  Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are traditionally classified as either short GRBs
with durations $\lesssim 2$ s that are powered by compact object mergers, or
long GRBs with durations $\gtrsim 2$ s that powered by the deaths of massive
stars. Recent results, however, have challenged this dichotomy and suggest that
there exists a population of merger-driven long bursts. One such example, GRB
191019A, has a $t_{90} \approx 64$ s but many of its other properties --
including its host galaxy, afterglow luminosity and lack of associated
supernova -- are more consistent with a short GRB. Here we propose an
alternative interpretation: that GRB 191019A (which is located in the nucleus
of its host) is an atypical jetted tidal disruption event (TDE). In particular,
we suggest the short timescale and rapid decline, not expected for standard
TDEs, are the result of an "ultra-deep" encounter, in which the star came well
within the tidal radius of the black hole and promptly self-intersected,
circularised, accreted, and launched a relativistic outflow. This model
reproduces the timescale and luminosity through a prompt super-Eddington
accretion phase and accounts for the lack of late optical emission. This would
make GRB 191019A only the fifth jetted TDE and the first discovered ultra-deep
TDE. The ultra-deep TDE model can be distinguished from merger-driven long GRBs
via the soft X-ray flash that results from prompt self-intersection of the
debris stream; the detection of this flash will be possible with wide-field and
soft-X-ray satellites such as $\textit{Einstein Probe}$ or $\textit{SVOM}$.
