BBC viewers have been instantly captivated by a 'totally nuts' Irish crime drama, with some already calling it the year's finest show just a day after its launch. The darkly comic series, Tall Tales and Murder, premiered in Ireland a couple of months ago and is now available to UK audiences.
The opening episode is scheduled to broadcast on Tuesday (3 November) at 10.40pm on BBC One, but the complete six-part thriller is already available to stream on iPlayer, allowing viewers to binge-watch it in just a couple of evenings.
Co-created by Chris Addison
The programme was co-created by Chris Addison, who previously appeared as a regular comedian panellist on Mock the Week. He also performed in and penned episodes of The Thick of It before shifting his focus behind the camera. Addison directed numerous episodes of US sitcom Veep, which is regarded as an American equivalent of The Thick of It. He also co-created comedy Breeders starring Martin Freeman and has collaborated with Irish writer Stuart Carolan on this new venture.
Addison expressed his enthusiasm about its BBC launch on social media, describing the series himself as "bananas" and "bonkers". Tall Tales and Murder is loosely inspired by the Dublin 'trilogy' collection of books penned by Caimh McDonnell.
Plot and characters
According to its storyline, an unidentified patient emerges from an extended coma at a Dublin nursing home, claiming to be a criminal who possesses knowledge of hidden treasure's whereabouts. The programme additionally follows unorthodox nurse Bridget, who undertakes the night shift at the residential facility. She recites horror tales at bedtime to elderly residents, organises midnight dance sessions and provides euthanasia upon polite request.
Into this clandestine environment arrives Paul, a vulnerable young man trapped stealing vehicles to settle a debt owed to crime lord Ma Baker. Paul is frantic to avoid incarceration and requires legitimate employment to ensure his safety, so he appeals to his guardian angel - an irascible detective named Bunny Ryan. Bunny exploits his past connection with the matron at Bridget's nursing home to call in a favour - a favour that will prove costly for him.
During Bridget and Paul's initial shift working together, the enigmatic comatose patient identified solely as 'Anonymous' regains consciousness and discloses he is a long-vanished gangster possessing a concealed cache of Celtic gold. Might this treasure provide the solution to all of Bridget and Paul's problems? Will they gamble everything to locate it?
Viewer reaction
The series is yet to accumulate a substantial number of critical reviews, but enthusiastic viewers have been swift in singing its praises. One fan posted online: "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."
A further viewer commented: "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.
