"Ah go on...!" (Father Ted)

Member Name: louanna8

Product:	Father Ted
Date:	16/06/09 (39 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Hilarious

Disadvantages: None

Father Ted is a comedy television program that was first shown in 1995 on channel 4. It ran for 3 series and 25 episodes in total and was an incredibly popular show.
It is set on the fictional Craggy Island which is supposed to be somewhere off the west coast of Ireland and tells the story of 3 Catholic Priests who live in the parochial house there with their housekeeper Mrs Doyle. Craggy Island itself is lifeless, bleak and completely empty of any exciting events. The priests, Father Ted Crilly, Father Dougal McGuire and Father Jack Hackett were all sent there by Bishop Brennan after showing incompetence at their other parishes. The series follows the men on their daily parish life as they encounter problems with other islanders and visiting priests.

~Characters~
Father Ted Crilly
The main character was played by stand-up comedian Dermot Morgan, who sadly died the day after filming the final episode aged just 45. Father Ted is the priest who does his best to keep everything going despite all the problems thrown at him. He desperately wants to leave Craggy Island and comes up with several ideas to do so all of which unfortunately fail. He is, if you like, almost the leader of the three priests.
Dermot Morgan has fantastic comedic timing and manages to make the priest seem like an average person. He doesn't have a holier than thou
attitude and this makes him likeable. Morgan gives a very funny performance but without going over the top or seeking out laughs.

Father Dougal Mcguire
Often just called Dougal and played by Ardal O'Hanlon he is essentially a simpleton (no offence meant.) He often appears quite childlike and has no perception of the real world. Ted tends to protect Dougal and shelters him from reality a little. Strangely Dougal doesn't really seem to believe in God and often laughs at the Catholic church.
Ardal O'Hanlon has created a very lovable character in Dougal and though his simple nature can be annoying at times he is always hilarious. His facial impressions imparticular are genius and never fail to leave me in stitches.

Father Jack Hackett
Father Jack is an old alcoholic priest who becomes violent when separated from his beloved drink. Played by Frank Kelly he rarely speaks and when he does so it is only to shout "Drink!", "F**k!", "A*se!"or "Girls!."
Father Jack is my favourite character especially in his moments of sobriety when he realises, much to his disgust, that he is still a priest. He is just pure comedy and can't fail to make you laugh.

Mrs Doyle
She is the housekeeper who is obsessed with being a good hostess and particularly with serving tea. If her offer of a cuppa is declined she says her catchphrase "Ah go on! go on go on go on."
Pauline McLynn's manic portrayal of the housekeeper is usually very funny but can sometimes wear a little thin. Her voice can begin to annoy me and her laugh is just dreadful.

Many famous irish comedians have also had small or recurring parts in Father Ted including Graham Norton, Jason Byrne, Tommy Tiernan and Ed Byrne.

~My Opinion~
I first saw Father Ted aged 4 (when it first came out) as my nanan, though a very lovely woman, was never too great at realising what television programs were and were not suitable for children. Obviously I didn't understand it the first time round(though that didn't stop me and my cousins copying Father Jack at every opportunity) but after watching it again when I was a little older it became one of my favourite comedies. Even though it is 14 years old it is as funny as any of the comedy shows around today.
One of the great things about this comedy is that it is never uncomfortable to watch and their is nothing too crude in it. I suspect the reason for the 15 rating is mostly due to strong language but I think it is suitable for anyone from their early teens upwards. It's very rare to find a program that appeals to a 75 year old man and an 18 year old girl but Father Ted does just that.
Father Ted is a show for anyone who likes to laugh regardless of age. An inspired piece of comedy that I only wish could have run for longer!

Summary: Great comedy that will be loved for years to come