Wednesday 9 June 2010

8th June 2010

Sid Perks...


... is dead

All the discussions that have been going on about Sid only making it back from New Zealand in a box seem a bit ghoulish now.

I really didn’t expect that to happen so quickly.

I can’t say that Sid was ever one of my favourite Ambridge residents, but he was certainly one of the more ‘interesting’ folks at times. He silence over recent months was highly suggestive of what has now happened.

I really feel for Jolene being out in new Zealand, and having to deal with the practical side of the post mortem and getting Sid’s body back home, all without Fallon and her friends.

Still, it was nice to see Caroline back behind the bar, and at least Fallon had everyone to help.

But what was Kenton up to? As he said to Jamie, he knows exactly how he feels. So why was he being so flippant about having a ‘kick around’, how this was a chance for them all to spend time together, that they could have Chinese … does he not realise that Jamie’s a young lad who is far from ready to cope with losing a parent?

And what on earth was he blundering on about when he said:

“What lovely weather … ironic isn’t it?”

Was that irony in an Alanis Morissette way?

Kathy should have let him get back to Jaxx. I thought he was doing more harm than good.

Now then - what about the Bull? Will Mat turn it into flats?

Will Harry choose mum over daughter?

What where on earth was Jazzer?!? Missed your moment, matey ...

NB: lots of rumours about whether Sid Perks' death has anything to do with Alan Devereux being ill, fallen out with the BBC etc etc. Nothing official that I can see, but if Alan is poorly, I hope a speedy recovery.

16 comments:

Luce Gilmore said...

I wonder what Adam's reaction will be, as well as his partner's (whose name I can never remember), as gays, to the death of Ambridge's leading homophobe.

Miriam said...

Kenton was just dismal - and more than shown up by the rather more emotionally mature response of Harry, who was able to do and say exactly the right thing to someone he barely knows as opposed to Kenton, who couldn't find any way of supporting his long-term partner and (essentially) step-son. No one's that emotionally atrophied, are they?!

Anonymous said...

I don't agree with what you say about Kenton's response. You don't understand because you're a women. We men sometimes have difficulty in situations such as these, not for want of best intentions.

Inga McVicar said...

Hmmm. But wasn't this all just Kenton being Kenton? He's not exactly known for being sensitive - though I can see that this is all probably just his way of trying to cope.

It just made for very painful listening. I bet all Jamie wanted was a hug (even a manly one would have done!).

I also don't agree that this is about something that's particularly male. As Miriam said - Harry coped admirably - and there's plenty of women out there who'd be just a rubbish as Kenton.

Inga McVicar said...

Luce - I'm not sure if Ian and Adam would have much to say. Didn't they all make up over cricket? Though yes - Sid's bigotry was one of the reasons I'm not that sad/shicked over his death.

Quiver said...

As Kenton said, he has also lost his father recently, but he didn't cope very well with that did he? Remember how worried Kathy was about his reaction at the time?
Kenton's response when the going gets tough is to run away or to pretend everything is OK. He didn't support his twin when Shula lost Mark and as far as I remember did not attend any of his siblings' weddings,(even as a silent character?)
Kenton has not really grieved properly over Phil and seeing Jamie and Kathy suffering is too painful for him.
Bless!!

Inga McVicar said...

Very true. He's quite a stonewall when it comes to emotions.

Will this all push Kathy over the edge? She's already been badly neglected in favour of Jim and Jaxx - if Kenton doesn't start being able to support/understand/listen to him, will she even bother trying to carry on with Kenton?

Anonymous said...

I mentioned this over on another page.. but I wanted to ask people if they also had the impression that in the last episodes Sid wasn't being played by the same actor. Mine was a completely instinctive reaction.. I had no idea he was going to leave the programme....

Inga McVicar said...

I know exactly what you mean.

My post on the 16th of Feb (http://ponderingthearchers.blogspot.com/2010/02/16th-feb-2010.html) was me wondering what was wrong with his voice.

I never thought about it being a different actor, but you could be right.

When are the BBC going to learn that we'll spot an 'actor' where there should be a real resident of Ambridge. It's all a conspiracy ...

Anonymous said...

Well there you are, it wasn't just me. Thanks for that. What a marvellous instrument the ear is..... :)))

Hope the actor wasn't taken ill or anything.. I think the Beeb owe us a better explanation, just to put our minds at rest.

Quiver said...

I was wrong! I remember that Kenton was at David and Ruth's wedding. The prodigal son was best man for 'Dave'.
(Why doesn't David call him 'Ken' to annoy him. Everyone else says Kenton apart from Vicky's ill advised 'Kenny').

quiver said...

Bring back Lucy!
If Alan Devereaux was too ill to record any final scenes it would be good to get Lucy over from NZ at some stage to 'do a Hazel' and seek her inheritance.
I may be wrong but I think the actress who brilliantly played Sid's daughter was Alan Devereaux' real daughter,(different surname, White, I think).
For an obnoxious, spoilt, divisive serpent's tooth of a child look no further than Lucy. Watch and learn Pip!
No love lost between her and Cathy, Jolene doesn't find her easy either. She could try for her share of the pub and dispute whether Jamie is Sid's or Dave Barry's child.
It would be a tribute to Sid/Alan if she turned up.
SJW

Anonymous said...

From BBC website

It is hard to imagine The Bull without the bluff, genial presence of Sid Perks behind the bar. And hard to imagine The Archers cast without Alan Devereux, who after playing the part for 48 years has decided to retire.

Alan Devereux (Sid Perks)

Archers editor Vanessa Whitburn said: "Alan played Sid in his own inimitable way and so there was never any question of recasting the part. We wish Alan an enjoyable and well-deserved retirement. Listeners and team alike will miss him".

Inga McVicar said...

Aha. That's the reason then.

But 'genial presence'.

Do you think the person who wrote that has ever listened to The Archers?

Catherine said...

Historical question: I remember - probably wrongly - that Walter Gabriel died and then was brought back (like Bobby in the shower in Dallas) after massive complaints. Am I making this up or can anyone else remember this?

Inga McVicar said...

I don't remember the exact details - but the BBC do claim that Walter was 'played' by two 'actors', if that's of any help.

Anyone else?