Oh Tom what have you done? Poor Kirsty, glad she went ahead on the honeymoon regardless. I want to dislike Tom in all this but find myself feeling sorry for the little twit but if he starts chasing Brenda then my sympathy is done

I liked how shocked Tom was that she'd gone on the honeymoon with a mate and wasn't moping at home. Serves you right, Tom. How could you do that!!

I am still confused about the leap of logic from being told he was only ever a substitute John to his parents (*) to him deciding it was not the right thing to marry or even stay with Kirsty? Did I miss an episode?

(*) which was a bolt from the blue in itself as Pat and Tony have *never* before held that against him even at his sausage-obsessed worst.

Love The Archers. Every Sunday morning while ironing. Takes all the pain away

I think he was saying that he didn't really know who he was (was he himself or a John substitute?) so it would be unfair to marry Kirsty as if he didn't know who he was, how would she know who she was marrying or some such tosh. I don't think it was well written.

ETA I'm more than happy to be corrected if I've misunderstood.

I did suspect that the wedding was heading south when they spent so much time on the run-through of the ceremony.

I didn't even know about Johns existence until the last few days

I took it that as the only son he felt it was his place to continue with the family farming tradition but is now questioning it all and wondering what he could have been/done.

Yes and it has been highlighted in a variety of ways for quite some time. It all started when Tom expressed doubt on his stag in a telephone conversation with Helen with a million and one hints after that ending with his mum having to explain that maybe he should get Kirsty a gift and him saying how he never fights with Kirsty. He said it like he realised this might not be a totally good thing.

You mean you weren't listening in 1998? Where's loyalty when you need it?

Tom seems to be completely wallowing in self pity now, and doesn't seem to fully understand the harm he's done.

Straight after jilting Kirsty he went home and got peeved with his parents for 'not understanding'.
He really is a clutz!

Nice seeing Peggy intervening - she's such a wise owl figure

Yes it does grate a bit and doesn't seem plausible.
The editor of the Archers was on Feedback on sunday and said "The future of the Archers is in its past", by which I think he meant they're delving into the past of many of the characters to try and find inspiration for current/future storylines.

It should all be coherent and inkeeping with familiar themes though, or it all seems a little contrived.

Gosh was it 16 years ago, I think I can be forgiven then for not knowing the history.

Did he die in a farming accident, was that the reference to the tractor that Roy arranged to take him to the church?

I thought he had fallen out of a tree so not sure how a tractor was involved.

Edit: So it was an upturned tractor. I remember at the time not being sure what had happened but I am sure a tree was involved somehow. Was he digging up recalcitrant tree stump?

Can't remember but there was a massive monologue by Tony that went on and on.
It was like he thought talking to John would bring him back.

Ooh edge of the seat stuff re. Tom tonight

Tony weighs in with all the subtlety and discretion of a combine harvester.

Pat was a bit stupid to leave them alone together, with Tony in such an accusatory mood.
Tom is very annoying atm though.

oh tony, you have made matters so much worse. i know i shouldn't, but i feel so sorry for tom. he needs a big hug. i think i dislike tony almost as much as peggy. i know it is not appropriate (as she is nearly a 100, well 94) but i would love to tell her a few home truths.

I remember John dying, and being a bit surprised at the way Tom stepped into his shoes - taking on the pigs etc.

I feel sorry for Tom. I started listening again just a few weeks ago so I may have missed something, but I thought Kirsty was really OTT about the wedding. I thought his family could have been more understanding too. Tony's behaviour is hateful - comparing Tom to John like that when he could see how upset he was

i remember that episode when john died. i was shocked, because it had not been leaked and nobody knew this was going to happen. i can remember tony holding john and saying something like 'my beautiful boy.' he knew he was dying and he could do nothing to save him. i also recall the end of the episode went silent, there was no music. silence. it was very powerful and it still brings a lump to my throat now.

I've got mixed feelings about him; when he was in his lonely house with his mum, crying, I really felt for him, but it all seems a bit self-centred too - Tony is right in that respect (though obviously tactless and belligerent with it).

The wedding was OTT I agree, but most are these days I suppose.

Peggy should have rung Tony and Pat the eve of the wedding, and they might have had an 11th hour reprieve to assure Tom of their support and love etc.

It's Jennifer I'd like to tell a few home truths to. I've listened on and off for years and was always glad when Brian played away I started liking her a bit when she took on Ruori (sp?), but the way she is with and about Susan really annoys me. How rude to suggest the Carters' kitchen isn't good quality

Haha She's quite strong-willed isn't she.

It's nice to see Jill back at Brookfield

yeap i agree, jill belongs at brookfield. at least they will have something decent to eat now

It is nice to have Jill back at Brookfield. Lucky David and Ruth - no wonder Lizzie was a bit put out.

What happened to Rhys?
I think I might have been on one of my Archers breaks when he disappeared.
Has he officially gone or just gone quiet for a bit?