The episode opens with Glen Wright (Ben Carolan) leaving a shop with a man on a motorcycle. When the motorcycle stops, Glen encounters a man who says the man is standing beside a vehicle. He conceals his face before approaching the man and firing several shots.

Bridget “Birdy” Goggins (Maria Doyle Kennedy) places rolls of cash in a floor safe. Elsewhere in a parking garage, surveillance officers take Frank Kinsella’s (Aidan Gillen) and Doster Reid’s (Neill Fleming) pictures when they walk past. John warns Frank of the detectives in the parking garage. Frank says they have been there since Eamon Cunningham (Ciaran Hinds) got there. Frank tells Eamon that Caolan Moore (Lloyd Cooney) entered their territory and took out two of their dealers. Eamon claims to be Caolan’s only supplier. Frank reminds him that his crew moves more of his product than any of his dealers. Eamon assures him that it is not personal.

Amanda Kinsella (Clare Dunne) uses drugs before joining the others downstairs. She scolds Eric “Viking” Kinsella (Sam Keeley) for doing drugs in the kitchen. Amanda discourages Jamie Kinsella (Cian Fitzsimons) from drinking. She informs him of the school lifting his expulsion. Jamie complains about not wanting to go back. Viking invites Jamie to go to the club later. Jamie is eager to go but Amanda says no. Michael Kinsella (Charlie Cox) enters to a round of applause and embraces. Frank and Doster arrive. Jimmy Kinsella (Emmett J. Scanlan) escorts Michael downstairs to see a python, Cyndi in a cage. Elsewhere, Frank informs Viking of his talk with Eamon. He claims Eamon promised to deal with Caolon but Viking refuses to believe it will do any good. Viking accuses him of being weak. Frank vows to be sensible. Viking asks why he never listens to him. Frank calls him an “embarrassment”. Angry, Viking leaves with Nikita Murphy (Yasmin Seky).

Viking confronts Caolon but he refuses to fight him. A physical dispute ends with the guys ordering Viking to go home. At home, an Irate Viking changes clothes. Nikita urges him to speak with Frank. He demands she not tell anyone what happens before leaving. Later, Viking fires several shots into a crowd of people. He speeds away from the scene.

Amanda gives Jamie the option of completing his CAO application or going to work with her at the dealership. He chooses the former. At the dealership, Noel Lawlor (Stephen Jones) hands Amanda a list of V5s and the buyers.

Frank tells Viking, Jimmy, and Bridget “Birdy” Goggins (Maria Doyle Kennedy) that Eamon wants to be their only supplier. Jimmy warns that it would give Eamon full control. Frank assures him that Eamon already controls them. Frank says Eamon will not stop until they buy their gear from Eamon and sell it at his preferred price. He claims to have agreed to increase Eamon’s cut by 35%.  Viking takes off without an explanation. Michael asks Frank for a legal job, so he can see Anna Areoye (Hannah Adeogun). Giving Michael a roll of cash, Frank promises to figure out something.

Caolon tells Eamon about the drive-by. Eamon threatens to kill him if he provoked Viking. Caolon claims Viking confronted them for no reason and drove by later shooting. Eamon gives him permission to take care of Viking.

Kingsford Motors – Eric arrives at the dealership to trade in his car. Amanda asks why. He claims Nikita does not like it. She offers him a black car. At a cafe, Michael secretly watches Anna. Elsewhere, Frank asks Birdy to have a talk with Michael about not wanting to return to work. When Amanda arrives, he tells her to let Michael wash cars at the dealership. Frank suggests Michael will be ready to start working again soon.

Anthony Kinsella (Mark McKenna Jr.) and Jamie play video games. When Amanda learns that Jamie failed to complete his CAO application, she turns off the TV. Jamie wants to work for Frank, not go to college. Amanda says no. He reminds her of how she launders Frank’s drug money. Jimmy sends Jamie to feed the snakes. Amanda vows to never let Jamie work for Jimmy as long as she leaves. Jimmy says it is not her decision alone because he is Jamie’s father.

After receiving a call from Frank, Viking, Francis “Fudge” Flynn (Thommas Kane Byrne), and Isaac “Kem” Kemela (Ryan Lincoln) go to the office. They give Nikita a bag of money. Frank asks if he is aware of last night’s shooting. Viking admits to wishing he was the shooter before claiming to have been with Nikita. Nikita vouches for him.

Kingsford Motors – Amanda offers to pay Michael a salary even without working. He assures her that he wants to work.

Jamie watches as Jimmy assaults Keith Boylan (Anthony Morris) for not turning in his drug revenue. He threatens Keith with a hot iron. Keith claims there is 400 in his jacket pocket. After counting the money, Jamie says Keith has less than 300. Jimmy burns Keith with the hot iron. Outside, Keith reluctantly accepts the drug money that Jimmy offers him. Jimmy urges him to not pity junkies before confessing to love him.

Amanda warns Michael that Frank and Jimmy will not stop until he is back working with them. He says they know the terms of him getting to see Anna. He tells her that his attorney believes he can get visiting right if he stays out of trouble and holds a job. Amanda urges him to not interfere in Anna’s life.

In the buff, Viking opens the door to see Detective Paul Breslin (David Herlihy) and DS Jacinta O’Connor (Una Carroll). Breslin informs him that a threat may have been made to his life. Smiling, Viking says cheers while slamming the door shut.

Jamie shows Amanda his completed CAO application. He believes the family could use a lawyer before leaving to pick up Michael. En route to Strike Fitness, Michael recalls Jimmy when they were young. In the parking lot, Jamie notices Viking has a flat. Michael finds a nail in the tire. Viking suggests it was deliberate when they come under gunfire. Viking is injured while Jamie is dead. Michael starts panicking. The episode ends.

 

Kin Cast

• Michael Kinsella (Charlie Cox)
• Amanda Kinsella (Clare Dunne)
• Jamie Kinsella (Cian fitzsimons)
• Frank Kinsella (Aidan Gillen)
• Eric “Viking” Kinsella (Sam Keeley)
• Anthony Kinsella (Mark McKenna Jr.)
• Detective Paul Breslin (David Herlihy)
• DS Jacinta O’Connor (Una Carroll)
• Dotser Reid (Neill Fleming)
• Caolon Moore (Lloyd Cooney)
• Glen Wright (Ben Carolan)
• Eamon Cunningham)
• Nikita Murphy (Yasmin Seky)
• Bridget “Birdy” Goggins (Maria Doyle Kennedy)
• Anna Areoye (Hannah Adeogun)

Kin Review

The exposition fails to provide a backstory on the characters, Dublin, and the gangland war. The pilot episode jumps right into conflict between Eamon Cunningham and the Kinsella family, without an explanation. Viewers are left guessing what led up to the conflict.

The pace is too fast to process the information. It didn’t help that the cinematography is below par. The editing is also poor. When these terrible but very important elements are combined together, it creates a confusing, jumbled mess. I had to constantly rewind to decipher the information.

The acting is good for the most part. There is plenty of time for improvement but I cannot see it.

The episode deserves a 5.5. Get more Kin recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by donating. Our onsite advertising builds brand awareness, click the link to learn more. Join our newly established forum to discuss the show and other latest releases.