“Little swine” or victim of circumstance? Freddie certainly got a reaction from listeners this week – as did “enraged teenager” Phoebe.
Meanwhile, there was a gleeful response to Roy’s diminished status, speculation about the pantomime, a bit of disappointment in Jazzer and growing curiosity about Carol’s background.
Here’s my pick of the listener discussions between 25 September and 1 October 2014.
As Freddie broke news of Roy’s indiscretions to Phoebe, opinions about him were divided. Was he being spiteful or was it more complicated than that?
FREDDIE!!! For shame. (Anna Court on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
What a little swine Freddie is ! (Sue Pidgeon on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Loving your work Freddy boy #thearchers (@morriseygirl on Twitter)
When a worm turns there's no turning back. And when the kids get together, light the blue touchpaper and stand well back! What an episode... (Patsy Bain on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
Can't stand Freddie. I am hoping he gets hoist with his own petard at some point in the future. (Lainey Alexander on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
To my mind Freddie is not selfish but needs someone to listen to him and spend some time with him . He is not going to get over this trauma for a very long time ! (Trisha Lesley McCarthy on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Freddie still misses his father and Roy's heavy handed attitude to him helped matters not at all. I have not a shred of sympathy for Roy or Elizabeth but an endless amount for the people they have left damaged. (Anna Kist on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
There was plenty of sympathy for Phoebe – not just in the wake of Freddie’s revelation but during her heated exchanges with her parents too.
Phoebe the adult in the family, poor girl. (Emmy Johnson on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
I love you Phoebe! You're the only one behaving like a grown-up. (Christine Howes on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
#thearchers Sad for Phoebe that, of her three parents, the only respectable one is the one that's not genetically related to her. (@SteveBrooks13 on Twitter)
How thick are Roy and Hayley? Surely it's obvious what is up with Phoebe? (Nigel Cropper on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
This parent-child conversation is the wrong way round! #thearchers (@modicana on Twitter)
Loving this - tell him straight Phoebe! #thearchers (@SheilaSnowden on Twitter)
I am LOVING the Phoebe rage #thearchers (@Felix_keeps_on on Twitter)
#thearchers Nothing more acerbic than an enraged teenager. Go, Phoebe. (@DanzacRose on Twitter)
No pity for Roy, however, whose suffering – particularly at the hands of Lynda – was relished by many listeners.
Oh Roy, don't cry it's not a good look #thearchers (@h_hawkes on Twitter)
Roy is equally responsible for this mess and he sounded like he was blackmailing Elizabeth as he also expects her to make amends (do the heavy emotional lifting) for the problem they created. (Amy Schneidhorst on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
If I were Caroline, I wouldn't take Roy of the Rotas back after he left her in the lurch before #thearchers (@2ndcitysuit on Twitter)
Roy is just pathetic. Temporary reception clerk is too good for him #thearchers (@JasperBarry2 on Twitter)
Roy had better not try and get all 'Loxfest' with Linda when he's on reception. Short shrift there methinks. #thearchers (@henryjenkins on Twitter)
Go on Lynda, condescend to Roy like only you can. #thearchers (@Firehorse_on_SL on Twitter)
BOOM! Just when Roy thought life couldn't get any worse – Pantogeddon. Fantastic. #thearchers (@pennychoocards on Twitter)
Lynda’s announcement of this year’s pantomime was greeted with delight by some and scepticism by others – and there were plenty of casting suggestions.
Brilliant!! This is very exciting news!!!! (kathy on The Archers blog)
Surely Rumpelstiltskin is a bit dark for the Christmas performance? There may be more discussion to be had... (Una Heaney on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
How about "one born every minute: nativity special" Lynda? Starring Jess. #TheArchers #tooposhtopanto (@HelenRuthChild on Twitter)
Hopefully Kenton will have his own interpretation and make light of the evil imp! Rob maybe typecast in the role! (Stablelass on The Archers blog)
Rumplestiltskin would be such a good role for Roy, hobbit-like #TheArchers (@Dark_Blue_Box on Twitter)
Roy, the dutiful husband gets a shard of ice in his eye and falls for the Snow Queen? #thearchers #panto (@MagneticFlea on Twitter)
For one awful moment I thought Linda was thinking of Straw Dogs ....... (Philippa Vereker on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Making a rare outing as an Ambridge villain was Jazzer, whose treatment of Johnny was widely felt to be unnecessary, though many spoke in his defence.
Ah, Jazzer, such sensitive toes. #theArchers (@hebdensnapper on Twitter)
Sex, drugs, untidiness... Jazzer is my kinda guy. #TheArchers (@Evidently_Z on Twitter)
I really don't like Jazzer. Sorry, I might be in a minority, but he always thinks that he should get max return from very little. (Fiona Caroline Messenger on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
Jazzer was a real nasty piece of work towards johnny, nervous about his future or not he should not be taking it out on johnny, the kid hasn't done anything nasty to jazzer. A side of jazzer I've not heard before and he wants to pack it in. (Lisa Gibbs on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
His spell with Harry and latterly with Jim will civilise him still further .. but NOT I hope ruin him as a colourful character. I love his one-liners. (JoinedPeetsBoard_Smeesues_too on The Archers blog)
Jazzer has always had an edge to him and not a few chips on his shoulder. (John McKegney on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
Love Jazzer, won't hear a word against him. He'll come round! (Jenny Mitchell on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
The jury’s still out on whether Carol is a force for good or mischief, but she’s certainly an intriguing character with her mysterious past.
Agatha Christie's lost novel: The mystery of Carol Tregorran #thearchers (@Nakedladynpaint on Twitter)
Oooh love a mystery! #wheredidCarolcomefrom #thearchers (@Anne_O on Twitter)
Tea, cake, and a mysterious childhood. Get miss marpling ladies. #thearchers (@Emily_Thomas73 on Twitter)
#TheArchers oooh good, lots of "hidden secrets" story line hints! 'Who do you think you are' experts flock to Ambridge! (@EsmeCannot on Twitter)
I like Carole's sinister side (Chris Walmsley on BBC The Archers Facebook page)
I wasn't there the first time around, but I definitely don't trust Carol from what I know now. (Claire Buddle on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
Carol was always a bit of an ambivalent character, I think, although I can remember her and John only vaguely. I think she will bring a bit of grit and spice to the various storylines that are developing (Fran Renwick on Archers Addicts Facebook group)
Tayler Cresswell is The Archers’ social media host
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