Blu-ray Review: 'Ripper Street: Season Two'

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: 'Ripper Street: Season Two' on Blogcritics.

It is 1890, East London, England. The Victorian era is coming to an end as the residents, fighting recession, unevenly stumble towards the modern age. England’s role in the world is falling and its government is failing. Jack the Ripper is long gone, but that doesn’t mean the Whitechapel district is safe. Detective Inspector Edmund Reid (Matthew Macfadyen, Frost/Nixon), Detective Sergeant Bennet Drake (Jerome Flynn, Game of Thrones), and Captain Homer Jackson (Adam Rothenberg, The Ex List) are the first line of defense for those who would be victims as Ripper Street releases its second season on Blu-ray and DVD.

Season Two brings all new problems to the Metropolitan Police’s H Division. An all-female gang wants revenge on those that would keep them down. A mad scientist looks for freaks in a circus for his eugenics experience. Corruption infuses the force, especially in the form of Detective Inspector Jedediah Shine (Joseph Mawle, The Tunnel), head of K Division, which is dealing with a rapidly-expanding Chinatown. Bombers escape and cults emerge. It’s not a pretty picture, to be sure, and the eight episodes that make up this run are chock full of interesting cases and dangerous challenges.

This is set against an historical backdrop, with real events playing a part in the stories. I don’t know if its entirely realistic that everything covered in Ripper Street makes it down to such a personal level, but it adds a layer of complexity that the War of Currents, matchgirls strike, Baring crisis, Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Elephant Man (Joseph Drake, Doctors), and other bits crop up over the season. It helps to define when and where the show takes place, and maybe teaches some viewers a little bit in the process.

The prostitutes of Long Susan’s (MyAnna Buring, Downton Abbey) are back, too. One, Bella (Gillian Saker, Misfits), has married Drake. Another, Rose (Charlene McKenna, Raw) has traded hooking for waitressing, trying to improve her standing. And Long Susan herself is deep in debt to a ruthless man, Silas Duggan (Frank Harper, This is England). So the whore house is undergoing a bit of a shakeup.

Thankfully, Ripper Street is not a simple formulaic case-of-the-week, with all of the above plus aspects of the detectives’ lives that aren’t completely concerned with work explored, too. Reid’s wife, Emily (Amanda Hale, The Crimson Petal and the White), has left him after the events of last year, and there are plenty of lingering emotional threads to be tugged on.  Reid is the leading man of the piece, and this part of him lends layers to his role as he goes through being accused of crimes and trying to stay out of the muck.

Visually, Ripper Street is quite interesting, so I do recommend viewing it in HD. The color palette may not be wholly realistic, but that’s a purposeful artistic choice, rather than a flaw, and it’s rich enough to warrant going to a high quality. In particular, deep blacks and reds are used very effectively, and to best see in the shadows, one will want Blu-ray. Though, admittedly, the tone and setting is not nearly as dark as in season one, so not every scene has that gloomy imagery. The audio takes a serious step up, going from stereo to full 5.1 in the second season, with dialogue, sound effects, and a neat score blending appropriately. Busy city street scenes are excellent in surround, crisp, clear, and layered.

While the first season had a number of extras, Ripper Street: Season Two has only one. It’s a disappointingly short behind-the-scenes full of spoilers you’ll only want to watch after having seen the episodes in the set. It’s more sound-bites than revealing discussions, so I can’t say there is much to be gotten from it.

Still, the series is engrossing and enjoyable. Although canceled by BBC America, it will get a third outing soon through Amazon, so it’s not in immediate danger of going away. As such, I can say it will not be a waste of time to check out Ripper Street: Season Two, available now.

Ripper Street slashes its way onto Blu-ray

Article first published as Ripper Street slashes its way onto Blu-ray on TheTVKing.

Setting aside my annoyance that BBC America is now spending money on original programming instead of bringing us more than a handful of British shows at a time, and that annoyance is great, their new series, Ripper Street, sort of an old-timey CSI, now out on Blu-ray and DVD, is pretty good. 

Ripper Street is the second such effort the network has made, following closely on the heels of Copper. On the surface, both shows seem pretty similar. They both follow cops more than a century ago, breaking rules because their moral codes are different than our modern ones, and dipping their toes into the early days of forensic science. And they have wonderful looking period costumes and sets.

But Ripper Street is a little different. It isn't as concerned with class separations, and it ventures into more risque territory, with porn being a topic of the very first episode, and tossing in a bit of nudity. Ripper Street is also more structured, with the cops working out of an office, making it look a little more like our current idea of a police drama.

Thankfully, there is more to the series than just a case-of-the-week format. There are longer arcs that take awhile to play out. There are character-driven stories the provide opportunity for the cast to show off their talents. And the whole thing feels slightly steeped in history, given the connection of the story to Jack the Ripper.

Matthew Macfadyen (MI-5, Frost/Nixon) is the lead, Detective Inspector Edmund Reid, who investigated Jack's killing spree, but was unable to bring the perpetrator to justice. Because of this, he has been mentally scarred, which is outwardly reflected by physical wounds, most notably on his shoulder. His daughter is dead, a mystery that slowly plays out, and it's left him on ill terms with his wife, Emily (Amanda Hale, The Crimson Petal and the White), who is throwing herself into helping others as an attempt to help herself.

Macfadyen does well enough in the role, which isn't particularly interesting, mostly due to the fact that his character is like so many others already in television. It really takes him time to try to distinguish the part from other anti-hero cops and come into his own. Yet, there's something about Macfadyen that is inherently engaging, with an especially expressive face, and despite the shortcomings of Reid on paper, the actor makes it work.

Reid is joined on the job by Detective Sergeant Bennet Drake (Jerome Flynn, Game of Thrones), a bad man looking for redemption who has chosen Reid as his role model. Drake has a soft side, and is trying not to use his fists so much on the job. Like Macfadyen, Flynn has talent, and manages to make Drake more interesting than a lesser performer would be able to.

Of course, every good guy needs a bad seed to work against and so Ripper Street provides us Long Susan (MyAnna Buring, White Heat) and Homer Jackson (Adam Rothberg, The Ex List), who have fled from the United States to Britain. A bickering pair, they also manage to be somewhat likeable, even if they frequently don't do the right thing. As Ripper Street begins, Susan runs a whorehouse, where Jackson also stays. Jackson gets chummy with Reid, hoping a friendship will keep the law off of their backs. This works because Jackson has a great mind for science, and so his help is quite beneficial to Reid.

Lest the cast seem too male-dominated, we also have Rose Erskine (Charlene McKenna, Raw), a prostitute working for Long Susan whom Jackson has an interest in, much to Susan's chagrin, since Rose is one of her top earners.

Can Reid figure out who killed his daughter? Will the real Jack the Ripper be caught? Can Rose leave the life of sleeping with men for money? Is Jackson a bad man? These are questions that span the entire eight episode season, and some may or may not be answered by the finale, which is built up to nicely.

Given that this two disc Blu-ray only contains eight installments, there are quite a few bonus features. There are character profiles, "inside looks," a tour of the neighborhood of White Chapel, where the story takes place, and a look back at the Jack the Ripper case using modern forensics. These are all appropriate, and nicely compliment the series.

I do recommend checking out the show in high definition Blu-ray if you can. The level of detail is amazing, with much care going into the production value. There are a lot of dark scenes, and this release captures the shadows and depths that the picture should have. The sound track isn't particularly groundbreaking, but the mix is well done, blending background music with sound effects. The dialogue comes through clearly, too. 

Ripper Street is available now.

Downton Abbey celebrates romantic Christmas

Article first published as Downton Abbey celebrates romantic Christmas on TheTVKing.

Grade: 94%

PBS completed its airing of Downton Abbey's third series this week with the hour-and-a-half Christmas special. While much of the drama does usually revolve around romance, this installment kicks it up a notch, and for awhile, it seems like everyone is coupling up. Which is a sweet note to end the year on, even if they all won't work out.

Robert (Hugh Bonneville) Crawley, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), and their closest relations are invited to Duneagle Castle, the home of Violet's (Maggie Smith) niece, Susan (Phoebe Nicholls, Brideshead Revisited). Unfortunately, during their stay, it becomes increasingly obvious that Susan and her husband, Shrimpie (Peter Egan, Death at a Funeral), don't get along in the slightest. This leads to Robert appreciating Cora more than ever.

Robert and Cora's marriage isn't always smooth sailing. We've seen some up and downs, especially when losing a child. However, they always manage to work things out, and there is real, tangible love between them. We see this in their occasional quiet moments alone. Contrasted with such a terrible pair, it's nice to know that our protagonists recognize that they have something special, and remind each other of it.

Susan and Shrimpie make the wise decision to try to spend some time apart by the end of the episode, but they do have a problem: what to do with their daughter Rose (Lily James, Secret Diary of a Call Girl). Why, send her to Downton, of course!

I'm not sure yet if I like Rose, but she will certainly add some conflict to the upcoming fourth season, in which she has been promoted to main character. She will surely clash with the more traditional members of the household, and test the family's patience as she acts out even more than their own daughters have. It should be scandalous, if nothing else. As long as she doesn't bring ruin on the family, she will likely be more fun than annoying. Maybe even get some of the others to lighten up.

Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle) don't have much story in this Christmas special, but it's satisfying just to see them enjoying one another's company. After the far-too-drawn-out arc that lands Mr. Bates in prison, getting to witness them spending time together will bring a smile to many a face, and that is all we need from this couple for now. They deserve some peace.

Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) is denied her own peace when her editor, Michael Gregson (Charles Edwards) follows her to Scotland. Physically, he looks a lot like Edith's previous suitor, though younger and healthier. Sadly, he comes with his own baggage that makes it impossible for them to be together. Edith definitely has a type. The family would like to warn Michael off, but Edith, as usual, will have none of their meddling, preferring to settle her own matters of the heart.

I do feel bad for poor Edith. After everything she has been through, she just can't find an easy path to love. There is much to admire about her, and she has firmly established herself as a character that should be well liked and respected. If she wants Michael, she'll get him. But let's hope that his wife, locked away for the past several years in an asylum, dies first, providing a convenient resolution to their issue so that she can finally be happy.

This isn't about any couple of characters, like the other paragraphs in the review are, but it is highly amusing to see Mrs. O'Brien (Siobhan Finneran) tussle and come out ahead against her Scottish counterpart, Wilkins (Simone Lahbib). O'Brien may be the least pleasant member of the cast, but at least she's one of ours, and Wilkins proves to be even more grumpy. Plus, their little battle of wits leads to a drunken dancing Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle), which is a sight we definitely needed to see.

Back at Downton, Tom (Allen Leech) is left to mind the house by himself, making him easy prey for the new maid, Edna (MyAnna Buring, Ripper Street). This does shine a light on the fact that Tom is lonely, and deserves a little happiness. Maybe that will be in the cards for him next year.

For now, though, Edna is acting highly in appropriate, and I am glad to see her promptly fired. No matter what Tom's background is, he's a gentleman now, part of the upper crust. It's one thing for him to dine with his former co-workers in the basement. It's quite another for him to take up with one of them in his in-laws' house. Maybe Tom's next romance will be from the lower class, but it cannot come among the staff at this particular place. It would be a slap in the face to Robert, and Tom would wind up being a driver again.

While most of the Crawleys are away, the staff decides to take a little break, much to Carson's (Jim Carter) dismay. Carson is entirely too stuffy for his own good, and like Robert, he needs to modernize a bit. However, we do get to see a softer side of him as he bonds with baby Sybil, a welcome glimpse of the soft heart we all know he tries to hide so well.

Isobel (Penelope Wilton) spends some time with Dr. Clarkson (David Robb) in this episode, who would like to begin something serious with the widow. It's disappointing that Isobel isn't interested, because it would be nice to see her with a man for a change, but at the same time, one has to admire the way she gently cuts Clarkson off at the pass, anticipating his intentions, and giving him a way to save face. She is a remarkable woman, and any guy would be lucky to have her.

Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol) is invited to a local fair by a new vendor, someone who offers her a date, followed closely by a proposal. But Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan) notices that this new beau has a wandering eye and a flirty hand. She warns Mrs. Patmore, who is relieved at not having to make a choice about being a wife.

Mrs. Patmore is one of the most enjoyable, fun characters on Downton Abbey. It's nice to see her get some positive attention from a man, even if it's just for her cooking. But I also adore the friendship she has with Mrs. Hughes, and this plot is as much about the two women as it is a chance for love. In this, it's a wonderful side trip that I hope to see more of.

Jimmy (Ed Speleers) also runs into trouble at the fair when he gets drunk and is mugged. Thomas (Rob James-Collier) comes to his rescue, taking the beating himself, and allowing Jimmy to escape. It's what Jimmy finally needs to put the past unfortunate incident with Thomas aside, and even form a friendship. I will be very interested to see where this might take the two characters next year.

Thomas has long been a thorn in the side of Downton Abbey, an unlikeable jerk who should have been kicked out long ago. Yet, when his homosexuality is exposed, his pain and suffering laid bare for us to see, the family and staff alike close ranks to protect him. I think this causes a fundamental shift in Thomas, knowing he is valued and cared for, no matter what he is, for the first time. I like this nicer Thomas, and hope his villainous days are behind him.

Lastly, we get to Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery), who goes into labor a little early after her journey. The family rushes home to be by her side after she has her baby, and it's a beautiful boy, finally providing the next in line to inherit Downton Abbey, extending the line of successions. For a moment, we see Mary, Matthew (Dan Stevens), and the unnamed infant together, a perfect picture of a happy family.

And then Matthew is tragically killed in an automobile accident. This is a necessary twist, given Stevens' selfish desire to quit the series that has made him famous. But it's unwelcome, both to the story, and to the fans, many of whom are as invested in events as the characters. We already are still reeling from Sybil's passing. It's not fair to introduce another child who will be raised by a single parent. It took so long for Matthew and Mary to get to this place, it's highly disappointing to see them ripped apart now.

Knowing ahead of time what would come, I expected Matthew to die before he could make it to the hospital to see his son, but am relieved the he didn't. At least he dies happy, and we have that image of him with wife and baby. But it still sucks as a story, and the only blame that can really be laid is upon the actor himself, as it is his decision to go.

This is a lengthy review, just touching on so many characters, and leaving some of the main ones out. Downton Abbey has a fantastic large ensemble, and I cannot wait to see more of the same quality storytelling they have delivered these past three years. I have no complaints about the installment (save Matthew's death), just an appreciation for a job well done.

Downton Abbey will return for a fourth series.

Take a walk down Ripper Street

Article first posted as Ripper Street Series Premiere Review on Seat42F

Grade: 88%

BBC America continues to make original series, a fact that may irk those of us wishing they would carry more actual British programming, since they have so few shows delivering fresh episodes on a regular basis. The sad problem is, though, and this divides my opinion, they make good shows. First there was Copper, and now, beginning this week, is RIPPER STREET.

RIPPER STREET has a lot of similarities to Copper. Half of the main characters are policemen. The tale takes place long ago, at the end of the nineteenth century in this latest effort. There are prostitutes. The characters don’t have the luxury of sticking to peaceful moral codes, having to break the rules in the name of their duties. Both look at the early days of forensic science, using new techniques to solve crimes.

Also, like Copper, the sets and costumes are look terrific.

There are differences, too, of course. Copper is set a little bit later, in America. RIPPER STREET is less gritty, mostly staying away from the lowest class of citizen, unlike the class-divided Copper. There is quite a bit of nudity, at least in the screener I had access to. There’s porn, too, in its earliest incarnation, making RIPPER STREET more risque than Copper. The cops actually work in an office, rather than just roaming the streets.

RIPPER STREET stars Matthew Macfadyen (MI-5, Frost/Nixon) as Detective Inspector Edmund Reid, a detective who worked the murders of Jack the Ripper, and eventually gave up the hunt for the serial killer. Like many heroes on television today, he is wounded both physically and mentally. He suffered a terrible tragedy we know nothing about, which has made things very uncomfortable with his now-distant wife, Emily (Amanda Hale, The Crimson Petal and the White). He also has some extensive scarring on his shoulder.

It’s too bad that Reid seems so familiar. He is interesting enough, I guess, but he also comes across as the same as many other characters. He isn’t fresh or original enough to really stand out on his own.

The saving grace is Macfadyen. Even with a rather trite character, he performs the part well enough to keep viewers engaged. He does a fine job balancing the line between nobility and doing what he needs to do, even when that goes against orders. His face is more expressive than most of his peers, and he’s a large part of why RIPPER STREET works.

His partner is Detective Sergeant Bennet Drake (Jerome Flynn, Game of Thrones, Soldier Soldier). Drake is the typical bad egg who has clung onto a good guy, and hopes to remake himself in his mentor’s image. Reid doesn’t treat Drake poorly, but Drake seems to feel a bit bad about using his fists so much, rather than his brain, and aspires to be like Reid. Again, it’s the actor who raises this character over the expectations, since his back story isn’t particularly unique.

Drake’s counter part is Rose Erskine (Charlene McKenna, Raw). Plenty of programs like RIPPER STREET, which are crime-based, wouldn’t take the time to balance out the cast between the genders. Rose is the answer to that, a prostitute that would like to raise her station in life. Unlike some similar characters in other shows, I believe that she can do it, given opportunity.

Then there are the true scoundrels. Captain Homer Jackson (Adam Rothenberg, The Ex List) and Long Susan (MyAnna Buring, White Heat, Twilight) are on the run from whatever got them into trouble across the pond in the U.S. Susan runs the whore house where Rose works, while Homer befriends Reid, perhaps to protect himself, as much as because he might like the man. Interestingly, Homer is the scientist of the group, making him invaluable to his police friend.

Homer and Susan fight amongst each other as much as they fight others. They are people of deep passions and stubborn attitudes. They will create much of the conflict that should drive RIPPER STREET going forward, and straddle the line between likable and not enough that their actions can be unpredictable at times.

This will definitely be a show that solves cases, but they’ve also set up enough with the various characters to provide plenty of larger arcs and human-driven scenes. It may look like an old-timey CSI, complete with make-shift case boards, but there’s also something a bit more intelligent going on, too.

Plus, tying things to the Jack the Ripper case lend it that bit of history and legend that should draw in an audience, at least to sample the series.

In summary, the premise is slightly dull and done-before, however, the individual elements, each of which is well handled, combine to raise it above what it should be. I’m not saying that it’s my favorite new show, by any means, but it’s certainly one worth tuning into on a regular basis.

RIPPER STREET premieres Saturday at 9 p.m. ET on BBC America.

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