Jack Irish

Jack Irish is a detective show with yards of gritty, very Australian character.

Jack is wryly witty, hard drinking, somewhat self destructive, self styled detective and part time ladies man. Played with a world worn, crusty charm, by Guy Pearce.

Jack Irish and the larger than life, cast of very colourful Australian characters, really bring this series to life. Each of the characters in this series has a well rounded, often off beat or odd ball personality and their own well scripted narrative. There are no "filler" characters in Jack Irish and the series is so much better, for it.

The quality characterizations are matched up with robust, mystery/crime, tales, that typically have an "underdog taking on the corrupt establishment" flavour. Jack is always the underdog, who inevitably comes out on top, but, typically, not without exacting a personal toll.

I really, really like Jack Irish. If you have not spent time in Australia it may be hard to appreciate some of the cultural artifacts and nuances found in the series. That said, its a very approachable watch, that's certainly a departure from mainstream US and UK crime/mystery drama's. I say give it a go. Eight out of ten from me.

I'm sure many agree that the writing, acting, direction and overall storyline are simply excellent. What really appealed to me, however, were the side stories. In most shows they are annoying and irrelevant, but the story lines related to race horses, the old footballers in the pub, the carpenter, and others make this a truly complete and enjoyable "universe."

I'd long had the intention to watch Jack Irish, having missed the boat when the three telemovies were aired and the subsequent series. Finally I got stuck in, and there I remained glued to every instalment.

The quality acting ensemble, the look and feel, the tangled webs woven by the writers, the diverse characters and dry humour - everything about Jack Irish is a joy.

It's understandable this show may not be everyone's glass of Scotch - it certainly enhances the experience to be familiar with the locations and uniquely Melbourne references. But difficult to understand are the critiques owing to the protagonist (brilliantly played by Guy Pearce) being dismissed as a loser / dead beat. For good reason he is damaged and flawed and thus makes questionable decisions in the pursuit of the truth, which imperil himself and those he cares for. I guess some need their heroes to wear capes.

The strongest series is open for debate. What the final season lacks in uniqueness by travelling down the corrupt cop road is more than offset by the full circle narrative which lays bare the opening scene of the first telemovie underpinning Jack's character arc. The memorable final few minutes of this memorable show were beautifully executed, serving to exacerbate the bittersweet satisfaction Jack Irish has resolved his last case - himself.

This show is like a diamond in the rough! Mystery combined with danger and violence done very well. Guy Pearce is good, playing second fiddle to the locations of iconic Fitzroy, Melbourne.

For an Australian crime show, this is by far the one of the best. I like Guy Pearce and the supporting cast. I started watching Jack Irish the movies versions last year. I was pleasantly surprised that they made it into a TV series. It is a great watch, because it is so not like any other show on television. I'm hoping for more, a second season and continue on from there. This is one television show that should be aired in the United States. It deserves a larger audience.

I am really in a kind of quite love affair with the Blackhawk that Pearce drives in the series. I just wonder how many are still running around the down-under continent? Australia has a knack for holding on to a lot of nostalgic artifacts of American origin or design. Even with the right hand drive.

Cheers Mates.