02/06/2026

episode

The Archers 14 min 4 speakers 8 chapters transcribed 3 months ago

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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?

Dr. John Watson 0:00

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

Otis Jiry 0:06

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

Dr. John Watson 0:30

You're listening to Tuesday's episode of The Archers, from BBC Radio 4.

0:38

MUSIC Oh, can I just squeeze past to the chiller cabinet? Oh, yeah, sure. I'm after some of that Greek yoghurt. Sorry, Alice. Oh, no, really... All well with you, Ed? Same old. Are you really busy at the moment?

David King 1:03

Of course, it's June. And I'm getting ready for the Borchester show.

1:07

Oh, great. Look, Ed, as I've bumped into you... Yeah? I mean, you probably know Dad has made a few changes at Home Farm.

David King 1:15

Well, I think everyone's heard about it, Alice. Yeah, well...

1:18

Look, is there any possibility you might be available for some extra hours? Maybe on a more structured basis. I think he might want to take on more help. Yeah? Well, he really values you, obviously. So I thought I'd ask, you know. Are you offering me work? Well, I'm seeing if you're up for it, really. So might you consider it, if it came up? Well, when would he want me to start? Well, as soon as, I think. Would you think about it? I'll talk to Emma.

Sir David Suchet 1:52

Is Alice not in?

Dr. John Watson 1:54

No, no, she doesn't seem to be. Well, that's a nuisance. Maybe she's at the stables. Yes, I'll drive up and see. All good with you two? I, um... I'm sure it's fine. Doesn't sound very wholehearted. No, no, no, everything's good. Thanks. I'll be, um... I'll see you, Brian.

Sir David Suchet 2:12

Rex, Rex, have I upset you to even be off with me? No, no, no reason to be off with you. Well, no, except you're seeing Alice and... I'm sure you're aware that there's a lot going on in the family right now. I'm aware, yes. Which is why I'm here, actually. Last time I spoke to Alice, it didn't end entirely well. You may be aware of that, too. Ah, this is really... Families aren't always easy things, you know. Of course you know. Well, the Fair Brothers have had their moments, too, haven't they? I suppose we have, yes. So I'm hoping to build bridges. With Alice, at least. I don't suppose it's always been a bed of roses, being a child of mine. But I've always done my best to, well, do my best. I've protected my children as much as I can.

Sir David Suchet 2:58

I've given them everything. A good home. Plenty of opportunities, encouragement. Alice hasn't wanted for anything. What struggles she's had, she's brought on herself. Brian. I really don't want there to be bad blood between us.

Dr. John Watson 3:11

Brian, please stop. I'm sure we can. Brian, stop. It's really not appropriate for you to be saying this to me.

What changes have been made at Home Farm?

Dr. John Watson 3:17

Not appropriate. Whatever you have to say, you should say to Alice. I intend to. Well, maybe when you do, leave out the bit about never having had to struggle. You what? Well, given what happened with George, and the court case, and the drinking, her life hasn't been as easy as you're implying. I'm sorry, sorry, Rex, but where's this come from? Do you have any idea how much pressure she's under right now? With all of your home farm shenanigans? Shenanigans? What's that doing to her mental health? The strain on her relationships with her siblings? Or do you think she's like you, and it's all water off her duck's back? Now, look here. Because it isn't, Brian. It really isn't like that for her. I know what it's like to have a father who thinks he knows it all and always gets his own way.

Dr. John Watson 3:54

Other families manage their inheritance issues without all this drama. Well, look at Bridge Farm. Tom and Helen are creating all sorts of new initiatives without Pat and Tony holding them back.

How does Alice feel about the extra work offer?

Dr. John Watson 4:03

I think you've said enough now, Rex, thank you. Well, I think it's time someone told you what's what. Alice is really suffering at the moment because you insist on letting your ego get in the way of your relationships with your kids. It's damaging. It's frankly stupid. From where I'm standing, you threatening to take the land back looks like an overgrown toddler throwing his toys out of the pram. You should be ashamed.

Sir David Suchet 4:23

Rex! Alice, there you are.

Dr. John Watson 4:24

What's going on?

Sir David Suchet 4:26

I'll come back later, shall I? I think that's a very good idea.

Dr. John Watson 4:29

Rex! I'm sorry, Brian. No, no, actually, I'm not. I'm glad I said it. Catch you another time, Alice.

4:39

What on earth just happened?