The Archers

Susan treads carefully, and the Aldridge clan go into battle.

Jolene detects Kenton’s unsettled mood. He confesses to being wrongfooted by his encounter with George, admitting he accepted the proffered apology. Jolene’s astounded, but Kenton’s had enough of all the conflict. Jolene counters that appeasing George isn’t the answer. His bad behavour is a pattern and she’s surprised Kenton’s been so easily sucked in by his superficial charm. Later Kenton tries to explain that taking away the oxygen of anger will extinguish the flame, but Jolene’s not convinced. Brian too isn’t in a forgiving mood towards George. Seeing the tension between Jolene and Kenton, he thinks they need a holiday. They agree a break sounds tempting.Alice calls Kate to give her the news that that George wants to meet with the Aldridge family to formally apologise. Kate thinks he’s brave – it won’t work out well for him. Alice agrees, but reckons George should be given a chance. Kate wonders if their dad’s invited. Alice confirms for it to work everyone has to be in the room. Kate says if it’s what Alice wants, she agrees it’s a chance to move forward. When Kate asks busy Jakob for his opinion, he doesn’t have time to think about George Grundy right now. Later Jakob tries to relax tense Kate with a meditation but fails miserably. Kate tells him his attempt was giving AI vibes. Alice tries to persuade Brian to attend the meeting with George. Reluctant Brian doesn’t like George even speaking to Alice, but as the head of the family, declares the meeting will be in his house, with him there.

Azra and Akram debate the pros and cons of accepting Helen’s offer of work for Akram at Bridge Farm. Azra feels it’s a bit of a step down to reject lucrative plumbing work in favour of working with veg. Akram points out they have more than enough to live on with Azra’s salary, but assumes this is a no from her. Azra concedes that it’s Akram’s call. Later he explains Helen that his current work gives him more time for the children; if there was just himself to consider he’d definitely say yes. However they’re interrupted by Azra, who hopes she’s in time to make her husband happy: he should take the work. Having Akram contented amongst the plants rather than having his head under a sink means more than being able to accrue savings. Akram’s delighted; how can he say no? His wife never ceases to surprise him.Kenton observes to Alice that the whole village seems on edge since what happened to George. Alice thinks it must be awful for George knowing someone wants him dead. Later George calls at the Nest with a gift for Martha. He wants to apologise to Brian and Adam now that he and Chris have made peace. Alice advocates focusing on rest and recovery, but George is adamant he wants to try and make amends to prove he’s not fake. Alice gets it. George also apologises to Kenton, who accepts it, but without much faith in George’s contrition. George pleads with him to persuade Jolene to forgive and forget.

Chris helps flustered George with a broken washing machine. As they work together, they joke about funny events in George’s childhood. George wonders why Chris has come round. Chris shares his feeling after the attack of being desperate for George to pull through. Since then he’s resolved to let go of the anger. George confesses he feels ashamed of what he did to Alice. Chris asserts they’ve all done things they regret.Azra and Akram are at Brookfield for Sunday lunch. Akram gets a message from Helen. She wants a word with him. He worries that he hasn’t yet paid for the repairs to the polytunnel. Ruth recommends just asking Helen what she wants. Azra reckons farming must be tough and miserable in the winter. Ruth asserts that on the whole she wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s pretty happy with her lot, if she could just bury her head and not think about inheritance tax matters. Azra advises the worst thing would be to do nothing. Ruth resolves to sit down with David make a decision.Helen puts Akram’s mind at rest. The polytunnel’s all fixed. She wants to offer him some hours working on the farm, to replace Adam. Akram’s pleased she’s asked, but while his heart wants to say yes, he can’t justify the loss of income from his current work in order to pick veg. Helen understands and apologises for any offence. Far from it, says Akram, he’s flattered and is finding it hard to say no. What exactly would casual work involve?

Eddie bumps into Brian, and puts right the fact that he’s never properly apologised to him for what George did to Alice. Brian’s appreciative. Eddie should be at a family lunch with George, but he can’t bring himself to go, despite it putting him in the doghouse with Will. Brian wonders if he can be of help, but Eddie says he’s just missing Joe, and feels too old for all this trouble. Brian sympathises, and tries to cheer Eddie up. Eddie brightens slightly, reporting he’s been saving up good quality hay to sell. Brian promises to ask Alice if she wants some – she has no issue with Eddie. Back at Grange Farm, Will’s disgusted at his dad’s absence, and leaves with George. Emma tells him later how upset Clarrie is. Will’s grateful Emma stayed with her. George hears that Markie’s gang has been charged with the attack. It’s a relief, but Emma still can’t relax. Clarrie tells Eddie that George was heartbroken at his no-show – doesn’t Eddie think he’s been punished enough? Eddie reckons that doesn’t equal forgiveness. He moves on to the hay, and Clarrie despairs. Their family’s falling apart, and he's on another get rich quick scheme! Eddie declares he’s as worried as Clarrie, but farm life goes on. Clarrie retorts he’s like a different person. Eddie ponders – maybe he is.Emma presses George on what else he can remember, in case he has to go to court. He doesn’t come up with much; he’s just glad it’s over, and they can get on with their lives.