The death of Molly Jones, a character in the beloved Australian television series A Country Practice, captured the emotional landscape of a nation in June 1985. Portrayed by Anne Tenney, Molly’s battle with leukaemia culminated in a poignant episode that resonated deeply with viewers. As she watched her husband Brendan and daughter Chloe fly a kite, the screen faded to black, leaving audiences in tears and reflecting on the impact of her departure.
Melanie Tait, a playwright and devoted fan of A Country Practice, has delved into this iconic moment through her podcast, A Country Podcast, where she interviews cast, crew, and writers associated with the series. Recently, Tait has taken her admiration a step further by penning a comedy titled How to Plot a Hit in Two Days, which humorously explores the creative and commercial dynamics of crafting a memorable television death.
Tait recalls the emotional process behind Molly’s writing: “It was 40 years ago and no one can agree on who was actually in the room,” she notes, highlighting the collaborative effort involved. Despite the passage of time, the memory of the writers’ emotional investment remains vivid. “They were crying all the way through, and when they got to the end of plotting her death, they all stopped and had a drink – they drank to Molly. They grabbed their tissues and wrote the end.”
The responsibility for scripting the episode fell to Judith Colquhoun, who is affectionately referred to as Australia’s “most wanted serial killer” due to her involvement in several significant television deaths. Tait has dedicated her play to Colquhoun, emphasizing the unique role she played in bringing Molly’s story to a close.
For many viewers, Molly Jones was more than just a character; she was a representation of resilience and vulnerability. The emotional weight of her storyline contributed to the show’s success and endeared the character to audiences across Australia. The blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling in Tait’s work serves as a tribute to the legacy of A Country Practice and the unforgettable moments it created.
As Tait continues to explore the world of television writing, she reflects on the lasting impact of Molly’s departure. The writers’ tears and the collective toast to the character signify not only the end of a beloved story but also the beginning of a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with fans today.
