The Brothers: Try, Try Again (BBC 4 Apr 1976 with Carmen Sautoy)

In Try, Try Again Ted is back and feels re-invigorated and aided by an idea of Brian’s decides to move forward (and going behind Merroney’s back in the process) with a meeting with Van Der Merwe and a possible merger, meanwhile Gwen is desperate to buy the new house despite Bill being dead set against it now that the take over is no longer an option. Surprisingly Mary Hammond offers to loan the Riley’s the money with no strings attached but Bill is convinced there very definitely will be hidden motives to the offer.

For the first time in quite a few episodes of The Brothers there is the arrival of some new characters in the shape of Dutch haulager Van Der Merwe (pronounced Mer-Ver) and his daughter Ika who takes quite a flirtatious shine to Paul Merroney. Having been kept on the sidelines with Ted and Brian’s approach to the Dutchman, Merroney quickly realises there is much to be said for the offer and decides to pursue it in his own sneaky way.

Interesting to note that Ted Rhodes is a production assistant on this series, Rhodes would go on to produce many of the BBC’s drama series throughout the 1980’s.

classic quote
Ted on Merroney: “I built up the team only to find he owns the Stadium.”

production details
UK / BBC One / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast 4 April 1976

Writer: Ray Jenkins / Production Design: Ian Ashurst / Director: Christopher Baker

Series: The Brothers / Season Six Episode Eleven

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
CAROLE MOWLAM as Clare Miller

guest cast
CARLETON HOBBS as Sir Neville Henniswode
JOBY BLANSHARD as Van Der Merwe
CARMEN SAUTOY as Ika
VERNON NESBETH as Ogun