Derry and Belfast coexist in somewhat dynamic tension - one of my best friends in Belfast married a Derry chap in 1994, and we get a strong sense of the relationship between the two cities every time we see them. (Yes, I know you two are reading this. Your children are reading this too.) So I had a slight prejudice going in of what's-so-special-about-Derry. But of course the best humour is universal, and the charm of the show is combining teenage angst with extraordinary circumstances - a bit like Buffy, but with fewer vampires and more British soldiers. In case you need convincing, here is a highlights reel from Season 2:
And the absolute best character of the series is Sister Michael, the headmistress of the school:
The moment that really ripped my heart out was the very last scene of Series 1, where the girls come out in support of Orla, whose presentation at the talent show is crashing and burning; meanwhile at home, Erin's parents and Orla's mother watch horrified as news comes of a major atrocity, and Grandpa Joe, who hates his son-in-law with a deep loathing, actually reaches out to him for mutual comfort as Dolores O'Riordan provides the soundtrack.
Twelve episodes of 45-50 minutes; it's on Netflix, and I think for free elsewhere as well. Strongly recommended.
…what has already been described as one of the worst atrocities of the Northern Irish conflict. At least twelve people are thought to be dead, and many more wounded. Emergency services are urging anyone with medical training to come to the scene immediately. The device was detonated at 3pm this afternoon. The RUC said no warning was given.
(Images from https://tiffanyachings.tumblr.com/post/190756068426/what-has-already-been-described-as-one-of-the)