The Brothers: Arrivals and Departures (BBC1 10 Oct 1976)

In Arrivals and Departures Mary Hammond falls sick with the flu leaving the boys on baby sitting duty, meanwhile Paul is busy with a new business idea which means he will be out of the country for a week, just before he is due to catch his plane April tells him that his father has died, Merroney decides to continue with his trip and miss the funeral much to the disgust of his new wife.

There is a strange mix of humour and seriousness in this episode with the silly antics of Merroney’s new temporary secretary who is constantly putting her foot in it with all the board. Ted seems to be developing some kind of crush on April too and is clearly put out when she cancels a lunch engagement. Meanwhile the episode ends with the surprise arrival of Paul’s mother from Newcastle.

classic quote
Secretary: Yes Mr Maroney
Paul: It’s Merroney
Secretary: Just Mr Merroney by itself
Paul: Yes there is only one of me

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast 10 October 1976

Writer: Elaine Morgan / Production Design: Sally Williams / Director: Mary Ridge

The Brothers Season Seven Episode Six

main cast
JEAN ANDERSON as Mary Hammond
RICHARD EASTON as Brian Hammond
ROBIN CHADWICK as David Hammond
JENNIFER WILSON as Jennifer Hammond
DEREK BENFIELD as Bill Riley
KATE O’MARA as Jane Maxwell
COLIN BAKER as Paul Merroney
MARGARET ASHCROFT as Gwen Riley
LIZA GODDARD as April Merroney

guest cast
NORAH FULTON as Mrs Merroney
CHRISTINE ABSALOM as Judy
ROBERT BLYTHE as Marsh
BRENDA LAWRENCE as Fiona
LEWIS WILSON as Dr Johnstone