The Brothers: The Christmas Party (BBC1 19 Dec 1976, Colin Baker)

In The Christmas Party Barbara reveals that Johnny had an affair and thats the real reason she is home from Canada; Ronnie tells his parents that he wants to go to a special rehabilitation centre and everyone is gearing up for the annual Christmas party.

The final episode of The Brothers and it has quite the air of melancholy about it, Barabara decides to go back to Canada; David reveals that all he wants in life is to find another girl like Jill (his wife who died in a car accident); Jenny and Ted realise that their marriage is floundering through lack of work on both sides. Merroney for once lets his hair down and gets a bit inbriated but not before Brian gives him a few home truths about flying out to Barbados to be with April. Jane and Brian though do have something to look forward to when they agree to get married.

A very fitting final episode actually with much of the episode taking place at the Christmas Party and a great scene featuring all the board (and Mary) gathered together at the end of the evening and Mary telling Merroney just what she thinks of him. There is a sense of closure about proceeding too with the final scene featuring Jenny, Ted, David and Brian…

classic quote
Ted: Well here we go, Europe, The Middle East, where do we go next.
Paul: Oh we never stop

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast 19 December 1976

Writer: N.J. Crisp / Production Design: Sally Williams / Director: Mary Ridge

Series: The Brothers Season Seven Episode Sixteen

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
JULIA GOODMAN as Barbara Trent
ROBIN LANGFORD as Ronald Riley
PENELOPE HORNER as Doctor Wincott
SALLY LEWIS, EVGENY GRIDNEFF, MAX MASON, BERNIE SEARL as People at Party