In Partings (the first episode of this fourth season not written by N.J. Crisp incidentally) the fallout continues between Ann and Brian over her relationship with Nicholas Fox. Brian is underperforming at work because of the strain he is under and it couldn’t happen at a more difficult time, the board have an important business meeting planned with banker Paul Merroney who is hopefully going to facilitate the company in its bid to go public. Ultimately Brian makes the decision to leave Ann.
Meanwhile David is initially unhappy about the flat Jill has bought but in the end realises he is just cutting off his nose to spite his face, Jill also makes a big decision and decides to give up modelling. The pair decide to spend the day at home together but Ted is far from happy about David “skiving” a day off work.
Colin Baker, who will go on to become one of the leading players in the series, makes his debut in this episode as Paul Merroney, it is clear even from his short appearance here that Merroney is a very precise and concise individual. The meat of the episode belongs to Ann and Brian naturally and there are good performances from both of them. Ted is proving interesting this series too – in a bid to prove he is still the managing director of Hammonds he is splashing his money about right, left and centre from a new car (with a telephone installed!) to hand made soon and buying three pairs of shoes at once!
classic quote
“All packed and ready to leave the wicked woman, how sweet!”
production details
UK / BBC One / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast 29 September 1974
Writer: John Pennington / Production Design: Gavin Davies / Director: Roderick Graham
Series: The Brothers Season Four Episode Five
guest cast
MURRAY HAYNE as Martin Farrell
MARGARET ASHCROFT as Gwen Riley
COLIN BAKER as Merroney
KEITH CAMPBELL as Head Waiter
