Who Pays the Ferryman?

Watch Who Pays the Ferryman?

  • 1977
  • 1 Season
  • 7.9  (223)

Who Pays the Ferryman? is a 1977 BBC television series set in Crete, Greece. The show stars Jack Hedley as Alan Haldane, a British intelligence officer who returns to Crete after serving in World War II. Haldane is haunted by the loss of his wife during the war and is looking for a new purpose in life.

The show follows Haldane as he wanders through the island, trying to find a sense of belonging. He meets and befriends many of the locals, including beautiful Greek woman Annika (Lalla Ward). However, his renewed sense of purpose is sparked when he stumbles upon an old army buddy, David Coombes (Neil McCarthy), who has become involved in diamond smuggling on the island.

Haldane is torn between his loyalty to his friend and his duty to his country. The series takes on a number of complicated themes, including the after-effects of war, the nature of loyalty, and the presence of crime in a small town.

The show's setting is a beautiful and romanticized version of Crete, with the bright blue waters of the Mediterranean in the background and the stunning architecture of the island’s historic buildings. The show’s cinematography is beautifully done, capturing the beauty and lyricism of the Greek landscape.

One of the standout performances of the series comes from Takis Emmanuel as Andreas, the wise and kind-hearted ferryman of the title. He guides Haldane through the island, offering him advice and comfort as he tries to make sense of his new life. Emmanuel's performance is one of the most memorable in the series, and his interactions with Haldane are some of the show's most poignant moments.

The show's use of music is also noteworthy. The score is a blend of traditional Greek music and more modern pieces that help to create an immersive and enchanting atmosphere. The show's opening theme is particularly memorable and sets the tone for the series perfectly.

While the show is largely a character study and a meditation on the themes of loss, community, and loyalty, it also contains plenty of action and suspense. As Haldane navigates the complex world of diamond smuggling, he finds himself in a number of dangerous situations. There are plenty of exciting chase scenes, gunfights, and tense standoffs throughout the series, making it a thrilling watch.

Overall, Who Pays the Ferryman? is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant series that expertly blends action and character study. Its themes of loss, loyalty, and community are as relevant today as they were over four decades ago, and its portrayal of a romanticized Greece is sure to enchant viewers. With fantastic performances and expert filmmaking, it stands as a true classic of British television.

Who Pays the Ferryman?
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Seasons
The Daughters of Themis
8. The Daughters of Themis
February 20, 2012
The Major finds that Alan's car was sabotaged. Mateos flees, and Alan follows. A stroke fells Katerina, and Annika learns the family secret. Babis gathers Alan's wartime comrades, and they join with the police to track down Mateos.
A River to Cross
7. A River to Cross
December 19, 1977
Alan receives a written threat, and shows it to the Major. Babis prepares the legal documents for Alan and Nikos' partnership; they all celebrate with a party at Annika's house, but the day ends with a terrible accident.
The Well
6. The Well
December 12, 1977
Alan and Annika meet an Englishman, Duncan, who's helping villagers drill a well in a small mountain town. Duncan lives with a much younger woman, Sally, and conceals a secret that will lead to a clash with the Major.
Receive the Light
5. Receive the Light
December 5, 1977
Katerina asks Matheos to get rid of Alan by any means. Local fisherman Xenophon challenges Alan to a sailing race. After the race everyone gathers to celebrate, but the party ends when Alan's boat is burned.
A Dead Man to Carry My Cross
4. A Dead Man to Carry My Cross
November 28, 1977
Tony Viglis arrives in Elounda escorting the coffin of his grandfather, who wished to be buried in his hometown, thus re-igniting a vendetta with Annika's family. Alan takes his side, and convinces Annika and her brother to end the feud.
Long Shadow
3. Long Shadow
November 21, 1977
Alan plans a new business with Nikos and Elena. Matheos tricks a past lover of Alan's, Lorna, into visiting, causing a rift with Annika. Annika becomes aware of the deception and dismisses Matheos.
Some Talk of Alexander
2. Some Talk of Alexander
February 20, 2012
Alan gets to know his daughter's family, and begins restoring a boat. Annika's mother asks her to stop seeing Alan. Hebden visits Elounda with his daughter, awakening ghosts from the past and narrowly escaping death.
Return to Yesterday
1. Return to Yesterday
November 7, 1977
Alan Haldane returns to Crete, where he spent World War II. He meets an old resistance comrade, Babis Spiridakis, and a beautiful woman, Annika. Babis reveals a secret from the past. Alan decides to stay on indefinitely.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    November 7, 1977
  • IMDB Rating
    7.9  (223)