Each to their own but I cannot agree with you.

For me its a realistic representation and these characters and story progression mean a lot to me (and I suspect lots of others in this thread.)

It wasn't utter rubbish to me, nor were the standards unacceptably low.

You do realise that its a story about everyday folk, don't you?

I found the skills of the actors totally believable and was gripped by the episodes this week. The writing too, has imho been excellent.

Maybe The Archers is just not for you as it has been highly praised by many professionals and media commentators.

Can't wait.

To be fair, there has been a huge amount of media attention surrounding the issues in Helen's case which serve rightly to highlight the situation that some people may find themselves in. I personally think that because it is such a serious issue, the programme makers have a duty to portray every aspect tof the story in a realistic way, fictional storyline or not. The journey that Helen has been on has been totally believable and extremely well researched but the court case and the legal process has been a little bit iffy and not following what truly might happen in such a situation.

There have been negative comments in the press this week re Anna's handling of the case and some of these comments are quite illuminating.

For me, having the case done and dusted within a week's broadcasting works fine and I understand the need to skip over some of the legal procedures in order to speed things along a bit, but I still expect a realistic portrayal of what might happen in court.

As she has been willing to make a statement, she has to appear. The prosecution cannot cross examine a statement, it needs a person in court.

I'm off to google.

I hope he remembers to apply for a licence for the bar!

I think Linda Snell has some spare time to help with organising this?

And I think that Shula might be available to run the buffet, she may even do her speciality - meatpaste sandwiches!

Adam and Ian are going to have to have a talk.

Bruce is beyond horrible, isn't he? So judgmental.

"Tweeting" !!!

Of all soap opera duff-duffs, I did not see that one coming! Love it

He is vile - he doesn't seem to have a clue how appalling he and his views are I actually feel sorry for Arsula and Rob for having to live with him all those years.

Please, not a retrial! My nerves wouldn't stand it.

If this is going to end in a mistrial I shall become an alcoholic!

Adam must be bricking it

He's probably most of the reason Rob's like he is. Bruce bullies Arsula, and Rob thinks that's the normal way to relate to women.

Anyone reckon that the judge will order the jury to acquit?

I hope Rob's dad is done for contempt of court. Surely he won't be allowed back in...

Yes, Rob seems so desperate to please him it's quite sad. I bet some boys with a dad like that go the other way though, and abhor violence to women.

I can't imagine what it must have been like for Arsula trying to keep the hateful man sweet for so long.

I hope they aren't going to drag this storyline out for another 12 months or so as I will stop listening to The Archers if that's the case dispite the riveting storyline.
Ian,

I reckon we're going to see some flicker of humanity and awareness in Rob at some point in the future when he says something along the lines of "I wanted to be the kind of dad to Henry that that I never had". ie he can see what Bruce has done to him, but not that he is perpetuating it himself.

The weird thing is ever since that episode I have had a hankering for a Shiphams paste sandwich. Also reminded me of something called 'sandwich spread' which I remember quite liking even if it did look like finely chopped vomit.

Is it wrong that I'm currently eating tuna bake...?

Oh sorry Dippy. I shouldn't have posted that at dinner time.

Ha! Iron constitution here And another fan of Sandwich Spread too: kind of chutney-for-kids as I remember it.