The Brothers: The Judas Sheep (BBC-1 15 Jun 1975, Mike Pratt)

In The Judas Sheep Jenny and Ted begin the initial steps towards adopting a child but find it not as straight forward as they anticipated. Ted is still keeping his distance from Mary and she is not too happy to learn of their adoption plans via the gossipy Gwen Riley. Mary manages to spoil things with the adoption agency by letting slip the unusual circumstances of the couple’s coming together but, when all hope seems lost on the adoption front, Mary actually manages to save the day with a quiet word to the family doctor who knows of a young mother who is desperate to give her child up for adoption.

Meanwhile with Merroney in the Lebenon on business the relationship between Clare Miller and David steps up a notch. The job evaluation scheme is almost complete but it promises to spell some major trouble for Hammonds especially if union man Jack Cornish gets his way.

A chance for Jennifer to shine in this episode with the melodramatics of the adoption falling through and the surprise from Doctor Ivan at the end. Both Gwen Riley and Mary Hammond prove unable to stop themselves from their gossipy and interfering ways. Luckily though for once there is a positve outcome for Ted and Jen. Carole Mowlam as Clare Miller is proving to be excellent too, a wry smile on the lips as she never quite takes anything too seriously.

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast 15 June 1975

Writer: Eric Paice / Production Design: Gavin Davies / Director: Lennie Mayne

Series: The Brothers / Season 5 Episode 11

guest cast
CAROLE MOWLAM as Clare Miller
KATE O’MARA as Jane Maxwell
MIKE PRATT as Don Stacey
MARGARET ASHCROFT as Gwen Riley
JACK WATSON as Jack Cornish
PINKIE JOHNSTONE as Helen Milmoss
MICHAEL ELWYN as Dr Ivan
FREDDIE EARLLE as Bob Carr