The initial episode of the crime drama Rebus, which aired on RTÉ One on Tuesday, was shrouded in mystery: why its appearance on Irish television happened so swiftly, a mere half a year following its premier on BBC. Considering the technological advances of our era, the widespread availability of British channels to Irish viewers is no secret – an intriguing phenomenon indeed, comparable even to pocket phones or household internet. Exciting times to be a conscious individual.
Irrespective of all this, the higher-ups at RTÉ are doing themselves a disservice amidst a multitude of crises, by utilising license-payer funds on commonplace British thrillers, such as Rebus, which most of the populace had already watched earlier in the year. Despite this, there is no criticism of Rebus, which hands Ian Rankin’s serious Edinburgh detective a fresh start in the 21st century, while maintaining his courageous somberness.
A universally accepted viewpoint about crime television dramas is that the setting plays as significant a part as the characters, both heroes and villains. In this revived version of Rebus, penned by Gregory Burke (also known for his play Black Watch, centred on the Scottish military brigade involved in the British incursion of Iraq), the city of Edinburgh is brought to life, shedding light on its beauty and hardship, along with increased gang-related issues.
The latest Rebus, portrayed by Richard Rankin (no kin to Ian), is a far cry from the previous Rebus, given a stylish touch by actor John Hannah. Now, Rankin’s character draws on a more downtrodden image, struggling in life and walking the line between right and wrong. Which is a sharp turn from the old Rebus. Indeed, the remake of Rebus focuses more on character analysis than thrilling suspense, yet the city of Edinburgh remains a vibrant entity.
In the first episode of Rebus, the narrative tends to focus more on character development rather than a fast-paced thriller plot. The gruff protagonist of the show, Rebus, has quite a rough start as he nearly ends his career after his contact in the gangland, Brian Cafferty, forces a car crash that paralyses Rebus’s friend, George. Rebus retaliates by attempting to take Cafferty’s life, only to be called off at the last moment by his manager.
His personal life is not any less messy. A previous marriage that has dissolved, a love affair with his former mentor’s wife and his ex-partner striking up a relationship with a needlelike corporate shot, make up for quite some complications. Furthermore, he suspects his new police associate, Siobhán to have possible ties with internal affairs of the police department.
Rebus’s brother, Michael, a once soldier fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, is trying hard to settle back into regular life and cope with a civilian job, delivering groceries. At the same time, Rebus is dealing with Cafferty, who continuously talks about United Ireland and its potential to overflow Scotland with fiercely loyal drug peddlers, threatening returning tensions.
Thankfully for fans, the series has already been broadcasted on the BBC, allowing them the chance to understand and follow the rebirthed crime investigator, Rebus, and his path of emotional wreckage.