Burke Devlin’s Name - I can’t believe I missed that

[McTrooper]

Burke Devlin

I don’t know how I missed that Burke is supposed to be the bad guy and his last name is Devlin, which almost sounds like Devil. 

Wow.  That makes me feel a little silly that I didn’t make the connection. 

Anyone have a similar revelation?

[Uncle Roger]

It's also the name of the Rock Hudson character in the 1950's movie The Tarnished Angels. The movie is based on Pylon by William Faulkner.

[Bob_the_Bartender]

Well, the name “Devlin” in Gaelic is a boy’s name meaning, “fierce courage.” I can think of no better surname for DS’ own alpha-male, Mr. Burke Devlin.

Of course, Irish activist/politician Bernadette Devlin McAliskey is very feisty herself, and has displayed “fierce courage” over the past fifty years or so.

Maybe Burke and Bernadette are/were cousins with roots in Belfast or Londonderry, Northern Ireland?

Erin go bragh! 

Bob

[McTrooper]

Both of those theories sound more likely. 

I bet my idea was more of a coincidence, still glad I posted though because of the great insight you both shared.  ^_^

[Philippe Cordier]

I had never given any thought to the name "Devlin," though I don't think it's a name I had previously heard of. Most interesting to learn about the Irish meaning and origin of the name. As I recall, Burke Devlin first appears in Art Wallace's story bible for the series, much like the character developed on the show.