Mining the humanity of villainy

TV REVIEW

Set in Dublin’s sprawling estates and featuring a host of local talent Love/Hate might be dividing the critics but I for one think it is quite a good effort and should be given a chance to grow.
The drama itself is very relevant and the attention to detail is wonderful. These characters are not caricatures, nor are they clown-like in their actions. This is subtle, menacing and in many ways, for the ordinary citizen not involved in or knows much about organised crime in Ireland, frightening.
The problem mainly is that these characters are likeable – not all, of course, but they are mulit-layered, complicated and although up to some terrible deeds, they still have some semblance of humanity. Do we love them – no, of course not. Do we want them living next door, absolutely not. But we don’t altogether hate them either.
I am not saying that this is what true gangsters are like. We have all read the goings on of these crime lords and their lackies in the paper but as a piece of drama, RTÉ’s newest offering certainly offers food for thought.
Love/Hate began two weeks ago on RTÉ One on Sunday night. It centres around a small drug-gang in Dublin. An exiled brother returns home to find that things are still as rocky as when he left and that the girl he loves has taken up with another man from the gang.
However, when one of the gang is killed, Darren, the returned brother, finds himself once again in Ireland and in need of cash. He begins to work again for gangland boss John Boy Byrne and as time passes, suspicion and paranoia among the gang members increases.
This is a slick production. The scenes are well edited and well shot. The script is believable and there is a sense that a lot of time and effort was put in by one and all so as to make a very entertaining piece of drama, a drama that can rival the same sort of productions shown our English counterparts.
I found the acting to be very convincing, although there will be some criticisms of accents and stereotypes from some Dublin folk, I thought they all coped pretty well.
The young talent in this country is finally coming to the fore and although I am sure most also ply their trade across the water it is wonderful to see them trying their luck at home as well.
If we can keep our talent working here, it follows suit that we can grow the industry even more. Some standout performances came from Robbie Sheehan, Ruth Negga and Ruth Bradley.
It was wonderful to see some great performances from the women in the story and that they are more than props in this boys’ club. The emotional drive came from the female performances and credit it is due to them.
The penultimate episode will be screened on RTÉ One at 9.30pm this Sunday. Catch up on the other two episodes on the RTÉ Player.
Would you let your husband plan everything for your wedding, even down to the dress?
Well this is exactly what some couples are doing. In exchange for €10,000, one couple signed an agreement not to contact each other for three weeks and to let the groom organise everything. From venue, to church, from bridesmaid shoes to the all-important dress, the poor auld fiancé has it all to do.
Don’t Tell The Bride was a special one-off documentary that followed Anthony and Doireann as they set about planning the big day. They had put all of their savings into a new house and therefore had very little left for the wedding day itself. However, this programme allowed them to have it all house and dream day.
It was a tall order for any bride to relinquish control but Doireann did and, despite a rocky start by Anthony, he managed to pull the whole thing off.
Now, I cannot for one moment say that without this couple being two of the most laid-back people in Ireland that this would not have worked. Also, it was obvious that, despite the fact that they were committed to the process, there were signs of worry and tension throughout.
I really enjoyed this show. It was hilarious to watch Anthony and his best man running around the place trying to get everything ready and even nicer to see his thought process.
Although money was paramount, it was obvious that all decisions were taken with Doireann in mind and what he thought she would like. As she commented on what she would like, it was obvious that they had different ideas and tastes but ultimately the day was a great success and Anthony did a wonderful job.
He was a shrewd negotiator when it came to the hotel and the dress. He wasn’t blinded by frills and choice he made decisions quickly and kept a good track of the jobs – well nearly all the jobs.
His mother was a fantastic guide for him but he really did do it all. At the end everyone was happy and best of all, it asked the question, do you really need a year to plan a wedding when the pressure is on?

One to watch

X-factor! Come on Mary!