Proof (2006/Irish TV Mini-Series)

 

Picture: C     Sound: C+     Extras: D     Episode: B-

 

 

Not to be confused with the grossly underrated Gwyneth Paltrow/Anthony Hopkins film of the same name, Ciaran Donnelly’s Irish TV mini-series Proof (2006), a decent four-part drama about the ugly connection between forced prostitution, big bucks and a major political campaign that can be brutal at times.  Unfortunately, it overplays its hands at times and does not quit while it is ahead in some respects, despite a solid conclusion.

 

Finbar Lynch plays controversial reporter Terry Corcoran, who has a bad reputation for being overzealous and one the establishment would like to discredit forever.  He has not had too much luck landing the big story that would help him, but now he is faced with the opportunity again with the twisted goings on noted.  At the same time, a young lady has been abducted and her older sister tries to save her from the deadly killer pimps who are running rampant.  Though this could have become unintentionally funny, the Tony Philpott teleplay is mostly worked out well, though the storyline about the prostitution is eventually problematic for reasons of pacing, realism and development.  Otherwise, this is worth a look because U.S. TV would not have this much edge if they produced it, even on cable.

 

In that case, restraint and intelligence would likely go out the window.

 

The 1.33 X 1 image is softer than expected, with some slight digititis and detail problems all the way, though we still get some good color.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has not real surrounds, but is a recent recording that sounds good.  There are no extras.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo