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written JULY 13th, 1998
By Mike Phillips
When people think of any particular television series they try to
categorize it right away.
Some series like Monty Python, Black Adder, Brittas Empire are
easily recognizeable as
comedies.
Other series like I Claudius are just as recognizeable as dramas.
Every once in a while you run across a series like Red Dwarf that
falls into more than one category. Is it a comedy? YES Is it Science
Fiction? YES Is It drama? NO (but then again 2 out of 3 aint bad)
And then there is Ballykissangel.
If you would have only seen one episode and that was Trying
to connect you (1.1) you might have thought the series was
only about the Catholic religion. Since the plot focused so heavily
on setting up the characters of Father Clifford and Father Mac.The
underlying theme to this episode to me at least was not to let
technology take over all facets of your lifes. There are some
instances when the new ideas just dont work. (Last word on the
electronic confessional was it had run off with the talkie toaster
from RED DWARF
The series isnt only about religion, although many of the
episodes do have religious overtones. If you want comedy, then watch
Chinese Whispers (2.8) the episode where the suspected
revenue officers come to town, and the entire town is filled with
paranoia.
For romance, you can get no better than the angst ridden episode
where Father Clifford and Assumpta play 2 lovers in a play. For
one night only (2.1) The title refers to many things, the
play that will be for one night only. And also to Father Clifford and
Assumpta who for a time might have had that one moment of affection
until Peter is bumped from the play when Enda returns. The tension
when they begin to kiss in rehearsal for the play can be cut with a
knife.
For those who like police drama several episodes featured Ambrose.
In the episode River Dance (2.2) shows him dealing with
Jimmy Kilfeather who had been abusing his wife Moira for years. He
finds Jimmy in the river and saves his life (Moira had been beaten
for the last time and almost killed him) The episode where he was
badly injured trying to stop the people trying to rob st josephs
(sorry no title, will update when we rewatch this
episode), and when he goes undercover in The Waiting
Game (3.8) where he goes undercover in Cilldargen at great
personal risk and catches some drug dealers with the goods.
For those looking for series that focus on Irish Music, In
The Can (2.3) has several bits of Irish music mainly Enda
Sullivan singing, Kathleen playing the church organ. .
For those wanting nail biting tension,As happy as a turkey
on boxing day (3 xmas special ) where Kevin falls into the
abandoned mine hole will leave you glued to your seat.
For real life drama when Quigley lost his fortune in the
series 3 story arc that was spread out over several of the
episodes. And the heart wrenching drama of The
Reckoning (3.10) when Assumpta .... well you'll just have to
watch the episode.
The series was not just the adventures of Father Peter and
Assumpta, it was about a town and its inhabitants. It might not have
been real life, but to us it reflects what life should be all about.
When the town rushed to Kathleen's aid when her home was on fire
in Money, Money, Money (2.7) it made us wonder that in
most cities that probably wouldnt happen. People would stand by and
watch as the home burned. And when the entire town of Ballykissangel
signed the petition to allow Father Clifford to stay Missing
You Already (1.6) how many of us would rush of us would rush
to the aid of someone in need. Most people wouldnt get involved.
Ballykissangel is a series and a town.We'll be able to visit our
friends again soon as series IV is being produced as I write this. If
you like the series IV once you've seen several episodes write the
BBC and let them know.
Watch series IV and either like it or dislike, but give them a
full run of episodes before you fully make up your mind.
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