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Whitechapel

Rupert Penry-Jones as DI Joseph Chandler in Whitechapel
  • Posted at 4:40pm
  • 29 January 2009
  • by AlisonGraham-RT
  • 2 comments

I have a very reliable barometer of my own feelings towards TV shows - and this is probably common to professional television reviewers around the globe; if I like something, I can't wait for early delivery of the next instalment on preview DVD.

This is a luxurious way of watching telly, I'm quite aware of that, and I'm similarly aware that I'm very lucky in that I watch everything weeks before everyone else and I don't have to wait a week at a time for my favourites to come around on "proper telly" (unless I wish to, but that's what I call my Real Time Treats, something I'll explain another time, probably when Damages returns shortly).

I've been having a good year so far. Recently I got very excited about the wonderful Unforgiven, which ended on Monday (26 January) with a gripping episode that was as brilliantly written, acted and directed as the previous two episodes. I had to watch all three instalments in one sitting, I had to know how things worked out and I couldn't wait. Yes, childish, but what's a girl to do?

Big applause to Suranne Jones for at last casting aside Coronation Street's Karen McDonald, and the terrible Harley Street last year, to make her mark as a very good actress indeed. Unforgiven was the perfect example of how dramas should be done (everything worked - plot, characters, the lot) and, crucially, it made me care about everyone involved.

My current can't-wait-to-see-the-next-episode treat, or possibly guilty pleasure, I'm not quite sure which, is Whitechapel, which starts on ITV1 on Monday (2 February). In my heart of hearts I know it's nonsense, really I do, but I can't help myself, I love it.

The story doesn't stand up to a second glance, never mind close scrutiny: a killer is murdering women in the 21st century East End of London, mimicking Jack the Ripper right down to the last, gruesome detail.

It's preposterous, but it has the whiff of a good old-fashioned whodunnit, coupled with the dark menace of The Murders in the Rue Morgue. Whitechapel works mainly because it's so well filmed, in yellowy tones that suggest Victorian gothic melodrama.

I don't believe any of it for a moment, least of all winsome Rupert Penry-Jones as a supposed fast-tracked detective inspector who ends up leading the murder inquiry. Unlikely enough, but allowing a so-called "Ripperologist" (a Jack the Ripper nut) to direct the investigation is just silly.

But, all the same, Whitechapel is a good, gory puzzle. And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm about to watch the final episode…

**

Alison Graham is TV editor of Radio Times - read her column in the latest issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale now.

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Comments

  • Posted on 10 February 2009
  • at 1:44am
  • by sunnyb

whitechapel, a nugget of pure suspense a story full of grit with no moments of slush to distract the senses; a delicious meal for a monday evening thanx to itv1 tastefully concocted by a master chef with every ingredient tittilating the senses complemented by the equally exquisite but appropriate musical score throughout. Phil Davis & Rupert Penry-Jones keep me rivetted to my seat by their characterization with excellent supporting actors..brilliant!.. tku itv1..a worthy piece of drama to start the week off..sadly it's to end next monday with the last episode but i live in hope of more such like drama to come..

  • Posted on 30 January 2009
  • at 2:53pm
  • by nellyb

I like the sound of this-it's something a bit different and more imaginative than a straight police procedural and I'm looking forward to seeing Rupert Penry-Jones is a role that's unusual for him and that pits him against Phil Davis with whom he worked so well in North Square.

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