Created By: Graham Linegan and Arthur Matthews
Starring: Dermot Morgan, Ardal O’Hanlon, Frank Kelly, Pauline McLynn
Ireland always produces great comedians, writers and artists and there’s probably not been a better or equally more bizarre cult-classic comedy than Father Ted on the Irish shores or, to be truthful, in the UK at all in the late 1990s. For those who don’t know, Father Ted was created by Graham Linehan and Arthur Matthews who invented the vividly insane world of Father Ted Crilly. He’s a priest that has been stuck on an Island somewhere off the west coast of Ireland (just past Donegal and past again), in a small parochial house. His days there are shared with the endlessly stupid Father Dougal (Ardal O’Hanlon) and the endlessly aggressive Father Jack (Frank Kelly), the latter who sits sleeping, drinking and shouting – a direct satirical reminder of the later life of Catholic priests. There’s also Mrs Doyle (Pauline McLynn), who’s endless supply of tea and positivity often outweighs the situation but McLynn’s perfect comic timing makes her an unforgettable addition to the ensemble.
For some, Father Ted might be the epitome of blasphemy but through the great Irish sense of self-parody, and fantastically original writing, it becomes a subtle reflection of such lives but fictionalised enough to be passable for everyone, whatever your religious belief and all the strangeness (in my opinion) that surrounds it. In complete admittance, it’s the perfect rational of acceptable madness and they get away with it, because they’re Priests.
All three series also question every essence of life in numerous obscure but understandable ways. Are those cows really big…or are they just far away? What’s better: Religion or rollerblading and – of course – there are also impressive homages to film including the excellent Speed 3 in Series 3. There’s the absolute classic of Chirpy Burpy Cheap Sheep, which might be some of the greatest situation comedy ever produced as Chris the Sheep tries win Sheep of the Year, but three farmers are out to cheat the competition and Ted is out to prove that something immoral is going on, plus how can you ever forget Bishop Brennan’s Arse.
Father Ted is a 100% character piece sitcom and although, for me, it’s hard to pin down one specific series of brilliance to recommend, over the entire experience. It’s only sad that Dermot Morgan passed away before it could continue and get better, as the writing noticeably improves as the characters develop. This new collection of series 1-3 contains a whole load of new extras as well, plus the fantastic new artwork from Tony Millionaire. So wait you waiting for?
You can buy Series One via this link, Series Two over here and Series Three via this final handy link!
Get buying now for this ‘must-have’ in your DVD collection released on March 11th! The brand new content includes:
Series 1
- Interview with writers
- Newly recorded commentary by Graham Linehan & Arthur Mathews
- Commentaries
Series 2
- Tedfest 2007: A Very Ted Weekend
- Newly recorded commentary by Graham Linehan & Arthur Mathews
- Commentaries
- Comedy Connections
- Comic Relief with Ted and Dougal
Series 3
- Newly recorded commentary by Graham Linehan & Arthur Mathews
You can also currently WIN yourself a set by entering our competition, over here!
