Watch Single-Handed

Single-Handed is a gripping crime drama from Acorn Media, originally airing in Ireland from 2007-2010. The show follows the life and work of Sergeant Jack Driscoll, played by Owen McDonnell, a talented and dedicated police officer who is assigned to a remote village in the west of Ireland.

Driscoll is a complex character, haunted by personal demons and an ongoing feud with his family. He is a man struggling with the weight of his past and his present, and his position as the sole police officer in an isolated village only adds to his challenges. As he investigates a series of crimes that plague his small community, Driscoll must also confront the personal demons that threaten to consume him.

The setting of Single-Handed is a major part of the show's appeal. The Irish countryside is beautifully shot and provides a stunning backdrop for the drama that unfolds. But it's also a place where secrets are kept and alliances are formed out of necessity. The show does an excellent job of capturing the insular nature of small Irish villages, where everyone knows everyone else's business and newcomers are met with suspicion.

Despite the small scale of the village and its inhabitants, the crimes that Driscoll investigates are often complex and harrowing. A fatal hit-and-run, a young woman found dead in a field, and a family with a dark and violent history are just a few of the cases that Driscoll must navigate. The show does not shy away from the darker aspects of human nature, and the crimes are often brutal and shocking.

One of the most interesting aspects of Single-Handed is the way it explores the relationship between the police and the community they serve. Driscoll is often torn between his duty to uphold the law and his desire to protect the people he knows and cares for. He is acutely aware that he is an outsider in this tight-knit community, and that his actions can have far-reaching consequences.

At the heart of Single-Handed is McDonnell's performance as Jack Driscoll. He brings a depth and complexity to the character that makes him much more than a standard-issue cop. Driscoll is flawed and troubled, but he is also fiercely dedicated to his job and the people he serves. McDonnell's performance is nuanced and subtle, and he makes the character feel real and relatable.

The supporting cast is also strong, with standout performances from David Herlihy as Driscoll's only colleague in the police force, Ruth McCabe as a local hotel owner with ties to the community, and Simone Lahbib as a detective from the city who comes to assist with some of the cases.

Despite its small budget, Single-Handed is a well-crafted and engaging drama that is sure to appeal to fans of crime shows and character-driven storytelling. The show is not without its weaknesses - some of the storylines feel rushed or underdeveloped, and there are times when the pace slows down too much. But overall, Single-Handed is a finely crafted crime drama that rewards patient viewers with a richly drawn world and compelling characters.

In conclusion, Single-Handed is a riveting police drama that follows the intricacies of investigating crime in a small Irish village. McDonnell's portrayal of Sergeant Jack Driscoll is one of the highlights of the show, and the supporting cast is also impressive. Despite a few weaknesses in the pacing and storytelling, Single-Handed is a well-crafted crime drama that will keep viewers engaged and on the edge of their seats.

Single-Handed is a series that ran for 4 seasons (22 episodes) between January 1, 2007 and on Acorn Media