The new BBC drama 'Quirke' takes us into postwar Ireland - seedy, drunken, dominated by the twin evils of the church and the wealthy and corrupt. It's a somewhat clichéd view, made palatable by the series' muted tone, although at times in the first episode I struggled to follow the softly spoken dialogue and relatively (for a murder drama) understated plot. Unlike many such series, there's an overall narrative as well as individual stories; the fact that Quirke's niece has a separate, personal connection to all three murders reduces the overall plausibility. The cast is an impressive one, but the scripts don't really call on them to do anything extraordinary; the detail with which their characters' feelings are observed is often weaker than its symbolic depiction (endless booze and cigarettes). To me, 'Quirke' fell between two stools: too low-key and gloomy to be fun family entertainment, but not truly deep either.
25 Reviews
A very atmospheric, high quality series.
Sleepin_Dragon12 July 2021
Quirke is one of Dublin's finest pathologists, he's smart and clever, but hides some dark secrets, and is too much of fan of the bottle.
Three very good, high quality episodes, the second one quite literally held me captivated, the other two aren't perhaps that standard, but still a very good watch.
They are beautifully shot, they look incredible, I'd you're a fan of the 1950's, you will see that era brought to life, both visually, and in terms of atmosphere.
Best element, the acting, every single person plays their part, Gabriel Byrne is fabulous as the tortured Quirke, he is in good company, Michael Gambon is wonderful, as is the velvet voiced Stanley Townsend.
It is such a shame that only three of these were made, I would have loved to have seen more. Always struck me that The BBC were looking for a replacement show for George Gently, such a shame we only got three.
A very, very good watch, 8/10.
Three very good, high quality episodes, the second one quite literally held me captivated, the other two aren't perhaps that standard, but still a very good watch.
They are beautifully shot, they look incredible, I'd you're a fan of the 1950's, you will see that era brought to life, both visually, and in terms of atmosphere.
Best element, the acting, every single person plays their part, Gabriel Byrne is fabulous as the tortured Quirke, he is in good company, Michael Gambon is wonderful, as is the velvet voiced Stanley Townsend.
It is such a shame that only three of these were made, I would have loved to have seen more. Always struck me that The BBC were looking for a replacement show for George Gently, such a shame we only got three.
A very, very good watch, 8/10.
A Hidden Gem
jeffpsy19 January 2022
I recently discovered this hidden gem on Britbox in the US. It's well-written, has a great cast, and is gritty without being overly cynical. Gabriel Byrne as pathologist, is offbeat and troubled, but never descends into the narcissism of so many post-House medical characters.
The wonder of Quirke as that they only made 3 episodes. To be sure, the episodes are long, around 90 minutes each. That said, there were many untapped story lines left to be explored in this series. It's a pity that they didn't extend it. It's well worth the watch.
The wonder of Quirke as that they only made 3 episodes. To be sure, the episodes are long, around 90 minutes each. That said, there were many untapped story lines left to be explored in this series. It's a pity that they didn't extend it. It's well worth the watch.
Read the Books
Pohadky712 April 2021
I'm glad to see that there are users who enjoyed the series. And there were those who didn't. To both camps, may I recommend that you give a look to the novels on which this series is based? Benjamin Black's Quirk plots are an excuse to display language that is a both joy and a marvel to behold. It's unfair to ask that the richness and complexities of these books be translated to a TV series. Even so, watching, I kept thinking, 'There is so much more.' To the naysayers of the series, if nothing else, may its existence lead you to give the books a try.
On another note, I thoroughly enjoyed Stanley Townsend's Inspector Hackett. Just right.
On another note, I thoroughly enjoyed Stanley Townsend's Inspector Hackett. Just right.
Interesting but overtly anti-Catholic
drjoepastorek2 August 2021
absolutely brilliant but perhaps only for those of a certain age
yelofneb-6303727 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
For anyone who is Irish, who grew up in the 1960-70's, the Quirke series is like getting a flashback to the time that our parents came of age. For all of us, there was a dark overhanging gloom that we had nothing to do with but had to fight against. That dark gloom is aptly described here.
Lately, a whole lot of attention is given to the impending retirement of Daniel Day-Lewis. He is a great Irish actor but I haven't even seen the last three movies that he has been in. Gabriel Byrne, on the other hand, is the actor whose work I do follow. He has mastered the role of the Everyman, faced with all of the sorrow and joy of life, and the negotiation in between. I have never seen him in a role that disappoints, and he is certainly worth watching in the Quirke series.
I wish that the series could be continued, especially because Irish social history needs that kind of exploration, with exactly the kind of character that Gabriel Byrne delivers in the Quirke series.
I'm giving it 10 out of 10 because it's a great work that has no reliance on anything but the acting performances delivered. It's as if everyone involved had sat down together and agreed about exactly what to do. That kind of intimacy is usually only possible with stage performances. Somehow, the cast and crew of Quirke have managed to achieve that.
There is no reason to not watch all three episodes of Quirke, against a multitude of reasons to sit, watch and study. You'll be glad that you can say that you saw it.
Lately, a whole lot of attention is given to the impending retirement of Daniel Day-Lewis. He is a great Irish actor but I haven't even seen the last three movies that he has been in. Gabriel Byrne, on the other hand, is the actor whose work I do follow. He has mastered the role of the Everyman, faced with all of the sorrow and joy of life, and the negotiation in between. I have never seen him in a role that disappoints, and he is certainly worth watching in the Quirke series.
I wish that the series could be continued, especially because Irish social history needs that kind of exploration, with exactly the kind of character that Gabriel Byrne delivers in the Quirke series.
I'm giving it 10 out of 10 because it's a great work that has no reliance on anything but the acting performances delivered. It's as if everyone involved had sat down together and agreed about exactly what to do. That kind of intimacy is usually only possible with stage performances. Somehow, the cast and crew of Quirke have managed to achieve that.
There is no reason to not watch all three episodes of Quirke, against a multitude of reasons to sit, watch and study. You'll be glad that you can say that you saw it.
Only 3 Episodes?
jk-692-23639420 April 2014
Honestly I do not know they expect to get viewers on a regular basis with only 3 episodes? It did not play like a mini series or long movie. Was it suppose to? It is well done. Different and interesting. The acting was good. But I was sure this was a TV series. Three episodes does not make a TV series. I guess it was not meant to be more. This is from Wiki. Quirke is a British-Irish crime drama television series that was first broadcast on BBC One and RTÉ One in 2014. The three-part series is based on the books by John Banville, writing under the pseudonym Benjamin Black, and was adapted by Andrew Davies and Conor McPherson. I would like to see them actually turn this into a real series.
Just brilliant.
theredmare26 February 2014
Another top notch offering from the BBC. (2 episodes in) Wonderful, atmospheric settings and unusually artistic cinematography, a gripping back story and marvellous, marvellous acting. A very good insight into life in Ireland in the 50's also.
Quirke, the outstanding Gabriel Byrne in one of his better efforts ever, is an alcoholic pathologist in Dublin in the 1950's. Quirke, an orphan of unknown parents, was adopted into the wealthy Griffin family. A family where not is all what it seems, and where people love and hate each other at the same time, and harbour secrets, some of them quite terrible. (like a lot of real families). While Quirke tries to help find out what happened to bodies who used to be people with the help of a jaded garda inspector, we unravel his past life episode by episode, and watch his life unravel as well.
It is compelling stuff, I can only highly recommend it. Preferably from the start. While produced by the BBC, it's an all irish cast and location. It looks a million dollar, it's original, the characters are interestingly complex, and it's just very, very good.
It feels very much like the Maigret series with Bruno Cremer, only better (!). Note that the solving of the mystery is only a part of the drama, most of it revolves on the interplay of the family, their problems and their secrets, and the telling of life in a Ireland 60 years ago, with its obedience to the catholic church, treatment of women etc...therefore you can enjoy it even if you aren't fond of murder mysteries. It is nearly an anticlimax to come to the end and have the murder solved (sometimes rather too conveniently - hence the 9 instead of 10 - very small complaint) , so engrossed are you in the actual story in its entirety - you want it to go on!
Do not expect CSI or NCIS, it is as far removed from those shows as possible.
I did not read the books, so that I have no idea how accurate is the adaptation, but I can guarantee the story is perfectly clear and simple to follow, unlike some adaptations that require former knowledge of the written medium to understand anything at all.
I also highly recommend it in HD with a good sound system. The terrific atmosphere deserves that.
Contains smoking and drinking. [;-)]
Edit: Episode 3 is a straight 10/10. Very emotional, and even improved from the other two on all fronts, if that was possible. Classic television in the making. - I just read the first two episodes were adapted by Welsh screenwriter Andrew Davies and the third by Irish playwright/director Conor McPherson. Now it makes sense and it actually shows.
Quirke, the outstanding Gabriel Byrne in one of his better efforts ever, is an alcoholic pathologist in Dublin in the 1950's. Quirke, an orphan of unknown parents, was adopted into the wealthy Griffin family. A family where not is all what it seems, and where people love and hate each other at the same time, and harbour secrets, some of them quite terrible. (like a lot of real families). While Quirke tries to help find out what happened to bodies who used to be people with the help of a jaded garda inspector, we unravel his past life episode by episode, and watch his life unravel as well.
It is compelling stuff, I can only highly recommend it. Preferably from the start. While produced by the BBC, it's an all irish cast and location. It looks a million dollar, it's original, the characters are interestingly complex, and it's just very, very good.
It feels very much like the Maigret series with Bruno Cremer, only better (!). Note that the solving of the mystery is only a part of the drama, most of it revolves on the interplay of the family, their problems and their secrets, and the telling of life in a Ireland 60 years ago, with its obedience to the catholic church, treatment of women etc...therefore you can enjoy it even if you aren't fond of murder mysteries. It is nearly an anticlimax to come to the end and have the murder solved (sometimes rather too conveniently - hence the 9 instead of 10 - very small complaint) , so engrossed are you in the actual story in its entirety - you want it to go on!
Do not expect CSI or NCIS, it is as far removed from those shows as possible.
I did not read the books, so that I have no idea how accurate is the adaptation, but I can guarantee the story is perfectly clear and simple to follow, unlike some adaptations that require former knowledge of the written medium to understand anything at all.
I also highly recommend it in HD with a good sound system. The terrific atmosphere deserves that.
Contains smoking and drinking. [;-)]
Edit: Episode 3 is a straight 10/10. Very emotional, and even improved from the other two on all fronts, if that was possible. Classic television in the making. - I just read the first two episodes were adapted by Welsh screenwriter Andrew Davies and the third by Irish playwright/director Conor McPherson. Now it makes sense and it actually shows.
Spoiler Alert** I can't watch another minute
frieda-9236624 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Maybe being months into the COVID-19 pandemic has jaded my ability to enjoy this kind of drama. I watched the first two episodes, drawn in by the atmosphere and the sheer visual beauty. But by the end of the second one I was so depressed I thought I might join one of the many corpses I was seeing on the screen. Every hint of love is overshadowed by the specter of Death and there is no redemption for the characters who seem hell-bent on destroying themselves and each other.
I don't like romantic anything, but I was begging for true romance if not true love somewhere for someone and it never came. It's only 9pm but I am going to take a sleeping pill (just one, mind you) and hope I don't have any dreams that turn into nightmares like this drama.
I don't like romantic anything, but I was begging for true romance if not true love somewhere for someone and it never came. It's only 9pm but I am going to take a sleeping pill (just one, mind you) and hope I don't have any dreams that turn into nightmares like this drama.
Raw exploration into the nature of a particular family, as well as secret crimes long buried.
abbadon-hades24 September 2014
Someone said I should post my comment as a review, so here goes...
There are so many procedurals,and cop shows out there,doing the same thing over and over again. This is not one of those regular TV- shows. Crime plays a part of course, but more than that, this is a series that is driven by character development. For each crime we also delve deeper into Quirke's family relations and history. There is a logical development in the way the story is built,so that the plots of the different episodes combine into a whole. And consequences are far from as clean cut, as it would have been in an ordinary cop-show.
I have tremendous respect for Gabriel Byrne and Michael Gambon as actors, and I think this material may well have provided the foundation for some of the best acting of their career. The supporting cast is also uniformly excellent, and that nearly all actors in this series is Irish, also makes it that much more convincing.I enjoyed the mood set by the music,and the portrayal of the era. From Smoke-filled streets and bars, to the clothes they use, the cars they drive, and all the small details that make up this wonderful mini-series.
There are so many procedurals,and cop shows out there,doing the same thing over and over again. This is not one of those regular TV- shows. Crime plays a part of course, but more than that, this is a series that is driven by character development. For each crime we also delve deeper into Quirke's family relations and history. There is a logical development in the way the story is built,so that the plots of the different episodes combine into a whole. And consequences are far from as clean cut, as it would have been in an ordinary cop-show.
I have tremendous respect for Gabriel Byrne and Michael Gambon as actors, and I think this material may well have provided the foundation for some of the best acting of their career. The supporting cast is also uniformly excellent, and that nearly all actors in this series is Irish, also makes it that much more convincing.I enjoyed the mood set by the music,and the portrayal of the era. From Smoke-filled streets and bars, to the clothes they use, the cars they drive, and all the small details that make up this wonderful mini-series.
Mean and moody is not enough
Prismark1022 June 2014
I looked forward to Quirke with Gabriel Byrne back in the British small screen after his foray to Hollywood. In Quirke he is an alcoholic pathologist in 1950s Dublin. Quirke has been adopted by the wealthy Griffin family. His adopted father is played by Michael Gambon.
The family itself has hidden secrets, Quirke's own daughter has been raised by his brother when Quirke's wife died. However Quirke has also been carrying on with his brother's wife.
In the three films atmospherically shot in a low budget television way, we have Quirke probing into babies being adopted out by the church, or a wide boy taking saucy pictures of married women and using them to blackmail their husbands and the final film is on the hunt of a missing girl who might have had an abortion.
The film meshes dark secrets in a 1950s Dublin where the Roman Catholic church has an overbearing influence.
However the final product was poor. The first film had sound issues and the films were just dull with a mundane script, predictable characterisation and badly directed. In fact they looked like television dramas from 20 years ago and forgotten that filming techniques have moved on.
The series reminded me of Inspector George Gently especially with its period drama setting and the changing social scene of the 1960s north east England but Gently is miles ahead in entertainment value and production values, ironic as the early films were shot in the Republic of Ireland.
Quirke is disappointing and a disappointment.
The family itself has hidden secrets, Quirke's own daughter has been raised by his brother when Quirke's wife died. However Quirke has also been carrying on with his brother's wife.
In the three films atmospherically shot in a low budget television way, we have Quirke probing into babies being adopted out by the church, or a wide boy taking saucy pictures of married women and using them to blackmail their husbands and the final film is on the hunt of a missing girl who might have had an abortion.
The film meshes dark secrets in a 1950s Dublin where the Roman Catholic church has an overbearing influence.
However the final product was poor. The first film had sound issues and the films were just dull with a mundane script, predictable characterisation and badly directed. In fact they looked like television dramas from 20 years ago and forgotten that filming techniques have moved on.
The series reminded me of Inspector George Gently especially with its period drama setting and the changing social scene of the 1960s north east England but Gently is miles ahead in entertainment value and production values, ironic as the early films were shot in the Republic of Ireland.
Quirke is disappointing and a disappointment.
Quirks gives us mystery & compelling characters with all their flaws
canuckteach30 November 2022
Everything I have seen with Gabriel Byrne has been first-class, including his terrific work in USUAL SUSPECTS, in which the audience was misled into believing he was the kingpin, Keizer Szoze. In this short (3 chapter) series, he is Chief Pathologist Quirke in post-WW2 Dublin, dealing with some unusual cases and troubled family relations. At the Center of the conflict is his pretty teen daughter, Phoebe, who was raised by his brother & wife when Quirke's wife died in childbirth. The daughter is informed of this only in Episode 1,,which creates anger & conflict. Other sad events push Quirke into heavy drinking from time to time. We pull for him anyway.
In episode 2, a villain seduces Phoebe AND a young married woman, for nefarious purposes. Sadly, the actor in this role, Lee Ingleby, is already the object of widespread disdain due to his work as a self-centred DCS in the old Inspector Friendly series. I keep telling folk on Twitter that it's just good acting, but Lee will not improve his public image with his role here-a pure cad.
The entire cast is excellent is this quiet 'period piece'. Highly-recommended.
In episode 2, a villain seduces Phoebe AND a young married woman, for nefarious purposes. Sadly, the actor in this role, Lee Ingleby, is already the object of widespread disdain due to his work as a self-centred DCS in the old Inspector Friendly series. I keep telling folk on Twitter that it's just good acting, but Lee will not improve his public image with his role here-a pure cad.
The entire cast is excellent is this quiet 'period piece'. Highly-recommended.
Don't believe the naysayers
brfuller2 January 2022
Quirke is an excellent miniseries. Hence, I can't believe all the low ratings and bad reviews of Quirke. I don't normally post reviews on IMDB; in fact, this one may be my first. But the naysayers prompted me to action.
Quirke is brooding. Atmospheric. Serious drama with more than one plot line. Excellent acting performances are delivered by Gabriel Byrne, Nick Dunning, Aisling Franciosi and others.
Perhaps thoughtful, serious drama isn't for everyone. But Quirke shouldn't be panned because of it. I highly recommend this drama and only wish there had been additional series produced.
Quirke is brooding. Atmospheric. Serious drama with more than one plot line. Excellent acting performances are delivered by Gabriel Byrne, Nick Dunning, Aisling Franciosi and others.
Perhaps thoughtful, serious drama isn't for everyone. But Quirke shouldn't be panned because of it. I highly recommend this drama and only wish there had been additional series produced.
90 minutes of my life I will never get back
sluggr-224 February 2014
I kept watching, just hoping it would get better. Three A-list principals, it just has to be good, right? IMHO, the writing was on par with a Quincey MD episode, the acting was either forced or flat, and the writing, editing, and directing abrupt. Just because it had the atmosphere of Foyle's War or The Bletchley Circle did not make it so. Glamour and style do not make up for a lack of substance. There were so many blatantly obvious hints about the "event which might be considered by some a twist" that by the time it arrived all I could say was "well duh-UH!" In fact, twist is too strong a term, as is reveal. Think of this as being on the opposite end of the spectrum from an Inspector Morse.
If you love Gabriel Byrne you will love this.
thefragiledm23 March 2021
If you love Gabriel Byrne you will love this. The soundtrack is on point. It's a great representation of alcoholism and depression. The character relationships are very believable. The family dynamics are accurate as well. I really enjoyed it and it was way to short. There is a sad grit to it I appreciate. It's not the most original thing I've seen but if you like the actors involved than you will really enjoy it.
Quirke aka quackery
ray-cormick29 May 2014
How low is the lowest common denominator in this. John Banville seemed to me to be a writer of Ireland past and present that you might learn something from. Holy mother of God, Quirke is terrible. I've never seen such a transparent plot line, such poor and shallow acting from stellar marquee names, so many faux hospital passes. Can I write the next episode - just gotta check Wikipedia for some autopsy references and come up with a 'startling' revelation regarding a hard drinking long lost relative of some sort or the other and then mix it up with production values ranging from low to medium allied with an occasional exotic non-1950's sounding name and they're ye are Quirke , working title Dublin Dud.
Dark but worth it.
schtdygirl29 August 2020
Quirke fails to convince on many levels
josephsoap2127 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Beautifully shot and atmospheric, though the dark scenes get a bit tedious, good acting all round but the characters are wooden. The script is banal, nobody says anything insightful or cute. Inappropriate responses. In episode two the intimidation and murder in the first episode seems to be forgotten. The continuity is terrible you keep wondering "who is this character now", new characters pop into the episodes fully formed and you're sure you must have missed something previously. This all comes from trying to be too clever. And his daughter's assertion on finding out he's her dad "but I loved you Quirke" just dropped like a lead balloon. Really disappointing.
Anti-Catholic Tripe
cameratamusic13 May 2023
If you enjoy stereotypical, anti-Catholic garbage from Hollywood, then you're in for a treat. Every person affiliated with the Catholic Church is evil or twisted and all of atheists are moral beyond God's standards.
Sad that this tripe has been coming out of Hollywood for decades and people just eat it up as historically informed drama. Anything for a scandal and a buck. Either evil Italian Catholics or evil Irish Catholics. Open your eyes.
Disappointing that actors like Byrne and Gambon were so quick to join in on the lies and BS, just like DeNiro, Scorsese, Pacino and every other sellout helping Hollywood rewrite history and creating bias through time tested lies and fantasy.
Sad that this tripe has been coming out of Hollywood for decades and people just eat it up as historically informed drama. Anything for a scandal and a buck. Either evil Italian Catholics or evil Irish Catholics. Open your eyes.
Disappointing that actors like Byrne and Gambon were so quick to join in on the lies and BS, just like DeNiro, Scorsese, Pacino and every other sellout helping Hollywood rewrite history and creating bias through time tested lies and fantasy.
Tobacco Advert
crw113 February 2018
It'd be a lot more palatable if they didn't continually light up and dwell, linger, on cigarette smoking. Surely financed by a tobacco group. 'Authentic' they say. I say, if the story was any good, it wouldn't need that so-called (smoking-justifying) 'authenticity'. Ruins it for me.
Trash.
sethmusler21 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
We're meant to identify, or at least sympathize, with the careless active alcoholic and his personal crusade that nobody asked for and which helps no one as he gets to play the fun uncle to his own unaware daughter that he allowed more responsible members of his family to raise. His demons, which aren't all that demonic really, are meant to make him appear deep and mysterious. There's a creepy rapist baby killer. Some corrupt rich people. Oh look, an evil nun. It's as if this Irish writer hates the Irish. Or maybe just the past. There's no humor. Zero charm. Just grim drinking, smoking and brooding.
Not worth my time ...
tbbwtf16 April 2021
Boring
felixtekat11 February 2024
Those looking for a pathologist using science to unravel mysteries ala Quincy will be disappointed. This is just a ton of brooding melodrama that is more concerned with family secrets and interactions than anything else.
The lead character is supposedly a card-carrying atheist, but he is portrayed as a bumbling oaf who can't go two minutes without a cigarette, a shot of alcohol or some sexual innuendo with his "niece".
We are "treated" to the vicarious thrill of watching absurdly wealthy people flaunt their lifestyles and possessions. It is actually pretty disgusting. Must everyone on TV be some aristocratic lord with more money than Bruce Wayne?
The lead character is supposedly a card-carrying atheist, but he is portrayed as a bumbling oaf who can't go two minutes without a cigarette, a shot of alcohol or some sexual innuendo with his "niece".
We are "treated" to the vicarious thrill of watching absurdly wealthy people flaunt their lifestyles and possessions. It is actually pretty disgusting. Must everyone on TV be some aristocratic lord with more money than Bruce Wayne?
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