Anyone else still annoyed at world building?
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I know the idea Ireland was infected by a ferry is "somewhat" believable, but it still annoys me. As by that logic ferry's, cruise ships, naval vessels and boats etc evacuating hundreds of thousands (probably low millions) would have also had an equal chance to infect France, The Netherlands, Belgium and even further on.
An infected ship drifting to Ireland could just as easily drift to continental nations on a route there.
It felt cheap, just let's lump ireland in so we dont have to build the world much.
I personally feel minimal extra effort would have been worth it. Imagine say an Ireland still intact and the main focus of NATO operations now in Europe.
Ireland with instead of nearly 8 million in our timeline (republic and north combined as of 2026) instead a united nation of 12 million. A few million British survivors choosing to settle in plaves like Belfast, Dublin and Cork after evacuation and in the years after failed decolonisation.
Whilst a few million may life in North America and Mainland Europe or beyond, Ireland would feel culturally close to home in art, sport, media, language, music and even geography and architecture. It would make sense. Especially with an intact Northern Ireland now part of a new United Irish state within the EU and heavily hosting a long term NATO presence, as would Northern France.
The films could have happened as they have done since, but the NATO crew could have been a mix of Irish and Continental soldiers, lead by a once British (now Irish) officer. It would bring in the ideas of identity, nation hood and legacy etc. Imagine soldiers stuck in Britain or even being in the third installment and they are second generation british diaspora or british born now living in ireland setting foot on their homeland for the first time in 28 years, but need to escape, whilst facing the guilt of having to meet those left behind.
A comfy life in Dublin vs a constant battle for survival for some left stuck in pre industrial Britain.
They briefly mentioned the french outbreak and a militarised sea wall on the north coast of france but they could have done so much more.
Also ireland being intact and thriving, further would impose this feeling of total isolation on Britain. Surrounded by a normal world on all sides but unable to access any of it.
See the image for example