North Sea Connection

Irish drama 'North Sea Connection' begins as a light-hearted crime caper. Its story of petty smugglers suddenly caught up in an international crime ring resembles nothing more than Harry Enfield's old sketch 'Heroin Galore'. Even when someone dies fairly early on it's in essentially comic fashion. But over the course of six episodes, it becomes increasingly darker in tone, and is all the better for it. Then ending isn't quite perfect: I don't understand how the storyline with the baby is supposed to work out, and the blackness of the finale is softened by the hint that we're being set up for a second series: if this truly is the end, the emphasis feels misplaced.

Apart from Sinead these were a new set of actors to enjoy. Very believable well cast characters and outstanding acting in all corners of the room!

Genuine well written storyline that goes to and fro between the interesting characters each has a depth and a like ability. The international angle broadens its appeal without involving the across the water neighbours. The setting is of course spectacular and natural, nothing artificial about the fishing village or the folks going about their business there. Lots of jeopardy throughout the episodes, lots of emotion expounded as I wore away the edge of my seat.

I was thoroughly enjoying the North Sea connection. The story line was fascinating with the inclusion of a number of details tha I do not recall having been used in other TV dramas. Most notable of these was the drug transporting in ice. I do wonder if that method has ever been actually used in the real world, maybe it will be now. I enjoyed it though only as far as near the end of episode six, when it became clear that there were so many loose ends that it could not possibly end there. There seems to be some talk of series two but nothing definite has been stated by BBC. However if series two does not happen I will consider that I completely wasted my time watching series.

This is a six-episode series that leaves most of the story lines open.

I had very much enjoyed it, up until then. I don't know the west of Ireland, but it certainly felt authentic. Though there did seem rather a lot of outsiders.

A series of twists and turns in the plot.

And hardly a spoiler to say that people who get involved in drug smuggling find out that things quickly run out of control.

It was developing nicely. But Episode Six ends with most of the crucial plot-lines still open. I assume a second series is planned, but then have also short-changed their audience.

I reduced my score from 8 to 4, because no one should do that to their audience.

If you have never watched a Scandinavian Nordic Noir crime drama and maybe put off by the subtitles, then I would recommend North Sea Connection as a good place to start as 90% of the dialogue is in English.

Set in a small fishing village on the west coast of Ireland, a Swedish detective teams up with the local Garde officer as she believes drugs are being transported via fishing boats from Sweden to Ireland.

As well as this being the main storyline there are several sub plots along the way. Sinead Cusack is just about convincing as the only female trawler woman in the village, and the rest of the cast all give solid performances. Without spoilers I can safely say there will definitely be a second season! 7/10.