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Hey I have a question about the the show "Father Ted". I recently bought the DVD collection and I have to say I am enjoying very much. My question though is, did this start as a sketch or minor charachter on some other program? It seemed like the show just jumped in with no backstory for Ted or the other characters.

Also, I discovered the "Cadfael" dvd's, I thought those were great. It have peeked my intrest in BBC Period shows. So if you have any recomendations please let me know.

Thanks
Nico

I don't believe Father Ted was based off anything, I think it just fell into place and happened. The lack of backstory is fine for me, as I like how their personalities leak out during the programmes. If you're prepared for what is going to be said/happen right from the get go, it loses some of its magic.

Ohh I am enjoying very much. I was just wondering if there was something I was missing. In the states most shows give you at least some backstory right near the get go hoping you will gain a bit of empathy/emotional attachment right away. Does this happen alot in BBC progaming? Most of my previous BBC library is Monty Python and DrWho.

Dr Who is s classic lack-of-backstory BBC production. A randomer going around with a time-traveller who doesn't appear to have a true name and gives limited, if any, access to his past.

I love Father Ted Father Ben was a great moment

I think the idea is thier pasts are a bit dodgy, so thery don't speak about it and being sent to the Iland is punishment. It is so funny, I love it. The writers did another show called the I.T. Crowd, that cracks me up too

Yeah, the lack of the backstory is explained by half hearted mentions of things they've done to end up there.

I'm sure Ted mentions something about Bishop Brennan.


In Briitish Sitcoms the need for an established backstory seems less than some US equivilents.

Often a first episode will just introduce you to the characters with no prior info and you'll discover more as the series goes on. Although to be fair I've seen plenty of US ones like that also.

Father Ted is pure class though. Dermot Morgan left the world way to young.
I would have loved to have seen more Ted, and what else he could have come up with after making such a good name for himself on UK telly.

I.T Crowd is also excellent, didn't realise there was a connection, perhaps why I like it so much. Although mostly its down to Richard Ayoade and his Moss character.

Yes Moss it the best