Whitechapel - Crimini dal passato

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? :)

For some reason, it seems older than it is. As if it were done in the late 90s or early 2000s instead of later. Lots of good stories and characters and side stories, but the thing that cost it a star for me was the fancy schmancy camera work that almost gives me an epilepsy attack. It's all whishy when there's no need for it other than someone with a new toy. I like that the cops are real and we get to know some of them on a more complex level.

The seasons are short - 3 episodes - so don't get too comfortable. This is a good binge program.

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.

Whitechapel on paper seemed as an interesting idea to work from, and in reality it was like that exactly. Some of the character development may come across as rather hackneyed at some points, but what made Whitechapel work especially for me was its atmosphere. The atmosphere is resolutely creepy and gripping, and this is helped by some top notch production values and haunting music.

The writing is thoughtful and well written and the story lines are always compelling and well paced with some genuinely shocking scenes to boot. The direction is taut, and the acting is another high point of Whitechapel, Rupert Penry-Jones is spot on, a more cold and cynical Phil Davis is perfectly cast and Steve Pemberton steals every time he's in with a performance that is both creepy and sympathetic at the same time.

Overall, a gripping and quite excellent series. 9/10 Bethany Cox

I really enjoyed this series, including the OCD inspector. It was interesting to see a rehash of the famous historical Whitechapel murders. I had read about most of them. 30 years ago, so it was, I admit, fascinating to see them cast in a new light, today.