The Brothers: Package Deal (BBC-1 1 June 1975)

In Package Deal Merroney wants to introduce a job evaluation study but it could lead to redundancies, he also has a nifty plan for getting rid of the land next to the airfield – selling it to a small company that he actually owns. He also manages to persuade the sitting tenant farmer of the benefits of selling by offering him a “job” as agricultural advisor to a prominent saudi businessman.

David is definitely developing feelings for Clare Miller and he persuades Don Stacey to fly them both to Paris for lunch (David is now keen on learning to fly himself!), Clare also persuades David to get back behind the wheel of a car for the first time since Jill’s death. Interestingly Clare does seem to like David quite a bit despite only cultivating the friendship on Merroney’s orders.

Some nice continuity with an appearance from Reg Turner who appeared quite a bit in season two. Interesting that Margaret Ashcroft as Gwen Riley has been absent for much of this series too filming the fourth and final season of The Main Chance in which she was one of the main players, in this episode there is some classic Crossroads type shenanigans of Bill calling off camera to Gwen for studio shots but she does appear in location scenes (which are usually shot quite a bit in advance of the studio filming). Brian is also conspicuous by his absence here as Mary, Bill and Gwen attempt to pay him a visit at the hospital but he is unwilling to see them (although off camera Bill and Gwen are both supposed to have spoken to him).

classic quote
“Don you are very good at going from a to b, but please don’t start trying to think as well.”

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

Writer: N.J. Crisp / Production Design: Gavin Davies / Director: Lennie Mayne

Series: The Brothers Season Five Episode Nine

guest cast
CAROLE MOWLAM as Clare Miller
KATE O’MARA as Jane Maxwell
MIKE PRATT as Don Stacey
MICHAEL GAUNT as Co-Pilot
MARGARET ASHCROFT as Gwen Riley
KENNETH WATSON as Reg Turner
MARCIA ASHTON as Mrs Palmer
RAYMOND ADAMSON as Bert Reed
FREDERICK TREVES as Charles Daventry
NORMAN PITT as Barnes
PATRICIA PRIOR as Doctor’s Receptionist