Movie Review: The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years

Recently, since I had missed the icon of The Thorn Birds, I read the book (reviewed it), and rented the 8 hour miniseries from Netflix (and reviewed it).  While I was at it, I rented this 3 hour follow-up, The Thorn Birds:  The missing years, which fills in the 19 years unaccounted for in the 1983 miniseries.  The Missing Years aired in 1996 and fell a bit flat.  Richard Chamberlain was the only returning cast member, and the follow-up did not stay true to the book or even make sense against the details of the original miniseries.

I can't say that I disagree with the critical response to this "sequel" or "midquel" as Wikipedia refers to it as.  I will say, that in all honesty, I think Amanda Donohoe did a far superior acting job over Rachel Ward in the role of Meggie.

All I can say is that I completed about all there is to complete with regards to The Thorn Birds.  I am now, well-versed in a story that was all the rage when it came out.  I missed it then, but I will miss it no more.  I'm sorta over it.  I wasn't able to find a trailer for this "midquel"...that's how popular it wasn't.

One question:  Where did that priest learn to kiss like that?