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The Legacy Of Jack: This BBC Period Piece Explores The Aftermath Of The Ripper's Reign
History's enduring fascination with the gruesome crimes of Jack The Ripper continues unabated with yet another example of popular fiction being inspired by the legendary murderer. Truthfully, I have read enough books, seen enough television, and watched enough movies that cast Jack The Ripper into a central role that I feel like he's an old friend--albeit one I wouldn't want to invite home to dinner. So wearily and warily, I sat down to watch the BBC production of "Ripper Street." I watch a LOT on BBC, perhaps too much! Having recently watched both "Whitechapel" (a Jack tale set in present day) and "Copper" (a historical crime drama), I couldn't help seeing "Ripper Street" as somewhat of a stylistic cross between both of these shows. "Ripper Street" is set in London's East End circa 1889 in the ensuing chaos following the notorious murders. The show centers around a precinct called H Division. Six months after Jack's spree, they are still entrusted to keep the peace within the...

A Blast from the Past and a salute to the future. Top Rate Police Procedural set in the 19th Century
If you liked MI-5 you will love Ripper Street. If you like WhiteChapel you will love Ripper Street. If you like Copper, you will love Ripper Street. Are you getting the message yet. This is the best show to hit the Tele for years. Those who miss Luther, Waking the Dead and all the other shows that seem to just disappear, there is hope. There is Ripper Street!!! Can we hope for more than six episodes a year?

Upped my rating from 4 to 5 after seeing amazon version
Initially, my review spoke of the wonderful main stars. I had thus far only seen the BBC America version of the first 3 episodes. Tho, I liked the show very much, I found it confusing at times. But I knew, of course, that I had seen another "americanized" cutting of a BBC show. Just as with MI5, Whitechapel, and more too numerous to name, the British series is even more amazing than I imagined. Sometimes, I wonder why I bother watching the commercial cuts at all. They are no more than a preview of the real thing. Clearly, this is the whole point. To get one to purchase "something you can see for free" you've got to add more. I expect that. But, this may be the worst cutting I have ever seen BBC America do. It's true: you get what you pay for. Buy it. You'll love it. (first review starts here): Matthew Macfadyen back on episodic tv. Well, that took just way too long. It goes without saying he will make whatever the show that much better just by his presence. But, yay...

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