SOC's solution for the wrong problem

[isaac quatorze]

oops, Carrie above should be Clarrie.

[Annietomic]

Spot on.

[Spare Mousie]

There’s a lot in what you say, isaac, about abandoning peripheral characters for no good reason that I can see. I’m more of Kat’s mind in my likes and dislikes but that isn’t the point, really, is it? It doesn’t matter if we like or dislike characters or even approve of them, it’s do they work and are they entertaining? Matt did and was. I had a soft spot for Vicky though lots couldn’t stand her and I’m sorry she, Mike and Bethany have gone and I hope they come back. Hayley is a loss, too. Tracey was always good value for shaking things up and why hasn’t Johnny’s Mum come down to check up on her boy and make a few waves there too.

I very much agree with you that the Brookfield Archers and exceedingly dull, not to say smug, Kenton’s right about that. The Bridge Farm and Home Farm lot are so much more entertaining in their bonkers dysfunctionality.

One thing you didn’t mention was the glaring omission of Heather’s voice in a story to which she is central. And it doesn’t help that Ruth never reports what Heathers says, feels, wishes, she only reports on ‘me mother’ in terms of how all of it affects her, Ruth. It doesn’t give much of an impression that Heather is being allowed much say in anything. I can’t help feeling the editor didn’t intend this and yet check Twitter, it’s exactly how it’s coming across to many listeners.

[Miss Mid-City]

I agree with much of what you’ve said, Isaac. Many of your observations have been made before. No doubt they’ll be made again. For example, I’ve previously commented that I’m totally sceptical about the idea that story arcs are planned and executed meticulously (contrary to Keri Davies interview on the podcast many moons ago). I genuinely suspect there’s an issue with the availability of certain actors plus the quality of the writing in any given week can be “variable”. This week – and I reserve my full judgment until I’ve listened to Friday’s episode – has been pretty dull, in my view. But periods of dullness won’t last. And nor will the more interesting, exciting storylines. There’s bound to be some ebb and flow …

That aside, I take issue with the idea that Tracy Horrobin, Rosa Makepeace, Amy Franks, Patrick or Brenda were in any way “compelling” characters. Compelling? In what way?! And it’s very generous of you to describe Amy and Nic as “wonderful, peripheral” characters. Peripheral, certainly, but “wonderful”?! Each to their own, I guess. That list of characters just makes me wrinkle my nose a bit, shrug and turn down the corners of my mouth with indifference.

[Author]

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