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.

I waited to watch the whole series before commentating as, I have been stung before by being negative in regards to a series, without giving it time to develop. This series took time however, the time was worth it.

The storyline is good, it deals with modern themes, and involves cross border police co-operation. A commentator made a point of this, based on nothing. In Ireland, cross border policing has being in place since 1922, and European cross border policing has been in place, since 1923, (Interpol).

The only actor I knew was Sinead Cusack yet, that didn't make any difference to my viewing. In the past number of years, even during Covid; Ireland has burst out onto the International stage with drama series that give a run for the money, against other countries that have been to the forefront, for decades.

I'm Irish therefore, I could be partisan, I'm not. We're world renowned for being funny yet, we couldn't write a sitcom to save our lives. Drama is our forte, and this is the latest in what we can write and produce.

The fact there has been a collaboration with an unexpected country (source) says something. The fact that previous drama series from this little country over the past few years, have now been shown on all continents of the world, shows that we have a punch.

Oh, and some of them have been nominated for International Awards, unheard of before now. That usually is reserved for BBC, ITV, CH4, etc.

The finale is some kicker. I expected a resolution, with loose ends tied up. What an ending.....

I saw this in the new releases and had no idea what it was about but I was just excited to see something " new" I clicked on it. I almost turned it off about half way thru but since I had nothing in my list I decided to keep going. I watch a lot of Irish films but was only familiar with two of the actors. Acting good except the lead girl was hit or miss. It started getting really interesting the last few episodes and then boom! It ends totally unresolved! Ok! I feel I've written a long enough review 96 characters left! Sheesh! Sometimes I feel they're too long! 33 OMG! Ok! I thought it a decent watch was just disappointed at the unresolved ending!

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.

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.