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For this Sixth and Final Season, the original writer of the series,
Kieran Prendiville, returned to the helm after three years away,
bringing the series back to its original concept of a how a
fish-out-of-water foreign priest copes with the local community.
This time, it was an Australian priest, Father Sheehan, played by Robert Taylor.
This
Aussie connection helped Australian TV audiences warm to the show again
– although apparently not enough to ensure any subsequent follow-up
seasons.
Perhaps it was because very few of the characters from
previous seasons were still featured. In particular, actor Tony Doyle
who played Brian Quigley (the main "villian") had died in 2000 and his
presence was really missed.
There was some consolation however
as Susannah Doyle, Tony Doyle’s daughter, was introduced to the series
as a new character, Avril Burke.
It is her character who
Father Sheehan seemed to interact with most, especially after the third
episode - in an obvious attempt by the writers to recreate the
chemistry between the priest and the lady publican from the early
seasons.
In retrospect, Aussie Robert Taylor seemed a little
uncomfortable in the role, especially in some of the lighter moments
which probably explains why this sixth season was shorter than previous
efforts, being reduced from twleve to eight episodes.
While this final season of Ballykissangel
never quite matches the success of earlier efforts, it did regenerate
some interest for me, particularly as the writers made a conscious
decision to pay homage to the past (the references to Brian Quigley's
departure and the hi-tech confessional in the first episode, and the
driving lesson in the fourth episode which is a reminder of Father
Clifford’s lessons with Assumpta are fantastic).
The show also
made a valiant attempt to explore the lives of some of the continuing
characters (for example, Siobhan's relationship with Brendan in the
sixth episode) and to establish new characters with interesting
backstories.
The one complaint I do have is that the
cancellation of the show at the time in 2001 left several loose ends in
the storylines that were not tied up at the end of the eighth and final
episode in this DVD boxset.
Well, I suppose there is always the possibility of a reunion special.
Let’s hope so! EXTRAS
There are no Extras included here, which is a pity, as there must surely be some promotional material done at the time.
A bit
of background on the return of the original writer of the show, Kieran
Prendiville, would have been an interesting piece to watch. Conclusion: Episodes 80% Extras: N/A
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