This is, as another reviewer quite rightly said: "utter tosh". Well of course it is. It is delightful, fluffy, nonsensical utter tosh and I say Thankyou for that. TV is missing more of this sort of silliness. It is so very easy to watch. If you blink you miss nothing but if you watch it without blinking, it is easy on the eyes/heart/soul. Sunday afternoon by the fire with a hot chocolate cupped in hand...THAT is what this programme is and I for one think they should be applauded for providing this 'niche service' for those of us who like a small slice of comfy 'utter tosh' in our otherwise frantic chaotic troublesome lives.
179 Reviews
Charm Abounds
jacileblanc22 March 2015
I've been gorging on UK TV (can't believe what I've missed) testing out this mystery series and that and discovered that I LIKE A lot but my preference after watching different styles, is the lighter, quirky, fun series like Father Brown. Lots of charming characters, gorgeous scenery and a lovely village. BBC is the BOMB!
I've tears in my eyes thinking about sitcoms I forced myself to watch believing this is was good as it gets. I'm stunned at the difference in quality television. I don't know what else to say except I have a lot of catching up to do! Father Brown, Cadfael, Death in Paradise, A touch of Frost Midsomer murders. I've been living in a bubble. I just said to my husband, the British camera moves leisurely, soaking up the countryside. Wonderful shots of landscapes and gorgeous plants of all kinds (I love the English admiration and respect for the art of gardening and nature in general). The camera pauses and lets you hear the wind and sounds of nature as the cast goes about their business.It actually adds to the tension so beautifully...a prolonged creaking sound, a shot of leaves blowing on trees. Our eyes are treated to gorgeous old buildings,streets, shops and quirky guest stars with their fabulous character portrayals. We see unusual hobbies, situations, an array of real faces and all ages in all their imperfected glory.Actors aren't chosen for cookie cutter beauty or age but the character that shows on their faces and ability to act. How wonderful to see all ages!!! I find the older the more great fun it is! BBC TV doesn't hide them away! We see distinguished, frumpy, classy, nutty, prissy, scatterbrained, intellectual,funny flirtatious. ...... On American TV there's one actress to portray seniors, Betty White whom is limited to either childlike, cranky or a dirty old lady. The TV mysetry/detective shows I was used to viewing are noisy, cheap and gimmicky. Ugly buildings and constant shots of car doors slamming shut with generic 30 somethings getting in and out passing off their ability to stride self importantly as acting...boring botoxed faces with capped teeth... detectives with no depth or range of emotions,no wit or charm or style as they storm in and out of ugly buildings interrogating guest characters that are all boobs, hair and teeth between 20 and 30. Graphic unnecessary sex scenes for shock...never again. I'm a convert. Father Brown is relaxing, highly enjoyable and plain old FUN!!!
I've tears in my eyes thinking about sitcoms I forced myself to watch believing this is was good as it gets. I'm stunned at the difference in quality television. I don't know what else to say except I have a lot of catching up to do! Father Brown, Cadfael, Death in Paradise, A touch of Frost Midsomer murders. I've been living in a bubble. I just said to my husband, the British camera moves leisurely, soaking up the countryside. Wonderful shots of landscapes and gorgeous plants of all kinds (I love the English admiration and respect for the art of gardening and nature in general). The camera pauses and lets you hear the wind and sounds of nature as the cast goes about their business.It actually adds to the tension so beautifully...a prolonged creaking sound, a shot of leaves blowing on trees. Our eyes are treated to gorgeous old buildings,streets, shops and quirky guest stars with their fabulous character portrayals. We see unusual hobbies, situations, an array of real faces and all ages in all their imperfected glory.Actors aren't chosen for cookie cutter beauty or age but the character that shows on their faces and ability to act. How wonderful to see all ages!!! I find the older the more great fun it is! BBC TV doesn't hide them away! We see distinguished, frumpy, classy, nutty, prissy, scatterbrained, intellectual,funny flirtatious. ...... On American TV there's one actress to portray seniors, Betty White whom is limited to either childlike, cranky or a dirty old lady. The TV mysetry/detective shows I was used to viewing are noisy, cheap and gimmicky. Ugly buildings and constant shots of car doors slamming shut with generic 30 somethings getting in and out passing off their ability to stride self importantly as acting...boring botoxed faces with capped teeth... detectives with no depth or range of emotions,no wit or charm or style as they storm in and out of ugly buildings interrogating guest characters that are all boobs, hair and teeth between 20 and 30. Graphic unnecessary sex scenes for shock...never again. I'm a convert. Father Brown is relaxing, highly enjoyable and plain old FUN!!!
It's glorious viewing.
Sleepin_Dragon27 December 2017
It is wonderful to see Father Brown move into its seventh series, the show is quite wonderful, it's such easy viewing, it's funny, of course it's intriguing, it's just a great family show. Of course I love the heavy and complex mystery dramas on virtually every week, but there are times when you just want to sit back and watch a cosy, safe murder mystery. Forty five minutes of engaging, entertaining mystery, a genre which had seemed almost dead. Mark Williams has managed to inject something into the character of Father Brown, his performances are superb, he's a joy to watch, as are all of the cast. There have been a few duff episodes, but for every bad one there's a quality one, the likes of The Owl of Minerva and The Bride of Christ, they are great viewing. It comes as no surprise to me that the show is a big international success, I love it.
Delightful, with one exception
splashofjoy-4951819 February 2019
I loved the early seasons. The introduction of Inspector Mallory made it less enjoyable, however. It isn't that he's a character we love to hate - that is pretty much a necessity in this type of show. It's that he is painfully overplayed, which is incredibly distracting. But if you can ignore his intrusion, the rest of the characters and the stories are a delightful way to step away from reality for a while. A lighthearted and clever show that I will often put on in the background as I'm working on projects.
Delightful campy clever relaxer
stormfront-9740831 January 2019
The cast of talented actors make this lighthearted show binge worthy, not to miss an episode the delightful characters are campy with clever witty lines. This is not a edge of your seat or high drama with special effects. IF your looking for a show to just rest upon, sink into with ease after a long day. Just a good light hearted show, while the story plots are not heavy, it is the lives of the main characters the viewer enjoys more and more.
This is a great show to escape the drama of a long work day, the dread of the daily news and noise of traffic Father Brown is one of the special shows with beloved characters and the trouble the come upon. Pure comfort food show for the heart and soul that will leave you with a warm smile after every episode
This is a great show to escape the drama of a long work day, the dread of the daily news and noise of traffic Father Brown is one of the special shows with beloved characters and the trouble the come upon. Pure comfort food show for the heart and soul that will leave you with a warm smile after every episode
Positive themes & great cast
Johnny_West7 February 2022
My favorite cast is Mark Williams as Father Brown;
Sorcha Cusack as Mrs McCarthy; Alex Price as Sid Carter; Nancy Carroll as Lady Felicia; and Tom Chambers as Inspector Sullivan. They worked very well together, and the stories flowed smoothly and focused on the mysteries.
When Tom Chambers left, he was replaced by Jack Deam as Inspector Mallory. Deam is almost a caricature of an angry little man (Napoleon?), and his over the top anger at Father Brown is annoying. Even though Father Brown is always helping the police, Deam never shows any acknowledgement. His character has never developed from day one until now, several seasons later.
Tom Chambers as Inspector performed his role with much more nuance, and he could act on more than one level, like a real person. He was also a lot more pleasant and professional towards everyone.
Lady Felicia (Nancy Carroll) was another excellent member of the cast. She really had a multi-dimensional character who facilitated Father Brown's sleuthing in many ways. When Carroll left the cast, she was replaced by the annoying Bunty, played by Emer Kenny.
Emer Kenny is always making sarcastic remarks, often ridiculing Mrs. McCarthy. Bunty diminishes the status of Mrs. McCarthy as a major supporting cast member.
Bunty is usually a lot taller than everyone else in the TV episodes, and yet the writers try to play her off as a romantic foil to guest players that are several inches shorter than she is. The scenes with Bunty romancing little guys are funny but not in a good way. Bunty is miscast for this 1950s era, and her sarcastic personality is not something that you would expect for the 1950s.
Another substantial member of the cast that left is Alex Price as Sid. Sid was often there to provide investigation of details when Father Brown needed help, or to protect Father Brown. Alex Price looks like somebody from the 1950s. He fits the part. When he left, Bunty was the character that took up the space of Lady Felicia and Sid.
Sorcha Cusak as Mrs. McCarthy does an excellent job in her role. She sometimes accidentally creates trouble for Father Brown, but she is always trying to help him.
Mark Williams does an outstanding performance as Father Brown. His hallmark is his humility in dealing with a variety of characters who either dislike Catholics, or have no respect for him as a sleuth, or are just plain rude (like Inspector Mallory). Father Brown never stops trying to do the right thing, and he is a great example of a mystery detective, and a human being.
When Tom Chambers left, he was replaced by Jack Deam as Inspector Mallory. Deam is almost a caricature of an angry little man (Napoleon?), and his over the top anger at Father Brown is annoying. Even though Father Brown is always helping the police, Deam never shows any acknowledgement. His character has never developed from day one until now, several seasons later.
Tom Chambers as Inspector performed his role with much more nuance, and he could act on more than one level, like a real person. He was also a lot more pleasant and professional towards everyone.
Lady Felicia (Nancy Carroll) was another excellent member of the cast. She really had a multi-dimensional character who facilitated Father Brown's sleuthing in many ways. When Carroll left the cast, she was replaced by the annoying Bunty, played by Emer Kenny.
Emer Kenny is always making sarcastic remarks, often ridiculing Mrs. McCarthy. Bunty diminishes the status of Mrs. McCarthy as a major supporting cast member.
Bunty is usually a lot taller than everyone else in the TV episodes, and yet the writers try to play her off as a romantic foil to guest players that are several inches shorter than she is. The scenes with Bunty romancing little guys are funny but not in a good way. Bunty is miscast for this 1950s era, and her sarcastic personality is not something that you would expect for the 1950s.
Another substantial member of the cast that left is Alex Price as Sid. Sid was often there to provide investigation of details when Father Brown needed help, or to protect Father Brown. Alex Price looks like somebody from the 1950s. He fits the part. When he left, Bunty was the character that took up the space of Lady Felicia and Sid.
Sorcha Cusak as Mrs. McCarthy does an excellent job in her role. She sometimes accidentally creates trouble for Father Brown, but she is always trying to help him.
Mark Williams does an outstanding performance as Father Brown. His hallmark is his humility in dealing with a variety of characters who either dislike Catholics, or have no respect for him as a sleuth, or are just plain rude (like Inspector Mallory). Father Brown never stops trying to do the right thing, and he is a great example of a mystery detective, and a human being.
Series 1 - A suitable show to investigate
Prismark102 August 2013
I saw Alec Guinness play Father Brown in the film version some years ago and an enjoyable film it was as well. It was a shame he did not make more Father Brown films.
This television adaptation by the BBC, shown in the afternoons might not be for the purists who have read the books and appalled at the changes made.
The TV adaptation because of budgetary reasons require a fixed location (such as the village setting) fixed sets and a small regular cast of characters as the core actors have to be retained for the duration of the shoot.
The period setting has moved forward to the 1950s, a time of post war change and Father Brown might be deemed to be a little too modern with some liberal sensibilities. Then again he is a man who has himself experienced the horrors of war and we believe has travelled widely and open to new experiences even though he is a Catholic priest.
The murder mysteries are enjoyable, easy viewing for the whole family. Some of the stories in the TV series are new and others are based on the books by Chesterton.
In the books, Father Brown might be deemed to a be a peripheral character, somewhat on the edge. In one of the stories I did read and which the series did adapt (The Blue Cross,) it was noticeable how pacey and thrilling the adaptation was in contrast with the book.
This television adaptation by the BBC, shown in the afternoons might not be for the purists who have read the books and appalled at the changes made.
The TV adaptation because of budgetary reasons require a fixed location (such as the village setting) fixed sets and a small regular cast of characters as the core actors have to be retained for the duration of the shoot.
The period setting has moved forward to the 1950s, a time of post war change and Father Brown might be deemed to be a little too modern with some liberal sensibilities. Then again he is a man who has himself experienced the horrors of war and we believe has travelled widely and open to new experiences even though he is a Catholic priest.
The murder mysteries are enjoyable, easy viewing for the whole family. Some of the stories in the TV series are new and others are based on the books by Chesterton.
In the books, Father Brown might be deemed to a be a peripheral character, somewhat on the edge. In one of the stories I did read and which the series did adapt (The Blue Cross,) it was noticeable how pacey and thrilling the adaptation was in contrast with the book.
Good fun, except...
stepheniewilliskoontz27 April 2018
We much more enjoyed the seasons staring Nancy Carroll as Lady Felicia and Tom Chambers. The character of Bunty is rather uninteresting and one dimensional, and Inspector Mallory is a stereotypical idiot. Also, the character of Syd is much missed in storylines, as well. Although Father Brown is, all in all, good entertainment, I do miss the earlier seasons.
Cozy Mystery
KrionZed29 August 2021
I miss Mrs McCarthy, Bunty and Sid
symphonyjade3 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Sid has been gone awhile, but it's always so delightful when he has a guest appearance. I rather liked him as a regular back in the early seasons. Then there's Bunty who I thoroughly enjoyed in every subsequent season. Mrs McCarthy on the other hand has been my all-time favorite and having her gone is just absolutely not doing it for me. I'm not entirely sure if the new person is going to win me over, but as of now the big shoes that she has to fill are proving a little more challenging than possibly the actress can manage. Nevertheless, I'm delighted to have Tom Chambers back in the role of Inspector Sullivan and I'm even more delighted to be rid of Mallory. Inspector Mallory was always such a caricature. The overacting, the exaggerated expressions, the never-ending rudeness that just didn't seem to always fit the scene. I'll miss none of that, but I am very very pleased to see Tom Chambers and he's dashing self back onscreen.
A character that many love, but I cannot stand is Flambeau. Smug, self-assured and a cad. His guest spots I easily skip.
A character that many love, but I cannot stand is Flambeau. Smug, self-assured and a cad. His guest spots I easily skip.
Splendid
rcohen698111 January 2014
I really enjoyed all the series. Each one seems to get better. There was plenty of morality and drama in the latest crop. A nice dose of comedy too. Perfect bad weather viewing or for insomniac nights. GK Chesteron was reputed to be not a lover of those of the Mosaic persuasion so watching the programmes was even more of a guilty pleasure. Contrary to the animadversions of your other reviewers I found Mark Williams to be more than suited for the role and his housekeeper reminded me of Janet from Dr Finlay's casebook. Forty five minutes was just the right length for each episode and of course being the BBC the lack of commercial breaks is always a plus. If the series encourages viewers to go away and read the stories then it has fulfilled its mission.
Even Tosh should have some sense!
lizroy515 March 2017
Warning: Spoilers
We have watched Father Brown from the beginning and really enjoyed it at first. We thought that Inspector Sullivan would evolve a bit and he seemed to, then they got rid of him! They replaced him with Inspector Mallory who is a total buffoon. Yes a comic character but even those characters have some movement. I love, love Hercule Poirot because he is friends with Japp and other agents of the law respect him, know him and treat him with deference. No matter how many times Father Brown solves the mystery for the police, it is the same thing over and over again: Mallory bungling, arresting an innocent,barring Father Brown who is forced to sneak around with his cohorts and always solving the mystery. Even the police in Marple asked her aid and tipped the hat to her now and then... So, if Father Brown should continue, please, please use some common sense, heave ho with the 'tosh' and at least have him working with an inspector with some brains under his hat. On another note, Jack Deam came from DCI Banks and he was excellent so he must be hard up for cash. This is beneath his abilities.
Enjoyed the early seasons
callladd26 July 2019
The first few season are very enjoyable. I liked the character of Father Brown and absolutely loved Mrs. McCarthy and Lady Felicia. Sid, the Inspectors in Seasons 1 - 3 and the recurring character of Flambeau were also entertaining. But then the show began to change.
Season 4 was still entertaining but a bit less so due to the new Inspector. The character seemed like someone from a bad 1970's sitcom, he was painfully out of place. More changes came in Season 5, and not for the better, it just isn't Father Brown without Lady Felicia.
The other problem I had with this show is that the main characters, with the exception of Mrs. McCarthy, had very 21st century social values. That's fine if the show was set in the 21st century but it is highly unbelievable for rural England in the early 1950s.
Season 4 was still entertaining but a bit less so due to the new Inspector. The character seemed like someone from a bad 1970's sitcom, he was painfully out of place. More changes came in Season 5, and not for the better, it just isn't Father Brown without Lady Felicia.
The other problem I had with this show is that the main characters, with the exception of Mrs. McCarthy, had very 21st century social values. That's fine if the show was set in the 21st century but it is highly unbelievable for rural England in the early 1950s.
An enjoyable television series, more or less remotely inspired from G. K. Chesterton's character(s)
alcorcrisan26 January 2013
An enjoyable television series, more or less remotely inspired from G. K. Chesterton's character(s). To be relished as such, independent of any other literary or cinematographic influences. But also as a pretext to go back to the earlier versions, from the '50s and '70s, respectively. The first movie is in black-and-white, with a vintage 1950s atmosphere, while the 1970s series is the more faithful to the original, in spite of its rather more low-budget air. The new version is quite flamboyant, and yet it might ruffle quite a few feathers of the viewers who are expecting to get more of the original Chesterton stories. A successful entertainment for the more modern-minded nostalgic(s)...
I adore this show!
darkdementress14 May 2020
I'm 28 and Canadian and i adore this show. How they manage to make a show about death, crime and mystery so charming, heartwarming and enjoyable is really remarkable. Most crime shows are so dark, bloody and upsetting. This show leaves you feeling happy, light hearted and a great feeling about humanity. Father brown is kind, smart and a really good person. Mrs M is my favorite, she's simply hilarious,strong willed and awesome. Although characters change or come and go, some good some bad, the final product is a great show. I've compared it to Murdoch but honestly i like this show better. Interesting, fun, suspenseful, and very enjoyable! Most people seem to need blood and violence and female nudity to make a good crime/mystery show but to me it's very refreshing to see innocence and integrity in a modern show. This show is great for kids or elderly. I'm up to season 8 and it's as good as ever! Can't wait for more.
Fun, uncomplicated viewing.
Sleepin_Dragon20 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I love an afternoon after lunch watching Father Brown, it is complete and utter nonsense granted, but it's very easy to watch, sometimes amusing and sometimes rather engaging. Mark Williams is wonderfully cast in the lead, he is such a naturally funny man, he knows when to be serious and when to inject a touch of humour, it's very rarely overplayed. Sorcha Cusack is excellent as Mrs McCarthy, so often a gossip and prickly in nature, and yet somehow she makes her likable. Always well acted, favourite guest performance has been John Light's Flambeau, he always adds something to an episode.
You can argue they are very 'loosely' based on Chesterton's novels, but I'll continue to tune in, I love the series. For me the series gets better as it goes on, Series 3 was perhaps the best yet.
Very watchable. 8/10
You can argue they are very 'loosely' based on Chesterton's novels, but I'll continue to tune in, I love the series. For me the series gets better as it goes on, Series 3 was perhaps the best yet.
Very watchable. 8/10
Good afternoon viewing
stephen-wagstaff21 February 2013
I really enjoyed watching this BBC adaptation of GK Chestertons, Father Brown stories. It was really perfect viewing for a winters afternoon. Having read all the stories I realise that some people will not be happy with the way this adaptation has been made. In particular Mark Williams as Father Brown was far from the physical image Chesterton created in the stories. I for one don't think this matters as Williams gives an excellent performance in my opinion. The setting is perfect postcard England. There is a few plot holes in the episodes if you compare them to the stories, but I hope this series will attract more people to read the stories. As a lover of the English crime drama I for one hope that they make another series, there is still plenty of stories to adapt after all.
Where did my beloved show go???
genabena-656659 June 2017
We absolutely LOVED Father Brown for the first 4 seasons.
WHAT ON EARTH HAPPENED?!!!
Almost entirely different cast, totally different feel, everyone smokes, it's suddenly extremely racy (no, I'm not a prude), what happened?
Where is Sid? Where is Lady Felicia? The new inspector is a dolt! And Bunty? Whatever!
We'll muddle our way through the rest of season 5 (watching on Netflix), but not sure that we'll continue on if this is the future direction. We liked remembering a "simpler" time, while adding in the murder mystery part (yes, we like Murder, She Wrote and Diagnosis Murder).
WHAT ON EARTH HAPPENED?!!!
Almost entirely different cast, totally different feel, everyone smokes, it's suddenly extremely racy (no, I'm not a prude), what happened?
Where is Sid? Where is Lady Felicia? The new inspector is a dolt! And Bunty? Whatever!
We'll muddle our way through the rest of season 5 (watching on Netflix), but not sure that we'll continue on if this is the future direction. We liked remembering a "simpler" time, while adding in the murder mystery part (yes, we like Murder, She Wrote and Diagnosis Murder).
Bunty & Inspector Mallory Ruin This Series
Warlock7211 February 2022
I really enjoy Father Brown. It is a fun series with some good actors and interesting stories. The only negatives are Bunty and Inspector Mallory.
When Inspector Mallory (Jack Deam) replaced Tom Chambers as the main law enforcement, it was like replacing a diet of filet mignon with McDonalds. Just horrible. Jack Deam is not capable of acting or character development. He throws the same hissy fits in every episode, makes the same nasty comments towards Father Brown, and is just plain repulsive.
After several years on this series, Jack Deam has not added any nuances or evolution to his character. He could say the lines slightly differently to show some appreciation for Father Brown, or that he has compassion for people, but he never does.
Bunty is another incredibly annoying character. Her arrogant personality and sarcastic remarks are not something that I have ever seen from a woman character who is set in the 1950s. Bunty ruins every episode as soon as she starts picking on Mrs. McCarthy with her rudeness and arrogance towards her.
Bunty also happens to be several inches taller than literally every character who appears on this show. She hulks over people, and yet her character is written as if she is a dainty little teenager. It makes many scenes with Bunty just totally ridiculous.
I wish that Bunty and Inspector Mallory would both move on. This show needs an inspector who can be professional and treat people with respect, and a supporting character who is written for the 1950s time period that the series is set in. Sid and Lady Felicia were both great when they were on this show.
When Inspector Mallory (Jack Deam) replaced Tom Chambers as the main law enforcement, it was like replacing a diet of filet mignon with McDonalds. Just horrible. Jack Deam is not capable of acting or character development. He throws the same hissy fits in every episode, makes the same nasty comments towards Father Brown, and is just plain repulsive.
After several years on this series, Jack Deam has not added any nuances or evolution to his character. He could say the lines slightly differently to show some appreciation for Father Brown, or that he has compassion for people, but he never does.
Bunty is another incredibly annoying character. Her arrogant personality and sarcastic remarks are not something that I have ever seen from a woman character who is set in the 1950s. Bunty ruins every episode as soon as she starts picking on Mrs. McCarthy with her rudeness and arrogance towards her.
Bunty also happens to be several inches taller than literally every character who appears on this show. She hulks over people, and yet her character is written as if she is a dainty little teenager. It makes many scenes with Bunty just totally ridiculous.
I wish that Bunty and Inspector Mallory would both move on. This show needs an inspector who can be professional and treat people with respect, and a supporting character who is written for the 1950s time period that the series is set in. Sid and Lady Felicia were both great when they were on this show.
First five seasons were great but then it just jumped the shark
theotherblonde13 September 2019
The writing was good the first five seasons and I really liked the cast it was kind of like Andy Griffith with a little more of an edge. Everyone made fun of me for liking it but it didn't care.Then they got rid of Sid , lady Felicia and all the good writers. I heard season 7 is better than the last two seasons , I might give it a chance.I don't know the last two seasons were really bad.
Love it!
marzbarz11249 March 2015
I saw an episode on PBS a few days ago and now I'm hooked. I've already watched almost all of them online.
I've seen a lot of complaints that the show isn't true to the books. Well, if you haven't read them yet, like myself, I would recommend watching!
It reminds me of a show I watched with my grandma when I was a little girl, "Father Dowling Mysteries."
This is a classic murder mystery/amateur detective show which unfortunately we don't seem to have enough of in the U.S.
But you don't have to be British or an Anglophile to enjoy. If you love mysteries, amateur sleuth stories, and period pieces this is a program to check out.
I've seen a lot of complaints that the show isn't true to the books. Well, if you haven't read them yet, like myself, I would recommend watching!
It reminds me of a show I watched with my grandma when I was a little girl, "Father Dowling Mysteries."
This is a classic murder mystery/amateur detective show which unfortunately we don't seem to have enough of in the U.S.
But you don't have to be British or an Anglophile to enjoy. If you love mysteries, amateur sleuth stories, and period pieces this is a program to check out.
Great .........
Jbird6514 February 2023
... up to to a point and that point is season 9. Season 10 is where it all rapidly goes down hill. Father Brown himself stays the same, along with Goodfellow, but the replacements characters that were needed to fil the gaps left by Sorcha Cusack, Nancy Carroll and Emer Kenny are just dreadful. The only shining moment in this season was John Light as Flambeau, who put in a sterling performance as usual. How he never got his own series I will never know. My honest suggestion is, that if you haven't already watched it, then please do as it's very enjoyable, just stop at the end of season 9, you'll be doing yourself a favour.
Later series are of lesser quality
edgamble17 December 2018
The early series were enjoyable but when Jack Deam came on the show the series turned into a mess. Deam is a good actor but his character is even more of a caricature of a policeman than a 1930's vintage Ealing comedy. Not sure whether it's the writing, directing or just Deam making horribly bad acting choices. His over-the-top style seems to have influenced the whole cast who now overact badly. It's sad to see a once enjoyable series go so far downhill.
Awful season 11--had to force myself to watch it...😔
deering2414 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Man--this is just woeful. How did this show's mysteries get so dull and lifeless? Why are two of the leads--Devine and Brenda--even less-useful (and still more annoying) than they were in S10 (and that is saying something 🙄.)? Why do the writers insist on pushing this Sullivan/Devine romance that is hopelessly unbelievable--and a cringing ordeal to watch? The only decent eps were the Flambeau, Lady Felicia, and season finale ones, which were suspenseful and heartbreaking in a way FB has not been in a very long time. The show did need to make changes, but this silly unfunny new direction and unwatchable characters were all the wrong moves. (What--did the BBC secretly want to kill the show or something?) FB is doing no one any favors being this bad--time to give it the axe.
This series has been my comfort-binge during the pandemic lockdown
sasha9912 March 2021
Every evening before bed I sit down and watch one or two episodes of Father Brown. It has been my sanity anchor during this last year of total isolation (I live alone). One of my favorite places in the fictional world is the big table in the presbytery kitchen, preferably with a pot of tea and a big plate of strawberry scones. (I've never read any of the G.K. Chesterton stories, so I don't have anything to say about authenticity.)
I love that Mrs. McCarthy always wears a hat, even inside. I love that all the women wear gloves all the time. I love Lady Felicia's crooked smile, and the fact that no matter how many dead bodies are strewn around, a cup of tea will always make things better. I love that Fr. Brown is non-judgmental and compassionate, NOT typical of a 1950s Catholic priest (IME).
I have some favorite episodes that I watch over and over-- one of them is "The Last Man," and it has led me to YouTube videos explaining the game of cricket. "The Bride of Christ" where Fr. Brown has some help from a young Agatha-Christie-reading nun. "The Daughters of Jerusalem" where a pajama-clad Fr. Brown solves the crime from his attic convalescent room with the help of his two right-hand women. "The Rod of Asclepius," which finds the two women hospitalized and on the trail of a murderer.
There are some mistakes and anachronisms regarding Catholic liturgical ritual. Some scenes show post-Vatican II changes, which would not have been used in the 1950s. The Council occurred in 1963.
But my biggest gripe is with Lady Felicia. Being called Lady FELICIA means she's the daughter of a peer. If so, then how can her husband be the Earl of Montague? OTOH if the estate is his, and she married him, then she would be "Lady Montague," not Lady Felicia. And for God's sake, do not have her introduce herself with her title! A titled lady would never do that-- she would introduce herself simply as "Felicia Montague." This bugs me every time she does it... but obviously I can live with it.
I love that Mrs. McCarthy always wears a hat, even inside. I love that all the women wear gloves all the time. I love Lady Felicia's crooked smile, and the fact that no matter how many dead bodies are strewn around, a cup of tea will always make things better. I love that Fr. Brown is non-judgmental and compassionate, NOT typical of a 1950s Catholic priest (IME).
I have some favorite episodes that I watch over and over-- one of them is "The Last Man," and it has led me to YouTube videos explaining the game of cricket. "The Bride of Christ" where Fr. Brown has some help from a young Agatha-Christie-reading nun. "The Daughters of Jerusalem" where a pajama-clad Fr. Brown solves the crime from his attic convalescent room with the help of his two right-hand women. "The Rod of Asclepius," which finds the two women hospitalized and on the trail of a murderer.
There are some mistakes and anachronisms regarding Catholic liturgical ritual. Some scenes show post-Vatican II changes, which would not have been used in the 1950s. The Council occurred in 1963.
But my biggest gripe is with Lady Felicia. Being called Lady FELICIA means she's the daughter of a peer. If so, then how can her husband be the Earl of Montague? OTOH if the estate is his, and she married him, then she would be "Lady Montague," not Lady Felicia. And for God's sake, do not have her introduce herself with her title! A titled lady would never do that-- she would introduce herself simply as "Felicia Montague." This bugs me every time she does it... but obviously I can live with it.
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