In this sequel to A Bouquet of Barbed Wire, a family disintegrates under the weight of grief and illicit affairs.
Six months after the death of his daughter Prue, publisher Peter Manson (Frank Finlay) remains consumed by grief. His son-in-law, Gavin Sorenson (James Aubrey), is also finding it difficult to cope with the demands of raising his infant daughter alone. While Peter continues his long-standing affair with his secretary, Sarah Roberts (Deborah Grant), his wife Cassie (Sheila Allen) has begun her own secret relationship with Gavin. The serial follows these interconnected characters as their destructive and clandestine behaviour pushes the fractured family towards a final crisis.
Following the phenomenal success of A Bouquet of Barbed Wire, this direct sequel faced the difficult task of continuing a story whose controversial heart had been torn out. With the death of Prue, the source of the original’s incestuous tension, writer Andrea Newman was forced to shift the dramatic focus. The new serial is a study in emotional fallout; a sombre examination of the wreckage left behind. The psychosexual shock of the first programme gives way to a more melancholy and conventionally structured drama about grief, guilt, and betrayal. While it could not replicate the cultural impact of its predecessor, the serial was a ratings success, confirming the audience’s investment in the fates of the Manson family.
Broadcast: ITV – LWT, 7 Episodes, Fridays, 7 January – 18 February 1977
Written by: Andrea Newman
Executive Producer: Tony Wharmby
Producer: John Frankau
Music: Dennis Farnon
Main Cast: Frank Finlay (Peter Manson), Sheila Allen (Cassie Manson), James Aubrey (Gavin Sorenson), Deborah Grant (Sarah Roberts), Eric Carte (Geoff Roberts), Elizabeth Romilly (Vicky), Simon Chandler (Freddy Roberts)
