Ep 8. Better Times Are Coming

In Copper season 1 episode 8 titled "Better Times Are Coming," the streets of Five Points are in turmoil as the Civil War wages on. Detective Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones) continues his investigation into the murder of young Annie Reilly, and he is determined to bring justice to her family. Meanwhile, wealthy socialite Elizabeth Haverford (Anastasia Griffith) deals with the fallout of her secret relationship with Corcoran and her husband’s political aspirations.

As Corcoran digs deeper into Annie's murder, he discovers a ruthless gang that preys on the vulnerable and uses them for their own gain. The investigation takes a personal turn for Corcoran as he becomes more invested in the case and seeks to avenge the innocent victim. In the midst of all this, he is still dealing with the personal loss of his wife and daughter, and trying to reconcile his own grief with his duty as a detective.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, finds herself grappling with the consequences of her affair with Corcoran. Her husband, Robert (Kyle Schmid), is running for office and she fears that her secret will be exposed, which could ruin his political ambitions. She seeks solace in the company of Eva (Franka Potente), a former courtesan-turned-madam who owns a popular brothel in Five Points. As the two women bond over their shared struggles, Elizabeth starts to question the life she has always known and the choices she has made.

The episode also delves into the theme of social class and power dynamics as Robert and his fellow politicians try to maintain their grip on the city while ignoring the plight of the poor and disenfranchised. Irish immigrant sisters, Molly (Tessa Thompson) and Megan (Alex Paxton-Beesley), struggle to make ends meet as they try to keep their family together. They are forced to make difficult choices that could have far-reaching consequences for their future.

Overall, "Better Times Are Coming" is a compelling episode that expertly weaves together multiple storylines to create a nuanced portrait of a rapidly changing society. With its strong performances, intricate plot, and high emotional stakes, it showcases why Copper is one of the best period dramas on television.