Knowing Me, Knowing EU
A new BBC soap opera set in the fictional Greek holiday resort of Sirrya. With the help of a smattering of collaborators from Ireland, France and Italy, wealthy foreign retirees from Germany attempt to take over the town and run it as a colony of Germany, while the Greeks attempt to defend their home. The fighting between the foreigners and the natives is the central theme of the plot. 90% of the plot is set in the expat community.
Angie Smirk - played by Judi Dench. The fearsome leader of the invading German expatriates. Hated by the natives, disliked by most of the expats who are too scared to say anything against her. Despite being initially portrayed as the heroine of the series, her unsympathetic casting means she ends up as the central villain.
The Wolf – played by Horst Hrubesch after Martin Adams turned downed the part on ethical grounds. Angie’s attack dog who leads terror raids on the native community, locking natives into barns and setting fire to them.
Francois Polande – played by Rafa Benitez in his acting debut. Non membership of the actors’ union Equity means he has no speaking part, but is featured prominently nodding dutifully whenever Angie says anything.
Micky “Top o’ the mornin’” Noon – played by Gerard McSorley. A gruff, surly expat from rural Ireland. Was initially civil to the natives but his animosity for them has grown over the years. Likes to think of himself as his own man but his opinions are regularly dismissed by Angie, despite him being almost always in agreement with her.
Ken Mayo – an Irishman played by Ardal O’Hanlon. This character is somewhat of a play on O’Hanlon’s Father Dougal character in Father Ted, with Ken having most of the same mannerisms and character traits, including suffering from frequent delusions and an inability to speak coherently. Easily led. Viewed by both the invaders and the natives as the village idiot.
Massimo Firenze – Italian expat who leads a bizarre double life helping African immigrants arriving on the sea shore while plotting against the natives by night. A conflicted character. Dislikes Angie intensely but afraid to go against her. Played by Michael Imperioli.
Jean-Paul Junkbond – a retired financial trader from Luxembourg. Bumbling and incoherent with many Clouseau-esque qualities. Believed to be in the early stages of dementia. Played by Frank Kelly.
Jazz Manfantasticus- Charismatic leader of the natives and despite being initially portrayed as a villain, proves popular with viewers and ends up becoming the hero of the series. Rides a motorbike and loves his music. Makes regular trips to Germany where he pretends to be friendly but secretly plots to blow up Munich. Played by Pep Guardiola.
Alex Spiros – Jazz’s sidekick and fellow strategist. A straight up, no nonsense man’s man. Played by Colin Farrell.
