The Archers: Recent Episodes
BBC 4
While the rest of the country bakes, Ambridge has heavy rain, necessitating a break from combining for Ed. He comes home, to find Emma trying, under Joe's instruction, to free Peppa's head from the fence. Ed urges Emma to make the most of a free afternoon, but when Joe wants her to watch Daphne's latest trick, kind Emma agrees. Adam is stressed; two pickers have called in sick and Timon is demanding extra wages. Brian wants to show Adam the land package he has decided upon to go with the house sale, but Adam has a supermarket deadline to meet. His problem is solved when Ed rings to say the combine has broken down; Ed, Debbie and Geoff are called in to strawberry pick instead of harvesting. Brian will ring the engineer. Daphne is not in the mood for party pieces and sulks instead of emerging from the dark depths of Joe's trousers. Emma is anxious that Clarrie should not know that Daphne is in the house. Grateful Adam sends Ed home early. The supermarket order has been met and the combine fixed. Since there is still light, Adam and Brian decide to carry on combining. Brian counsels against agreeing to pay the pickers extra wages. They discuss Alice's recent behaviour and the fact that Peggy now knows about the house sale. Then comes Brian's bombshell; Ruth has resigned as Ruairi's Ed returns to find Emma trying not to delve into Joe's nether regions to find Daphne. Ed offers to investigate while Emma turns away and the sleeping ferret wakes.
As Debbie rides out with Alice, Peggy rings. Debbie is due to come over for tea, and Peggy has no Viennese Whirls; could Debbie bring some? Peggy senses tensions in the Home Farm family. Is there another problem with Low Mead? Debbie reassures her and rings off, but Alice then accuses her sister of not respecting Brian. An irritable Alistair hunts for equipment before setting out on his rounds. Anisha asks brightly if he has made any progress on buying her out, and is taken aback to learn that Alistair has taken legal advice about an expulsion clause. Anisha feels they should sit down and talk about it. With some reason, Alistair points out that maybe things would have turned out better had Anisha done that before accepting her new job. meanwhile Alistair will not be pushed into anything just to please her. Debbie rejects Alice's claims that she and Adam are always cutting Brian down to size, and Alice has the grace to apologise for her outburst on Sunday. She is convinced that Brian doesn't want to sell the house, though. It could be the biggest mistake ever. As they return to the stables they find Lilian. Debbie goes on ahead, leaving Alice to tell a shocked Lilian all about the proposal to sell. On her way to Peggy's, Lilian meets Jennifer, and immediately tackles her about the sale idea. Jennifer demands to know who has told her, and insists that Lilian keep it from Peggy. As the clan gathers at Peggy's, Jennifer attempts to keep the conversation to Viennese Whirls and Ruby's training for the talent competition, but Lilian ignores her and tells Peggy what is proposed. Lilian offers to raise some money from her Amside properties, and asks Peggy to help as well, but Jennifer rejects the idea totally. They don't need a bail-out, no matter how well intentioned. She is more than happy to move somewhere a bit smaller. Debbie supports her mother's decision and Peggy closes the discussion by saying she fully agrees.
Lilian arrives at the Village Hall to find Lynda sorting out equipment for the fete. Lynda is unimpressed by the Damara wristbands Justin has sent for entrants in the pet competition and makes a pointed remark about notices regarding the proposed change in planning permission for low cost housing. Lilian enquires how Monty's counting is progressing. Does Robert's semaphore practice have any bearing on it? Lynda changes the subject to ask about the noise emanating from the Dower House. Was that anything to do with Ruby's training? Before further acidity can ensue, Jennifer arrives. Shula and Alistair encounter each other in the car park on their way to mediation. Shula attempts bright conversation, but Alistair is brooding and silent. Lance, the mediator, goes over what has been discussed so far regarding finances, whereupon Alistair shocks Shula by stating that, because he has to buy Anisha out, he needs to adjust his financial statement. His veterinary services to the stables were at cost; he will now need to charge the full rate. Lilian is interested in the bric a brac Jennifer has brought for the fete. Why is she getting rid of so much? Jennifer deflects her by mentioning Debbie and Peggy, but Lilian's nose for intrigue is not to be deflected. Why has Debbie stayed on? Tempers rise as Shula hotly defends her case - she cannot afford to buy Alistair out of the house if she has to pay more veterinary bills. Alistair, too, becomes angry, saying he is unable to pay any more - and then Shula drags up his old gambling habit and their need to increase their mortgage. Alistair will not get a penny more out of her. A break is called for to enable the warring parties to cool down.
Lily and an unwilling Freddie assist Elizabeth with arranging corn dollies as part of the Lower Loxley rural crafts exhibition. Freddie decides it is just too boring - whereas diving in a cage surrounded by sharks, which he and Nolli are planning in South Africa, will be far better. Elizabeth asks where the money is coming from, which enables Lily to have a dig at Freddie, who responds in kind. Then, recognising what the twins claim to be hard work for their A levels, Elizabeth offers to pay for the shark adventure, since Freddie is such a 'good little money manager'and to give Lily the same amount. While delighted by the offer, Lily is furious with her brother for his means of financing the holiday. Having decided to prolong her stay in the light of the latest family crisis, Debbie offers to help Adam with the harvest. She can't accept that selling the family home will help the situation. Alice calls on Brian. She hasn't been sleeping well and claims that her siblings have ganged up on their parents. Brian is concerned that Alice is miserable, and praises Jennifer's courage and strength over the house sale plan. Alice remains unconvinced. Brian asks her not to tell anyone of the plan Kate demands help with moving yurts so that the chi can flow more freely. She informs Adam that Brian and Jennifer are just bluffing. Her siblings round on the awful Kate and her behaviour in going to a solicitor but Kate is triumphant. They are joined by Alice, who hopes Kate is proud of herself. A major shouting match ensues, with Debbie vainly trying to keep the peace.
Jennifer asks Adam if he has seen Brian. He has gone missing but Adam points out he will be at the meeting in less than an hour. Jennifer wanted to talk to him before the meeting. Jennifer asks how Adam will vote. He reassures her she won't lose out but Jennifer protests she wants the best way forward. Neil and Hannah have a brief discussion about a young employee Duncan. Hannah worries Duncan doesn't respect the animals. He doesn't clean properly but Neil urges her to discuss it with him. Neil offers to help with the chores if Hannah will look over the figures before they are submitted to the board. Susan arrives unexpectedly and Neil insists Susan sign in. She is annoyed with the security. Neil talks about Duncan and the need for supporting him. Neil complains about judging the pet competition and he doesn't want to do it. Susan insists it is the perfect opportunity to mention the Bridge Farm houses to Justin. He refuses to talk to Justin. He hardly ever comes to Berrow Farm. Susan wants Neil to call Justin and drop hints. That is how the world works, Susan tells him. Isn't Neil happy with the big office and is own whiteboard? Neil doesn't sound so sure but he admits it is better than being out in the weather with his back and knee problems. Jennifer finally spots Brian checking on the new fence. Jennifer announces to Brian they will tell the others at the meeting they will sell the house. There is no magic answer. Anything else will break up the family and Jennifer won't allow it. Kate and Adam will both leave. Alice will be furious, argues Brian. Jennifer rejoins the children feel obliged to protect Jennifer but it is the best option. Jennifer is insistent that only she and Brian can bring the family together again. Brian makes clear that it would wound his manhood. He has always been able to provide a lovely home for his family. Jennifer says she has stayed with Brian because she loves him, not because of his providing a home. Jennifer has spoken with Ruairi and he is far more in favour of the family staying together than keeping the house. Ruth has arrived and Jennifer suggests they had better go and tell everyone what they have decided.
Emma brings Ed's mobile to Jennifer. She asks Jennifer if she has heard about the protests against Damara's cuts to the affordable housing builds. Jennifer wearily replies she hasn't spoken to Justin in quite a while. Emma asks if Jennifer could provide a link on the village website to the Facebook protest page. Jennifer says she has more pressing worries just now. Alice is taking a break while working from home and she encounters Brian. He asks if her mother has sent her to spy on him. Alice brings up the topic of driverless combines and tractors but Brian notes that Home Farm would not have the capital to be early adopters of technology. Debbie rides up on Amir. Brian and Alice try to press Debbie on how she will vote but she refuses to commit. Alice urges Brian to be positive. Alice is behind him and believes selling land will carry the votes. Susan and Emma briefly discuss England's loss at football. Susan muses that Neil should start wearing a waistcoat, noting that all the best managers do. Of course, the topic of affordable house is introduced by angry Emma. Susan points out that Emma has a secret weapon. Lunch at Home Farm sees Brian trying to find out Jennifer's vote. She puts an end to that and asks Debbie about her hack. There is a brief discussion as to who is doing the fortune telling at the fete. Why has Lilian suddenly become an ABBA fan? Turns out that Susan's secret weapon is Neil. She believes Neil is Justin's right hand man and he will be able to pull strings for Emma and Ed. He will make sure they are the winners and not the losers. Debbie has asked for a specific picture of Moonbeam, her pony when she was 5 or 6. She would love a copy. They look at old photos of the house when they first moved in. The old kitchen and bath were laughable. There is another one of Adam holding Kate as a baby. Lexi's procedure took place yesterday and they hope for the best. Jennifer asks Debbie if she has any further thoughts but Debbie apologises that she hasn't. Ruth has called to say sorry again but they both agree Ruth did nothing wrong. Jennifer brings up the sale of the house. It makes financial sense. Debbie points out that Jennifer has put her whole life into it and she can't vote to take that away. That is her heart talking but what does her head say, Jennifer wants to know.
Debbie encounters a defensive Kate, who orders her sister not to lecture her. Debbie tries to cheer Kate up by saying how well she keeps Spiritual Home, but Kate is not minded to succumb to soft-soaping. Debbie talks through the various options for Home Farm, but Kate rejects them all, and launches into a soliloquy about what Spiritual Home means to her, how she is touch with the earth there, how she is sick of fresh starts and how Spiritual Home makes life worth living. Robert's Whack a Mole continues to malfunction, despite learned technical suggestions from Kenton, David and, finally, Jim. Could it be touch sensors? Finally it appears that a spirit level is needed and the single mole is ready to be duly whacked. Lynda, meanwhile, is painting the rest of the moles, though their aggressive expressions cause comment. Monty refuses to continue his counting lessons, but when the mole comes down the chute, Monty attacks it and decapitates the animal. Debbie rings David to ask for a listening ear and a stiff drink. She also needs to talk to Ruth. She tells David how hard it is to find a solution that will suit everyone. It seems that whatever is decided, someone she loves will be badly hurt.
Adam meets Ruth and wishes to discuss the partnership meeting. Ruth reveals Brian told her comments weren't helpful and the discussion would be open for family members only. Adam becomes angry with Brian's actions; Ruth is representing Ruairi. Ruth brings up the house sale and Adam isn't sure what should be done. Ruth asks about Debbie and tries to turn the conversation but Adam is so focused on Brian, he won't let her. Ruth admits selling the house makes sense on the balance sheet but it is everyone's home. Adam is still incensed about Brian's interference. Anisha calls Rex when he is dealing with the pigs. She invites him to her home and asks him to bring boxes. She will text when she is home because she is working late. Anisha assumes Rex will be following on because the new practice is providing a flat. Anisha remembers she has an early start in the morning so perhaps Rex should only drop off the boxes and leave. Alistair meets Anisha and she informs him that Graham will stand in for her. She is leaving in two weeks. Alistair is taken aback; that is so soon. What about Anisha's appointments? Anisha breezily announces the fellow she is replacing had to leave sooner than expected. Anisha offers to speak to a few places about Alistair borrowing the money to buy her out. Alistair replies firmly that Anisha still doesn't get it. She isn't allowed to rush him on this. As per the partnership agreement, she will receive her share in time. Alistair points out how unfair all this is on him. He could have sold the practice to the larger firm. Anisha is apologetic but firm in her decision. Alistair's last words are poignant and soft. He is happy Anisha is getting what she wants but it is a pity she had to trample over him to get there. Adam, still angry, confronts Alice. Did she and Brian dream this up together, he asks? Adam tells Alice that Brian warned Ruth to keep quiet at the meeting. Alice thinks selling the house is a terrible idea. They continue to argue at cross purposes. Rex wishes everyone isn't quite so keen to see him go. Pip thinks he should jump into the new adventure. Toby retorts he is just afraid of change. Rex is disturbed Anisha didn't discuss things with him before making all these decisions. What about his job in Newmarket? Toby points out Rex is the lightweight while Anisha is a high flyer. He will be a kept man. Toby thinks this is great and he asks Rex to tell Anisha Toby is sitting on the sub bench waiting to be called. Alice storms up to Ruth and tells her to back off. Alice has it all wrong and believes Ruth wants to stir things up. Ruth reminds Alice that she is only doing this as a favour. Alice isn't listening and shouts at her until Ruth has had it. With the way the Aldridges are carrying on, Ruth is this close to quitting.
Emma interrupts Jim's piano practice. She asks if he has discovered anything else about the affordable housing issue. They chat about Lynda's persuasive powers; apparently, she has convinced busy Emma to be a goal keeper and she must practise as George doesn't want to be shown up. Emma wants to know if Jim's position as parish councillor has given him insight into how to stop Damara from cutting the number of affordable houses. David and Ruth examine the teeth of a ewe to determine her fate, but Josh strolls up and casually decrees her for the chop. He hasn't come to help, though, but he wants some tarp for his paint shop. Ruth agrees he can have the tarp but she brings up the subject of rent. Josh points out Pip pays no rent but Ruth counters the rent is not for living on the farm but for his business. Josh argues his work on the farm should count but David laughs and notes Josh used to do quite a bit but not now. Brian interrupts the discussion and Josh escapes. Debbie arrives tomorrow and Brian wants to set up a meeting on Friday. Emma has put up a protest page on Facebook to publicise what Damara is doing. The number of affordable homes has been cut in half. Jim agrees with Emma that what the company is doing is not right but he has read all the paperwork carefully. They have not broken any rules; it is legal. The Bridge Farm development is not unique; developers often claim the increase in costs mandate reducing or even eliminating the promised affordable homes. Jim encourages Emma to be positive; she and Ed may get one of the homes. Emma feels the number of worthy applicants is far more than the reduced number of houses. They agree it is disgraceful but Emma is determined to do something. David praises Josh's paint job but turns the conversation back to the matter of rent. Josh isn't against the concept of rent; he just doesn't want to pay it. Not right now, answers Josh, but at the end of the financial year. Nine rent free months? David is unconvinced. Josh argues it is logical since if they base rent on how his company is doing now, but what will happen if things go wrong? He wants to wait until March where he will have had a year's income on which to base his rent. This way Ruth and David won't feel bad if Josh has to pay rent when he is not earning. David agrees to defer the rental to 1 April but instead will take a 10% commission on each machine sold until then; this way they won't be hurting Josh when he is not selling. Josh is speechless with shock. David offers another way: Josh can pay rent monthly starting now. David is happy to be flexible. Brian helps Ruth pen the ewes but they then look for Ruth's diary. Brian mentions that the meeting will be fraught and Ruth has made things much worse. Ruth defends her comments about selling the house. Brian won't hear any explanations but warns her off any comments on the house sale. Brian tells Ruth she really has overstepped the mark. Ruth promises not to give any personal opinions but will act as a sounding board only.
Lynda is thrilled with Monty's progress in counting by barking. When she tries to demonstrate Monty's genius to Robert, however, Monty runs off after a butterfly. Brian collects Debbie at the airport. She reports difficulty with coming to England at such short notice. Brian grouses about the discussion over selling the house. Debbie warns Brian that she is not here just to back up what Brian has to say. Brian agrees but he believes Debbie will see his plans have all been for the best. Debbie criticises Brian for keeping the contamination secret for so long. Why did he keep it in the dark for so long? Debbie makes it clear she has been talking with Kate and Adam but Brian is dismissive. Debbie points out Brian has not been talking to everyone. He also hasn't been gracious about stepping down from the partnership. Debbie says fresh challenges call for fresh thinking. Brian asks Debbie to rule out the house sale. Debbie says it won't come to that. Debbie announces she won't forget anyone's point of view. Justin visits Lynda and Robert because he is escaping from Lilian's playing of Bizet in training for the fete. But he has a more welcome reason: Berrow Farm would like to sponsor the Pets' Talent Show first prize. It is to be a specially commissioned portrait of the winner by Francesca Lockhart. Even though she didn't want to judge the competition, she is happy to stick to what she knows. Lynda points out there is a possible conflict of interest with Lilian taking part. Jennifer is thrilled to welcome Debbie. Debbie announces she is here to reduce the stress in Jennifer's life. Instead of lunch, Debbie would like to look around the farm-with Jennifer, not Brian. Robert is trying to fix the Whack-A-Mole for the fete. Lynda tells Justin she has doubts about Neil as judge. Lynda hopes for a true local celebrity. Bernie Bennett, the motoring columnist from the Westbury Courier is Lynda's current favourite. She points out his column reaches 9000 homes. Justin says Neil is still a backup but Lynda is clearly not on board with that suggestion. Justin notes that Neil wouldn't let her down and then he leaves. Jennifer complains to Debbie that Brian doesn't tell her much about the cleanup these days. Jenny feels so helpless and the costs are horrendous. Debbie concedes there are no easy ways to raise the money. Jennifer suggests the house sale may be the answer. Perhaps this is the best way forward; no one else need be penalised. Jennifer feels this may keep the family together and that is her goal. Debbie points out Brian is to blame and Jennifer shouldn't suffer. Debbie declares her job this week is to find a better way to find the funds needed.
Jennifer is stocking up for Ruairi's return. Jazzer isn't interested. Jennifer is more interested in the wedding plans but Fallon isn't showing too much interest. She is too busy and so are her bridesmaids. Jennifer is surprised to hear there are issues about the affordable homes. Jazzer offers to take her dress shopping! And she accepts. Tom thinks he's cracked his report to the Nuffield. He has to be honest. His marketing hasn't gone well so far but fermented foods are the way forward. Johnny admits later he isn't impressed by the idea. They are turning into a food processing business, not a farm. All they have left is Tony's hobby herd. It isn't the future he sees. Brian is more interested in a stiff drink than tea. Ruairi heard how bad things were on the speaker phone. He thinks he is selling the family silver. Jazzer isn't very helpful at the dress trying on. Fallon hates everything. Jazzer thinks he has the answer. He takes her to a retro dress shop and Jazzer is overwhelmed. Harrison is one lucky bloke. Fallon then asks him to be her "bridesman". She can't think of anyone she'd rather be by her side. Brian is getting drunk. He thinks if things stay as they are he'll have to sell the farm. Let them get on with it. So Jennifer suggests again selling the farmhouse. They could move to a cottage, they only need room for Ruairi. That way the land would be protected for Adam and the others. Brian refuses to consider it and Jennifer storms off to bed. Brian tries to call Debbie but she's on voice mail. But she does pick up and he tells her he wants her to come home. She can talk sense into them. Debbie says she can't drop everything. Jennifer is on the edge and he can't turn things round. He needs her here now.
Lilian arrives at the Village Hall to find Lynda sorting out equipment for the fete. Lynda is unimpressed by the Damara wristbands Justin has sent for entrants in the pet competition and makes a pointed remark about notices regarding the proposed change in planning permission for low cost housing. Lilian enquires how Monty's counting is progressing. Does Robert's semaphore practice have any bearing on it? Lynda changes the subject to ask about the noise emanating from the Dower House. Was that anything to do with Ruby's training? Before further acidity can ensue, Jennifer arrives. Shula and Alistair encounter each other in the car park on their way to mediation. Shula attempts bright conversation, but Alistair is brooding and silent. Lance, the mediator, goes over what has been discussed so far regarding finances, whereupon Alistair shocks Shula by stating that, because he has to buy Anisha out, he needs to adjust his financial statement. His veterinary services to the stables were at cost; he will now need to charge the full rate. Lilian is interested in the bric a brac Jennifer has brought for the fete. Why is she getting rid of so much? Jennifer deflects her by mentioning Debbie and Peggy, but Lilian's nose for intrigue is not to be deflected. Why has Debbie stayed on? Tempers rise as Shula hotly defends her case - she cannot afford to buy Alistair out of the house if she has to pay more veterinary bills. Alistair, too, becomes angry, saying he is unable to pay any more - and then Shula drags up his old gambling habit and their need to increase their mortgage. Alistair will not get a penny more out of her. A break is called for to enable the warring parties to cool down.