Paths to Freedom
Paths to Freedom was a popular comedy on the Irish television network RTÉ Two. The shows stars two characters, Jeremy and Rats, who have both recently been released from a Dublin prison. The show takes the format of a mockumentary, with a fly-on-the-wall camera crew following the two characters, who are from thoroughly different backgrounds, as they try to reintegrate back into society. There were six episodes of the show produced, the first airing on November 1, 2000, and the final episode airing one month later. The series was followed-up by a movie based on the character Rats, Spin the Bottle. The show was written by Michael McElhatton, and directed by Ian Fitzgibbon.
Episodes
In the first episode Jeremy is determined to return to the life he once had with his wife, Helen and to putting all his energy into his new book ""Women Inside Out"". Meanwhile, on his first day of freedom, Rats finds that his wife Sharon has left him.
Jeremy experiences an increasing sense of frustration, both with his book and life in general. In the first couple of weeks of freedom Rats found a security job difficult to hold down - and was sacked for being a bit overzealous to say the least, so he finds new employment at a Smiley Burger restaurant.
Rats, Jeremy, Helen and Mrs. Doyle discuss the effects that imprisonment has had on their lives.Jeremy finds it difficult to get his book, Women Inside Out, published and realises he has to explore other avenues while Rats and Tomo head for Belfast.
Rats finally comes face to face with Sharon, who is not exactly overjoyed. Meanwhile, Jeremy faces a Fitness To Practise Committee, and eventually takes refuge in a tent in his back garden.
The first day of shooting Sperm.com's video takes place. Over in Dublin 4, Jeremy is becoming increasingly pre-occupied with proving that the asylum seeker is looking to destroy his life.
It is the final month for both Rats and Jeremy to be under the cameras and Rats is set to take to the stage again with his band. Jeremy has taken up residency at his local golf club on the seventh green.
