The Archers Monday 11th April 2011: Caroline is most annoyed!

click the 'read more' link below the bullet points to read the full post on this eavesdropping episode

• Oliver!
• Roy’s made his decision
• Jolene prefers Kathy angry
• “Easter at The Bull is always a blast”
• “Oh damn!”
• Elizabeth better watch her back
• Time to quit?

Oliver!

Hurrah! I do like it when one of my favoured Ambridge residents pops back again, after a bit of an absence.

Welcome back Oliver!


Roy’s made his decision

It’s to take Elizabeth’s offer of a spanky new job!

So, all he has to do is tell Caroline.

Which won’t be easy. She’s on a mission to gather her VAT paperwork before seeing her accountant. That Grey Gables has also managed to hold its own on during the recession has had a lot to do with Roy, according to Oliver and Caroline:

[Oliver] “I know how much Caroline relies on you”

Oh dear. This isn’t going to be too easy for Roy.


Jolene prefers Kathy angry

Jolene calls Kathy to tell her that she tried with Jamie, but he still isn’t interested in going home to Kathy.

Kathy isn’t upset, as she has come to expect nothing from Jamie.

And Kathy not being upset is unsettling Jolene.

[Jolene] “It was easier when Kathy was blaming me., I know I was in the right then”

“Easter at The Bull is always a blast”

So reckons Fallon.

She’s trying to reassure Jolene that all will be well with her (and Jamie) while Jolene goes on her trip to Monte Carlo.

Harry is going to run a bull match in the garden, and Fallon is organising the Easter egg hunt.

Question is – what is a bull match?

And will Molly Button burst into the tears at the sight of someone dressed up as the Easter bunny?

Or, was it just Sid that was terrifying as a bunny?!?


“Oh damn!”

Roy’s trying to tell Caroline that he’s handing in her notice, but she’s distracted trying to find her VAT paperwork.

But she finally twigs, as she hears him thanking her for giving him a chance all those years back, thanks for all the training, that he’s loved working at Grey Gables …

[Caroline] “It’s starting to sound like a farewell speech”

[Roy] “I’m afraid, that’s what it is …it’s the perfect job … it’s with lower Loxley”

[Caroline] “I see … if it’s a question of money …”

But Roy is firm. He can stay in the area while getting significant promotion, work at the same place as Hayley, and still help Elizabeth.

So Roy ain't for turning.

As soon as he walks out the door.

[Caroline] “Oh damn. Damn and blast!”

Elizabeth better watch her back

Although Oliver managed to calm Caroline down, she is absolutely furious at losing Roy

[Caroline] “That’s the last time I do anyone a good turn … it’s a catastrophe … after all I did for Elizabeth … I actually offered him to her … and that’s the thanks I get. Well, never again!”

But, as Oliver reasoned, Caroline wouldn’t have sat back and let Elizabeth go under, so would have lent her Roy even if she knew there was a chance of Roy then leaving.

Caroline’s just a nice lady.

Unlike Elizabeth, who couldn’t give a hoot about her friends and neighbours.

Lest we forget that Elizabeth could have solved her problems by hiring in a professional manager. Which would have avoided the horrible time David and Ruth had (when he was always at Lower Loxley), and wouldn’t have meant Roy had to be loaned to her in the first place.

Caroline’s so sound up that she’s even thinking of not replacing Roy – saving money and hassle, but it would mean her then having to do all of his work herself.

Which Oliver won’t hear of. He retired so that they could spend more time together.

Haven’t they forgotten something?

The answer to their lack-of-Roy has a very simple solution.

Promote Lynda!


Time to quit?

Jolene reckons she can “feel a new phase coming on” in her life.

[Jolene] “I feel like I want to mark it somehow …do something different, be the new me somehow”

I thought Kenton would jump at the chance to suggest something adult and rude – but no. He first says that he wouldn’t change a thing about her … expect her smoking.

Although Jolene has tried before, and doesn’t actually sound that keen to quit, Kenton seems determined … and takes her pack of cigarettes.

[Kenton] “No time like the present. Now, if you’re serious about this …”

Um … I didn’t hear Jolene say she was that serious.

And Kenton – most folks do not quite smoking by their boyfriend taking their fags there and then. It has to start from REALLY wanting to quit, then finding the right way to do so. Cold turkey can work, but not when it’s been foisted.

And I do speak as a smoker. It’s a disgusting habit. But I enjoy a smoke (no further justification as there really isn’t any!). If someone else told me that I should quit, and then took my tobacco … grrrr!