Fans of Mrs Brown’s Boys have been left stunned by the very serious end to last night’s episode after Agnes fell into a coma.
Played by show creator Brendan O’Carroll, foul-mouthed family matriarch Agnes – aka Mammy – powers the divisive sitcom, which follows the exploit of her and her six children and other family members in Dublin.
The broad humour of Mrs Brown’s Boys has seen it criticised by those who don’t like it since it first aired in 2011, with the BBC describing its brand of comedy as ‘sauciness and slapstick’.
But the programme has continued to be popular enough for its current fifth season, not to mention numerous interim specials, to some how reach over 50 episodes in total.
But as episode three concluded on Friday, some viewers were left worrying that this could be it for Agnes as she lay unresponsive in her hospital bed, surrounded by her family.
After the doctor came in and announced, ‘I’m sorry, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to turn the machine off,’ close-ups of distraught Browns including Agnes’s daughter Cathy (former Strictly Come Dancing star Jennifer Gibney) followed, before the camera pulled back on Agnes herself while sombre music played.
‘Sad episode of #Mrsbrownsboys,’ tweeted Thomas Feerick, while Andy Verrall observed: ‘What a strange ending! Has she passed away?’
‘Caught this on the TV by accident – absolutely agog at the rather downbeat fashion in which Mrs Brown’s Boys has concluded,’ wrote CJ as Damian North posted: ‘RIP Mrs Brown – thanks for the laughs.’
‘Decided to watch Mrs Brown a few days ago and was gagged at them killing her off,’ shared @OricorioWho.
Others weren’t quite so upset though, with David asking: ‘Is she dead? Is this the last ever series?? Fingers crossed!!!’
‘She’s DEAD. Finally, we’re free from the curse of the worst show on TV,’ celebrated Elle, while @TweetPeepGhost chimed in: ‘Please let it be true that #MrsBrownsBoys has just died.’
However, some fans felt they were in on the joke, with one episode left of the series to go.
‘Agnes won’t be dead there’ll be a joke as to why they have to turn the machine off, like she doesn’t really need it,’ predicted fan Kate, with a laugh-cry emoji.
Although the next episode won’t air on BBC One until Friday August 29 due to the Women’s Rugby World Cup match between England and the US next week, it is already available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
So for those desperate to find out Agnes’s fate now, the answer is only a few clicks away.
Only 2.47million viewers tuned in to the opening episode of Mrs Brown’s Boys fifth season at the start of this month, compared to the 9.4million viewers it commanded on Christmas Day in 2013 with its festive special.
Mrs Brown’s Boys continues on BBC One on August 29. All episodes are available to watch now on BBC iPlayer.
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