Amazon.com
When Father Peter Clifford (Peter Tompkinson) comes from Manchester to the small Irish village of Ballykissangel, he knows he will be facing some opposition. After all, what is an English priest doing in Ireland, of all places? He soon finds out that the town of Ballykissangel poses many more challenges than just accepting the unfamiliar priest. The delightfully mischievous cast of characters include Brian Quigley, the local businessman and entrepreneur, Donal and Liam, his faithful sidekicks, Siobhan, the frequently prescient veterinarian, and the tough owner of Fitzgerald's Bar, Assumpta. As the characters become more familiar throughout the series, their tribulations and triumphs are all the more realistic. The intricate characterizations, beautiful scenery, and delightfully dry humor ensure that fans of the English series All Creatures Great and Small will also enjoy Ballykissangel, and savor its distinctly Irish twist. Brian Quigley's daughter, Niamh, is set to wed Ambrose, the earnest village guard, in the third episode of the Ballykissangel series, "Live in My Heart and Pay No Rent." A falling statue of John the Evangelist seems to have different plans for the groom and causes Ambrose to choose a different path. An even more pressing crisis is affecting Brendan, Bally's only remaining faithful (Guinness) stout drinker, as Assumpta decides not to offer the quintessential Irish drink on tap any more. "Fallen Angel" finds a pirate radio station, Angel FM, and its DJ broadcasting hip tunes, wisecracks, and local gossip in an atrocious American accent over the town. When the DJ reveals that it's Father Clifford's birthday, Assumpta thinks up a gift that will surely get things rolling. --Amanda Powter