Despite the fact that it made me feel very old to watch the first season of this show (episodes I first watched almost 20 years ago), it is remarkable how fresh and funny it remains all that time later. The plot is an unusual twist on the sitcom staple of mismatched characters in one setting – in this case 3 priests on an island off the coast of Ireland. The plots in this first season include a TV interview, a visit from the dread Father Stone, the release of a blasphemous film on Craggy Island, a priests' talent contest, a woman visitor, and the tragic but entirely foreseeable death of Father Jack.
From the very first episode the season is strong and it is remarkable how little introduction it needs or uses. The characters are established very quickly, with catchphrases feeling fresh and yet instantly working; the style of humor is also clear early on as Ted refers to a diagram which Dougal has to study (clearly showing the difference between dreams and reality in a way that is simple even if Dougal struggles with it). This sense of absurd humor anchored in a very real place is very well done, with nothing feeling out of place due to how well delivered it is. The writing has plenty of great lines whether they be catchphrases or the jokes.
The cast are great from the start too. Morgan has great timing and poise; he gets Ted just right as he has to be the 'straight' one but yet also be clear as to why he is one of those trapped in this parish. O'Hanlon probably has more than enough money never to worry, but his Dougal remains the best thing he has done – a thought more depressing to him perhaps than the 20 year gap is to me. He has great timing and delivers his line very well so they fit his character – he is not playing wacky or dumb, he really convinces and is funnier for it. Kelly and McLynn are good in support, while temporary characters from Redmond (Stone), Norton (Brennan) and Buggy (Henry Sellers) all add a lot with small turns.
I wasn't sure what to expect when starting to watch this again but it has stood up very well; the writing is very good and confident from the start, while the cast make the most of it with strong delivery and timing. Wonderfully absurd and committed, it shows that good material doesn't get left behind with improvements in technology.
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