The Archers - 26/05/2009

Matt's still distant and distracted and Lilian's trying to encourage him to spend more time with her. She suggests lunch but he's worried about bumping into members of her family. He's still smarting over Debbie's rebuff. Lilian assures him it's not personal but he disagrees and retreats back to work. Later Lilian tentatively suggests the theatre on Friday, and to her relief he agrees to go; it's a nice idea. Brian finds Marshall in the Home Farm kitchen happily helping Jennifer with the lunch. While Brian does his best to be warm and friendly, Debbie's not fooled. But later Marshall scores a few points with his choice of dessert wine. He remarks drily that it will make up for his lack of fly fishing experience. Debbie persuades Peggy to join them after lunch, and Marshall's introduction to Jack goes off without a hitch. Debbie jokes that she hopes Marshall hasn't been put off by her dysfunctional family. He assures her it's fine, but he's looking forward to having her to himself again. Brian admits Marshall has improved the more he's got to know him, but wonders to Jennifer that given Debbie's past form, who knows how long it will last? Episode written by Simon Frith.