From Emmy Award Winner and all-time I.T. technician Chris O'Dowd comes the latest Sky Original, which focuses on the residents of a small town in Ireland whose long-hidden secrets come to light when a Hollywood film arrives in town.
It stars Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) as Wendy, the Irish-born Executive Producer who returns home after more than two decades, only to come face to face with her ex-boyfriend, Seamus, played by a wonderful as ever Paddy Considine (House of the Dragon).
Whilst the show identifies itself as a ‘very dramatic comedy,' there's something off-putting about about the mixed genre of the series. Almost as if it can't decide if it wants to be a drama or a comedy, or even at some times a science fiction series, it struggles very much at being all three. Especially since there's no mention of the science fiction element in any of the pre-release material, and it completely throws you, unfortunately, out of the show — but, to some, it might be a pull.
O'Dowd highlights the brilliantness of Irish performers with the show's supporting cast, especially within the more comedic aspects of the series. Eileen Walsh, who plays Seamus's wife, is a standout throughout the show. Hendricks and Considine's chemistry is striking on screen, you really do feel the love these two characters once had for one another and perhaps, still do.
Hendricks and Considine, whilst incredible actors in their own right —Hendricks is a seven-time Emmy Nominee, and Considine is a BAFTA award-winning actor— are doing what they can with a story so outrageous, but it seems not even they can keep the show together.
O'Dowd's directing and acting are great, and his writing is passable; there are some laughs, but as the story tries to go from strength to strength, its far reaching plot, over-convoluted subplots, and overwhelming amount of characters, are by far its biggest downfall.
Its six-episode first season feels rushed and could almost warrant a further two or even three episodes, just to make the audience care for the characters and even the story, and delve deeper into the history of the town.
Overall, Small Town, Big Story? Unfortunately more like No Story, Massive Let Down.
Small Town, Big Story premieres on Thursday 27 February on Sky and streaming service NOW in the UK and Ireland.
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