Jack Taylor

Even though the plots are a bit farfetched and Jack Taylor's drunken character was getting a bit wearisome, Iain Glen's appeal and the local setting kept me watching until Episode 7, "The Cross." Even though Taylor rarely uses a gun, the new opening credits ("Bang, bang,") should have been a clue that something was amiss and seemed to have been made for a different show.. The plot was ridiculous, even for Jack Taylor standards, and then inexplicably, the Kate Noonan character is replaced, not only with a new actress (zero chemistry, forced icky kiss) but with a contrived subplot. Best episode is #3 -- "The Magdalen Martyrs," worth watching as a stand-alone unit, full of real-life horror, intrigue and pathos. Not surprising that the series seems to have a died a natural death.

Not sure where to begin. I like Iain Glen as an actor, but the accent is dodgy. Good opening episodes, but then became very cliched. He gets a younger sidekick eventually - think Scrappy Doo being added to Scooby - who in turn is replaced by someone even more irritating - with a dodgy Mancunian accent. Overall pleasing, but stretches credulity at times.

As far as police dramas go, this one sets itself apart in many ways, but primarily in how damaged the main character is. Ian does a terrific job as Jack, but he makes it very difficult to root for at times; which is ok once or twice in a show like this, but not as often as here IMHO.

The writing was overall quite good and gritty, however the chemistry between the characters took a nose-dive when Noonan was replaced by another actress. Not sure why the change occurred, and they all did as well as they could with what they were given, but between the lack of internal development with Jack and the unfortunate casting change without adjusting the role as to create a better segue, it's not too surprising how short lived the show ended up being.

Having said that, the characters were interesting, for the most part, and the plots were unique-enough to carry each episode on its own. The entire show could be comfortably watched over a weekend.

Really enjoying this series. Yes, it is somewhat cliche as some reviewers have pointed out, but it is highly engaging with unique storylines apart from the fact most of them seem to involve suicides that aren't suicides in some way or other.

Only up to episode 6, and thought I'd see what others thought, and was surprised by how little attention this series has received considering it is highly watchable (apart from the cringy lines that today's shows wouldn't get away with PC wise)

This is not your idealistic, admirable sleuth. Quite the contrary. But he is diligent, intuitive and relentless. Murder and mystery shrouded in darkness and an alcoholic haze. Iain Glen leads a good cast with good performances. The stories are not complex and you may get ahead of Jack as he solves them, but, all in all, its a good watch. I give this series an 8 (good) out of 10. {Criminal Mystery}