28/19

Plot

Four turbulent decades during the Troubles in Northern Ireland

The real-life Dolours Price was married for two decades (1983-2003) to Irish actor Stephen Rea. During that time, Rea appeared in the film for which she is probably best known in the United States: the 1992 romantic thriller The Crying Game. In that film, Rea plays Fergus, an extremely reluctant and ambivalent member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA)—the same organization that Price was involved with for many years. Let me start by saying that the production of this series is excellent, the acting is brilliant, and the overall story is compelling. As a Northern Irishman, it is always great to see anything from here on T.

or in film, but it usually feels like “B-grade” production at best

V. I’m thrilled to say that this is not the case with “Say Nothing.” This series was so well-made that I think people all over the world will watch and praise it. This kind of thing is usually only of interest to people on the island, people who were directly involved or history buffs. But I think this will appeal to a wider audience because it’s presented as a drama series with characters at its heart. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched something and heard the Northern Irish accent butchered to the point where I wince.

We’re not sure where they’ve been hiding, but they’ve finally found them!

I’ve always thought to myself, if only we had some top actors (who aren’t Liam Neeson) who could star in these roles. The acting was excellent throughout the show, and it’s great to see some home-grown talent getting some much-needed and well-deserved recognition. I didn’t know most of the cast in this show, but if at least one or two don’t go on to become household names in the UK I’ll be shocked (especially the actors who played the Price sisters). I haven’t read the book, although I imagine it to be more historical and focused on the actual events that happened during the Troubles. The show definitely keeps this historical and cultural influence in mind throughout, even though it is mostly character driven.

I think they did a good job of showing how nasty things got and how the lines shifted

It does a great job of developing the characters and showing all sides of the characters and showing a lot of emotion to people who would probably rather see as one dimensional in real life. My only reservation about this show is that I felt the narrative of the Troubles was a bit one-sided. The focus is of course on the IRA/Republican movement, as such, it’s no surprise that they are considered the main character. There are two sides to the story of the Belfast conflict though, and it feels like the Protestant/Aionist side has been left out entirely. The murky waters between right and wrong, even in times of war and even when you are convinced that the only correct opinion is yours.

I expect this will be a tough watch for many people, especially those directly affected and those who may still be grieving the loss of loved ones

I hope people can enjoy it for what it is, excellent television about a subject that most of the world has perhaps forgotten or never even heard of, and I hope that prejudice doesn’t get in the way of enjoying a good show.