me giggle.. "There's no place for the integrated wine fridge to fit!!!" #firstworldproblems @BBCTheArchers (@Luinecu on Twitter)
Jennifer and Brian - much-needed light relief from Tony, Helen, Rob et al ! (Angela Harris on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
The kitchen saga beggars belief... I know we need some light relief, but this Fred Karno outfit is just absurd. (Nigel Cropper on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Wouldn't it be cheaper to eat at Grey Gables forever instead of fitting this kitchen? #thearchers (@Dark_Blue_Box on Twitter)
Quote of the week: "It's a kitchen sink, Jenny, not the Haywain" (Jane Alsop on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
I have a copy of the Haywain in my bedroom. That just got my sense of humour Brilliant one-liner.... (Jackie Bell on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
There was short shrift for Shula once more as her relationship with Alistair showed the strain during “army bore” Dan’s visit home.
Shula, Shula if you want Daniel's weekend to be as perfect as possible, you need to be careful not to create an atmosphere between Alistair and yourself. (Pauline Stroud on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
Having Shula for a mother is not easy #thearchers Much harder than Sandhurst. (@JasperBarry2 on Twitter)
As a mother of two sons I find Shula's attitude and tone grating. She is SO middle aged in attitude and non supportive. @BBCTheArchers. (@LaCapelle on Twitter)
Boring Dan, angsty Shula - their awkward scenes together are insufferable! I'd run off for a bit of networking, too. (Paula Fomby on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Dan has turned into an army bore. There are other things to talk about you know!! @BBCTheArchers #thearchers #dumteedum (@BecTilley on Twitter)
Spare us from this party political broadcast on behalf of the armed forces. If Call Me Dan wants to go off to lands near and far with his 'cool kit' and kill Afghans, the Irish, Iraqis and whoever tomorrow's bogeymen are deemed to be by Washington then it's not in my name. (barwick_green on The Archers blog)
It was Helen, however, who listeners considered most in need of a wake-up call as she spread news of her “fairy-tale” engagement. Surely Peggy would have questioned her about Rob’s marital status, wouldn’t she?
Er..."fairy tale," tell that to his wife #thearchers (@verabling on Twitter)
A fairy-tale romance, Hellin? Just remember - some of Grimm's are just that ... grim. (Moragh Mason on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
I can't think of any fairy tales where the girl has an affair with a married prince who dumps her then leaves his wife for her and moves in with her and her donor-conceived son ... without addressing the issue of him divorcing his wife ... for goodness' sake Helen, it is hardly a fairy tale! (Karen Davies on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
#TheArchers As the prophet of doom why is Pegs not shaking Helen by the shoulders & shouting 'BUT HE'S STILL MARRIED'..... (@mrsgroovie on Twitter)
So far, all exhibition of sparkly rings ends in disaster: Brenda, Krusty. Helen #hope #TheArchers (@elnora_c on Twitter)
If some sense doom on the horizon for Helen and Rob’s relationship, they see certain disaster ahead for Lilian and her knitting project.
Competitive knitting. The most #thearchers cliffhanger ever. #thearchers (@jamspangle on Twitter)
Poor kid will probably lose a finger or two getting stuck in all those dropped stitch holes, or choke on the wool as Lillian's knitting unravels. (Mary Wellstead on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
#thearchers Lilian's a goodtime girl. She isn't made for handicrafts. (@SteveBrooks13 on Twitter)
Lillian, there's no point competing with Lynda on twee domestic stuff. Bide your time & go for dangerous activities and booze #thearchers (@ginandcrumpets on Twitter)
As Peggy found herself feeling isolated – and at odds with the self-service checkout – there was sympathy from many listeners, though some feel she should count her blessings.
Unexpected Archer in bagging area #thearchers (@kewajodo on Twitter)
Oh! poor Peggy. I feel for you. (Dorothy Drew on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Who else gave their grannny / mum a call after listening to Poor Peggy? (William A Tyler on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
I felt sorry for Peggy tonight for the first time in many years, her loneliness came through and the lack of a close family as opposed to Tom on the make, no longer there as a co-dependent. (Godfrey Osborn on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
Loneliness in Old Age is a real issue that sadly goes under-reported. All credit to the #TheArchers for addressing it @ageukcampaigns (@jameswjacobs on Twitter)
Peggy is lucky compared to many elderly people. She has plenty of friends and family locally who visit her frequently and she can still get out and about. Some older people can go for days or even weeks without seeing anyone or leaving the house. (Brenda Selwyn on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Poor, lonely Peggy. With Tom gone, she has no-one popping in every five minutes for a financial handout #thearchers (@Jo_dB on Twitter)
Tayler Cresswell is The Archers’ social media host
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