Our take
A Christmas Day episode about whether the head of the family is a Christmas grump, which gives the cast a running joke and the family handyman a sustainable tree to find. Critics were hard on it, and its audience of 2.2 million was the show's lowest Christmas Day figure. The Irish Times's Ed Power found one good metaphor in it. The show's formula is unchanged after more than a decade, which is either the appeal or the problem, depending on who is watching.
What happens
It is Christmas in Finglas again, and Agnes Brown is failing to convince the gang that she is not grumpy; the BBFC describes her fighting allegations that she gets cranky at Christmas. Meanwhile Cathy pulls the Finglas community together in support of a festive good cause, and Buster sources a sustainable Christmas tree. According to the BBFC, there is a comic explosion off screen.
Can the kids watch it?
Rated 12 by the BBFC for infrequent strong language, moderate sex references, milder than most of the show's specials but still full of swearing and innuendo, so best for 12 and over.
Cast and crew
Starring
- Brendan O'Carroll as Agnes Brown
- Jennifer Gibney as Cathy Brown
- Eilish O'Carroll as Winnie McGoogan
- Danny O'Carroll as Buster Brady
- Fiona O'Carroll as Maria Brown
Guest stars
- Susie Blake as Hillary Nicholson
- Jamie O'Carroll as Bono Brown
- June Rodgers as Birdie
- Amanda Woods as Betty Brown
Writer
- Brendan O'Carroll
Director
- Ben Kellett