UK / BBC One / 1×60 minute episode / Broadcast 29 June 1975
Writer: Eric Paice / Production Design: Charles Bond / Director: Lennie Mayne
Series: The Brothers / Season 5 Episode 13
“Been released, made whole and returned to the mill race.”
In season finale Warpath Mary and David are more than a little surprised when Brian returns home, complete with new moustache! The job evalutation scheme has been stonewalled, partly by Merroney, partly by union man Cornish and partly by apathy from the rest of the board. Merroney is unhappy too as the land deal with the Sheik has had to be postponed following some unhealthy interest from the council and the press.
With Hammond’s shares on the slide it’s clear there is going to be a showdown between Merroney and Ted. Merroney wants Ted removed as managing director and the whole board is pushing for Merroney to be removed as Chairman. Once Mary understands what it is going on she quickly moves into action buying up as many shares in the company as she can (and making sure that Brian has plenty of them too). Merroney also decides he wants Clare out of the way for awhile because of her growing attachment to David and sends her to the Seychelles for a month!
Fabulous season finale with lots going on, the return of Brian, the plans to oust Merroney (which never really stands a chance because of the banks involvement) and vice versa and then in the midst of all the business shenanigans the season ends on the bombshell that the natural mother of Ted and Jen’s new baby (which they are calling William) decides she wants him back.
guest cast
CAROLE MOWLAM as Clare Miller
KATE O’MARA as Jane Maxwell
MIKE PRATT as Don Stacey
MARGARET ASHCROFT as Gwen Riley