Even hardcore fans might not have spotted it.
Much like anyone that has godlike taste in TV shows, we’re utterly obsessed with Father Ted and it’s regularly quoted on a daily basis. In fact, we’ve ranked the priests, composed a list of our favourite obscure quotes and even created the hardest Father Ted quiz imaginable among many other stories.
We’re so addicted to the show that not even Matty Hislop’s ten-step programme to rid you of your pride, the greatest obstacle to inner fulfillment, could cure us.
Just like Dougal, we’re very cynical as you know, but we were genuinely amazed to notice one visual gag that completely went over our heads until recently.
Cast your mind back to the iconic lent-themed episode, Cigarettes and Alcohol and Rollerblading.
In that episode, do you remember the scene when Father Ted rings up the convent for some “outside help” because he realised that the members of the Craggy island parochial house couldn’t go one day without breaking their lenten vows.
Unfortunately for them, they ended up with the tough-as-nails Sister Assumpta and had to endure the Matty Hislop programme.
Allow us to jog your memory:
Ted: “God almighty, when I think of the sacrifices Matty Hislop made.”
Dougal: “Who?”
Ted: “He was a notorious drunkard who found God and then decided to punish himself for his sins. Oh, he used to do all kinds of things. Like he had this terrible allergic reaction to cats. So instead of avoiding them, he used to carry a kitten in his pocket. He’d sniff it from time to time. His head just inflated like a balloon.”
Dougal: Fair play to him.
When Ted rings up to get some information about the ‘Lenten package’ that’s available, he’s put on hold and is forced to listen to a nun that’s singing Ava Maria on repeat.
Notice something in the background? There’s Matty Hislop himself, sticking his hand into a toaster while taking a drag on a cigarette.
Yep, we didn’t take any notice of this at the time. Take a closer look.
Thank god that Ted didn’t go for the £200 package, could you imagine what that might have involved? Probably sniffing a few cats.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
