As a gamer with a deep appreciation for historical narratives, I find myself deeply conflicted about the FX series “Say Nothing.” While it’s undeniably fascinating to delve into the complexities of Northern Ireland’s Troubles, the portrayal of real-life tragedies such as the abduction and murder of Jean McConville raises profound ethical questions.
The child of Jean McConville, who was forcibly taken and killed by the Irish Republican Army as depicted in the FX show “Say Nothing”, has expressed criticism towards the series, labeling its portrayal of their family’s ordeal as “terrible” or “horrific”.
Michael McConville, one of ten siblings who tragically lost their mother in 1972 when she was mysteriously disappeared from their Belfast home, has expressed his displeasure about the portrayal of his mother’s death. In a statement reported by The Guardian and BBC News NI, he stated that it is not something to be used for entertainment purposes by anyone, especially not for him and his family. He further emphasized the brutality of depicting her execution and secret burial, adding that unless one has experienced such trauma, they cannot comprehend just how cruel and heart-wrenching it truly is.
Michael added that he has not viewed the series and does not intend to watch it.
Say Nothing, a TV series based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s acclaimed nonfiction book of the same name, revolves around the mysterious disappearance and death of Jean. The story subtly explores the complexities of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. In this production, Judith Roddy portrays Jean. The series made its debut on Hulu in the U.S. and on Disney+ in English-speaking regions on Nov 14.
In 1972, a trio of IRA volunteers covertly took the life of Jean, who was accused of spying for the British Army by the republicans. Her remains were hidden on a beach in County Louth, Ireland, and weren’t found until 2003. The IRA initially denied any involvement in her murder, but admitted it in 1999. In 2006, an investigation led by the police ombudsman for Northern Ireland concluded that there was no proof indicating Jean had been an informant for the British forces.
Michael made the following comment, “The tale of Jean McConville is well-known; even Hillary Clinton, whom I had the chance to meet a few years back, was aware of my mother’s story. Still, we find ourselves retelling it again.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to FX for comment.
Michael has expressed his views on the series for a second time. Back in 2019, just days following the initial report by The Hollywood Reporter that Radden Keefe’s book “Say Nothing” was being adapted into a limited series, Michael voiced his displeasure to the Belfast Telegraph. He stated then that he and other family members were both upset and appalled by the project. He further remarked, “To capitalize on her murder and the ongoing suffering in our lives is both cruel and distasteful.
Concerning Michael’s statements from 2019, Radden Keefe (a producer for FX) admitted this month that he had failed to inform the family about an upcoming series announcement at the time, stating it was a mistake on his part. Later, Radden Keefe and fellow executive producer Michael Lennox held meetings with relatives of the missing individuals from “The Disappeared” in Northern Ireland (17 people who are believed to have been murdered by republicans during the Troubles) – including members of the McConville family – to discuss the series. The creative team collaborated with the Wave Trauma Centre in Northern Ireland to interact with the families.
In a statement to THR in November, a representative from the Wave Trauma Centre expressed that the families were grateful for the opportunity to converse with the creators. However, they noted that “the intense pain these families have endured over the years has not lessened, and it’s naturally challenging for them whenever they are compelled to reexperience these events.
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2024-11-22 01:26