16th August 2010

The Archers: Susan and Neil simply don’t know what clothes to wear … Chris takes marriage seriously … Kathy and Kenton Argue (pt 752)

• “But what does ‘smart casual’ really mean”
• Neil is horrified by changing rooms
• “A bit smarter than the average barbeque”
• Is it the Home Secretary I have to write to in support of Clive’s day release?
• Does Neil and Susan have a good marriage?
• Please. Just split up.

“But what does ‘smart casual’ really mean”

Susan’s getting herself into yet another flap, this time over what her and Neil should wear to the party.

Although Susan knows

“what it means literally”

she somehow can’t translate that into reality.

While not wanting to “outdo” Jennifer (as the mother of the bride), Susan also doesn’t want to “compromise and wear a skirt”

Eh?

As Neil out it

“Is it just me - or is she speaking in tongues?”

There is nothing on this earth that Susan can’t find something to panic of complain about. Seriously.


Neil is horrified by changing rooms

So – do we think Neil has lost the power to think for himself because of Susan, or was he always like this?

The man can’t even choose a pair of breeks by himself!

I know it’s a generational thing (as Chris was happily managing to choose his own suit), but what was Neil on about when he refused to use a changing room, preferring to take it home (chancing that it might not fit, which would spiral Susan into a demonic presence of huge proportions).

Did Susan create Neil, or did Neil’s ineptness create Susan?


“A Bit smarter than the average barbeque”

And this is why Susan is panicking.

For all Jennifer’s claims that it’s not formal, the wee touches she’s adding to the party makes it far from a few sausages flung onto a half-hot grill.

Jennifer seems to think that a seating plan is informal, helping to ensure everyone “can relax” and not “feel awkward” because they’re guaranteed to be sat next to someone they know/like.

Hmmm. That sounds formal to me, and also full of pitfalls.

What one woman sees as two friends, another knows is just polite tolerance.


Is it the Home Secretary I have to write to in support of Clive’s day release?

Now I know Clive’s not a very nice chap, but it’d be worth it just to see Jennifer’s face.

It’s nothing less than she deserves for her current heights of snobbery.

Desperately trying to get Susan to confirm whether Clive is being allowed out of prison for the party, all Jennifer could get was that the ‘yet to be confirmed’ were:

“just the ones who have more complicated arrangements”

But Susan then went onto say:

“ none of them will say no - you can bank on it!”

Sounds like Clive could be on his way …


Does Neil and Susan have a good marriage?

As much as Neil is a bit flaky, and Susan a lot irritating, I suppose they do.

Aside from the slight aside Neil had when Susan was in prison (can you try and fix that for us again, Clive?), they’ve been pretty solid.

Chris cites their marriage as an example of why he knows what it’ll take to make his marriage to Alice works. And that he’s committed to her. And that he loves her.

Aw!

Sham his sister Emma didn’t have the same approach.


Please. Just split up.

Kathy and Kenton are arguing yet again, this time over Jamie.

Kenton is being a bit dim again (he was telling Kathy that Jamie should be getting out more, playing cricket, seeing the lads etc), which is not news to Kathy.

And Kenton also seems to think that it’s okay with Jamie to be angry with Kathy, but it wouldn’t be okay for Jamie to be angry with him. Maybe that’s because Kenton thinks Kathy doesn’t deserve anything better?

“chill out and just back off a bit Kathy”

I think we all agree with that, but I’d be spitting hot coals if someone said that to me. It’s almost as bad as ‘calm down, dear’.

Come on. Gives us a break, and make the break.