Monarch of the Glen - Series Four
Monarch of the Glen: Series Fourincludes some of the long-running British series' finest episodes, quite an accomplishment since the drama-comedy was regrouping a bit at this stage following the departure of a major cast member, Richard Briers, at the end of series 3. The loss of Briers, who played eccentric aristocrat Hector MacDonald, actually ushers in numerous, fresh story opportunities, beginning with the rocky engagement of Archie MacDonald (Alastair Mackenzie)--Hector's son and the new Laird of Glenbogle, the immense estate in the Scottish Highlands--and Lexie (Dawn Steele). With the mantle of responsibility and privilege passing to a new generation, Archie's mother, Molly (Susan Hampshire in especially golden form), is ready to let Lexie take her place at the laird's side. But Lexie, longtime cook and housekeeper at Glenbogle, isn't ready to marry into management, and has her doubts that the often ambiguous Archie is serious about staying with her.Lexie's confidence isn't helped by the return of Archie's girlfriend from series 1 and 2, schoolteacher Katrina (Lorraine Pilkington), who wants to win him back. Meanwhile, grizzled gamekeeper Golly (Alexander Morton) takes issue with Archie's plan to turn Glenbogle into a wolf sanctuary in order to attract grants and tourists, and he feels increasingly superfluous in the MacDonalds' plans to modernize the estate. Ever-boyish handyman Duncan (Hamish Clark) tries setting Golly up with Glenbogle's attractive new cook, Irene (Rebecca Lacey), but (despite a significant difference in age and experience) she really rather fancies Duncan himself. Hector's lifelong chum, the goofy but goodhearted Kilwillie (Julian Fellowes), struggles in vain to let his true feelings for Molly be known, while Molly busies herself with the many changes taking place in her family's life. The show's writing has never been stronger or performances more winning asMonarch of the Glenenters the middle of its run, heading toward a pivotal event that threatens to topple everything at the season's end.--Tom Keogh