Ep 2. The Pikemen

Set in the small town of Galway in Ireland, Jack Taylor is a crime drama that revolves around a former police officer turned private investigator, Jack Taylor, who struggles with addiction and self-destruction.

In season 1 episode 2, "The Pikemen," Jack Taylor is hired by an elderly man, Sutton, who claims that his son has been murdered by a group of vigilantes called the Pikemen. The Pikemen are a group of men who dress up as 18th-century soldiers and patrol the streets of Galway at night, claiming to be protecting the town from outsiders and drug dealers.

As Jack delves deeper into the case, he discovers that there is more to the Pikemen than just a group of well-meaning citizens. He finds that the group is involved in drug trafficking, and that the murder of Sutton's son may have been a retaliation for him getting too close to their operation. Despite the danger, Jack persists in his investigation, determined to bring the group to justice.

The episode sees Jack navigating through the seedy underbelly of Galway, dealing with corrupt police officers and dangerous criminals. Along the way, he enlists the help of his friend, Darragh, a young criminal who he had previously mentored, to infiltrate the organization and gain information.

As he gets closer to the truth, Jack's own demons threaten to derail his investigation. He is confronted by his ex-girlfriend, Anne, who he had previously betrayed, and must come to terms with the consequences of his actions. His addiction to alcohol and his tendency towards self-destructive behavior also come to the forefront, threatening to derail his investigation.

The episode is filled with twists and turns as Jack unravels the mystery behind the Pikemen. It is a gritty and intense episode that showcases the talent of the show's lead actor, Iain Glen.

Overall, "The Pikemen" is a thrilling installment of the Jack Taylor series that showcases the dark and dangerous world of crime in Galway. It is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and mystery thrillers.