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-part series was written by Michael J. Bird.
Who Pays the Ferryman? (Season 1)
Return to Yesterday (Episode 1)
Air date: 1977-11-07
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: Reliving the past can be dangerous as Alan Haldane discovers when he returns to Crete after 30 years. His arrival awakens old passions and a hatred, which, unknown to him, has festered for all that time.
Some Talk of Alexander (Episode 2)
Air date: 1977-11-14
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: Haldane meets William Hebden. Hebden is also reliving the past, but while Haldane hides his light under a bushel, Hebden tells his story to anyone who'll listen. An action he may have cause to regret.
The Long Shadow (Episode 3)
Air date: 1977-11-21
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: Katerina Matakis marshals the forces against an unsuspecting Haldane. A man's past can be used to destroy him. But when the stakes are this high, other lives may then be in jeopardy.
A Dead Man to Carry My Cross (Episode 4)
Air date: 1977-11-28
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: An entire village unites against a stranger and an ugly vendetta alienates Annika from Haldane. As events take their course, Haldane learns just how strong are the ties with the past.
Receive the Light (Episode 5)
Air date: 1977-12-05
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: Haldane accepts an unusual challenge and wins an unusual friend. Meanwhile, it is Easter in Elounda. Annika does not know and Haldane dare not reveal that her dead sister is an obstacle to their happiness. When disaster strikes Haldane is surprised by the reaction of the local population.
The Well (Episode 6)
Air date: 1977-12-12
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: "We can never shake ourselves free of what once was", says the Major, "for the past stands with us like our shadow." Alan Haldane encounters a "Lotus Eater". What is it that drives a man like Duncan Neve?
A River to Cross (Episode 7)
Air date: 1977-12-19
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: The vendetta continues against Alan Haldane and he learns that someone wishes him dead. Is it he who must pay the ferryman? He may yet have cause to wish it were.
The Daughters of Themis (Episode 8)
Air date: 1977-12-26
Runtime: 50 min
Overview: "In a lifetime, in every act, among the seeds we sow is the seed of tragedy. And tragedy is a plant which can take many years to grow and even longer to blossom and bear its bitter fruit." Katerina Matakis discovers the capriciousness of the Fates as old gods exact their vengeance. With his new life in ruins, Haldane can see no alternative but to fight his vendetta to its conclusion.
Seasons
Episodes 8