Whitechapel

Whitechapel is a compelling British television drama series that aired on ITV from 2009 to 2013 and was subsequently broadcast on BBC America. A mixture of crime, mystery, and suspense, the storyline revolves around a modern-day London police team who find themselves facing nightmarish crimes that mirror infamous incidents from London's dark past. This three-season series stars Rupert Penry-Jones as Detective Inspector Joseph Chandler, a fastidious and ambitious detective motivated determinedly to climb the Metropolitan Police hierarchy.

The viewer is introduced to DI Chandler at the outset when he is transferred to the chaotic unit of Whitechapel in East London, a district known for its grimy streets, a dense immigrant population, and a checkered history painted by infamous criminals Jack the Ripper and the Kray twin brothers. A fidgety gentleman hailing from the public school with more management acumen than police instincts, Chandler's appointment initially creates tensions and disapproval within the team who thrive on informalities and local street wisdom.

DI Chandler is paired with Detective Sergeant Ray Miles, played by Phil Davis, a grizzled and cynical veteran cop, who serves as Chandler's polar opposite. Miles is abrasive, grounded, and weather-tested by years on the beat. His early bid to dent Chandler’s pride forms a frosty relationship, even as the two become dependent on one another to unravel the creeping horror that starts to stalk Whitechapel.

As the series progresses, the relationship between the two men evolves, from begrudging cooperation to mutual respect, forming a fascinating double act that sees the clash of two cultures: the old-school policing methods of Miles and the contemporary managerial techniques of Chandler. Both men gradually find that they have more to learn from each other than they initially expected.

Each season of Whitechapel adopts a different notorious crime event from London's murky history and juxtaposes it with a present-day crime that bears striking similarities with those historical atrocities. This increasingly grisly echo of the past forces the team to consult with Edward Buchan, a public tour guide and 'Ripperologist' played by Steve Pemberton, known for his scholarship on Jack the Ripper. His knack for connecting past events with the present make him a valuable, albeit often underappreciated, resource as the horror intensifies.

Helping give the show its distinct identity is its atmospheric portrayal of Whitechapel. The district is depicted as a mist-shrouded world where the reach of history is always palpable and pressing on the present. Whether it's a grimy line of washing flapping between decaying buildings or the ghoulish streetlamps casting sickly pools of light on wet cobblestones, Whitechapel itself is used as much more than just a simple backdrop to the series. By placing the characters in a setting that reflects the series' tension, unease, and suspense, the Whitechapel district becomes a character in itself.

What distinguishes Whitechapel from other police dramas is its seamless integration of historical crimes into contemporary law enforcement scenarios. The frequent evocation of grotesque historical crimes contrasts starkly with the ultra-modern policing techniques employed by the show's characters, resulting in a gripping tension that pervades throughout.

The show's superb cast delivers powerful performances throughout, particularly Rupert Penry-Jones whose acting delineates Chandler's journey from an outcast, unsure if he is suited to the grim realities of the job, to a determined detective, fighting the rising tide of chaos. Phil Davis meanwhile gives a beautifully underplayed performance, providing some of the show's best moments with his cynicism and humorous quips. Steve Pemberton is also excellent, adding layers of color to Buchan's enthusiastic eccentricity and hidden depths.

Overall, Whitechapel is not just another crime drama. With its haunting setting, compelling historical references, and multi-dimensional characters, it engages the audience on multiple levels, providing an innovative take on the crime genre. The combination of suspense-filled storylines, dynamic relationships, and stellar performances contribute to making Whitechapel an unforgettable viewing experience.