Jack Irish

I'm sure many agree that the writing, acting, direction and overall storyline are simply excellent. What really appealed to me, however, were the side stories. In most shows they are annoying and irrelevant, but the story lines related to race horses, the old footballers in the pub, the carpenter, and others make this a truly complete and enjoyable "universe."

I'd long had the intention to watch Jack Irish, having missed the boat when the three telemovies were aired and the subsequent series. Finally I got stuck in, and there I remained glued to every instalment.

The quality acting ensemble, the look and feel, the tangled webs woven by the writers, the diverse characters and dry humour - everything about Jack Irish is a joy.

It's understandable this show may not be everyone's glass of Scotch - it certainly enhances the experience to be familiar with the locations and uniquely Melbourne references. But difficult to understand are the critiques owing to the protagonist (brilliantly played by Guy Pearce) being dismissed as a loser / dead beat. For good reason he is damaged and flawed and thus makes questionable decisions in the pursuit of the truth, which imperil himself and those he cares for. I guess some need their heroes to wear capes.

The strongest series is open for debate. What the final season lacks in uniqueness by travelling down the corrupt cop road is more than offset by the full circle narrative which lays bare the opening scene of the first telemovie underpinning Jack's character arc. The memorable final few minutes of this memorable show were beautifully executed, serving to exacerbate the bittersweet satisfaction Jack Irish has resolved his last case - himself.

I like a lot of the Oz tv and film I see. The Jack Irish films were fun, in large part, because of the supporting ensemble, many familiar to me from other productions. S 2 puts the film gang back together and is much better for it. S1 I rated 5, S2 rate 8 so 7 overall.

The show has it's merits as it attempts to have the quirky comedic side story parallel the serious detective story. The quirky side has characters and plot lines that go from inane to stupid, the detective side has serious business going on. Unfortunately the inane and stupid too often migrate to the serious side. The police are either invisible or incompetent, the bad guys get to be bad without consequences episode after episode, and poor old Marta Dusseldorp gets hung out to dry (luckily she has a much better gig in Sydney circa 1950's). Jack seems confused more than not, and manages to get himself nearly killed every episode, and the cops just laugh. And they're not even shooting for satire!

Jack Irish is a detective show with yards of gritty, very Australian character.

Jack is wryly witty, hard drinking, somewhat self destructive, self styled detective and part time ladies man. Played with a world worn, crusty charm, by Guy Pearce.

Jack Irish and the larger than life, cast of very colourful Australian characters, really bring this series to life. Each of the characters in this series has a well rounded, often off beat or odd ball personality and their own well scripted narrative. There are no "filler" characters in Jack Irish and the series is so much better, for it.

The quality characterizations are matched up with robust, mystery/crime, tales, that typically have an "underdog taking on the corrupt establishment" flavour. Jack is always the underdog, who inevitably comes out on top, but, typically, not without exacting a personal toll.

I really, really like Jack Irish. If you have not spent time in Australia it may be hard to appreciate some of the cultural artifacts and nuances found in the series. That said, its a very approachable watch, that's certainly a departure from mainstream US and UK crime/mystery drama's. I say give it a go. Eight out of ten from me.