Watch Ripper Street

Ripper Street is a British drama series set in the late 19th century in the East End of London, a few months after the infamous Jack the Ripper murders. The show follows Detective Inspector Edmund Reid (Matthew Macfadyen) who, along with Detective Sergeant Bennet Drake (Jerome Flynn) and American surgeon Captain Homer Jackson (Adam Rothenberg), attempts to solve the variety of crimes that plague the streets of Whitechapel.

At the start of the series, Reid is haunted by his inability to catch Jack the Ripper and is struggling to keep the peace in the Ripper's aftermath. Reid is a principled policeman who believes in justice and often clashes with his superiors who are more concerned with politics and their own careers. Drake, on the other hand, is a former soldier who is more willing to use force to get results. Jackson is a charming and witty surgeon who helps the two detectives with his medical expertise and unconventional approach to problem-solving.

The show brilliantly recreates an accurate historical setting with its detailed sets, costumes, and props. The grimy and poverty-stricken streets of Whitechapel are brought to life through an exquisite attention to detail. The series explores the social and political issues of the time such as poverty, prostitution, corruption, and morality. Each episode showcases an intriguing mystery, often involving historical figures and events, which will keep the viewers on the edge of their seats.

The three main characters are the heart of the show and each brings something unique to the table. Macfadyen's portrayal of Reid is nuanced and empathetic, making the character easy to root for. Flynn's Drake is a tough and brooding figure who is sometimes at odds with Reid, making for interesting conflicts. Rothenberg's Jackson is a lovable rogue who provides much of the show's humour and charm.

Apart from the main trio, the series features a variety of supporting characters, including villains that are just as captivating as the main characters. From a duplicitous brothel madam to a mysterious Pinkerton detective, each character has their own story and motivations that add depth to the show's world.

One of the standout elements of Ripper Street is its cinematography. The series employs a distinctive visual style that makes use of striking colours and contrasts to enhance its period setting. The lighting and camera work are particularly impressive, with the show making great use of the natural light of the East End, as well as artificial lighting to create mood and atmosphere.

The show also benefits from its impressive attention to historical detail. The series features many real-life historical figures, including Joseph Merrick (aka the Elephant Man), writer Oscar Wilde, and Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone. The show’s writers also take pains to recreate the period-accurate dialogue and the idiosyncratic language of the time, lending a great deal of authenticity to the characters and their interactions.

Overall, Ripper Street is an engrossing and atmospheric crime drama that offers a compelling take on Victorian London. With great writing, acting and visuals combined with its historical accuracy, the show is a must-watch for fans of crime drama and period pieces.

Ripper Street is a series that ran for 5 seasons (37 episodes) between December 30, 2012 and on BBC America