Ripper Street Recap: “A Man of My Company”

Ripper Street Recap: “A Man of My Company”
Original Air Date (BBC): Sunday February 17, 2013
Series 1 Episode 7

by C.S. Kane:

The plot of this episode seemed to transform the gruesome streets of Whitechapel into a setting worthy of the Old Wild West. We finally got an insight into the history of Captain Jackson (Adam Rothenberg) and Long Susan (MyAnna Burning) thanks to the gang of Pinkertons that rock up in London, under the guise of being bodyguards to the industrialist TP Swift (Ian McElhinney). The audience quickly become aware that gang lead by Mr Goodnight  (Edoardo Bellarini) are simply interested in looking for the pair and settling a score with Jackson.

In terms of police procedural we witness a young Hobbs (Jonathan Barnwell) learning the craft of a police surgeon and impressing as he does. A body dragged from the Thames exhibits evidence that lead to the conclusion he was stabbed and paralysed intentionally before being thrown into the river. It transpires that the victim is a local ship engineer who leaves behind a wife that seemingly had a lot more to do with the work he presented as his own. It is our young Hobbs that is sent to follow Mrs Fanthorpe (Shauna MacDonald). His failure not only sees her kidnapped by Swift’s men but also ultimately seals his fate. I was undoubtedly shocked as Hobbs met his horrific and untimely end. It was gripping viewing as the poor policeman so full of promise ended up in the dirty old river.

In another twist and shocking turn we discover that Swift is none other than Long Susan’s father. Jackson, having rescued her from the sleazy clutches of her father, hit the most wanted list. In a deal brokered between father and daughter Goodnight is expressly told not to touch Jackson. Goodnight has other ideas and sets to work on a plan that he believes will bring Jackson down for good. Blade in hand he murders a woman Ripper style.  Reid (Matthew Macfayden) finally comes to find Mrs Fanthorpe and her identity as a genius engender becomes known to the board amidst gasps of horror.

As Reid unloads the gang from the custody wagon Jackson makes his stand. A duel it is. With a dramatic finale employing trickery, and truth be told cheating, Jackson reestablishes himself as a hero and walks into the sunset with the girl. However, any sense of a happy ending quickly fades as the vigilante force hunting the Ripper rip up Jacksons floorboards based on a tip off. There they find the organ of a woman, a final parting present for Jackson from Goodnight.

The scale and scope of this episode was a lot to cover in one episode and it could have done with more time. Hobbs’ death was dealt with quite quickly and for a character that suddenly peaked interest to be killed in such a way was at once shocking as it was underplayed. I will watch the next episode with interest.

C.S. Kane is a writer of horror fiction and a DarkMedia contributor. Kane has a penchant for the paranormal and is a true a sucker for Sci-fi. Interests include reading, writing, watching movies and enjoying good food. Keep up with the darker side of life by following Kane on Twitter at @CS_Kane and via the blog: www.cskaneofficial.blogspot.co.uk