Holding (2022)

Watchseries; My first reaction as a Pom was - and remains - shame. I was hopeful that it was not a British production, as it would then risk infllaming nationalist animosity. I mean, if Eire wants to depict life in a rural Irish village as a pressure cooker cess pit of hatred, ugliness and immorality, that's their affair, but it would be vile arrogance for us to create such a caricature.

I watched 2 episodes before realising that none of the characters moved me enough to suffer any more of its nastiness.

My first reaction as a Pom was - and remains - shame. I was hopeful that it was not a British production, as it would then risk infllaming nationalist animosity. I mean, if Eire wants to depict life in a rural Irish village as a pressure cooker cess pit of hatred, ugliness and immorality, that's their affair, but it would be vile arrogance for us to create such a caricature.

I watched 2 episodes before realising that none of the characters moved me enough to suffer any more of its nastiness.

Holding watchseries. Well this show seems to have polarised the user reviews with most either stating it's the best thing since sliced bread or something to be flushed away. I'm going to go straight down the middle with a 5 out of 10.

The show certainly has highs and lows. I have so far watched the first 3 episodes and felt it started off a bit slow but just about kept my interest until it really got going. Their are several interesting characters and some of the scenery is lovely, while the story/mystery keeps you interested (although sometimes I can't decipher the stronger Irish accents). I do feel that some characters are background noise that could have been removed to no ill effect - in fact I'd go so far as to say their presence weakens the show. Overall though I'd say it is worth checking out.

Slow burner new series brilliant from start to finish, can't understand the low ratings,I'm hoping the Itv makes another series, maybe it's my age bit I found it fresh ,dark and funny and a good ending thanks to the Itv.

The source material was thin in the debut novel by Graham Norton, but the rewrite for television rather over egged this particular pudding.

It has too many extra characters that were difficult to care about, and who seemed to be there for woke reasons.

Maybe could have been tighter as a two hour or even 90 minute story, pared down fewer characters.

The emotional heart of the story is contained in two scenes, the monologue of Mrs Meaney (Brenda Fricker) and that of Abigail Ross (Helen Mehan) both of which were strong and memorable.

But some of the rest was drivel but still watchable.

Pacing was slow in parts but otherwise direction was ok for me so I hope Kathy Burke does more directing work for TV.

I don't agree with the reviews maybe they're really upset with something else. I enjoyed Episode 1 though casting was social/political - my opinion. Hollywood has done the same, casting someone a smarter race and the other race is stupid. Evident in EVERYTHING to come out of Hollywood. But why is the UK casting a local small town merchant or senior detective this way. Other than that, typical UK fare with good actors, scenery and story. I could watch 100 episodes thank you very much.

Conleth Hill plays over the hill copper P J Collins in a sleepy village with nothing more than a full Irish breakfast on his plate. Until there's a murder that is...

Well its a feel good murder mystery/comedy and nothing wrong with that but it was poorly executed.

Story, script, pacing and the tone were all a bit off. It was a very modern drama with seriously oddball characters but the protagonist was dull and old-fashioned and seemed to belong in a different show. Actually I think I'd rather watch the other show. Bit of a mess.