Single-Handed

This is a wonderful show with fantastic scenery. It reminds me of my trip to Ireland many years ago. The characters seem to be REAL PEOPLE and the scripting is really true to life. They are certainly not artificial as are the American actors that we have to put up with. The story lines are true to life. Even the bad characters are very well acted. I wish American TV would take a lesson from this program when they are making our shows. I believe that the Garda is depicted in a realistic fashion. Perhaps that is why I like it since my Grandfather was a Detective with the same kind of attributes I will watch it many times and I hope that you do also.

Very good acting from all members of cast. Well above average script. So difficult to leave your mark on this saturated genre but this series manages just that. Has that added bonus of beautiful scenery like Shetland which always leaves you slightly breathless. Would highly recommend a watch to remind you how well these crime series can be made before they become overworked like Vera and become a shadow of their origins. Some of the episodes are comparable to the likes of Wallander or other Nordic classics for the strength of the story telling. This is an undiscovered little gem worth a binge watch. Give it a go, you won't be disappointed.

At first skeptical of this lower-budget show, I was won over by the sophistication of the story line, peeling away layers of hidden sins and human frailties of the fallible but all too human characters.

This series concentrates on the reality of lives, exploring the undercurrent of motivations and foibles of human nature. If you looking for elaborate chase scenes or gunfights, this is not for you; instead sit back and be prepared to be won over but subtle but provocative treatments of the human condition, all presented with fresh scripts and fascinating characters.

/refers to all 4 seasons/

In my country, there are not too many series-films available, but it is always nice to have some change from time to time. As I am fond of UK and Scandinavian crime series, I did not expect something "out of the way" - and so it was. Poor climate with harsh, yet oddly beautiful landscape, relations among people used to live in underpopulated areas and work hard for daily living, small community vices and virtues - all this is properly depicted in Single-Handed as well. True, there are several protracted scenes, the cases are often subordinated to personal issues, and some supporting/infrequent cast (particularly Stephen Rea in The Lost Boys) overshadows the main one (although e.g. Owen McDonnell seems appropriate for the role).

Thus, the series in question is no Luther or What Remains, for example, but brings realistic moments in front of TV and decent familiarisation with life and people in distant Ireland.

Husband and I were really looking forward to the rerun of Single Handed. We set to tape and only got 2 programmes. What is all that about. Brilliant actors, especially Owen McDonnell (obviously). This guy was so obviously made for the part, as was his mother. It was great. Scenic and well acted, dialogue great, WHERE IS THE REST? We have so few good police based shows on British television, unlike America, and when we get a good one it disappears in a puff of smoke. 55 dgrees North was another basic policeman show. What happens to them? If you can't think of any story lines give me a call, ran an Irish club for 6 years - I'll give you a few.