Father Ted

by Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews

Father Ted was aired on Channel 4 between April 1995 and May 1998. Incidentally, that was the time we were living in Leeds and actually had a TV set, but it was not until 1998 when I saw the show for the first time. It was the first episode of Series 3, Are You Right There, Father Ted?, shown a week later than planned out of respect to Dermot Morgan. The whole series is excellent but that particular episode is still one of my favourites.

“I hear you’re a racist now, Father.” “What?” “How did you get interested in that?” “Who said I’m a racist?” “Everyone’s saying it, Father. Should we all be racists? What’s the official line the Church is taking?” “No, no...” “Only the farm takes up most of the day and at night I just like a cup of tea. I might not be able to devote myself full time to the old racism.” “Good for you, Father!”