Irish Blood

I almost didn't watch this because of the lacklustre reviews, which would have been a shame.

It's easy to watch and interesting without being overly complicated. It's funny in an understated way rather than a zingy one-liner kind of way. The acting styles are natural and not American over-the-top. It's not as grey, bleak and gritty than the trailers made it look, they didn't do it justice. There are some unrealistic plot points so I got in my shouting-at-the-TV quota.

This is the only thing I've seen Alicia Silverstone in since Clueless and she's natural, warm, and still completely adorable.

I'm always looking for the next mystery drama to fill my time, many end up being forgettable and flat, but this is one of the better ones.

Ireland is now a wealthy European country that's making more and more TV shows. So far the shows I've seen aren't up to par with British crime dramas, they aren't a "Grace", a "Vera" or a "Shetland" in terms of scripts or acting. The plot of "Irish Blood" is cliched, it's been done before. I have no problem with the cast, Irish actors are right up there with British actors in terms of skills.

The show has gotten a lot of hype in the media, but it's just hype there is no substance. Ireland as always is beautiful as the location for any film or TV show. I made it through episode 1 and called it quits, enough for me.

The plot and storyline are interesting. While there are some great actors (Ruth Codd and Djouliet Amara are AMAZING), Alicia Silverstone is severely disappointing. Her lines seem forced and sound like she is reading a teleprompter. She does not sound natural at all and it detracts from the entire series.

This series has one good thing going for it: the Irish scenery, which never fails to amaze. The folk-inflected soundtrack is also easy on the ears. But the plot is a mess and if you are hoping to have a mystery solved by the end of the six episodes you are going to be sadly mistaken. What a waste of six hours' time. Some of the actors were fine, especially the quirky police woman who assists Alicia Silverstone in solving the mystery. I would never have started watching this if I knew that I would have to wait for an indeterminate second season to figure out what's going on.

I'll admit it-I was skeptical. I'm not usually an Acorn Channel devotee (their shows sometimes feel like the "comfort food" aisle of TV). But three episodes into Irish Blood, I'm eating my words.

First of all, it's just flat-out beautiful to see Alicia Silverstone on television. She's always been a movie star in my mind, but here she slips into a series role with this witty, intellectual innocence that somehow carries just the right amount of power. It's intriguing, a little mysterious, and it makes you lean in.

The show itself? Gorgeous. The scenery and cinematography are so thoughtfully done and every frame feels deliberate, like the setting is a character of its own. And the characters are worth watching. The way they interact is layered, subtle, and unfolding in a way that keeps me engaged without being heavy-handed.

It's the kind of series you can sink into: relaxing, engaging, and filled with the sort of clever little details that make you want to hit "next episode." Honestly, it's just plain fun to watch someone you grew up seeing on the big screen reinvent herself in a way that feels fresh and unique.

Bottom line: skeptical me is now invested me. This is a definite watch.