I was looking forward to Redwater and watched every episode. The story line had plenty of potential with Kat's search for a son she hasn't seen since birth, beautiful scenery of a small seaside village in Co Waterford in Ireland, full of interesting but secretive characters and quality actors. The drama unfolds over the six episodes and the series finishes on a massive cliffhanger. Will there be another series? Let's hope so.
I enjoyed the twists and turns of the dramatic plot and, while I feel that some parts are overblown and not very typical of Ireland, I warmed to the characters. Oisin Stack is excellent as the priest with his changeable emotions clearly shown on his face, Fionnuala Flanagan plays the all knowing and manipulating Granny well and the two squabbling sisters are also convincing. I don't watch Eastenders but I warmed to Kat and Alfie, who seem like two innocents in this Irish nightmare that unfolds around them.
My niggling criticism is that the ages of the Byrne family are confusing, with the younger generation seeming too old to be children of their parents. However, my main concern is that Redwater doesn't contain much humour. A big mistake, in my opinion, if BBC want it to succeed in Ireland as well as the UK. If they added in more typical Irish humour, it would make the series less dreary and more likable. Many long running crime series contain glimmers of humour and the contrast can be used to good effect. If there is to be more Redwater (and I really hope there will be), please let there be a little laughter - as in real life, especially in Ireland.
