Jack Taylor

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)

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.

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.

Whoever is the fan of light crimi-movies will be delighted. Not a masterpiece but a good series to spend evenings during the week.

I enjoyed the series but less so as it went on. Familiarity breeds contempt and all that. The big question is why did Jack turn into some sort of pirate voice during the course of it. There's good supporting cast to back Iain Glen up and the show has the story arc punctuated with the discredited policeman issues to keep you interested, however it just ultimately feels a bit too contrived and a bit too repetitive. Ultimately I lost empathy with his functioning alcoholic character at the half way point. But for a late night binge it isn't so bad