Our take
A Christmas Day episode built on a decorations contest and a wifi assistant that will not do what it is told. Critics were brutal, the Guardian especially, and it is very much the show's usual mix of innuendo and corpsing. The decoration rivalry is the most festive thread. Fans will find it comfortably familiar, critics found it anything but, and both are right on their own terms.
What happens
It is the festive season again in the Brown household, and Father Damien has organised a Christmas decoration contest to support the local football team. Agnes Brown is keen to enter, not least because it might mean getting one over her old rival Hillary Nicholson. But she is distracted when Dermot and Buster give her a wifi assistant, and she has trouble working out what to do with it. Meanwhile Cathy is up for a promotion at work, and Dino and Rory give Buster a full makeover so he can look his best for an internet date. It is bound to go well, as long as she looks like she does in her photo. The episode ends with a big, swaying singalong.
Can the kids watch it?
Rated 15 by the BBFC for strong language, sex references; the swearing and near-the-knuckle innuendo run all the way through, so it is for 15 and over, not a family watch.
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
Guest stars
- Fiona O'Carroll as Maria Brown
- Susie Blake as Hillary Nicholson
- Amanda Woods as Betty Brown
- Gary Hollywood as Dino Doyle
- June Rodgers as Blind Date
Writer
- Brendan O'Carroll
Director
- Ben Kellett