BBC viewers have been immediately hooked by the darkly comic Irish crime drama Tall Tales and Murder, with some declaring it the best show of the year just a day after its release. The six-part thriller is already available to stream in full on BBC iPlayer, allowing audiences to binge the series in a couple of evenings.
The show debuted in Ireland a couple of months ago and now UK-based viewers can see what the fuss is about. While the first episode is set to air on Tuesday (November 3) at 10.40pm on BBC One, prospective viewers do not need to wait around, as the entire series has already dropped online.
Co-created by Chris Addison
The series was co-created by Chris Addison, formerly a regular comedian panellist on Mock the Week. He also starred in and wrote episodes of The Thick of It before moving behind the camera, where he helmed a number of episodes of US sitcom Veep, often described as an American version of The Thick of It. Addison also co-created the comedy Breeders starring Martin Freeman, and has teamed up with Irish writer Stuart Carolan for this new project.
Addison shared his excitement about the BBC release on social media, describing the series himself as "bananas" and "bonkers".
Loosely based on Dublin novels
Tall Tales and Murder is loosely based on the Dublin 'trilogy' series of novels written by Caimh McDonnell. According to its premise, an anonymous patient awakes from a long coma in a nursing home in Dublin and claims to be a gangster who knows the location of buried treasure. The series also follows unconventional nurse Bridget, who works the night shift at the care home.
She reads old folk bedtime horror stories, arranges late-night dances and euthanises patients if they ask nicely. Into this secret world comes Paul, a vulnerable young man stuck stealing cars to repay a debt to crime boss Ma Baker. Desperate to stay out of prison, Paul needs a legitimate job to keep him safe, so he calls on his guardian angel - an irascible detective called Bunny Ryan. Bunny uses his personal history with the matron of Bridget's nursing home to pull in a favour that will cost him dear.
Fans share their verdicts
On Bridget and Paul's first shift together, the mysterious comatose patient known only as 'Anonymous' wakes up and reveals he is a long-lost gangster with a buried hoard of Celtic gold. The question of whether this treasure could be the answer to all of Bridget and Paul's troubles, and whether they will risk everything to find it, drives the series.
The show is yet to receive a significant number of critic reviews, but fans have wasted no time in sharing their recommendations. One posted online and said: "This show is a black comedy. Brilliant and a breath of fresh air. Likeable and loveable characters involved in crime with a 'Crime Ma'. I love Bridget with her wee book about her patients and a lovable AOD. Paul and Bunny hard hapless and loyal to their women. I hope there a second series as great fun, totally nuts."
Another added: "Refreshingly original, competently funny and a very likable cast. I didn't know what to expect going in and oh boy was I pleasantly surprised. The humour is on point, the story fun and entertaining and the both lead actors are amazing with a great cast all around. Definitely on my list of best shows of the year."
Someone else said: "This was a rollercoaster of a adventure so many ups and downs tied to the characters. Fabulous by all involved in creating this. Well done to the actors, thank you for making this so enjoyable."
Tall Tales and Murder airs Tuesday at 10.40pm on BBC One and is streaming on iPlayer.
