Passport to Europe: England, Ireland and Scotland (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have never been to England or Ireland, but this show has made that trip a priority on my list. The eps "English Countryside" and "Ireland Coast" are like magical fairy tales. I've seen probably every ep of Passport to Europe, and these British eps (along w/ Austria and Switzerland) are my favorites. Samantha as always is a charming host. Her sense of humor is great and these eps are particularly fun because there is no language barrier between her and the locals. Every interaction will make you smile and most will make you laugh. These episodes are whimsical, witty, wonderful...if you are armchair traveling, this is the trip you want to take.

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Enthusiastic and adventurous, Samantha Brown is the perfect tour guide for the most exciting places in the world. Explore exotic locales up close and personal as you may never have seen them. Samantha interacts with the locals and discovers popular area landmarks many tourists miss. Plus, she discusses the culture and history of these intriguing areas and shares invaluable travel tips. FEATURING:English Countryside: It's the landscape of fairytales. Enjoy a medieval castle that welcomed King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, and visit the bucolic paradise that is the Cotswolds. Classic London: No tour of London is complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace for the "Changing of the Guard." Then it's on to Notting Hill, Harrods and Westminster Abbey. London Now: An eclectic mix of avant-garde and traditional, London is the ultimate cosmopolitan experience. This is an exciting tour of modern London's cuisine and attractions. Ireland Coast: Explore the gorgeous countryside of Cork and Kerry, and learn about the sometimes mysterious cuisine. But it's the warm and wonderful people you'll remember most. Dublin, Ireland: You'll experience both Dublin's rich Irish heritage and the city's modern charm. Samantha discovers an incredible hotel bargain and goes on a memorable pub crawl. Edinburgh, Scotland: Visit a city steeped in history with many famous medieval landmarks. And experience one of today's hippest festivals along the city's historic streets.

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Michael Collins (1996) Review

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(More customer reviews)Digging back into their roots, director Neil Jordan and actor Liam Neeson have respectively delivered their most memorable and deep-cutting works to date. Michael Collins has nagging flaws, but in the sweep of the passionate filmmaking and performances, all else is moot. You will be carried forth by the conviction of the story.
Neeson was simply born to play this role. An actor of tremendous power, Neeson is here given a role that's multi-dimensional enough for him to show his formidable chops. The Michael Collins character is alternately a boyish, dashing ladykiller and a tactician with a steel will, and just watching Neeson tackle the character's inner and outer demons is worth the price of the movie. He indeed projects the power and charisma of a great leader in his "our refusal" speech. There's more -- Aidan Quinn gives his best performance as friend-turned-enemy Harry Boland; Alan Rickman utilizes his deadpan comic timing and hidden deviance to perfection as Eamon de Valera; Stephen Rea is great as usual as English traitor Ned Broy. The one weak link is of course Julia Roberts, as Harry and Mick's love interest Kitty, with her bad Irish accent and vacant presence. She's paralyzed by the scope of the historical drama and comes off stiff as a result, injecting the character with neither warmth nor power, and none of her signature girlish exuberance. However, this was one case where the filmmaker's sacrifice of a character was to the benefit of the film. In directing the film, Jordan sliced down Kitty's importance and makes her mostly a footnote; the result is that we are now free to interpret Mick and Harry's split as a philosophical and political one, rather than the ol' romantic triangle. And for the better.
The cinematography is terrific, and the script ranks among my favourite of the '90s. Jordan is deeply tapped into the behaviour and concerns of these characters, and he fills every minute with humour, danger, urgency, and personality. The writing translates onto the screen beautifully, giving the audience an insight into not only the sociological scape of the film, but also the psychological. And the pacing and editing never let up -- from the perfectly chosen "in medias res" opening to the brilliant "Bloody Sunday" assassination montage.
A great neglected classic.

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Neil Jordan returns to the strife-torn Irish political landscape for this real-life epic set in 1920 and starring Liam Neeson as the legendary Irish revolutionary leader and Julia Roberts as his headstrong fiancee.

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Ballykissangel - Complete Series Three Review

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(More customer reviews)It is interesting that I find 16 reviews for series 3, and only a few for series 1 and 2. I assume most everyone who watched season 3 had also watched the earlier seasons. This reaction appears to come from the writer killing off Asumpta in such a cruel fashion. Would I have preferred a different ending? Probably so. I don't think Peter could have lived without Asumpta, that was a done deal. However that was a pretty cruel way to deal with that situation. Still it did bring out some characters as they dealt with the tragedy. I really don't see the third season being notably of less quality than the early seasons. It just ended with the major tragedy, that is the big difference. True, the character of Fr. Clifford (Peter) changed as he was torn between his love of Asumpta and his love of being a Priest. And I certainly preferred the old Peter to the anguished one. However the third season brought other characters out, as Asumpta and Fr. Clifford were absent for a number of episodes trying to make some space between each other. Niamh became much more important, and I felt a very appealing character. Her convincing Peter to perform last rites on Asumpta demonstarted her willingness to take charge when necessary, a quality that was brought out in the third season in other ways as well. If you like PBS type stuff, such as Mystery or English dramas, you will very much enjoy this series I believe. It would not appeal to a mainstream audience. Just as PBS does not. I think that is a good yardstick, if you like watching PBS type stuff, and generally prefer that to most of what you get on mainstream TV, you should like this very much. This show is not boring, something new is always happening. I had a hard time turning it off, staying up late to watch episodes.

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Life is a challenge for any priest in a small mountain town, and Father Peter Clifford struggles to save his parishioners' souls without falling himself...for the local barkeep, Assumpta Fitzgerald. Series Three is the dramatic conclusion of Peter and Assumpta's story, long awaited by fans of the original series.

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Ballykissangel - Complete Series Six (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)What sort of person are you? Do you relish variety or prefer the TV shows, musical artists, actresses you like to be recognizably the same over their runs, careers? The answer to that will determine whether you relish the changes introduced for series six of Ballykissangel, as the following exit the show: Sean Dillon (Lorcan Cranitch), Emma Dillon (Kate McEnery), Father Aidan O'Connell (Don Wycherley), Orla O'Connell (Victoria Smurfit), Danny Byrne (Colin Farrell), and Brian Quigley (Tony Doyle) who, arguably, was the franchise character and driving force of the entire show. Mr. Doyle passed away in January of 2000, just after the last episode of the fifth year of BallyK was broadcast (in December of 1999). There were no more episodes of BallyK until the spring of 2001 at which time series six (the first of 8 episodes) began to be broadcast. Item one of this final year thus was explaining the absence of Brian Quigley, dealing with that and then trying to move on without this central character. Of course, it's still BallyK and a welcoming program to watch, but at one and the same time, not the same anymore without the fulcrum (raison d'être even), of the whole program.
Series Six Episodes
Episode One - God.com
Brian Quigley goes missing & there's a new online confessional.

Episode Two - Drink
Father Vincent, the new parish priest buys Fitzgerald's Pub AND gets caught for drink driving!

Episode Three - The Cat and Daddy G
Grainne Dooley receives a goat for her birthday and the residents of Ballyk go to the races.

Episode Four - Spirit Proof
Talk of Ghosts and fishing problems, meanwhile Kathleen learns to drive.

Episode Five - Paul Dooley Sleeps with the Fishes
A stranger in town turns out to be from Avril's past. And the famous Fitzgerald's Bar might be in for a name change.

Episode Six - In a Jam
Vincent is in charge of this year's parish fête and something appears to be bothering Siobhan.

Episode Seven - Getting Better all the Time
An old friend of Vincent's arrives in Ballykissangel and Liam and Donal have to decide what to do with Quigley's money.

Episode Eight - Smoke Signals
Father Mac confronts Vincent when he finds out that Lyn and Barry are married.

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There's a sad goodbye and new arrivals in Ballykissangel: Quigley, the irrepressible entrepreneur has departed suddenly, but Australian priest, Father Vincent Sheahan, has joined the fold and is soon learning the ways of the villagers. From Dermot's online confessional (which is promptly stopped from a mysterious email from God!) to a surprise takeover at the pub, and further shenanigans with Liam and Donal, there's every reason to return to the idyllic village.

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Ballykissangel: The Complete Collection Review

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(More customer reviews)This drama set in a small town in Ireland is less significant for its substance than for the days-gone-by nostalgia feel of it. It is a wonderfully simple program; a sort of Andy Griffith Show foundation enlivened by modernity. As the series begins we come to know an attractive pub owner who has vague qualms with the religion into which she was born. In time she begins to respect the new priest in town as he jockeys with his older generational priest-supervisor. Through this prism we can see what we want of Ireland's more recent development. The program encourages us to take sides between the traditionalist (sometimes selfish) church of the past, and a more lively (but less absolute) version of it, as evinced by this young priest from afar who stirs up this town a bit. It's not at all a religious program, mind you; just an overly unrepresentative portrayal of idyllic Ireland in which you cannot fail to include religion. Full disclosure: I like this show, but I also have Irish blood. I say this because this really is a program which appeals to a particular sort of individual; to one who either has Irish blood and/or for those whom Ireland has some draw. Ireland has an inherent appeal to many such people from around the world. Even if you have never visited it, can you not right now visualize vast green fields and rolling hills bordered by stone walls, snugly cozy pubs filled with glasses of Guinness raised, and smiling faces? Of course, I'm exaggerating here, but you must grant that Ireland is a far more attractive place than many others, at least in a theoretical quality-of-life sort of way. It's thought of as the sort of place where stress is not as prevalent as where one finds oneself; having a bygone character to it (notwithstanding this not to be as true in actuality, but like in many other things, imagination often persists over reality). If you are familiar with Garrison Keillor's public radio show, "A Prairie Home Companion" (Saturdays at 6 pm across the USA), Ballykissangel is to Ireland what the fictional town of "Lake Woebegone" is to the American heartland. I recommend both. Both evince what a part of us long for (if you are a nostalgic sort of person, regardless of your age--even a 25 year old can long for previous eras) and even though such may not suit us, it does make us inclined to enjoy programs like "A Prairie Home Companion" and "Ballykissangel".
This show though, like a brain, has two lobes of sorts, with the dividing line between the first 3 seasons (26 episodes) and the 2 seasons following them (24 episodes); with season 6 (an abbreviated season of 8 episodes) pretty much standing alone. (And whether you will enjoy season six comes down to the sort of person you are; whether you relish variety or prefer the TV shows, musical artists, actresses you like to be recognizably the same over their runs, careers. The answer to that will determine whether you easily accept the loss of 3 huge cast members---one of whom passed away in real life necessitating major changes---with 3 other supporting players moving on as well---that series six tries to recover from, and thus is not especially representative of the proceeding years of this still welcoming program to watch, but at one and the same time, just not the same anymore absent the fulcrum (raison d'être even) of the whole program.)
Season four, in this sense, is not just the fourth year of this program, but really is just the first of several attempts to digest huge cast changes. Bit players Liam & Donal who did their job well as hapless hired hands to the focal character of the show (Brian Quigley) have had their roles upped several fold during this year. Thus we see them dredge for gold balls in one of the water hazard's at Quigley's golf course. One of them mysteriously (with no explanation) becomes the guardian of a "pet" bear; a bear, who obviously then wreaks a bit of havoc. New faces are also introduced. The town has a new priest (who brings his sister), a new farmer (with his teenage daughter), and the old farmer's presence is complicated by the arrival of his nephew (also a young adult who predictably catches the eye of the new gal in town). In short, a lot is new herein & it takes a bit to absorb all of it since all 5 newcomers are introduced en masse. 3 of these, incidentally, are flat-out successful in the roles and add much to providing much needed ballast after the 3rd season lost the program's 2 central characters. Father Aidan, as the new understudy to Father Mac, helps to re-center the plot and his sister provides much needed liveliness. Change in series 5 is represented by the arrival of a new police Guard to town, and the character is a winning one---a woman this time, going by the name of Frankie, but she's attractive and capable in the role; but also rather more of a "tough guy" than Guard Egan (though also likable) ever was during the first 4 years. Ambrose Egan's widow, the aforementioned Niamh (who interestingly too, was Father Aidan actor Don Wycherley's real-life sister-in-law, providing an extra dose of natural emotion in this warm-hearted program & who can be seen in the fine Irish drama by the title of "The Hanging Gale" with the fabulous Michael Kitchen starring) is the star of this season. Tony Doyle, who plays her father Brian Quigley remains the character around whom the show really revolves; or his schemes, doings, etc. are responsible for many happenings in this series, as per the norm with previous seasons of BallyK.
After having viewed this series several times I am almost tempted to suggest newcomers to the series to start with season 4 and then "flashback," in effect, to the first 3 seasons so as to end with the most dramatic episodes of the entire series (which are the last 2 of season 3).
P.S. In case you're in the Dublin area one day, do take the time to visit the "set" of Ballykissangel, which isn't one at all actually; but rather is an one-street town (called Avoca) that was occasionally commandeered for filming. It's not that far from Dublin, where you can have a glass of stout in Fitzgerald's Bar ; and/or visit BallyK's church, as you walk into "the program," so to speak, that you have enjoyably watched from afar. (And, if you haven't seen it yet, do treat yourself to seeing Assumpta's Leo in the very Irish and funny film "Waking Ned Devine".) Cheers

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The complete collection of this beloved drama is finally here! Ballykissangel has become a huge international success since first hitting UK television screens in 1995, and continues to win over millions of fans from across the world. This collection includes every episode of this ever-popular BBC series, full of Irish charm, quirky characters, strange shenanigans and tales of friendship, rivalry and love.DVD Features:FeaturetteInterviewsOther

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Ballykissangel - Complete Series One Review

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(More customer reviews)This drama set in a small town in Ireland is less significant for its substance than for the days-gone-by nostalgia feel of it. It is a wonderfully simple program; a sort of Andy Griffith Show foundation enlivened by modernity. We see an attractive barkeep who has vague qualms with the religion into which she was born begin to respect the new priest in town as he jockeys with his older generational priest-supervisor. Through this prism we can see what we want of Ireland's more recent development. The program encourages us to take sides between the traditionalist (sometimes selfish) church of the past, and a more lively (but less absolute) version of it, as evinced by this young priest from afar who stirs up this town a bit. It's not at all a religious program, mind you; just an overly unrepresentitive portrayal of idyllic Ireland in which you cannot fail to include religion. Full disclosure: I like this show, but I also have Irish blood. I say this because this really is a program which appeals to a particular sort of individual; to one who either has Irish blood and/or for those whom Ireland has some draw. Ireland has an inherent appeal to many such people from around the world. Even if you have never visited it, can you not right now visualize vast green fields and rolling hills bordered by stone walls, snugly cozy pubs filled with glasses of Guiness raised, and smiling faces? Of course, i'm exaggerating here, but you must grant that Ireland is a far more attractive place than many others, at least in a theorhetical quality-of-life sort of way. It's thought of as the sort of place where stress is not as prevalent as where one finds oneself; having a bygone character to it (notwithstanding this not to be as true in actuality, but like in many other things, imagination often persists over reality). If I am making any sense to you with this, Ballykissangel may be to your liking. If you are familiar with Garrison Keillor's pubic radio show, "A Prairie Home Companion" (saturdays 6pm across the USA), Ballykissangel is to Ireland what the fictional town of "Lake Woebegone" is to the American heartland. I recommend both. Both evince what a part of us long for (if you are a nostalgic sort of person, regardless of your age--even a 25 year old can long for previous eras) and even though such may not suit us, it does make us inclined to enjoy programs like "A Prarie Home Companion" and "Ballykissangel". I hope this review of sorts was of use to you. Cheers! P.S. If you do give this program a try and find it to your liking I'd like to let you know that the "set" of Ballykissangel isn't one at all; but rather is an one-street town (called Avoca) that was occassionally commandeered for filming so that you can actually travel to it! To have a drink in its pub, visit its church and so on is a somewhat surreal experience; as you walk into "the program", so to speak, that you have enjoyably watched from afar. Now, where else can you do something like that! (04Aug) Cheers!

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Life is a challenge for any priest in a small mountain town, and Father Peter Clifford has just arrived from London with high expectations and not even a drivers license to help him navigate the rocky road to salvation in Ballykissangel. His arrival is as much of a shock to Peter as it is to the local residents who are forced to come to terms with his youthful energy and down-to-earth style. Beautiful barkeep Assumpta Fitzgerald owns a car, but loathes organized religion, and she lets him know it as they drive up the mountain to give the last rites to a dying parishioner. And he clashes repeatedly with powerful landowner Brian Quigley, one of the church's biggest donors. There are prejudices to overcomeand questions to be answered. Like why exactly did Peter leave London in the first place?DVD Features:BiographiesFeaturette

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Murphy's Law: Series One Review

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(More customer reviews)Yes, ya just gotta love that Northern Irish brogue in this earthy London cop, a transplant from Belfast. The DVD set is the first season including the pilot of the series "Murphy's Law" that continued then for several years. Although this Series 1 consists of what is called 5 episodes, each episode is 90-minutes, feature-length, movies, each with it's own cop/mystery/crime story. Only the occasional overlap, & that's due to about 5 main characters. Episodes are thrillers, packed with action, suspense, and each ends with a twist unexpected. The truly spectacular aspect of "Murphy's Law: Series One" is the number of times you end up belly-laughing at comical one-liners, usually being spit out by Murphy, and usually at a moment when he should have been mum. All the ingredients of 5-stars for British Mystery fans.
DS Tommy Murphy (James Nesbitt) is the undercover cop with a haunting past, a rugged body that takes abuse frequently, a mind always a step ahead of the people around him (be they the low-life he's undercover to investigate or other coppers), and he's funny. He has a smart mouth, quick wit that generally opens with a biting comment at just the wrong time, getting himself a fist or other injury, or when he's getting close to a romantic moment, which usually ices all inspiration.
DI Annie Gutherie (Claudia Harrison) plays his boss, beautiful, available--except to Murphy--who tries (bless his heart). Beautiful! That lass.
Carter, another copper, is a regular as is Father McBride, an old friend of Murphy's who tries to help, but usually compounds an ordeal.
Oh yes, and Murphy has a wife, from Belfast, who periodically shows up in the stories, unannounced, unwelcome, and helps dredge up that secret past that Murphy is running away from. I will not be spoiler of the secret here.
Did I tell you how funny this tough street-smart undercover cop can be?
The DVD set has subtitles, but are seldom needed for the accents. Episodes are arranged in a different order than the order originally aired on British TV, BBC, in 2003. It makes no difference because this set is like getting five great suspense packed movies in one set. A value! Bonus includes Nesbitt's bio and filmography. Not a rated DVD, but fights and murder scenes don't spare the blood. You get death, maiming, blackmail, smuggling, drugs, nightclubs, robbery, kidnapping, hangings, fighting, all that regular PG/R stuff, plus comedy.
Since it's not a saga, 5 individual episode reviews are necessary.
MURPHY'S LAW PILOT: Murphy has a past with an undisclosed secret he'd rather forget but a medal came with it. The award seems to have bought him one last chance as an undercover cop. It's drugs, murders, diamonds, undertaking, robbery, racketeering, oriental traffic, and danger compounded. Of course there's a "bad", "beautiful", woman, Annie, with her own secret. Murphy flings funny one-liners around faster than flying bullets.
ELECTRIC BILL: Kate Jennings, London magazine publisher, is kidnapped by infamous 'napper "Electric Bill." Electric Bill is apprehended through a routine traffic stop but denies knowledge of Kate. PI Annie, in charge of the case, puts Murphy into Elec. Bill's cell, undercover as a felon, to discover Kate's secret location. It is serious business. But never can Murphy cut off the "smart mouth" which adds loads of comedy in the midst of dark suspense. That's Murphy's Law--a comedy/crime thriller, every time. Only the DVD viewer is laughing, however.
KISS & TELL: An arms dealer escapes arrest and stalks Murphy to get even for his undercover part of the near capture. Meanwhile, men are being murdered through a health club connection. Murphy is required to go undercover at the club where rich males and females do more than get healthy. Murphy smiles. Murphy thinks naughty thoughts. Murphy must try getting involved with blonds who might be the killer. Between shower rooms, saunas, pools, and tubs; it's hard to keep a-breast of the clues.
MANIC MUNDAY: Murphy is excited to be assigned undercover bodyguard for his hometown (Belfast)snooker legend, Mickey Munday, while playing in London. Murphy's also excited because Annie is working undercover with him. He really loves undercover with Annie, especially when they must pose as married. Murphy puts a few snickers into a world snooker match even when an Irish terrorist group tires to fix the game. Family ties threaten a bloody end to this pool hall trick. Right on cue, Murphy chalks up another, as always, his way, not the expected approved method.
REUNION: Another east London gang fronting night clubs has a family member shot. Is it revenge? Murphy is working undercover in this gang but needs female help to prevent an all-out street war. Annie joins the undercover gang, working hand-in-hand with Murphy again. Beautiful Annie the bouncer? Another killing raises the danger for the undercover duo. Who is killing who and causing the gangster conflict to escalate? In the midst of the worst, Murphy can yet slip off a wise crack.
According to the internet, there were many more years, and many more episodes of Murphy's Law. It's so good, I sure hope more get converted to DVD for the British TV Mystery, Crime, Suspense, (and even comedy) fans.
The London Evening Standard called it "A thriller with amusing edges."
So true. Recommended with no reservations.
Sorry about the length of this review, no other way to do this set of 5 movies in one box.


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A maverick Irish cop takes on the London crime world
Detective Tommy Murphy has nothing left to lose. Guilt-ridden over the death of his young daughter, who was slain by the IRA, he flees to London to work undercover for the Metropolitan Police. Hardheaded, hard-drinking, brash, and brooding, Murphy is down on his luck. But he still has more than a bit of the old Irish charm, flashing quick wit and a roguish grin.
James Nesbitt (Cold Feet, Match Point) is "absolutely brilliant" (The Mirror, U.K.) in a role created especially for him by novelist Colin Bateman (Divorcing Jack). Murphy delves into London\'s criminal underside--drugs, blackmail, murder--assisted by DI Annie Guthrie (Claudia Harrison, The Cat\'s Meow), his sexy, savvy boss.
As seen on BBC America.
BONUS: biography of James Nesbitt.

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Proof: Season One Review

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(More customer reviews)Koch Vision presents "PROOF" (2004) (203 mins/Color) (Dolby Digital) --- Under Ciaran Donnelly (Director), Jo Homewood (Series Producer), Tristan Orphen Lynch (Executive Producer), Dominic Wright (Executive Producer), Tony Philpott (Screenwriter) ------ the cast includes Finbar Lynch (Terry Corcoran), Orla Brady (Maureen Boland), Sidse Babett Knudsen (Nina Kutpreka), Bryan Murray (Miles Carrick), Stuart Graham (Andrew O'Hara), Jim Norton (Ronan Corcoran) - - - - the story line holds your attention from the first scene and keeps you glued to your seat for the entire three and a half hours ... healthy dose of intrigue with enough tension to captivate you for all four episodes ...British television mini-series PROOF - Season One, has every episode from its acclaimed first season included here. The show revolves around a journalist who investigates the murder of a petty thief, only to find it links directly to a man running to be Irish Prime Minister ... will Terry be able to convince and prove that there is corruption within this new party that his ex-wife is working for.
Great job by Koch Vision for releasing "Proof" (2004) - Finbar Lynch, the digital transfere with a clean, clear and crisp print...looking forward to more high quality releases from the Irish Crime mini-series film market...order your copy now from Amazon or Koch Vision where there are plenty of copies available on DVD, stay tuned once again for top notch drama mixed with an outstanding cast and director --- just the way we like 'em
Total Time: 203 mins on DVD ~ Koch Vision KOCV6419 ~ (1/16/2007)

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This explosive thriller starring Orla Brady (A Love Divided, Servants), Finbar Lynch (Mind Games, Small World) and Bryan Murray (Irish RM, Brookside) offers a sinister glimpse into a shady relationship between European high finance, human trafficking and Irish politics. When investigative journalist Terry Corcoran discovers a tenuous link between the murder of a car thief and the suspicious death of a corrupt accountant, he begins to draw the threads of truth together to link these deaths and human trafficking to the rise to power of the soon-to-be-elected Prime Minister.

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Hamish Macbeth - Series Two (1998) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Hamish MacBeth," a British Broadcasting television series based on characters created by the Scottish woman author M.C. Beaton, and set in Scotland, had its American tv premier in 1999. It's set in a small village, Lochdubh, in the Scottish highlands, big sky country of mountain and loch, populated by eccentric, country-music loving characters, men who drink hearty, wear kilts-- surprisingly often, considering the climate, and gorgeous hand-knit sweaters. It's nominally a mystery series, though some of the mysteries are mild, indeed, and it's just full of surprises. You'd have to call it a village cosy mystery, I think, not the slightest tartan noir flavor to this one: minimal blood and violence, although lots of welcome slightly bent humor.
Biggest surprise to me, the starring actor, Robert Carlyle, raised in Maryhill, Glasgow, Scotland, rather a young man when this series was made; his trademark intensity greatly subdued. He plays the title character, Hamish MacBeth, the local law, who finds himself bending the law as often as he enforces it. It's not a town to run by the book. Carlyle, who first caught the wider public's eye as "Gaz" in The Full Monty; generally plays things deadpan in "Hamish Macbeth", leaving the breathtaking scenery unchewed: he's ably supported by an excellent cast, a cute Westie terrier, and the flavorful great outdoors.
Plots vary from the complex to the simple, and are frequently shot through with that sly subversive Scottish humor: they also occasionally feature the supernatural. One episode is about an older woman, walking on the beach by the loch, who accidentally steps on a live World War II land mine, and cannot step off it until it's disarmed. MacBeth, who's come down to the loch to drown himself, must instead rescue her.
Several episodes in this series are credited to Danny Boyle, who has gone on to greater things on the bigger screen. One, in particular, deals with the (fictional) rough Scottish equivalent of the Irish Blarney Stone, supposedly used for centuries in the coronations of Scottish kings. It's been taken some centuries ago by the English, and is currently on display in Westminster Abbey, London. A number of the local lads, wearing their kilts, of course, so they'll blend right in, liberate it from London and hide it by a local waterfall. Pleasurable chaos ensues. Chief among the pleasures of this episode is the supposed long-lost brother of one of the more important supporting cast characters. This long-lost brother has had the most remarkable bad luck in his attempts to live a life of crime, and has lived most of his adult life in jail: most recently an Argentinian one, a life not likely to be pleasurable to a Scot. He has also had remarkably bad luck in regard to accidents and injuries, and is as close as he can come to a bionic man without entering the realm of science fiction. Yet he steadfastly, furiously, refuses to admit he's had bad luck. So his nonexistent bad luck finally, in this particular episode, bites not only him, but also his brother, Mac Beth's right-hand man.
Now I love mysteries, generally the bloodier the better. But the Scottish, positively non-twee charm of the Hamish Mac Beth series wins me over. So try it, you might like it.

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One hotel, one general store, one doctor and one lawman -- PC Hamish Macbeth (Robert Carlyle). He is the sheriff -- with his own singular methods of dealing with crime and misdemeanors. Many a baffling mystery and outrageous scam lurk behind the closed doors of Lochdubh and Hamish needs all his skill to keep the big boys from Inverness off his patch. If only his love life were as easy to solve, but that is another story.

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