Finale so gripping Resistance is futile
RTE’S epic War of Independence drama reaches thrilling climax
Hunter’s Robert de Niro in Taxi Driver moment at Dublin Castle. A key character is cryptologist Ursula Sweeney, below, played by Simone Kirby, whose estranged sister Agnes (Natasha O’keeffe) works in the Sinn Fein midnight courts.
Meanwhile, Eithne Drury (played by Aoife Duffin) must learn who to trust as a journalist for Sinn Fein’s propaganda department. This is a world of shadows and double-agents at a time of fear and anxiety on the streets of Dublin. But what makes it even more fascinating is the way the fictional characters cross paths with historical figures like Collins (Drea), British spymaster general Ormonde Winter (Paul Ritter) and Sinn Fein founder Arthur Griffith (Andrew Bennett). Jordanne Jones, who also starred in Rebellion, returns as Minnie Mahon, Catherine Walker plays Constance Butler and Aoibhinn Mcginnity is Josephine Carmichael.
It’s an impressive cast to go with what has been a gripping production, filmed in the depths of winter for atmosphere and tackling headon brutal guerrilla warfare. Brian Gleeson felt the show addresses the “fog of war of the conflict with informants and spies”. He added: “It was all very murky and there’s no good guys or bad guys, it’s just about people.” The result is a pacy thriller which concludes tonight as Ursula learns there’s a price on her head and the British close ranks in the aftermath of multiple attacks.
Resistance is on RTE One tonight at 10.30pm. Previous episodes are available on the RTE Player.