BBC America has been offering some of the most gripping crime drama on TV this fall. The just-completed "Luther" mini-series was not only a showcase for protean actor Idris Elba, but a tautly written, marvelous directed and acted drama.
Coming on the heels of that brilliant series is "Whitechapel", a new drama which is the newest installation in a genre BBC called "Dramaville." Since British TV series are customarily shorter than those in the US, and due to the somewhat looser censorship restrictions, BBC America is shaping up as a worthy option for viewers who favor the grit and quality often found on cable television.
Where "Luther" is more of a star vehicle for Elba's renegade detective, "Whitechapel" is more of an ensemble work, as lead Rupert Penry-Jones is a handsome bloke but a more by-the-book sort of manager. He happens to play off colleague Phil Davis well, and their strained relationship is at the core of the story behind "Whitechapel."
The series benefits immensely from its site-specific East London locale, an evocative, historic, and relatively remote setting. In this season, the central story involves a Jack the Ripper copycat serial killer, using the same location as his infamous forebear to stage his murders. The show does not shy away from graphic violence, but is as of yet not as unsettling as the slightly similar "Dexter" on Showtime.
I'm not sure where "Whitechapel" is headed other than that I am confident the remainder of the season will offer similar thrills as this week's premiere episode. Those hungry for yet another crime drama but one with a British accent and ripping good writing are advised to tune in.
No comments:
Post a Comment