Who Pays the Ferryman?
| Who Pays the Ferryman? | |
|---|---|
Opening titles
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| Genre | Drama |
| Created by | Michael J. Bird |
| Starring |
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| Theme music composer | Yannis Markopoulos |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 8 |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | William Slater |
| Location(s) | Elounda, Crete |
| Release | |
| Original network | BBC2 |
| Original release | 7 November – 26 December 1977 |
| Chronology | |
| Preceded by | The Lotus Eaters |
| Followed by | The Aphrodite Inheritance |
Who Pays the Ferryman? was a television series produced by the BBC in 1977. The title of the series refers to the ancient religious belief and mythology of Charon the ferryman to Hades. In ancient times it was the custom to place coins in or on the mouth of the deceased before cremation so that the deceased could pay the ferryman to go to Hades.
The eight episodes were written by Michael J. Bird and its success propelled him into being a major screenwriter. He'd used his knowledge of Crete, where the series is based, incorporating local history and folklore. Helped by stunning scenery, the serial became a success when transmitted on BBC1 in 1977.
An ex-soldier returns to Crete, to take stock after his boat-building business is bought out, thirty years after he had fought alongside the local resistance (andartes) during the Second World War. He finds the ghosts of the past waiting for him there, and those who would do him ill. The shadows of his past interrupt and threaten his present happiness.
After suffering personal and professional misfortunes, boat designer Alan Haldane (Jack Hedley) decides to take a trip to Crete after 30 years away. Now a widower and having sold his business, Haldane wishes to find a new meaning, and rediscover the sense of belonging such as he'd experienced there during World War 2. Back then, Haldane fought with the Andartes against the occupying German army; his skill and determination earned him the honorary name of "Leandros" and his exploits subsequently slipping into local legend. He'd also enjoyed an affair with co-partisan Melina Matakis, from whom he temporarily parted when repatriation took place. Once back in England his letters to Melina went unanswered; hence, this temporary parting became permanent.
Now at a loose end, Haldane is met by many a mainly positive welcome, many remembering the exploits of the one they called Leandros. On reaching the area where he was based with Melina, a local homeowner, Annika, approaches. As glances are exchanged, this pretty and successful businesswoman and Haldane unconsciously form an immediate rapport. Annika had divorced her husband—an action in opposition to the values of Crete—however, this strong woman and Haldane get on so easily and both recognise a need for each other which grows ever-stronger each time their paths cross, which in time will become understandably frequent.
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