1. hery

   10

   An intriguing premise and a rich period setting that is not fawned over in place of a real and compelling script. Mcfayden and the cast are well placed in this engrossing series.… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 0 users said Yes.
2. JennetP

   10

   We Americans love the BBC's historical dramas, and we love their detective shows, and "Ripper Street" gives us BOTH! Plus Matthew Macfayden, master of the ethical giant with zero sanctimony (Prior Phillip in "Pillars of the Earth," e.g.), brooding brawler Jerome Flynn, currently tearing up "Game of Thrones," and sexy American Adam Rothenberg, new to me but already a favorite. The women seem a bit less compelling, though Lucy Cohu, who has a recurring role as the governess of a Jewish orphanage, is wonderful, clear-eyed about the evil world she inhabits but profoundly loving, saved from cynicism by a single tenet of the religion she has lost: save one, save the world. The show's premise, that the shadow of the Ripper falls on every subsequent case, is an interesting one; as a resident of Ted Bundyland, I think it's about time a series had something intelligent to say about the western fascination with serial killers, rather than just pandering to it (Kevin Bacon, are you listening?). The show's writing and direction are unusually muscular, without sacrificing complexity, but I have to give top honors to the set designers, who convey a profound sense of the squalor of 19th-century Whitechapel. Not since "The Libertine," has anyone done dirt so well. Frankly, I'm a little surprised at the muted applause here; I think the series deserves an ovation.… Collapse

   • Helpful? 0 of 0 users said Yes.
3. podaddy

   8

   Well acted, well written period piece police drama. Better than average, but certainly not on a par with the likes of Sherlock. With Ripper Street, Luther, The Hour and Sherlock, BBC America is perhaps second only to AMC for putting out quality shows.… Expand

   • Helpful? 0 of 0 users said Yes.
4. adilwarraich

   7

   nice direction and production. there is blood but no suspense or mystery there. cast is good but dont compare it with sherlock... yes there is fun watching it but you wont stick to it longer.… Expand

   • Helpful? 3 of 3 users said Yes.

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