[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/jamesnesbitt_2337.jpg]]
[[caption-width-right:300:What can go wrong, ''[[NotAfraidToDie may]]'' go wrong.]]
->''"I can't afford to [[TheNeedsOfTheMany look at the big picture]]. I made that mistake once before and [[WhatHaveIDone I lost my daughter]]. Now I only [[AlwaysSaveTheGirl look at the little picture]] - now I look after my own."''
-->--'''Tommy Murphy'''

A [[Creator/TheBBC BBC Ireland]] CrimeDrama centring on the titular Tommy Murphy (played by James Nesbitt), a [[CowboyCop maverick cop]] who specializes in [[TheInfiltration infiltrating criminal organizations]].

It is revealed in the pilot episode that Murphy's wife and child had been held by criminals who asked to make him blow up a police station. Murphy [[TheNeedsOfTheMany chose the force]], and lost his daughter. [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone Her death]] has since [[AlwaysSaveTheGirl riddled Murphy with guilt]] and he thus [[LovedINotHonorMore plunges himself into his dangerous work]], hoping to drown out his thoughts and [[DeathSeeker perhaps]] perish [[NotAfraidToDie having done something good]]. Murphy is generally quite cheerful and charming on the surface however, and he often plays around with his superiors and colleagues as well as [[TheCasanova hit on woman any chance he can]].

The series is known for this simultaneous humour and tragedy in Murphy (for which Nesbitt is known), and for its darkness - particularly in later seasons. Infact the series was created specifically for Nesbitt, who had previously shown his impressive acting ability in ''Cold Feet''. The series was nominated for numerous BAFTA and IFTA (Irish) awards over its run and Nesbitt won one IFTA for his performance in 2005.

The pilot episode [[{{Novelization}} was adapted into a series of books]] by Colin Bateman, who also created and wrote for the series. Five series of ''Murphy's Law'' were aired between 2001 and 2007.
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!!This series provides examples of:

* AloneWithThePsycho: In 1x02, where Tommy is needed to share a cell with a kidnapper. Tommy even dreams that he will be strangled in his sleep[[note]]TruthInFiction[[/note]].
* AlwaysSaveTheGirl: See page quote.
* AntiHero: {{Subverted|Trope}}, mostly. Although Tommy is in something of a CrapsackWorld and is faced with many MoralEventHorizon situations, he continues to be a good and honest cop.
* AnyoneCanDie: Not surprising given the dangerous nature of undercover police work.
* BeingGoodSucks: Tommy continues to try and do the right thing despite the continuous tragedy around him.
* BlackAndGrayMorality[=/=]GreyAndGrayMorality: Tommy will take part in mostly minor criminal activities or look past transgressions if it allows him to maintain his cover or protect his friends. The villains also have families and might look out for Tommy in times of danger.
* BreakTheCutie: In 2x01, when it turns out [[spoiler: Becca]] had been killing the homeless woman, under the influence of [[spoiler: dark religious teachings from a SinisterMinister]].
* BritishBrevity: Each series has anywhere between 3 to 6 episodes. The first season compensates for this somewhat, as each episode is 90 minutes long - feature length!
* CowboyCop: Tommy is often willing to dance around the law when it's necessary to gain a target's trust or find out important information.
* DeathSeeker: Possibly why Tommy accepts dangerous jobs no one else will, such as in the pilot, although it is likely closer to NotAfraidToDie.
* DirtyCop: Occasionally Tommy comes across cops who are helping the bad guys and who might threaten his undercover identity.
* TheGreatBritishCopperCapture: In the fifth season, this trope gets fulfilled to its maximum level. A police officer, who ended up being gang-raped after an undercover operation went wrong, enters the police station with a gun (having already killed the head of the people trafficking ring responsible) and takes the Chief Superintendent (who she blamed for him getting off) hostage. In the process she shoots a detective in the arm, the Chief Superintendent in the leg, and then herself in the head.
* TheInfiltration: The basic plot of each episode.
* LovedINotHonorMore: Although Tommy acts TheCasanova with many woman during his day job, he is rather alone in his personal time.
* MurderByInaction: Tommy saved a [[TheNeedsOfTheMany police station]] and thus caused the death of his daughter.
* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: The decision for TheNeedsOfTheMany which results in his daughter's death.
* UsefulNotes/NorthernIreland: Where Tommy (and the actor playing him) come from.
* OddFriendship in 1x02, where Tommy begins to forms a bond with the kidnapper he's supposed to be finding info from.
* SinisterMinister: In 2x01, where the priest at a homeless shelter is uncovered to be [[spoiler: sleeping with one of the weak-willed female residents]].
* TheUnfettered: Tommy to [[TheInfiltration his job]], which he is remarkably good at and places above everything.
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