Series Four - Episode One
The camera pannes around a darkened bar, resting for a moment on a black and white photograph on the wall - a young, dark-haired woman stands smiling outside a pub. There is silence, broken only by the occasional drip of the beer taps . . .
This is how the fourth series of Ballykissangel opened, the same sad feel of 'Amongst Friends'. I had expected no mention of the previous tennant and was therefore, surprised, pleased and at the same time, saddened by the fact that the writers had not forgotten Assumpta. Indeed, they seemed to have taken on board the viewer's comments that the last episodes of the third series lacked the grief that one would have expected in these circumstances. Assumpta was mentioned often and with respect, even by those people who disliked her when she was alive. Peter, on the other hand was dismissed quite coldly, I thought. His contribution to the village was summed up by nudges, raised eyebrows and Kathleen's usual call of 'the fellow from England'.
Anyway, 'nuff said. Onto the story . . . .
A young woman arrives in the village looking for her brother, the new priest in BallyK. She becomes caught up in Brian's latest scheme as he tries to prevent local entrpreneur Bella Mooney from buying Fitzgerald's in the auction. Brian's plan is to buy the pub and give it over to Niamh to run. Niamh is unsure as she does not feel able to take over from Assumpta while also dealing with her father's constant need to make money from Assumpta's death. The bar is the only part of Assumpta that she has left and she does not want to lose it, but is unsure if she can be the successor to her friend.
Meanwhile, a new man appears in the village, Sean Dillon who seems universally disliked by everyone except Niamh who is too young to remember how his family alienated the town. He gives her advice about taking over the bar and Niamh decides that Assumpta would want her to do it.
The auction starts and Brian is outbid by Mrs Mooney. However, while the deposit is being sorted out, she discovers that everyone in the town is against the idea of 'Bella's Brasserie' - they want the pub to remain as Assumpta ran it. Mrs Mooney withdraws from the sale and Brian wins.
Niamh opens the bar for the first time since Assumpta's death. Everyone puts in an appearance at the opening night and, after Fr Mac has blessed the bar (yes, Niam is running it exactly how Assumpta would have!!!) they toast Assumpta's memory and the new publican. Unbeknown to them all, the new priest has finally turned up . . .
As I have already said, the writers dealt sensitively with the aftermath of Assumpta's death which had much the same effect on me as the final two episodes of series three did! However, they were not so kind to poor Peter and he was not spoken about kindly at all. They made it seem as if his entire contribution to the village had been forgotten and all that he was remembered for was his feelings for Assumpta. I cannot help but suspect that this had something to do with the fact that Stephen was very outspoken about the writing and production in the last series. However, I did feel that to persecute him on screen was very unfair on the audience who, doubtless wanted him to remembered affectionately.
To sum up, not a bad start to the series. It was more watchable than I had expected although I personally will find the new characters very hard to take to. As yet there is nothing endearing about them. But, it is good to see that the rest of the characters have remained on form and the series may not be as horrendous as I had feared.
Oh, and just for Peter Hanley's (Ambrose) information if he ever happens to look at this page (!!!) YES, I definitely DID miss Peter and Assumpta.