Whitechapel

I have to disagree with the reviewer who said this was ITV at it's worst. I found the characters to be enjoyable, if somewhat predictable. I rather wish this was a prelude to a series as I would enjoy seeing the team after they had come together finally in the end. If this had been a longer series, say 6 episodes it would have been even better. They could done a lot more character development. I do admit that the last episode felt a bit rushed (which is the reason for my previous statement). Bring on more Rupert.... This was a different kind of character from his role in Spooks. A bit of stretching is always good for an actor :) how about someone from the working class next eh? :)

Amazing TV series! I remember watching it 7 years ago and to this day, I wish it wasn't axed by ITV! The cliff hanger they left us on at the end of Season 4 was criminal. I still hope another streaming channel (preferably Netflix) picks it up and continues it, has so much potential!

Would've been 10/10 had it not been axed on such a cliff hanger!

I have watched the entire series, all 4 at least three times... This show really started out well, with a copycat Jack The Ripper storyline... Series 2 and 3 were also really good. This series really exemplifies what a gritty, thought provoking UK series is... it exemplifies what a series should be even in the States...

The only issue I have is that series 4 goes more paranormal than the previous 3 series... I believe that is what killed the show. I think if the writers stayed the course with investigating murders, and linking them to historical crimes... the show would still be on.

I will sadly miss seeing new episodes, and will have to watch only the 4 series that are available...

Great show!

I was fortunate to pick up this program on my "free on-demand" cable program. I found it gritty and so different from the usual police drama with a cookie cutter plot.

Beginning with a Jack the Ripper copycat was a stroke of genius. The twists and turns kept me interested and involved in the drama. Two issues were going on: The new, obsessive-compulsive boss takes over and the detectives don't like it one bit. Plus the killings keep them on their feet and the focus is on thinking their way through the crime book of Jack the Ripper. Wonderful drama! I also like the character of the "ripperologist" who helps them out. I love the quirky personalities of the people involved and how they have to work together to find the real killer. Also a big surprise.

The second part about the Krays was a bit less interesting. I mean, how can you follow up after Jack the Ripper? But the drama was still there. I see that there will be another season in 2012. I sincerely hope they keep up the good work of tying in the historical element.

They could even have a copycat Henry the VIII! That would be very cool indeed.

Most police dramas follow the same formulas, and rely on good acting, solid writing, crisp direction -- if they work, which most don't. Whitechapel breaks the mold. It is possibly the most imaginative police drama ever made, combining odd procedural elements with fantasy, relying on history and facts, creating characters unlike any others in similar shows, and basically inventing a world that is both believable and extraordinary. On top of that, the acting is superb, especially the wonderfully named Rupert Penry-Jones, but all the others are excellent too. So sad it only lasted four seasons. A police show like no other.