Ep 5. And God Created Woman

Father Ted is a sitcom that follows the misadventures of three Irish priests who have been exiled to a parochial house on a remote island after various misdemeanors. Father Ted Crilly, Father Dougal Maguire, and Father Jack Hackett are the main characters of the show, and their antics mainly revolve around their dealings with the local community and their superiors.

In season 1, episode 5, titled "And God Created Woman," the central plot revolves around the arrival of a new housekeeper for the parochial house, Father Ted, Father Dougal, and Father Jack's living quarters. The Catholic church has sent the beautiful and vivacious Mrs. Doyle to live with the priests and attend to their household needs. While the move was done with good intentions, Father Ted and his colleagues soon discover that the new housekeeper is more than just a pretty face.

In the beginning, the trio is thrilled at the arrival of a new housekeeper, as they imagine she will take on all of their duties and allow them to live a life of leisure. However, once Mrs. Doyle settles in, it becomes apparent that her domestic skills leave a lot to be desired, and her enthusiasm for cleanliness and organization soon becomes oppressive. With no escape from her clutches, the priests are forced to endure her constant nagging and criticism.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Mrs. Doyle's real interest in coming to the island was not just to serve as a housekeeper but also to find herself a husband. She sets her sights on Father Ted, who discovers that his usual charm and wit are no match for her persistence. Mrs. Doyle is determined to land her man, and she goes to great lengths to make herself attractive to Ted, including donning a revealing dress and cooking him a romantic dinner.

As Ted tries to fend off Mrs. Doyle's advances, Father Dougal becomes increasingly caught up in the drama. He is taken with Mrs. Doyle's beauty and has developed a surprising interest in housekeeping. Dougal takes on cleaning tasks with surprising enthusiasm, offering Mrs. Doyle all the help that he can muster. It all culminates in an unexpected way that Father Ted, Father Dougal, and Father Jack will never forget.

Overall, "And God Created Woman" is a hilarious episode that showcases the strengths of the Father Ted series: witty writing, absurd situations, and sharp performances from its actors. The episode is a classic example of the show's irreverent humor, as it takes a familiar sitcom trope - the new housekeeper - and turns it on its head. It is a must-watch for fans of the series and those who appreciate clever comedy.