The fallout among fans and chairmen alike lit up the M27 culminating in the sorry 4-1 defeat at Fratton Park, as Pompey fans vented their fury at the return of 'Judas'. The unpleasant tit for tat in the media as Harry, Lowe and Mandaric traded blows surely ended all hope of an amicable relationship in the future.
In a sight few could have foreseen even weeks ago, Mandaric and Redknapp were all sweetness and light in the press conference and, after the circus of half truths of the past week, quite frankly they deserve each other.
Now the Redknapp saga has come full circle and he has returned to try and save the sinking ship, with Pompey amassing only 10 points out of 15 and stuck in the relegation zone. The points tally and timing is almost identical to that when he took over Saints, making many fans wonder if there is some kind of job share going on in the south coast.
For once Pompey fans seem as bemused as ourselves, although no doubt all will be forgiven if he can keep them up, having sent us down.
For Saints it is time to move on and concentrate on our own search for a manager, although the past year will forever leave a bitter taste in the mouth. We may even get to witness the return of our own prodigal son, Glenn Hoddle, which would be the ultimate twist in the south coast soap opera.
The next appointment is absolutely critical in Saints history. After two years of managerial shambles following the departure of Gordon Strachan, the board are right to look to secure the short term, with Bassett and Wise taking over at least for the Luton game. This will allow them to take their time in finding the right man for the long term.
Saints fans can only hope that Rupert Lowe is as good as his word: "We have an excellent first-team squad and one of the best crops of young players in the country; we need to marry these with a top quality man." Fail again and it won't just be the manager on his way out.