Ripper Street

Really enjoying this immensely. A crime drama and a history lesson all in one. It's also gritty ie: drug use and prostitution, a bit of swearing et cetera. The main cast characters are very likability which makes the difference for me.

I was surprised by this new TV series, as I haven't been used to the BBC producing a well thought out, piece of drama for quite a few years.

One review that I saw in a national newspaper said, 'Yawn, Yawn' it's all been done before. I am glad I read that after I saw it. If it has been done before, then I haven't seen it.

The acting was really good, and although the subject matter and gore was about as far as you would want to go on TV, I would sooner have it this way, than toned down to suit the more prudish element amongst us.

As this was the first outing, normally you get the feeling that the actors are finding their feet with their new characters. I didn't feel that with this episode, they all looked comfortable in their roles and the show was much the better for it.

I am looking forward to episode 2, to see if they (BBC) can keep up the good work.

I watch little TV and even less pot-boiler dramas, but Ripper Street drew me in from the start. The dialogue is so beautifully written, and delivered that it underlines the differentiation of the age that the program is set, and the age that we now inhabit. So clever is it though that it is always transparently clear.

In this way the show reminds me somewhat of the recent Spartacus series.

The fact that there is light and shade in every character, and there are no absolute heroes or villains really does demonstrate the ambivalence of the times.

It is a cartoon, for sure rather than a factual historical program, but it does tell a lot of the early days of the police force in London.

I am yet to be disappointed by a single episode. Bravo BBC !

In my opinion, the British mystery/drama "Ripper Street" leaves the US "Copper" for dead. To all who have based their reviews on a single viewing, please give this show another chance. The acting and writing are brilliant and the characters are well-developed. Each episode leaves you wanting more. I particularly like the forensic scenes. Very interesting to see how far the science had developed during this period in British history. The stories are also well-paced, combining a good balance of action, drama and mystery. Don't give up on "Ripper Street" just yet because you just might be surprised by this British take on a "whodunnit?"

Ripper Street is a triumph on many levels. The acting is superb, the mysteries are riveting, and the narrative from week to week makes you more immersed and vested in the characters. The concept allows us to see how detectives solved crimes way before CSI, DNA, and forensics. But here's the real appeal of the show: There are many strong characters (police, prostitutes, girlfriends, mistresses, wives, criminals), each of whom have very differing motivations and aspirations, that constantly collide with each other. Their secrets, their intentions, and their loyalties add a fantastic backdrop to the "mystery of the week" making for one compelling drama. Bravo!