The Brothers: Blood and Water (BBC1 21 Mar 1976, Robin Chadwick)

In Blood and Water there are some tough decisions to be made for the board of Hammond Transport when rival company Kirkmans offers to buy all the shares of the board members. Brian and Ted are clear that they must reject the offer, the rest of the board are not so convinced. Jane Maxwell is also convinced Merroney is acting as a go-between for Kirkmans but it soon becomes clear (to Bill Riley at least) that he is very anti Kirkmans.

One of the real plus points this season has been the revitalisation of Brian. Since returning from his exile in the mental institution he has developed quite the philosophical turn of phrase. It is also made plain yet again that Merroney actually cares a great deal about Hammonds and intends to make sure of its continued success. It’s just that the other members of the board can never seen past his arrogant ways.

Writer of this episode Brian Finch was no stranger to the family saga having been a regular on ITV’s Family At War.

classic quote
“If you choose to live in the jungle you must run the risk of being devoured”

production details
UK / BBC-1 / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast 21 March 1976

Writer: Brian Finch / Production Design: Ian Ashurst / Director: Philip Dudley

The Brothers Season Six Episode Nine

main cast
JEAN ANDERSON as Mary Hammond
PATRICK O’CONNELL as Edward 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
CAROLE MOWLAM as Clare Miller

guest cast
CARLETON HOBBS as Sir Neville Henniswode