• George - spoilers included end Dec

    From Jane Vernon@jane@clothandclay.co.uk to uk.media.radio.archers on Tue Dec 30 09:50:57 2025
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    I know it will just be me, but the whole George storyline is depressing
    me. It's probably because in my working life I saw youngsters who were misunderstood and needed more help but because of their behaviour
    weren't getting it. As a teacher, I was mostly completely helpless.
    That's what's difficult to hear, when you know what's needed but can't
    provide it.

    The scriptwriters are doing their best I think. The other people
    involved with George are behaving as many people would and do. That's
    what's depressing. (What will happen when Ed hears of the latest row?
    Will he stick up for George?)

    I still listen faithfully and haven't missed an episode since probably
    about 1980, though I listened on and off since I was a child of ten in
    1964. But this storyline is so difficult to hear.

    Poor George.
    --
    Jane
    The Amethyst Artist
    BTME

    http://www.clothandclay.co.uk/umra/cookbook.htm - Umrats' recipes









    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Kosmo@krw@whitnet.uk to uk.media.radio.archers on Tue Dec 30 10:18:23 2025
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On 30.12.25 09:50, Jane Vernon wrote:
    I know it will just be me, but the whole George storyline is depressing me.-a It's probably because in my working life I saw youngsters who were misunderstood and needed more help but because of their behaviour
    weren't getting it. As a teacher, I was mostly completely helpless.
    That's what's difficult to hear, when you know what's needed but can't provide it.

    The scriptwriters are doing their best I think.-a The other people
    involved with George are behaving as many people would and do.-a That's what's depressing.-a (What will happen when Ed hears of the latest row?
    Will he stick up for George?)

    I still listen faithfully and haven't missed an episode since probably
    about 1980, though I listened on and off since I was a child of ten in 1964.-a But this storyline is so difficult to hear.

    Poor George.



    I find the story objectionable for a number of reasons.

    1. He is not an Archer. Prime storylines need to revolve around the
    family. Too many episodes do not feature an Archer and even when they
    do (tractor run) it is tangentially.

    2. It is completely unrealistic in character development. He manages
    nearly a year in prison without losing his temper. He emerges and has a supportive family and a fiancee and suddenly starts hitting relations.
    If he was really an angry git then there would have been fisticuffs in
    prison.

    3. I do not believe that Ed would have lied over the black eye (at
    least to Emma) - as a one off he might have accepted the fall down the
    stairs although I think Ed would have wanted to pursue it with Emma sooner.

    4. We know Neil and Eddie were reconciled but (presumably due to limit
    on character numbers) have not heard them discuss George. More
    importantly any soap is driven by strong women - so where are Clarrie
    and Susan? Susan never had that apology from Amber and I feel Clarrie /
    Amber / Susan should have been sat in a room to talk about it.

    5. Emma has completely indulged and spoilt the child. Only Nick saw
    him for what he was - was that why she died?

    6. We are promised contemporary drama in a rural setting. A wrong 'un adjusting to life after prison is not a rural story and it is hardly contemporary as it has been the case for centuries.

    Meanwhile what are all the Archers doing? Why did Pat not grasp the
    nettle of Tony and get George work once he returned? Bridge Farm are
    two men down - Tony is far too old to be milking the Montbelliards for
    all the time since Johnny left and they have apparently coped since Adam downed tools. Yet Tony still has time to decorate the Fergie (which I
    am convinced he did not replace after selling it, investing in his MG
    Midget instead).

    So frankly yes I listen - but the plot holes are so immense I wonder if
    a black hole exists in Birmingham and is sucking all the good stuff into another universe.

    The recent "bubble" week written by Keri was so obviously poor and
    lacking in continuity it really was not worth 73 minutes.
    --
    Kosmo Richard W
    www.travelswmw.whitnet.uk
    https://tinyurl.com/KRWpics
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From BrritSki@rtilbury@gmail.com to uk.media.radio.archers on Tue Dec 30 15:40:09 2025
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On 30/12/2025 10:18, Kosmo wrote:
    On 30.12.25 09:50, Jane Vernon wrote:
    I know it will just be me, but the whole George storyline is
    depressing me.-a It's probably because in my working life I saw
    youngsters who were misunderstood and needed more help but because of
    their behaviour weren't getting it. As a teacher, I was mostly
    completely helpless. That's what's difficult to hear, when you know
    what's needed but can't provide it.

    The scriptwriters are doing their best I think.-a The other people
    involved with George are behaving as many people would and do.-a That's
    what's depressing.-a (What will happen when Ed hears of the latest row?
    Will he stick up for George?)

    I still listen faithfully and haven't missed an episode since probably
    about 1980, though I listened on and off since I was a child of ten in
    1964.-a But this storyline is so difficult to hear.

    Poor George.



    I find the story objectionable for a number of reasons.

    1.-a He is not an Archer.-a Prime storylines need to revolve around the family.-a Too many episodes do not feature an Archer and even when they
    do (tractor run) it is tangentially.

    2.-a It is completely unrealistic in character development.-a He manages nearly a year in prison without losing his temper.-a He emerges and has a supportive family and a fiancee and suddenly starts hitting relations.
    If he was really an angry git then there would have been fisticuffs in prison.

    3.-a I do not believe that Ed would have lied over the black eye (at
    least to Emma) - as a one off he might have accepted the fall down the stairs although I think Ed would have wanted to pursue it with Emma sooner.

    4.-a We know Neil and Eddie were reconciled but (presumably due to limit
    on character numbers) have not heard them discuss George.-a More
    importantly any soap is driven by strong women - so where are Clarrie
    and Susan?-a Susan never had that apology from Amber and I feel Clarrie / Amber / Susan should have been sat in a room to talk about it.

    5.-a Emma has completely indulged and spoilt the child.-a Only Nick saw
    him for what he was - was that why she died?

    6.-a We are promised contemporary drama in a rural setting.-a A wrong 'un adjusting to life after prison is not a rural story and it is hardly contemporary as it has been the case for centuries.

    Meanwhile what are all the Archers doing?-a Why did Pat not grasp the
    nettle of Tony and get George work once he returned?-a Bridge Farm are
    two men down - Tony is far too old to be milking the Montbelliards for
    all the time since Johnny left and they have apparently coped since Adam downed tools.-a Yet Tony still has time to decorate the Fergie (which I
    am convinced he did not replace after selling it, investing in his MG
    Midget instead).

    So frankly yes I listen - but the plot holes are so immense I wonder if
    a black hole exists in Birmingham and is sucking all the good stuff into another universe.

    The recent "bubble" week written by Keri was so obviously poor and
    lacking in continuity it really was not worth 73 minutes.



    Up to a point Lord Copper.

    I don't really care too much about whether Archers are in it or not.

    We don't really know whether he controlled his temper in chokey or not -
    much easier to control if you know the consequences will be severe which
    they would not be with Ed.

    Ed would not have lied if asked outright, but I can believe him not
    coming out with it at first to make it easier. I think he has the most sympathy with George because of what happened to him, and I don't think
    the conversation would have ended with G. being kicked out if Ed was there.

    OTOH I do think there is something fundamentally nasty about G. He's had
    some rough breaks and made some bad choices and maybe could have
    overcome them in different circs but underneath it all he's a Grundy and
    an 'orrobin.

    I agree with most of the rest - there are huge holes in plots and huge suspensions of disbelief required, like why a seemingly intelligent if somewhat woooly-headed girl like Amber would have been attracted in the
    1st place.


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  • From Kosmo@krw@whitnet.uk to uk.media.radio.archers on Tue Dec 30 16:33:10 2025
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On 30.12.25 15:40, BrritSki wrote:
    OTOH I do think there is something fundamentally nasty about G. He's had some rough breaks and made some bad choices and maybe could have
    overcome them in different circs but underneath it all he's a Grundy and
    an 'orrobin.


    On this I can agree 100%. There is the spectre of Alf in the Grundy
    genes and Clive on the Horrobin side. However some of the things George
    has said about his parents were never properly challenged or addressed
    and so his misinterpretations have never been corrected. I feel that
    his perception of reality which means he can take cars, move people into
    the driving seat and set Holly on Kenton (open to dispute but Kenton
    believes it) means that he cannot distinguish between right and wrong -
    which is an educational failure perhaps?


    I agree with most of the rest - there are huge holes in plots and huge suspensions of disbelief required, like why a seemingly intelligent if somewhat woooly-headed girl like Amber would have been attracted in the
    1st place.

    As she herself said she thought he was a good person who had done
    something bad (almost by accident). I am not sure she is that clever
    myself - but then I am not sure I understand this social media /
    influencer activity or how it works so she must be brighter than me to
    have worked that out.

    However none of it is really related to being rural or being an Archer -
    so I am not sure it should be appearing at 7.02 each evening.
    --
    Kosmo Richard W
    www.travelswmw.whitnet.uk
    https://tinyurl.com/KRWpics
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From vicky.ayech@vicky.ayech@gmail.com to uk.media.radio.archers on Tue Dec 30 17:41:41 2025
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:18:23 +0000, Kosmo <krw@whitnet.uk> wrote:

    On 30.12.25 09:50, Jane Vernon wrote:
    I know it will just be me, but the whole George storyline is depressing
    me.a It's probably because in my working life I saw youngsters who were
    misunderstood and needed more help but because of their behaviour
    weren't getting it. As a teacher, I was mostly completely helpless.
    That's what's difficult to hear, when you know what's needed but can't
    provide it.

    The scriptwriters are doing their best I think.a The other people
    involved with George are behaving as many people would and do.a That's
    what's depressing.a (What will happen when Ed hears of the latest row?
    Will he stick up for George?)

    I still listen faithfully and haven't missed an episode since probably
    about 1980, though I listened on and off since I was a child of ten in
    1964.a But this storyline is so difficult to hear.

    Poor George.



    I find the story objectionable for a number of reasons.

    1. He is not an Archer. Prime storylines need to revolve around the >family. Too many episodes do not feature an Archer and even when they
    do (tractor run) it is tangentially.

    2. It is completely unrealistic in character development. He manages >nearly a year in prison without losing his temper. He emerges and has a >supportive family and a fiancee and suddenly starts hitting relations.
    If he was really an angry git then there would have been fisticuffs in >prison.

    3. I do not believe that Ed would have lied over the black eye (at
    least to Emma) - as a one off he might have accepted the fall down the >stairs although I think Ed would have wanted to pursue it with Emma sooner.

    4. We know Neil and Eddie were reconciled but (presumably due to limit
    on character numbers) have not heard them discuss George. More
    importantly any soap is driven by strong women - so where are Clarrie
    and Susan? Susan never had that apology from Amber and I feel Clarrie / >Amber / Susan should have been sat in a room to talk about it.

    5. Emma has completely indulged and spoilt the child. Only Nick saw
    him for what he was - was that why she died?

    6. We are promised contemporary drama in a rural setting. A wrong 'un >adjusting to life after prison is not a rural story and it is hardly >contemporary as it has been the case for centuries.

    Meanwhile what are all the Archers doing? Why did Pat not grasp the
    nettle of Tony and get George work once he returned? Bridge Farm are
    two men down - Tony is far too old to be milking the Montbelliards for
    all the time since Johnny left and they have apparently coped since Adam >downed tools. Yet Tony still has time to decorate the Fergie (which I
    am convinced he did not replace after selling it, investing in his MG
    Midget instead).

    So frankly yes I listen - but the plot holes are so immense I wonder if
    a black hole exists in Birmingham and is sucking all the good stuff into >another universe.

    The recent "bubble" week written by Keri was so obviously poor and
    lacking in continuity it really was not worth 73 minutes.

    I am aware, though not as clearly, of those issues.George was really
    just saying how it happened when talking about Emma/Ed/Will's affairs.
    Where do they expect him to go and live?
    I still think he's a nasty person and if he ever seems nice it is for
    bad motives.
    Has Helen got a reason to not want him working at Bridge Farm?
    couldn't he work for her?
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  • From Nick Odell@nickodell49@yahoo.ca to uk.media.radio.archers on Tue Dec 30 18:40:06 2025
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On Tue, 30 Dec 2025 17:41:41 +0000, vicky.ayech@gmail.com wrote:

    Has Helen got a reason to not want him working at Bridge Farm?
    couldn't he work for her?

    You don't really need a reason, do you, if everybody else around you
    is repulsed by him? You just need that he gives you the ick.

    Nick
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  • From Nick Odell@nickodell49@yahoo.ca to uk.media.radio.archers on Tue Dec 30 19:19:48 2025
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On Tue, 30 Dec 2025 09:50:57 +0000, Jane Vernon
    <jane@clothandclay.co.uk> wrote:

    I know it will just be me, but the whole George storyline is depressing
    me. It's probably because in my working life I saw youngsters who were >misunderstood and needed more help but because of their behaviour
    weren't getting it. As a teacher, I was mostly completely helpless.
    That's what's difficult to hear, when you know what's needed but can't >provide it.

    The scriptwriters are doing their best I think. The other people
    involved with George are behaving as many people would and do. That's >what's depressing. (What will happen when Ed hears of the latest row?
    Will he stick up for George?)

    I still listen faithfully and haven't missed an episode since probably
    about 1980, though I listened on and off since I was a child of ten in
    1964. But this storyline is so difficult to hear.

    Poor George.

    I imagine then, that with your background you'd be amongst the first
    to confirm that many a child's life is not all King Street Junior.
    After however many staff meetings, parent meetings, governor meetings, multi-agency meetings you attended during your teaching career I'm
    sure there were still some children who could not be helped, would not
    be helped. All children deserve a good future but unfortunately not
    all of them get it and in schools you can't sacrifice the futures of
    30, 40 -maybe 50 - children because you are determined to keep a one
    person wrecking ball contained in the same space as all the others.

    In the old days those damaged children were simply excluded from
    school and would be seen mooching around the town centre, getting into
    more and more trouble; then efforts were made to get them to work from
    home - which most of them didn't. These days, in West Yorkshire and
    I'm sure in many or all other places we have Pupil Referral Units
    where excluded children can receive 1-to-1 care and attention. Though
    I have no figures for the success of these units, actually trying to
    do something positive for them must beat doing nothing for them but it
    all begins by getting those destructive, disruptive elements away from
    the regular classroom so the other children may heal from their
    experiences and go on to live happy and constructive lives.

    George needs to leave so that Ambridge can heal.

    Nick
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  • From Chris@chris.mcmillan@ntlworld.com to uk.media.radio.archers on Wed Dec 31 18:01:28 2025
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    Nick Odell <nickodell49@yahoo.ca> wrote:
    On Tue, 30 Dec 2025 09:50:57 +0000, Jane Vernon
    <jane@clothandclay.co.uk> wrote:

    I know it will just be me, but the whole George storyline is depressing
    me. It's probably because in my working life I saw youngsters who were
    misunderstood and needed more help but because of their behaviour
    weren't getting it. As a teacher, I was mostly completely helpless.
    That's what's difficult to hear, when you know what's needed but can't
    provide it.

    The scriptwriters are doing their best I think. The other people
    involved with George are behaving as many people would and do. That's
    what's depressing. (What will happen when Ed hears of the latest row?
    Will he stick up for George?)

    I still listen faithfully and haven't missed an episode since probably
    about 1980, though I listened on and off since I was a child of ten in
    1964. But this storyline is so difficult to hear.

    Poor George.

    I imagine then, that with your background you'd be amongst the first
    to confirm that many a child's life is not all King Street Junior.
    After however many staff meetings, parent meetings, governor meetings, multi-agency meetings you attended during your teaching career I'm
    sure there were still some children who could not be helped, would not
    be helped. All children deserve a good future but unfortunately not
    all of them get it and in schools you can't sacrifice the futures of
    30, 40 -maybe 50 - children because you are determined to keep a one
    person wrecking ball contained in the same space as all the others.

    In the old days those damaged children were simply excluded from
    school and would be seen mooching around the town centre, getting into
    more and more trouble; then efforts were made to get them to work from
    home - which most of them didn't. These days, in West Yorkshire and
    I'm sure in many or all other places we have Pupil Referral Units
    where excluded children can receive 1-to-1 care and attention. Though
    I have no figures for the success of these units, actually trying to
    do something positive for them must beat doing nothing for them but it
    all begins by getting those destructive, disruptive elements away from
    the regular classroom so the other children may heal from their
    experiences and go on to live happy and constructive lives.

    George needs to leave so that Ambridge can heal.

    Nick


    IrCOm having great difficulty deciding if IrCOm hearing the George ad for the post TA epi or the epi for tonightrCOs TA. TheyrCOve suddenly sprung a TA epi one in as of yesterday and my ears arenrCOt absorbing the words just the tone of voice.

    Mrs McT



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  • From Jane Vernon@jane@clothandclay.co.uk to uk.media.radio.archers on Fri Jan 2 12:28:41 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On 30/12/2025 10:18, Kosmo wrote:
    On 30.12.25 09:50, Jane Vernon wrote:
    I know it will just be me, but the whole George storyline is
    depressing me.-a It's probably because in my working life I saw
    youngsters who were misunderstood and needed more help but because of
    their behaviour weren't getting it. As a teacher, I was mostly
    completely helpless. That's what's difficult to hear, when you know
    what's needed but can't provide it.

    The scriptwriters are doing their best I think.-a The other people
    involved with George are behaving as many people would and do.-a That's
    what's depressing.-a (What will happen when Ed hears of the latest row?
    Will he stick up for George?)

    I still listen faithfully and haven't missed an episode since probably
    about 1980, though I listened on and off since I was a child of ten in
    1964.-a But this storyline is so difficult to hear.

    Poor George.



    I find the story objectionable for a number of reasons.

    1.-a He is not an Archer.-a Prime storylines need to revolve around the family.-a Too many episodes do not feature an Archer and even when they
    do (tractor run) it is tangentially.

    2.-a It is completely unrealistic in character development.-a He manages nearly a year in prison without losing his temper.-a He emerges and has a supportive family and a fiancee and suddenly starts hitting relations.
    If he was really an angry git then there would have been fisticuffs in prison.

    3.-a I do not believe that Ed would have lied over the black eye (at
    least to Emma) - as a one off he might have accepted the fall down the stairs although I think Ed would have wanted to pursue it with Emma sooner.

    4.-a We know Neil and Eddie were reconciled but (presumably due to limit
    on character numbers) have not heard them discuss George.-a More
    importantly any soap is driven by strong women - so where are Clarrie
    and Susan?-a Susan never had that apology from Amber and I feel Clarrie / Amber / Susan should have been sat in a room to talk about it.

    5.-a Emma has completely indulged and spoilt the child.-a Only Nick saw
    him for what he was - was that why she died?

    6.-a We are promised contemporary drama in a rural setting.-a A wrong 'un adjusting to life after prison is not a rural story and it is hardly contemporary as it has been the case for centuries.

    Meanwhile what are all the Archers doing?-a Why did Pat not grasp the
    nettle of Tony and get George work once he returned?-a Bridge Farm are
    two men down - Tony is far too old to be milking the Montbelliards for
    all the time since Johnny left and they have apparently coped since Adam downed tools.-a Yet Tony still has time to decorate the Fergie (which I
    am convinced he did not replace after selling it, investing in his MG
    Midget instead).

    So frankly yes I listen - but the plot holes are so immense I wonder if
    a black hole exists in Birmingham and is sucking all the good stuff into another universe.

    The recent "bubble" week written by Keri was so obviously poor and
    lacking in continuity it really was not worth 73 minutes.



    I don't find George's behaviour out of character. In prison he had the
    safety of the system plus the knowledge of being 'protected' by one of
    the other inmates. George has suffered from insufficient boundaries all
    his life.

    I think it's all just that everyone, especially George, underestimated
    how hard it is to re-adjust after prison. Susan's experiences were
    different. It's not surprising that the people who were affected by the events of the crash are suffering trauma from it all still.

    I find it absolutely believeable that Ed would try to give George
    chances, just as Oliver did for him.
    --
    Jane
    The Amethyst Artist
    BTME

    http://www.clothandclay.co.uk/umra/cookbook.htm - Umrats' recipes








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  • From Jane Vernon@jane@clothandclay.co.uk to uk.media.radio.archers on Fri Jan 2 12:29:51 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On 30/12/2025 15:40, BrritSki wrote:
    On 30/12/2025 10:18, Kosmo wrote:
    On 30.12.25 09:50, Jane Vernon wrote:
    I know it will just be me, but the whole George storyline is
    depressing me.-a It's probably because in my working life I saw
    youngsters who were misunderstood and needed more help but because of
    their behaviour weren't getting it. As a teacher, I was mostly
    completely helpless. That's what's difficult to hear, when you know
    what's needed but can't provide it.

    The scriptwriters are doing their best I think.-a The other people
    involved with George are behaving as many people would and do.
    That's what's depressing.-a (What will happen when Ed hears of the
    latest row? Will he stick up for George?)

    I still listen faithfully and haven't missed an episode since
    probably about 1980, though I listened on and off since I was a child
    of ten in 1964.-a But this storyline is so difficult to hear.

    Poor George.



    I find the story objectionable for a number of reasons.

    1.-a He is not an Archer.-a Prime storylines need to revolve around the
    family.-a Too many episodes do not feature an Archer and even when they
    do (tractor run) it is tangentially.

    2.-a It is completely unrealistic in character development.-a He manages
    nearly a year in prison without losing his temper.-a He emerges and has
    a supportive family and a fiancee and suddenly starts hitting
    relations. If he was really an angry git then there would have been
    fisticuffs in prison.

    3.-a I do not believe that Ed would have lied over the black eye (at
    least to Emma) - as a one off he might have accepted the fall down the
    stairs although I think Ed would have wanted to pursue it with Emma
    sooner.

    4.-a We know Neil and Eddie were reconciled but (presumably due to
    limit on character numbers) have not heard them discuss George.-a More
    importantly any soap is driven by strong women - so where are Clarrie
    and Susan?-a Susan never had that apology from Amber and I feel
    Clarrie / Amber / Susan should have been sat in a room to talk about it.

    5.-a Emma has completely indulged and spoilt the child.-a Only Nick saw
    him for what he was - was that why she died?

    6.-a We are promised contemporary drama in a rural setting.-a A wrong
    'un adjusting to life after prison is not a rural story and it is
    hardly contemporary as it has been the case for centuries.

    Meanwhile what are all the Archers doing?-a Why did Pat not grasp the
    nettle of Tony and get George work once he returned?-a Bridge Farm are
    two men down - Tony is far too old to be milking the Montbelliards for
    all the time since Johnny left and they have apparently coped since
    Adam downed tools.-a Yet Tony still has time to decorate the Fergie
    (which I am convinced he did not replace after selling it, investing
    in his MG Midget instead).

    So frankly yes I listen - but the plot holes are so immense I wonder
    if a black hole exists in Birmingham and is sucking all the good stuff
    into another universe.

    The recent "bubble" week written by Keri was so obviously poor and
    lacking in continuity it really was not worth 73 minutes.



    Up to a point Lord Copper.

    I don't really care too much about whether Archers are in it or not.

    We don't really know whether he controlled his temper in chokey or not - much easier to control if you know the consequences will be severe which they would not be with Ed.

    Ed would not have lied if asked outright, but I can believe him not
    coming out with it at first to make it easier. I think he has the most sympathy with George because of what happened to him, and I don't think
    the conversation would have ended with G. being kicked out if Ed was there.

    OTOH I do think there is something fundamentally nasty about G. He's had some rough breaks and made some bad choices and maybe could have
    overcome them in different circs but underneath it all he's a Grundy and
    an 'orrobin.

    I agree with most of the rest - there are huge holes in plots and huge suspensions of disbelief required, like why a seemingly intelligent if somewhat woooly-headed girl like Amber would have been attracted in the
    1st place.



    I agree that there is something nasty about George, however I also feel
    that he has been unable to manage how he feels for a very long time and
    needed intervention way, way earlier.
    --
    Jane
    The Amethyst Artist
    BTME

    http://www.clothandclay.co.uk/umra/cookbook.htm - Umrats' recipes








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  • From Jane Vernon@jane@clothandclay.co.uk to uk.media.radio.archers on Fri Jan 2 12:34:49 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On 30/12/2025 16:33, Kosmo wrote:
    On 30.12.25 15:40, BrritSki wrote:
    OTOH I do think there is something fundamentally nasty about G. He's
    had some rough breaks and made some bad choices and maybe could have
    overcome them in different circs but underneath it all he's a Grundy
    and an 'orrobin.


    On this I can agree 100%.-a There is the spectre of Alf in the Grundy
    genes and Clive on the Horrobin side.-a However some of the things George has said about his parents were never properly challenged or addressed
    and so his misinterpretations have never been corrected.-a I feel that
    his perception of reality which means he can take cars, move people into
    the driving seat and set Holly on Kenton (open to dispute but Kenton believes it) means that he cannot distinguish between right and wrong - which is an educational failure perhaps?


    I agree with most of the rest - there are huge holes in plots and huge
    suspensions of disbelief required, like why a seemingly intelligent if
    somewhat woooly-headed girl like Amber would have been attracted in
    the 1st place.

    As she herself said she thought he was a good person who had done
    something bad (almost by accident).-a I am not sure she is that clever myself - but then I am not sure I understand this social media /
    influencer activity or how it works so she must be brighter than me to
    have worked that out.

    However none of it is really related to being rural or being an Archer -
    so I am not sure it should be appearing at 7.02 each evening.

    I think you are out of touch with what rural life is like these days.
    Never underestimate the reach of social media into the lives of people
    who don't actually use it themselves.
    --
    Jane
    The Amethyst Artist
    BTME

    http://www.clothandclay.co.uk/umra/cookbook.htm - Umrats' recipes








    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From john ashby@johnashby20@yahoo.com to uk.media.radio.archers on Fri Jan 2 13:46:56 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On 02/01/2026 12:28, Jane Vernon wrote:
    On 30/12/2025 10:18, Kosmo wrote:
    On 30.12.25 09:50, Jane Vernon wrote:
    I know it will just be me, but the whole George storyline is
    depressing me.-a It's probably because in my working life I saw
    youngsters who were misunderstood and needed more help but because of
    their behaviour weren't getting it. As a teacher, I was mostly
    completely helpless. That's what's difficult to hear, when you know
    what's needed but can't provide it.

    The scriptwriters are doing their best I think.-a The other people
    involved with George are behaving as many people would and do.
    That's what's depressing.-a (What will happen when Ed hears of the
    latest row? Will he stick up for George?)

    I still listen faithfully and haven't missed an episode since
    probably about 1980, though I listened on and off since I was a child
    of ten in 1964.-a But this storyline is so difficult to hear.

    Poor George.



    I find the story objectionable for a number of reasons.

    1.-a He is not an Archer.-a Prime storylines need to revolve around the
    family.-a Too many episodes do not feature an Archer and even when they
    do (tractor run) it is tangentially.

    2.-a It is completely unrealistic in character development.-a He manages
    nearly a year in prison without losing his temper.-a He emerges and has
    a supportive family and a fiancee and suddenly starts hitting
    relations. If he was really an angry git then there would have been
    fisticuffs in prison.

    3.-a I do not believe that Ed would have lied over the black eye (at
    least to Emma) - as a one off he might have accepted the fall down the
    stairs although I think Ed would have wanted to pursue it with Emma
    sooner.

    4.-a We know Neil and Eddie were reconciled but (presumably due to
    limit on character numbers) have not heard them discuss George.-a More
    importantly any soap is driven by strong women - so where are Clarrie
    and Susan?-a Susan never had that apology from Amber and I feel
    Clarrie / Amber / Susan should have been sat in a room to talk about it.

    5.-a Emma has completely indulged and spoilt the child.-a Only Nick saw
    him for what he was - was that why she died?

    6.-a We are promised contemporary drama in a rural setting.-a A wrong
    'un adjusting to life after prison is not a rural story and it is
    hardly contemporary as it has been the case for centuries.

    Meanwhile what are all the Archers doing?-a Why did Pat not grasp the
    nettle of Tony and get George work once he returned?-a Bridge Farm are
    two men down - Tony is far too old to be milking the Montbelliards for
    all the time since Johnny left and they have apparently coped since
    Adam downed tools.-a Yet Tony still has time to decorate the Fergie
    (which I am convinced he did not replace after selling it, investing
    in his MG Midget instead).

    So frankly yes I listen - but the plot holes are so immense I wonder
    if a black hole exists in Birmingham and is sucking all the good stuff
    into another universe.

    The recent "bubble" week written by Keri was so obviously poor and
    lacking in continuity it really was not worth 73 minutes.



    I don't find George's behaviour out of character.-a In prison he had the safety of the system plus the knowledge of being 'protected' by one of
    the other inmates.-a George has suffered from insufficient boundaries all his life.

    I think it's all just that everyone, especially George, underestimated
    how hard it is to re-adjust after prison.-a Susan's experiences were different.-a It's not surprising that the people who were affected by the events of the crash are suffering trauma from it all still.

    I find it absolutely believeable that Ed would try to give George
    chances, just as Oliver did for him.



    It is interesting, and hopefully no coincidence, that the two people who
    have shown most sympathy for George, Ed and Alice, have both had
    positive experiences of therapeutic interventions.

    john
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From J. P. Gilliver@G6JPG@255soft.uk to uk.media.radio.archers on Fri Jan 2 16:20:00 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On 2026/1/2 13:46:56, john ashby wrote:
    On 02/01/2026 12:28, Jane Vernon wrote:
    On 30/12/2025 10:18, Kosmo wrote:
    On 30.12.25 09:50, Jane Vernon wrote:

    []

    The scriptwriters are doing their best I think.-a The other people
    involved with George are behaving as many people would and do.

    I am certainly finding it mostly believable - exaggerated at times for script/plot reasons, but (mostly) only that.

    That's what's depressing.-a (What will happen when Ed hears of the
    latest row? Will he stick up for George?)

    I still listen faithfully and haven't missed an episode since
    probably about 1980, though I listened on and off since I was a child

    Before 1985 in my case, though I can't say I haven't missed an episode
    (I was an omnivore for a time).

    of ten in 1964.-a But this storyline is so difficult to hear.

    Poor George.

    My sympathy for him has I think reached breaking point (and that was so
    even before the last week or so).

    []

    6.-a We are promised contemporary drama in a rural setting.-a A wrong
    'un adjusting to life after prison is not a rural story and it is
    hardly contemporary as it has been the case for centuries.

    I'd agree there.


    Meanwhile what are all the Archers doing?-a Why did Pat not grasp the
    nettle of Tony and get George work once he returned?-a Bridge Farm are
    two men down - Tony is far too old to be milking the Montbelliards for

    How many actually are there (how big a herd)? I'm not sure if they are
    just a sort of hobby, or meant to be economic.

    all the time since Johnny left and they have apparently coped since
    Adam downed tools.-a Yet Tony still has time to decorate the Fergie
    (which I am convinced he did not replace after selling it, investing
    in his MG Midget instead).

    Yes, I don't remember another one being bought; I would have thought
    doing so would have been too painful for John's parents.

    []

    I don't find George's behaviour out of character.-a In prison he had the
    safety of the system plus the knowledge of being 'protected' by one of

    Or, more brutally, the knowledge that any misbehaviour would have swift
    and undesirable consequences (either from the system or other inmates,
    possibly both).

    the other inmates.-a George has suffered from insufficient boundaries all >> his life.

    I think it's all just that everyone, especially George, underestimated
    how hard it is to re-adjust after prison.-a Susan's experiences were
    different.-a It's not surprising that the people who were affected by the >> events of the crash are suffering trauma from it all still.

    Didn't he get the - usual these days - of 50% of his sentence (or even
    only a third, not sure if that's still the case) to be served inside,
    with the rest "on licence"? If that is the case, he should be seeing
    someone from the probation service frequently (e. g. weekly). I don't
    remember hearing any mention of that. [Or has time passed so quickly
    that he's now reached the end of his licence period? It doesn't _feel_
    to me as if he's been out as long as he was in, but time _does_ fly ...]

    []

    It is interesting, and hopefully no coincidence, that the two people who have shown most sympathy for George, Ed and Alice, have both had
    positive experiences of therapeutic interventions.

    Yes, interesting.

    Did he have any therapy - or similar - while inside? I suspect not - the
    system isn't adequately funded; there may have been the intention, but
    for a sentence as short as his, probably the system didn't get around
    tuit before his release.


    john

    John
    --
    J. P. Gilliver. UMRA: 1960/<1985 MB++G()ALIS-Ch++(p)Ar++T+H+Sh0!:`)DNAf

    If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is.
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Jane Vernon@jane@clothandclay.co.uk to uk.media.radio.archers on Fri Jan 2 16:48:26 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On 02/01/2026 13:46, john ashby wrote:
    On 02/01/2026 12:28, Jane Vernon wrote:
    On 30/12/2025 10:18, Kosmo wrote:
    On 30.12.25 09:50, Jane Vernon wrote:
    I know it will just be me, but the whole George storyline is
    depressing me.-a It's probably because in my working life I saw
    youngsters who were misunderstood and needed more help but because
    of their behaviour weren't getting it. As a teacher, I was mostly
    completely helpless. That's what's difficult to hear, when you know
    what's needed but can't provide it.

    The scriptwriters are doing their best I think.-a The other people
    involved with George are behaving as many people would and do.
    That's what's depressing.-a (What will happen when Ed hears of the
    latest row? Will he stick up for George?)

    I still listen faithfully and haven't missed an episode since
    probably about 1980, though I listened on and off since I was a
    child of ten in 1964.-a But this storyline is so difficult to hear.

    Poor George.



    I find the story objectionable for a number of reasons.

    1.-a He is not an Archer.-a Prime storylines need to revolve around the >>> family.-a Too many episodes do not feature an Archer and even when
    they do (tractor run) it is tangentially.

    2.-a It is completely unrealistic in character development.-a He
    manages nearly a year in prison without losing his temper.-a He
    emerges and has a supportive family and a fiancee and suddenly starts
    hitting relations. If he was really an angry git then there would
    have been fisticuffs in prison.

    3.-a I do not believe that Ed would have lied over the black eye (at
    least to Emma) - as a one off he might have accepted the fall down
    the stairs although I think Ed would have wanted to pursue it with
    Emma sooner.

    4.-a We know Neil and Eddie were reconciled but (presumably due to
    limit on character numbers) have not heard them discuss George.-a More
    importantly any soap is driven by strong women - so where are Clarrie
    and Susan?-a Susan never had that apology from Amber and I feel
    Clarrie / Amber / Susan should have been sat in a room to talk about it. >>>
    5.-a Emma has completely indulged and spoilt the child.-a Only Nick saw >>> him for what he was - was that why she died?

    6.-a We are promised contemporary drama in a rural setting.-a A wrong
    'un adjusting to life after prison is not a rural story and it is
    hardly contemporary as it has been the case for centuries.

    Meanwhile what are all the Archers doing?-a Why did Pat not grasp the
    nettle of Tony and get George work once he returned?-a Bridge Farm are
    two men down - Tony is far too old to be milking the Montbelliards
    for all the time since Johnny left and they have apparently coped
    since Adam downed tools.-a Yet Tony still has time to decorate the
    Fergie (which I am convinced he did not replace after selling it,
    investing in his MG Midget instead).

    So frankly yes I listen - but the plot holes are so immense I wonder
    if a black hole exists in Birmingham and is sucking all the good
    stuff into another universe.

    The recent "bubble" week written by Keri was so obviously poor and
    lacking in continuity it really was not worth 73 minutes.



    I don't find George's behaviour out of character.-a In prison he had
    the safety of the system plus the knowledge of being 'protected' by
    one of the other inmates.-a George has suffered from insufficient
    boundaries all his life.

    I think it's all just that everyone, especially George, underestimated
    how hard it is to re-adjust after prison.-a Susan's experiences were
    different.-a It's not surprising that the people who were affected by
    the events of the crash are suffering trauma from it all still.

    I find it absolutely believeable that Ed would try to give George
    chances, just as Oliver did for him.



    It is interesting, and hopefully no coincidence, that the two people who have shown most sympathy for George, Ed and Alice, have both had
    positive experiences of therapeutic interventions.

    john

    Yes, I find that a realistic component of the storyline.
    --
    Jane
    The Amethyst Artist
    BTME

    http://www.clothandclay.co.uk/umra/cookbook.htm - Umrats' recipes








    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Kosmo@krw@whitnet.uk to uk.media.radio.archers on Sat Jan 3 13:38:05 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On 2.1.26 12:29, Jane Vernon wrote:
    I agree that there is something nasty about George, however I also feel
    that he has been unable to manage how he feels for a very long time and needed intervention way, way earlier.

    Which underlines my point that if he cannot control his temper he would
    not have have managed 12 months inside without losing it. So the
    character continuity is just not there.
    --
    Kosmo Richard W
    www.travelswmw.whitnet.uk
    https://tinyurl.com/KRWpics
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Sam Plusnet@not@home.com to uk.media.radio.archers on Sat Jan 3 19:46:53 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On 03/01/2026 13:38, Kosmo wrote:
    On 2.1.26 12:29, Jane Vernon wrote:
    I agree that there is something nasty about George, however I also
    feel that he has been unable to manage how he feels for a very long
    time and needed intervention way, way earlier.

    Which underlines my point that if he cannot control his temper he would
    not have have managed 12 months inside without losing it.-a So the
    character continuity is just not there.

    If he had a constant fear of violence from other inmates, that might
    have been enough to make him behave.
    I assume that there is no-one close to him in Ambridge that has the same effect.
    --
    Sam Plusnet
    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Chris@chris.mcmillan@ntlworld.com to uk.media.radio.archers on Sat Jan 3 21:58:02 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    Jane Vernon <jane@clothandclay.co.uk> wrote:
    On 30/12/2025 10:18, Kosmo wrote:
    On 30.12.25 09:50, Jane Vernon wrote:
    I know it will just be me, but the whole George storyline is
    depressing me.-a It's probably because in my working life I saw
    youngsters who were misunderstood and needed more help but because of
    their behaviour weren't getting it. As a teacher, I was mostly
    completely helpless. That's what's difficult to hear, when you know
    what's needed but can't provide it.

    The scriptwriters are doing their best I think.-a The other people
    involved with George are behaving as many people would and do.-a That's >>> what's depressing.-a (What will happen when Ed hears of the latest row? >>> Will he stick up for George?)

    I still listen faithfully and haven't missed an episode since probably
    about 1980, though I listened on and off since I was a child of ten in
    1964.-a But this storyline is so difficult to hear.

    Poor George.



    I find the story objectionable for a number of reasons.

    1.-a He is not an Archer.-a Prime storylines need to revolve around the
    family.-a Too many episodes do not feature an Archer and even when they
    do (tractor run) it is tangentially.

    2.-a It is completely unrealistic in character development.-a He manages
    nearly a year in prison without losing his temper.-a He emerges and has a >> supportive family and a fiancee and suddenly starts hitting relations.
    If he was really an angry git then there would have been fisticuffs in
    prison.

    3.-a I do not believe that Ed would have lied over the black eye (at
    least to Emma) - as a one off he might have accepted the fall down the
    stairs although I think Ed would have wanted to pursue it with Emma sooner. >>
    4.-a We know Neil and Eddie were reconciled but (presumably due to limit
    on character numbers) have not heard them discuss George.-a More
    importantly any soap is driven by strong women - so where are Clarrie
    and Susan?-a Susan never had that apology from Amber and I feel Clarrie / >> Amber / Susan should have been sat in a room to talk about it.

    5.-a Emma has completely indulged and spoilt the child.-a Only Nick saw
    him for what he was - was that why she died?

    6.-a We are promised contemporary drama in a rural setting.-a A wrong 'un >> adjusting to life after prison is not a rural story and it is hardly
    contemporary as it has been the case for centuries.

    Meanwhile what are all the Archers doing?-a Why did Pat not grasp the
    nettle of Tony and get George work once he returned?-a Bridge Farm are
    two men down - Tony is far too old to be milking the Montbelliards for
    all the time since Johnny left and they have apparently coped since Adam
    downed tools.-a Yet Tony still has time to decorate the Fergie (which I
    am convinced he did not replace after selling it, investing in his MG
    Midget instead).

    So frankly yes I listen - but the plot holes are so immense I wonder if
    a black hole exists in Birmingham and is sucking all the good stuff into
    another universe.

    The recent "bubble" week written by Keri was so obviously poor and
    lacking in continuity it really was not worth 73 minutes.



    I don't find George's behaviour out of character. In prison he had the safety of the system plus the knowledge of being 'protected' by one of
    the other inmates. George has suffered from insufficient boundaries all
    his life.

    I think it's all just that everyone, especially George, underestimated
    how hard it is to re-adjust after prison. Susan's experiences were different. It's not surprising that the people who were affected by the events of the crash are suffering trauma from it all still.

    I find it absolutely believeable that Ed would try to give George
    chances, just as Oliver did for him.



    Somewhere - and I forget which news prog it was McT yelled to me ?(my head
    too full of R3 at all times) that Brine was being interviewed. He said when
    he first arrived, there were just the four farms, 15 cast members - but the script writers were running out of ideas to keep it flowing so in came
    others - now itrCOs a possible cast of 70.

    Mrs McT

    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Chris@chris.mcmillan@ntlworld.com to uk.media.radio.archers on Sat Jan 3 21:58:03 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    Jane Vernon <jane@clothandclay.co.uk> wrote:
    On 30/12/2025 15:40, BrritSki wrote:
    On 30/12/2025 10:18, Kosmo wrote:
    On 30.12.25 09:50, Jane Vernon wrote:
    I know it will just be me, but the whole George storyline is
    depressing me.-a It's probably because in my working life I saw
    youngsters who were misunderstood and needed more help but because of >>>> their behaviour weren't getting it. As a teacher, I was mostly
    completely helpless. That's what's difficult to hear, when you know
    what's needed but can't provide it.

    The scriptwriters are doing their best I think.-a The other people
    involved with George are behaving as many people would and do.
    That's what's depressing.-a (What will happen when Ed hears of the
    latest row? Will he stick up for George?)

    I still listen faithfully and haven't missed an episode since
    probably about 1980, though I listened on and off since I was a child >>>> of ten in 1964.-a But this storyline is so difficult to hear.

    Poor George.



    I find the story objectionable for a number of reasons.

    1.-a He is not an Archer.-a Prime storylines need to revolve around the >>> family.-a Too many episodes do not feature an Archer and even when they >>> do (tractor run) it is tangentially.

    2.-a It is completely unrealistic in character development.-a He manages >>> nearly a year in prison without losing his temper.-a He emerges and has >>> a supportive family and a fiancee and suddenly starts hitting
    relations. If he was really an angry git then there would have been
    fisticuffs in prison.

    3.-a I do not believe that Ed would have lied over the black eye (at
    least to Emma) - as a one off he might have accepted the fall down the
    stairs although I think Ed would have wanted to pursue it with Emma
    sooner.

    4.-a We know Neil and Eddie were reconciled but (presumably due to
    limit on character numbers) have not heard them discuss George.-a More
    importantly any soap is driven by strong women - so where are Clarrie
    and Susan?-a Susan never had that apology from Amber and I feel
    Clarrie / Amber / Susan should have been sat in a room to talk about it. >>>
    5.-a Emma has completely indulged and spoilt the child.-a Only Nick saw >>> him for what he was - was that why she died?

    6.-a We are promised contemporary drama in a rural setting.-a A wrong
    'un adjusting to life after prison is not a rural story and it is
    hardly contemporary as it has been the case for centuries.

    Meanwhile what are all the Archers doing?-a Why did Pat not grasp the
    nettle of Tony and get George work once he returned?-a Bridge Farm are
    two men down - Tony is far too old to be milking the Montbelliards for
    all the time since Johnny left and they have apparently coped since
    Adam downed tools.-a Yet Tony still has time to decorate the Fergie
    (which I am convinced he did not replace after selling it, investing
    in his MG Midget instead).

    So frankly yes I listen - but the plot holes are so immense I wonder
    if a black hole exists in Birmingham and is sucking all the good stuff
    into another universe.

    The recent "bubble" week written by Keri was so obviously poor and
    lacking in continuity it really was not worth 73 minutes.



    Up to a point Lord Copper.

    I don't really care too much about whether Archers are in it or not.

    We don't really know whether he controlled his temper in chokey or not -
    much easier to control if you know the consequences will be severe which
    they would not be with Ed.

    Ed would not have lied if asked outright, but I can believe him not
    coming out with it at first to make it easier. I think he has the most
    sympathy with George because of what happened to him, and I don't think
    the conversation would have ended with G. being kicked out if Ed was there. >>
    OTOH I do think there is something fundamentally nasty about G. He's had
    some rough breaks and made some bad choices and maybe could have
    overcome them in different circs but underneath it all he's a Grundy and
    an 'orrobin.

    I agree with most of the rest - there are huge holes in plots and huge
    suspensions of disbelief required, like why a seemingly intelligent if
    somewhat woooly-headed girl like Amber would have been attracted in the
    1st place.



    I agree that there is something nasty about George, however I also feel
    that he has been unable to manage how he feels for a very long time and needed intervention way, way earlier.



    Is he influenced by having Alf as an uncle and Clive (and the other bros)as
    in laws?

    Mrs McT

    --- Synchronet 3.21a-Linux NewsLink 1.2
  • From Kosmo@krw@whitnet.uk to uk.media.radio.archers on Sun Jan 4 09:48:06 2026
    From Newsgroup: uk.media.radio.archers

    On 3.1.26 21:58, Chris wrote:
    now itrCOs a possible cast of 70.

    My current listing is 74 for the last year excluding some blow-ins -
    Carl / Carly / Celia Sparrow / Prison Chaplain / Driver / Father Crispin
    / Finlay / Imaani / Jenna / Naomi (who may be about to reappear) / Nelly
    / Prison Officer / Saskie / Terry / DC Tanner.

    I did have hopes that Carly might be offered a job at Grey Gables as she
    can join the Health team and we know Chris has a date with a Naomi and a
    lady of the same name was asking for Angela a few months ago so might
    well be on a dating site.

    I would welcome a further visit from Finlay but that seems unlikely.
    --
    Kosmo Richard W
    www.travelswmw.whitnet.uk
    https://tinyurl.com/KRWpics
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