by Kathleen Costa
Streaming is my new amusement, but there are so many options I had to consider before committing to a membership. Does it meet my entertainment needs? Is it a good value? Can I stream on any device? For me, AcornTV checked all the boxes. It is an Anglophile’s dream with an eclectic library of programs from all around the Commonwealth, from decades ago to current productions, from comedies and dramas to documentaries and foreign language. The monthly membership ($6.99), with a special annual pricing available ($69.99), fits my budget perfectly. And with access online or an app, I can enjoy my favorites anywhere, anytime, and on any of my devices. And when something new airs, like Holding, I know my membership is well worth it!
Holding is a brand new four-episode detective drama adapted from the break-out novel by Graham Norton, who makes a voice cameo as a radio DJ. Conleth Hill, best known as Varys in Game of Thrones and Alan Conway in Magpie Murders, stars as Sergeant Patrick Joseph Collins, “PJ” (not “Peej”) to the village. Although filming is in West Cork, the drama is set in the fictitious town of Duneen filled with colorful buildings, a rugged coastline, and an eclectic bunch of residents. The closeness, the distance, the secrets, and this town’s own dark past becomes the backdrop for a cold case murder. Even PJ seems to struggle with his own issues related to his weight, his solitude, and his past.
As the sole Garda of Duneen, Sergeant PJ Collins’ most pressing issue is a plethora of nuisance complaints from the local nosy body Mrs. O’Driscoll … until now. Human remains, obviously long underground, have been unearthed at the old Burke house. Sergeant Collins is excited about finally being able to do some real police work, but he’s disappointed (humiliated as Mrs. Driscoll points out) when the big guns from Cork arrive and assign the young DI Linus Dunne (Clinton Liberty) to the case. Collins does show his value when Detective Dunne’s first interview is unproductive, but for Collins, the witnesses are more forthcoming with answers. The young cop is inexperienced, doesn’t grasp the nuances of the small community, and goes full steam without considering PJ’s input which creates a mess for which the town blames Collins. Although he is the subordinate, Collins disagrees with Dunne’s focus and starts his own parallel investigation which impacts the partnership.
It is suspected the remains belong to Tommy Burke, a young man thought to have left the village twenty years ago which happened to be the same day he left his bride, Brid Riordan (Siobhán McSweeney), at the alter. The bride wasn’t his only paramour since he was intimately involved with his neighbor Evelyn Ross (Charlene McKenna). The town has their own opinions about what happened and are not shy to voice them which greatly impacts the lives of the two women who used to be dear friends. But, it gets complicated with DNA results, a bloodied piece of clothing, more human remains, some personal entanglements, a wake, and more than a few shocking revelation. Someone has been “holding” on to this secret for twenty years. Will they unburden themselves or will it remain a mystery for another twenty?
Brilliant Irish Gem! The murder mystery that entangled several families also implicated more than one disgruntled woman although blaming them is difficult when the victim’s behavior and history is exposed. The intriguing connections, complex details, and multiple possibilities was only topped by the final shocking as well as tragic reveal. The journey was very entertaining, and I challenge anyone to have figured out. Along with a very strong Irish cast, Conleth Hill was brilliant and key to my engagement. His portrayal of Collins’ vulnerabilities, pained memories, and efforts to put himself out there in a personal connection was endearing and heartbreaking. But, there was hope at the end. There are additional novels, so crossed fingers there’s more drama presentations.
A Must! Check out Graham Norton’s book, Holding: a Novel, from which the drama is adapted. It is available in all forms, hardbook, paperback, and eBook, and as an audiobook on Audible which Graham Norton narrates himself.
Other Gems Worth Your Time!
keeping faith (2017-2020) In this thriller, Faith Howells (Eve Myles; Torchwood) is a lawyer, happily married, and the prime suspect in the disappearance of her husband. She takes it on herself to uncover the truth which leads to the dark side of the seemingly quiet Welsh town. Earns 5/5 Hidden Truths.
Innocent (2018) In this four-episode anthology series, David Collins (Lee Ingleby; Inspector George Gently) is released from prison on technical grounds after serving seven years for murdering his wife. He has never wavered from his plea of innocence, and when authorities reopened the case, they uncover shocking details that might further destroy more lives. Earns 5/5 Miscarriages of Justice.
Love and Marriage (2013) Pauline Paradise (Alison Steadman) shocks her family when deciding to seek a more fulfilling post-retirement life. She doesn’t move too far away, but leaves her husband and three adult children to fend for themselves and reevaluate their own lives and relationships. Earns 5/5 Marriage Redux.
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