Synopsis…..
Bloodlands is a British crime thriller series created by Chris Brandon and starring James Nesbitt as Tom Brannick, a detective chief inspector in Northern Ireland. The series follows Brannick as he investigates the kidnapping of a former IRA member, Patrick Keenan (Peter Ballance), who is believed to be the infamous assassin known as Goliath. Brannick’s investigation soon becomes personal when he discovers that Keenan may be connected to the disappearance of his own wife, Emma (Lorraine Ashbourne), who was presumed dead during the Troubles.
Cast and Director
The cast of Bloodlands also includes Charlene McKenna as DI Niamh McGovern, Brannick’s partner in the investigation; Victoria Smurfit as Olivia Foyle, a senior MI5 officer; and Ian McElhinney as Jackie Twomey, Brannick’s boss. The series is directed by Pete Travis (The Raid 2, Dredd).
Premiere Date
Bloodlands premiered on Acorn TV on March 14, 2021. The first season consisted of six episodes, and the second season premiered on February 9, 2023.
Story Plot
The story of Bloodlands begins with the kidnapping of Patrick Keenan, a former IRA member who is now a wealthy businessman. The police suspect that Keenan is being held by the legendary assassin known as Goliath, who is believed to have killed several people during the Troubles. Detective Chief Inspector Tom Brannick is tasked with leading the investigation, but he soon finds himself drawn into a dark web of secrets and lies. Brannick’s own past is also called into question, as he is forced to confront the possibility that he may be Goliath himself.
Critical Response
Bloodlands has received positive reviews from critics. The series has been praised for its suspenseful plot, strong performances, and atmospheric setting. The Guardian gave Bloodlands a four-star review, calling it “a gripping, atmospheric thriller” that is “well worth a watch.” The Telegraph also gave the series a positive review, calling it “a taut, well-made thriller” that is “perfect for fans of Line of Duty and The Fall.”
My Review of the Acorn TV series “Bloodlands”
Bloodlands is a British crime thriller series created by Chris Brandon and starring James Nesbitt as Tom Brannick, a detective chief inspector in Northern Ireland. The series follows Brannick as he investigates the kidnapping of a former IRA member, Patrick Keenan (Peter Ballance), who is believed to be the infamous assassin known as Goliath. Brannick’s investigation soon becomes personal when he discovers that Keenan may be connected to the disappearance of his own wife, Emma (Lorraine Ashbourne), who was presumed dead during the Troubles.
Bloodlands is a well-made and suspenseful thriller that is perfect for fans of crime dramas. The series is beautifully shot and features strong performances from the cast. Nesbitt is excellent as Brannick, a complex and conflicted character who is struggling with his own demons. The supporting cast is also good, with Charlene McKenna, Victoria Smurfit, and Ian McElhinney all giving solid performances.
The series is also well-written and the plot is engaging. The mystery surrounding Goliath is intriguing and the series does a good job of keeping the viewer guessing until the very end. Bloodlands also explores some important themes, such as guilt, redemption, and the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Overall, Bloodlands is a well-made and suspenseful thriller that is perfect for fans of crime dramas. The series is beautifully shot, features strong performances from the cast, and explores some important themes. I highly recommend Bloodlands to anyone looking for a good mystery to solve.
Here are some additional thoughts on Bloodlands:
- The series is beautifully shot, with the Northern Irish countryside providing a stunning backdrop.
- The performances are all excellent, with James Nesbitt giving a particularly memorable performance as Tom Brannick.
- The plot is engaging and suspenseful, with the mystery surrounding Goliath keeping the viewer guessing until the very end.
- The series explores some important themes, such as guilt, redemption, and the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
If you’re a fan of crime dramas, I highly recommend checking out Bloodlands. It’s a well-made and suspenseful series that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Life Lessons
Bloodlands is a complex and thought-provoking series that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The series also offers some valuable life lessons, such as:
- Never give up on your dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem.
- The past can always come back to haunt you.
- Sometimes, the truth is more dangerous than a lie.
- It is important to forgive yourself, even for the things you cannot change.
Conclusion
Bloodlands is a well-made and suspenseful thriller that is perfect for fans of crime dramas. The series is beautifully shot and features strong performances from the cast. Bloodlands is also a thought-provoking series that explores some important themes. I highly recommend Bloodlands to anyone looking for a good mystery to solve.