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“Is that a bra I smell burning, Pat?” – Archers listener discussions to 8 October 2014

Tayler Cresswell

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Post from @nosila_63 on Twitter

There were cheers along with concerns for Pat’s blood pressure as she reacted to Helen’s decision to give up working, revealing her contempt for Rob in the process.

Meanwhile, listeners were worried by Charlie’s revealing chat with Adam and heartened by Vicky’s show of support for Hayley.

But what about Brookfield? Big changes could be on the cards and there’s anxiety over what the future of the farm will be if it’s not under Archers ownership.

Here’s my pick of the listener discussions between 2 and 8 October 2014.

Pat’s idea of women’s choice wasn’t to everyone’s liking but most enjoyed hearing her outburst about Helen’s announcement – and learning her true feelings about Rob.

Go Pat!!!! You're singing to the amen corner with me on that riff #thearchers (@Felix_keeps_on on Twitter)

Finally someone has raised the Stepford Wives of Ambridge Problem! Take back the night Pat! #Feminism#TheArchers (@Emily_Thomas73 on Twitter)

Pat's rant - priceless! (Julie Tate on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

It’s hardly radical feminism - more maternal concern/interfering. (Pogle Jones on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Feel sorry for Pat everything she worked for is falling down round her - Helen was supported by Pat and Tony all the way when she decided to have a baby - she (Helen) is living in cloud cuckoo land. (Rosalyn Benjamin on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

So annoyed with Pat! It's typical of some of the radical feminists (or radical anything I suppose) "You WILL be liberated, but it MUST be MY idea of liberation. You get no choice but must do as I say" Yay for women's freedom Pat. (Lynne Tann-Watson on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Pat just liked to run her kids lives. Women's lib is about the freedom to make choices. Helen is making hers. (Karen Gray on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

As for Rob, he’s still keeping listeners guessing as to what level of villain he is, even if some have already classified him as a psychopath.

Rob! Just when we thought that Roy was the Worst Man In Ambridge #thearchers (@SarahSkelding on Twitter)

#thearchers Rob you are slime. Manipulative slime and Helen is an enormous MUG. (@jelbytoad on Twitter)

He basically wants you barefoot & pregnant & on a horse. #Thearchers (@HannahJBetts on Twitter)

Unless the scriptwriters are playing a double bluff, he's plainly as plainly a psychopath as it would be possible to construct. (Ben Donald on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Definite control freak, Henry is a pawn in his game, get the child's love control Mum, strangely I'm not against Helen spending more time with her son but Rob’s motives for manoeuvring her into this are not good. (Julie Turner on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

There's a steadfast group of Rob lovers who believe in innocent until proven guilty. What evidence is there against him really?? All this suspicion, controlling & abusive nature nonsense could be said about ANY of the characters. Take no notice and love Rob (Julie Lees on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Quick Helen! Tuna sandwich! NOW!!! #thearchers (@tweetalansmith on Twitter)

As Charlie let down his guard to Adam, there was speculation about his true motives. Should Ian be worried – or is it Adam who needs to keep his wits about him? 

Adam must have the emotional intelligence of a spade if he can't spot Charlie's advances #thearchers (@Mrs_H_C on Twitter)

No!! Adam Lizzie offered Roy a few drinks.. look what happened.. #thearchers (@MelparkerMel on Twitter)

Weak Adam Weak!!! I fear another employment tribunal coming on? Sexual harassment. Is this for real? I need to swear. And blaspheme. Loudly. (Marina McQuade on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Charlie is far too much of a smoothie, and far too ambitious, and far too observant, not to be targeting Adam for some larger purpose than getting into Adam's boxers. There'll be tears before bedtime... (Non Watkins on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Adam should dump dreary Ian and go for Charlie. He sounds hot and he’s got a great job. Go for it Adam. #TheArchers#GayFarmers (@LukeVernon on Twitter)

Providing much-needed emotional support to Hayley, listeners enjoyed hearing a different side to Vicky, though some would have preferred it if Susan had played the role of confidante.

I must revise my opinion of Vicky ~ she was so good with Hayley and her sensible advice should be accepted and followed ~ I want to hear that conversation between Hayley and Lizzie. We were right when we thought Hayley was afraid to learn the whole truth. (Jean Bell on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Well done Vicky. Hope she gets Hayley a bit more fired up about her husband's behaviour. (Jane Reynolds on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Is anyone else dancing for joy and yelling? Good on yer, Hayley. Pity it couldn't be Soosan that you told but I'm sure that garrulous Vicky will do a good job for you. (Angela McIntosh on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Not usually fond of Vicky but she was good to Hayley last night. I think its high time Hayley got some support and someone who isn't as emotionally involved as Vicky is a good choice..... (Lisa Gibbs on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

There are those rare, precious moments where Vickoi tells it like it really is. #thearchers (@MsAlliance on Twitter)

Lovely lovely Vicki. In a lousy situation, she'll always do her best to make it worse #thearchers (@JasperBarry2 on Twitter)

Over at Brookfield, Ruth and David’s talk of selling up proved deeply unsettling for many. Could it really be an option or is a move up north beyond all credibility?

This is just ridiculous, David and Ruth. Stop it now. Just stop it. #thearchers (@CEMichael on Twitter)

I still can't believe David and Ruth would even consider moving north. Not because Northumberland isn't nice; it's beautiful. But to uproot the whole family and the whole farm with all its livestock and move several hundred miles because one frail old lady won't move south just beggars belief... (Nigel Cropper on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

Ruth is being ridiculous but can be forgiven for being emotional and not thinking straight. David should realise that. (Anne Thompson on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

I think Ruth's mum is an adult & must accept the consequences of refusing to move to Ruth. Only so many hours in the day etc. Feel for all of you who are living Ruth's dilemma.x (Maggie Mumford on BBC The Archers Facebook page)

David is my favourite Archer. He's my favourite character come to think of it. This current storyline is making me very nervous. Why Ruth's Mum can't come to Ambridge is beyond me. (Yvette Walker on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Well if Dayved and Rewth go I won't listen anymore ! (Ann Deacon on Archers Addicts Facebook group)

Hurray the Ravens leaving the tower! Route B all the way #thearchers (@LouisaWalls3 on Twitter)

@BBCTheArchers@ArchersAddicts  Selling Brookfield and living away? Rename the entire series #Grundies (@Anna_Sognosia on Twitter)

Tayler Cresswell is The Archers’ social media host

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