I'd long had the intention to watch Jack Irish, having missed the boat when the three telemovies were aired and the subsequent series. Finally I got stuck in, and there I remained glued to every instalment.
The quality acting ensemble, the look and feel, the tangled webs woven by the writers, the diverse characters and dry humour - everything about Jack Irish is a joy.
It's understandable this show may not be everyone's glass of Scotch - it certainly enhances the experience to be familiar with the locations and uniquely Melbourne references. But difficult to understand are the critiques owing to the protagonist (brilliantly played by Guy Pearce) being dismissed as a loser / dead beat. For good reason he is damaged and flawed and thus makes questionable decisions in the pursuit of the truth, which imperil himself and those he cares for. I guess some need their heroes to wear capes.
The strongest series is open for debate. What the final season lacks in uniqueness by travelling down the corrupt cop road is more than offset by the full circle narrative which lays bare the opening scene of the first telemovie underpinning Jack's character arc. The memorable final few minutes of this memorable show were beautifully executed, serving to exacerbate the bittersweet satisfaction Jack Irish has resolved his last case - himself.
