Whitechapel

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 don't know why this show gets so much hate, but there's no way it's because of the actors. It's been a long time since I've watched anything of this standard. Sure, the show no doubt has its flaws, as all shows do. I've seen people complain about historical inaccuracies, and they're probably right. That doesn't spoil anything for me, though. I didn't expect a documentary. I loved the way the characters' relationships were portrayed, and they were all believable and heartwarming. I loved that British sense of humour from the very first episode and all through the series. I absolutely adored DI Chandler - he is, hands down, the most relatable character I have ever seen on TV. I don't suffer from OCD (I periodically have a very mild form of it), but I am autistic, and even though he isn't necessarily supposed to be, I see so many of my own traits in him. He is the sweetest and most adorable, socially awkward character I have ever seen, and Rupert Penry-Jones did an excellent job of portraying him. His issues are realistic, and I loved how Miles supported him instead of ridiculing him or just telling him to get help. I loved everything about this show, and the only thing I missed was a fifth season, because the fourth left a few things hanging.

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? :)

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.