20 commentaires
I read the book and was fully expecting to be critical of the tv show however that wasn't the case. The series doesn't deviate from the book at all and the story has been very well told on screen. Lola and Tom are brilliant as Cushla and Michael. And Gillian portrays Gina so well. My only criticism is the sound quality, it's very mumbly and difficult to understand the speaking in some parts.
This provocative, far-reaching four-part Channel 4 drama focuses on an illicit love-affair between a young female primary school teacher Cushla and an older Protestant human rights solicitor, Michael Agnew, who has chosen to represent three IRA members who claim police brutality against them. They meet in a popular Belfast bar owned and managed by Cushla's brother where Michael is counted as one of the locals, although it's also frequented by off-duty soldiers from the occupying/peacekeeping British Army, depending on your political point of view.
Although she has another fellow-teacher, the on-the-surface bland and unexciting Gerry, pursuing her, she's soon headlong into an intensely passionate and physical affair with Michael, even as she knows he's married with a son. They're soon making trysts in his city centre love-nest, but the deeper the affair goes, the more strain their burgeoning relationship will come under.
Cushla has other worries too. Her recently widowed mother has hit the bottle hard and is becoming increasingly difficult to live with while the sympathy she shows to the family of one of her young pupils, the offspring of a mixed-religion couple, also brings her trouble.
It all comes to a head with the shocking climax to episode three, leaving Cushla to pick up the pieces and try to deal with the aftermath of her affair. Personally, I found the fourth and final episode to be somewhat anti-climactic in terms of tying up the loose ends, while the tag-on sugar-coated epilogue likewise also seemed unnecessary.
The evocation of mid-70's Northern Ireland was certainly captured in terms of the fashions, cars and domestic and public house interiors, although the choices of background and incidental music had me reaching for the mute button. The bitterness between the two sides of the religious divide and especially those caught in the middle by entering into mixed religion relationships was well brought out. Lola Petticrew as Cushla came over well as the unwitting party caught literally in the cross-hairs of sectarian hatred, Tom Cullen was good too as the handsome charming adulterer, but the real eye-opening performance was by Gi(llia)n Anderson as Cushla's "Gin, gin, everywhere" waste-of-space mother.
For the most part then, this was a gritty and believable series, all the more so as I grew up in Glasgow at around this time. Although I was aware of religious prejudice around me, I couldn't begin to comprehend living with its ugly, tribal manifestation as represented here just across the Irish Sea at the very same time.
Although she has another fellow-teacher, the on-the-surface bland and unexciting Gerry, pursuing her, she's soon headlong into an intensely passionate and physical affair with Michael, even as she knows he's married with a son. They're soon making trysts in his city centre love-nest, but the deeper the affair goes, the more strain their burgeoning relationship will come under.
Cushla has other worries too. Her recently widowed mother has hit the bottle hard and is becoming increasingly difficult to live with while the sympathy she shows to the family of one of her young pupils, the offspring of a mixed-religion couple, also brings her trouble.
It all comes to a head with the shocking climax to episode three, leaving Cushla to pick up the pieces and try to deal with the aftermath of her affair. Personally, I found the fourth and final episode to be somewhat anti-climactic in terms of tying up the loose ends, while the tag-on sugar-coated epilogue likewise also seemed unnecessary.
The evocation of mid-70's Northern Ireland was certainly captured in terms of the fashions, cars and domestic and public house interiors, although the choices of background and incidental music had me reaching for the mute button. The bitterness between the two sides of the religious divide and especially those caught in the middle by entering into mixed religion relationships was well brought out. Lola Petticrew as Cushla came over well as the unwitting party caught literally in the cross-hairs of sectarian hatred, Tom Cullen was good too as the handsome charming adulterer, but the real eye-opening performance was by Gi(llia)n Anderson as Cushla's "Gin, gin, everywhere" waste-of-space mother.
For the most part then, this was a gritty and believable series, all the more so as I grew up in Glasgow at around this time. Although I was aware of religious prejudice around me, I couldn't begin to comprehend living with its ugly, tribal manifestation as represented here just across the Irish Sea at the very same time.
Full disclosure, I grew up outside Belfast during the Troubles. I even went to RUC Blue Lamp discos at school.
The series is well-made and the feel of the period is correct, but the characters are pretty two-dimensional, with some straight out of Troubles central casting. The political situation is reduced to clichés which didn't engage me. I can't help but make comparisons with dramas such as Angel, Cal and Harry's Game as the high bar.
The high point for me is Martin McCann, who although in a supporting role brings a quiet authenticity to every scene he is in.
Watchable, but nothing to write home about.
The series is well-made and the feel of the period is correct, but the characters are pretty two-dimensional, with some straight out of Troubles central casting. The political situation is reduced to clichés which didn't engage me. I can't help but make comparisons with dramas such as Angel, Cal and Harry's Game as the high bar.
The high point for me is Martin McCann, who although in a supporting role brings a quiet authenticity to every scene he is in.
Watchable, but nothing to write home about.
- glennwalsh44
- 26 nov. 2025
- Permalien
The first episode was very well done. They've clearly spent a lot of time and money on making this as authentic as possible.
Far more thoughtful than I was expecting. Perhaps down to being based on a novel.
Looking forward to watching the rest of this online, though it's good enough that it probably shouldn't be binged.
Far more thoughtful than I was expecting. Perhaps down to being based on a novel.
Looking forward to watching the rest of this online, though it's good enough that it probably shouldn't be binged.
Just finished episode 3 and this is a stunning watch. You'll be drawn in to all of Cushna's relationships not just with Michael- The family with a protestant & a Catholic parent, the teacher who tries to woo her and of course her mother- brilliant catatonic performance by Gillian Anderson. The menace of the Troubles is constantly there, sometimes subtley weaved in, sometimes in your face. Compelling may be a bog standard description but Trespasses really really is. Absolutely loved it. Props also on the soundtrack. Into the Mystic conveying the magic of the start of Cushna & Michael's relationship. Wish the series was more than 4 eps. Its very worth your time.
There's a lot to like in 'Trespasses', a drama set in Northern Ireland of the 1970s: good acting, and a tough but believable story about love and hate across the sectarian divide. In spite of the appearance of Gillian Anderson in the cast, the budget was obviously low, but everything is put together skilfully. There are also weaknesses: a tendency to show everything in that time and place as relentlessly grim, and a story that doesn't quite go anywhere in the end. One reason for this is that the troubles break over the head of the central character, but she herself has no personal investment in them; it's thus fundamentally a story about the madness of others. I still liked it; but other stories have moved me more.
- paul2001sw-1
- 2 déc. 2025
- Permalien
This is one of the best series I have ever seen. Characters are fantastic and very likeable. The story is beautiful. The background of the stories the families face is heartbreaking. Actors are amazing. Probably Gillian Anderson's best role ever. Tom Cullen is just beautiful. The relationships between characters warm your heart.
- aprendenglish
- 14 nov. 2025
- Permalien
Trespasses is one of those rare shows that pulls you in with quiet confidence and refuses to let go. From its opening episode, the series establishes a tone that is both haunting and intimate, weaving together personal stories with a simmering sense of tension that never feels forced. It's beautifully written, emotionally layered, and refreshingly character-driven.
And yes-we need to talk about Tom Cullen, who not only delivers an emotionally rich and beautifully restrained performance, but also brings an undeniable on-screen hotness that's impossible to ignore. His charisma, intensity, and quietly smoldering presence elevate every scene he's in. It's one of those roles where the acting is superb-and the visuals are a delightful bonus.
And yes-we need to talk about Tom Cullen, who not only delivers an emotionally rich and beautifully restrained performance, but also brings an undeniable on-screen hotness that's impossible to ignore. His charisma, intensity, and quietly smoldering presence elevate every scene he's in. It's one of those roles where the acting is superb-and the visuals are a delightful bonus.
- berengere-cavallino
- 26 nov. 2025
- Permalien
A beautiful love story set amongst the civil war of Ireland in the 70s. Watching the troubles from 50 years later reinforces the madness of two religious factions killing each other for what? The lovers were so convincing mainly because Tom Cullen would be irresistible and every woman's dream affair.
- tuppence-93159
- 8 déc. 2025
- Permalien
After it got up a head of steam, it's been an interesting watch. The first episode is a bit slow, but stick with it.
It's an interesting inside perspective of The Troubles and how they affected relationships that crossed the religious divide. It hints at the reprisals that those perceived as "traitors", on both sides, suffered, rather than showing the killings on screen. That, I think, makes them seem all the more chilling.
Lola Petticrew is a star, such a beautiful, almost ethereal, woman in her roll here..
It's an interesting inside perspective of The Troubles and how they affected relationships that crossed the religious divide. It hints at the reprisals that those perceived as "traitors", on both sides, suffered, rather than showing the killings on screen. That, I think, makes them seem all the more chilling.
Lola Petticrew is a star, such a beautiful, almost ethereal, woman in her roll here..
Absolutely loved this series right from the off. Lola Petticrew is quite simply incredible and owns the screen. Brilliant soundtrack and a really decent attempt at portraying life in NÍ during the troubles. Like others have said some of the dialogue is lost because of the overly strong accents but that's a minor complaint. The characters are believable as are the relationships. Well done C4 and all involved in this brilliant series.
- germanning
- 12 nov. 2025
- Permalien
OK, yes, I get it; our two main characters are hopelessly besotted with each other but, really, do we have to see them having sex over and over again? Or, if not actually at it, then helplessly mooning over each other and kissing again and again?
I'm no prude and don't care how explicit a sex scene might be but that fact is... once you've seen them do it once, then every other occasion is just REALLY BORING AND IRRITATING.
I suppose a part of the audience is made of people who will get their jollies afterwards by replaying these scenes in their heads but seriously... can't we actually see some plot development?
I'm no prude and don't care how explicit a sex scene might be but that fact is... once you've seen them do it once, then every other occasion is just REALLY BORING AND IRRITATING.
I suppose a part of the audience is made of people who will get their jollies afterwards by replaying these scenes in their heads but seriously... can't we actually see some plot development?
- jennachaplinca
- 26 nov. 2025
- Permalien
Gritty, authentic with a first class cast (Lola Pettigrew & Gillian Anderson & Co are brilliant.)The story line excellent with heart wrenching moments all the more poignant in light of its truth. It's obvious that a Very Considerable time, effort & finance went into this production. Fantastic work by everyone involved. I loved it.
- barbarapranayama
- 9 nov. 2025
- Permalien
Stunning series, amazing actors (Gillian Anderson especially) captures the tones, sounds and fashions of the time (major flashbacks as a child of the 70's here) and shows how destructive the Troubles were on both sides. The love story is almost tangible and the last 5 minutes just end the series perfectly. A must watch.
This is a high quality production from channel four. A young Catholic teacher finds herself involved in a relationship with a protestant lawyer who defends protestant freedom fighters. Set in Ulster in 1975 at the peak of the troubles this is a fascinating insight of what life was like for the people of Northern Ireland during a turbulent part of their history. All performances are excellent although like others l did find the sound and the dialogue hard to follow so l would recommend using the sub titles. 8/10.
- PeterR-005
- 12 nov. 2025
- Permalien
Oh what a missed opportunity here. The 70s setting is effectively depicted through clothes, interiors, cars and even haircuts...no they didnt look like cheap wigs! Even the music of the time added to the evocation and nostalgic themes...well executed as crass pop was an aspect of the time....as well as classics that resonate today.
The constant reminder that the troubles were alive, and ever threatening, is a key theme operating through all their individual lives and that of real communities. Yet the main story playing out is that of forbidden love/lust. The old trope of married man with naive (yet intelligent) younger woman.....credible indeed. Bit did the depiction of their relationship really need the lengthy and frequent instalments of soft porn?....what did this add to their evolving relationship? The characterisation of Cursala was strong but the mother(Gillian Anderson) lacked development and remained cliched.
A reduction of the sex scene time would have enabled the script to further involve other key characters such as Gerry, and perhaps explore some of the other roles....why was the church/school critical to cause and resolution?....sadly overlooked yet vital themes of the time/place.
The constant reminder that the troubles were alive, and ever threatening, is a key theme operating through all their individual lives and that of real communities. Yet the main story playing out is that of forbidden love/lust. The old trope of married man with naive (yet intelligent) younger woman.....credible indeed. Bit did the depiction of their relationship really need the lengthy and frequent instalments of soft porn?....what did this add to their evolving relationship? The characterisation of Cursala was strong but the mother(Gillian Anderson) lacked development and remained cliched.
A reduction of the sex scene time would have enabled the script to further involve other key characters such as Gerry, and perhaps explore some of the other roles....why was the church/school critical to cause and resolution?....sadly overlooked yet vital themes of the time/place.
Wonderful Love story set in terrible times. Very moving performances from all three main characters but Tom Cullens is a stand out performance. Heart wrenching tale.
Gillian Anderson just gets better & better every time I watch her. Lola Petigrew will be one to watch out for. Costumes & sets are very true to the period. More of these period pieces please Channel 4.
Gillian Anderson just gets better & better every time I watch her. Lola Petigrew will be one to watch out for. Costumes & sets are very true to the period. More of these period pieces please Channel 4.
- fishermensmell
- 17 nov. 2025
- Permalien