Alice & Jack

This series is a diminished example of what PBS generally offers. In the first episode, the plot seemed quite appealing. It all comes crashing down in about ep 3, when redundant scenes of the troubled romance rear their ugly head. In real life, some relationships go through testing phases, particularly if one partner is sorting through past trauma. This is understandable. But to include repetitive emotional scenarios will wear out certain viewers. Subsequently, the overall rhythm suffered. The two lead actors were sincere, but I was not feeling their chemistry. Several of their scenes resembled acting class exercises. As the series evolved, each interaction between the couple became far too precious. I'm fairly new to the work of actress Andrea Riseborough, and there were moments when I found her believable. But many times the camera lingered on her face (not her fault), and that's when we witness her ever-revolving Parade of Expressions: contorted forehead, furrowed brow, dismayed eyes, and unsubtle mouth movements. I should add that I was impressed by her fine work in "To Leslie"; her pliable face seemed fitting for that character. In Alice & Jack there is one unintentionally funny moment when she offers a reassuring kiss to her lover, yet her face is so poignantly troubled. Fast forward to the final episode: it came off as a predictable mess. I was thinking "hopefully the writers won't adopt such a convenient ending", but in fact they did just that. The final scenes were deflating and ruinous. I'm shocked that PBS gave this series a green-light. Likewise, I'm bothered that I chose to endure the entire series.

I get the distinct impression that this show is a love it or hate it show. For me personally I loved it. It's gentle in its approach to 2 very different characters the name sakes of the show.

Jack a gentle Irishman and Alice a self proclaimed hard nose damaged goods lady.

My wife felt they never connected and didn't suit but their differences is what endeared me to them and to the show. Both have lives that seem destined to connect but fought against at every turn.

Periphery characters are also loveable from the best friend and fellow scientist with a blunt matter of factness that's comical but fitting. To Aisling Bea who your heart can only go out to.

All in all this isn't your typically love story but if you want something different and you'll overlook the negative reviews then I think this has got much to offer.

It's no One Day and thank goodness for that. Maybe it's a love story for those who don't relish in love stories. It's certainly no hallmark tale.

Enjoy.

Watching the first episode, it didn't feel like the first one it was like I was missing an episode. I don't understand where and when they became obsessed with each other they just seemed miserable, it was an average meet up with not much chemistry then all of a sudden he's pining over her and they are back and forth over and over, but why ? I'm still halfway through the series but does it get better? Was hoping for a better series to be honest especially with the actors involved. It doesn't feel like years are passing by either, both of them look no different during the time jumps lol should be better.

I enjoyed this tremendously. Riseborough and Gleeson are such breathtakingly wonderful actors. I felt privileged to have these couple of hours with them.

After watching the full season, I read some reviews of the show. Sadly, some were less than positive, but I couldn't help think they missed the point and the beauty of this story. I suppose if you're of the mind that sentimentality is to be reviled, you may agree with reviewers of that ilk and this production won't be for you. Indeed, this series is overtly sentimental, and at times quite melancholy. But for me at least, I felt the real message was one of hope. In a world that's become so fragile, and often seemingly broken, every once in a blue moon, there's a thing or two that can miraculously rise and remain unbroken. In these tumultuous times, I felt that a message worth hearing.

Alice & Jack isn't really a study in two characters. The main character here is the love between them, a love that likely should have dissolved time and again, and yet try as they might, will never go away. Again, a big standing "O" for Riseborough and Gleeson. They've done a wonderful job here.

I felt compelled to write this review to counter some of the other reviews which I suspect were written by people with vested interests.

One review felt blessed to be in gleeson and riseborough's presence for a few hours..... I don't think so, the acting is clunky and insincere, the story is wooden and daft, and these people talk about relationships as if they understand them completely having watched other people have them. I've never met people like this in real life which is probably because there aren't people like this in real life.

There is an element of the Before sunrise/sunset films about it, but those romances have more sincerity and a genuine flow to them. This story consistently jumps forward in a way that implies that vast chunks of these people's lives are meaningless. The way characters are described within the programme are completely at odds with how they come across. Even leaving a bad review is giving this series more attention than it deserves.