RIPPER STREET: BBC To Update The Ripper Legacy With 8-Part Detective Series

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Can the BBC repeat their Sherlock success with Ripper Street?

The Beeb has announced a new 8-part detective drama series called Ripper Street, which, as you will have gathered from the title, is based on the Jack the Ripper legacy. Here’s the official description:

Ripper Street is an extraordinary new drama set in the East End of London in 1889, during the aftermath of the “Ripper” murders. The action centres around the notorious H Division – the police precinct from hell – which is charged with keeping order in the chaotic streets of Whitechapel.

Ripper Street explores the lives of characters trying to recover from the Ripper’s legacy, from crimes that have not only irretrievably altered their lives, but the very fabric of their city. At the drama’s heart our detectives try to bring a little light into the dark world they inhabit.

Some quotables..

Danny Cohen, Controller, BBC One:

“Ripper Street is a gripping new drama for BBC One. Set against the backdrop of a fevered historical London, I believe it has the quality and intensity to be a hit with BBC One viewers.”

Greg Brenman, Head of Drama:

“We are so excited about Ripper Street and believe that Richard Warlow is creating a period show that respects its moment in history whilst also achieving a thoroughly modern, entertaining and visceral piece of entertainment.”

Simon Vaughn:

“The Ripper case was the first ever mass-media man hunt and is known literally all over the world. We are producing a British drama with global ambitions and we are already having conversations with a number of US and international broadcasters who recognise the in built branding of the title.”

Sherlock is a natural comparison to make, particularly with “global ambitions” behind the project. That being said, Ripper Street will be judged on its own merits and it wont be easy to replicate the impact that Sherlock had (and continues to have).

Story and casting will be important, but if they can nail that side of things and provide an imaginative update then RS might be worth keeping an eye on. From the description above, it appears to be character-focused (though not necessarily on the Ripper), while the story will have more episodes than Sherlock to play with. Interesting. Production begins early-2012.

We’ll keep you posted on any interesting developments concerning Ripper Street.

Source: BBC

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