Tag Archives: Irish
“And then they have to eat all their friends” – The Mainland
A trait of the show’s later episodes is that Linehan and Mathews, ouroborus-like, began incorporating storylines that could never even have occurred to them had the programme not been an ongoing success. Showbiz and glamour began to seep into Craggy … Continue reading
“To see just how far we’ve come” – Are You Right There Father Ted?
When families across Ireland tuned in to Channel 4 on 13 March, 1998, their anticipation for a new series of Father Ted was tainted with bleak reality. A mere thirteen days previously, Dermot Morgan had died following a heart attack … Continue reading
“All the people in televisionland” – Father Ted and His Faithful Friends
On 14 March, 1997, Father Ted had his finest hour. But it didn’t happen in Father Ted – it happened in reality. A little context is required. In 1985, Richard Curtis and Lenny Henry founded Comic Relief, a charity organisation. … Continue reading
“I think we got away with it” – A Christmassy Ted
Where do we even begin? “A Christmassy Ted” is a monumental episode. Structurally, it’s the show’s biggest experiment to date. Narratively, it’s something of a mess. Though frustrating on certain levels, it holds a unique charm – this is an … Continue reading
“I’m just doing a job” – Flight Into Terror
The first series of Father Ted concluded with an elegiac episode which mused on the transitory nature of life. Not to be outdone, the second series reaches its climax with what can only be described as Ted doing a high-octane … Continue reading
“The way you get used to something” – New Jack City
One of the show’s most reliable storytelling technique is to populate its episodes with guest characters who mirror the main cast. Some, like Father Dick Byrne, serve as foils. Others, like Father Damo Lennon, are more interesting for the reflections … Continue reading
“My keeper and my reward” – Cigarettes and Alcohol and Rollerblading
In retrospect, the second series of Father Ted seems quite preoccupied with annual events. It’s not difficult to see why – if you’re writing a sitcom, and one of your express goals is to offer an authentic representation of your … Continue reading
