In honor of St. Patrick’s Day last week, it is only fitting to list my favorite Irish characters from some of my favorite tv shows! From a villain, to a viking, to an informant - this list has it all. Let me know some of your favorite characters from the "Emerald Isle" in the comments below!
1. Finan, The Last Kingdom
There are so many aspects to love about Finan - his love for his wife, his fierceness in battle, or, my personal favorite, his loyalty to his friends. When the audience first meets Finan in The Last Kingdom, he and the protagonist, viking warrior Uhtred, are in quite the bind. Literally… They are chained to a slave ship, forced to row day in and day out. The two form a connection and remain sources of comfort and stability for each other throughout the series. Finan is Uhtred's second-in-command and best friend. He always has Uhtred's back and defends his honor when necessary. Finan shows time and time again that he would follow Uhtred into battle no matter the stakes; they are brothers.
Favorite quote: "Maybe he's scared of the priest."
Tenor
2. Tom Branson, Downton Abbey
Swoon... What Downton Abbey fan doesn't love Branson? When we first meet Tom, he is the Crawley family's chauffeur. He and the youngest Crawley daughter - Sybil - bond over politics. Tom is an Irish socialist and Sybil is intrigued by his passion and freedom. The two end up marrying and having a daughter. At first, the family rejects their union due to Branson's "lowly" status. However, devastating circumstances lead to the family's acceptance, respect and - ultimately - their love of Branson. He has the most interesting character development of the series and is by far the most intelligent person in the family in my opinion.
Favorite quote: "Sometimes a hard sacrifice must be made for a future that's worth having."
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3. Stephen Bonnet, Outlander
So, Stephen Bonnet kind of sucks... but he is one of the most developed villains of the entire Outlander series, which grants him a spot on this list. Bonnet is introduced after the time jump in season 4 and initially is saved by protagonists, Jamie and Claire. However, as ironic as ever, the pair soon regret their generosity, because Bonnet later robs them and kills their friend. He is soon reintroduced to the series as a vicious pirate captain who throws children overboard and makes life a living hell for Jamie and Claire's soon-to-be son-in-law, Roger Mac. As if he couldn't get any worse, Bonnet also assaults Jamie and Claire's daughter and Roger's wife, Brianna. Justice is finally served at the end of season 5, where Bonnet is sentenced to death by drowning.
Favorite quote: "I am an honest man for a pirate." (Spoiler alert: He's not, he sucks.)
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4. Erin Quinn, Derry Girls
Truly, this entire series is Irish comedy gold. The show takes place in the Northern Ireland town of Derry during the 90s. Erin and her group of girlfriends attend an all girl's Catholic high school filled with scandal, cynical nuns and all the typical drama that accompanies teenage girls. The show's layers of dark humor, political undertones, women solidarity and lots and lots of songs by the Cranberries make it the perfect binge. It was hard for me to choose just one girl to highlight for this list, but Erin is the most-developed character. She pretty much makes the worst decisions for a protagonist ever in the history of tv, but it makes the show that much more interesting.
Favorite quote: "They don't have people from Derry on Baywatch: we're just too pasty."
Tenor
5. Grace Shelby, Peaky Blinders
Oh Grace... audiences tend to go back and forth about their feelings for Tommy Shelby's love interest. She is first introduced to the show as a quick-witted, intelligent barmaid with a beautiful singing voice. We soon find out she is not actually a barmaid and is, in fact, a police informant who has been tasked with spying on the Shelby's and the infamous Peaky Blinder gang. After a marriage to another man, multiple assassination/assault attempts and a love child, Grace and Tommy finally end up together. This ultimately shifts Grace's loyalty in favor of the Shelby's rather than the law. However, many viewers dislike Grace due to her constantly giving up the Shelby's secrets and forever scarring Tommy after her tragic death.
Favorite quote: "I think he'll try to kill me."
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Great consolidated list...thanks!