Ripper Street Recap: “The Weight of One Man’s Heart”

Ripper Street Recap: “The Weight of One Man’s Heart”
Original Air Date (BBC): Sunday January 27, 2013
Series 1 Episode 5

by C.S. Kane:

Ripper Street has, thus far, only dropped tantalizing clues as to the personal histories and motivations of the main characters. However, this week the plot revolves firmly around the strong yet sensitive Sergeant Drake (Jerome Flynn). The episode opens with an explosive armed robbery intercut with scenes of Drake preparing for a date with the prostitute Rose (Charlene McKenna). Her dreams and ambitions become apparent as they leave the theatre and Drake unfortunately becomes embarrassed at his inability to purchase a treat of two little love-birds for her.

This leads us to Drake summoning up the courage to ask Mr. Reid (Matthew Macfadyen), who is angrily perplexed at the sophistication of the armed robbery, for a pay rise. Reid in his matter-of-fact style declares that although it would be well deserved it may not be possible and adds that “tarts” such as Rose know how to bleed a man dry. Charming straightforwardness as ever. However, the audience understands through an intimate and physical interchange between Rose and Jackson (Adam Rothenberg) that Reid is bang on the money. I must note that throughout this scene and the entire episode Jerome Flynn is fantastic at subtly portraying the complex emotions of Drake.

Embarrassed, deflated and feeling undervalued Drake is shocked to hear a voice from the past calling him to attention. Colonel Faulkner (Iain Glen) arrives with tales of the war and a considerable chip on his shoulder regarding the treatment of ex-military men. Through brutal flash backs and an angry argument between Reid and Faulkner we learn that the men fought hard and long in a brutal war and saw things that no man would wish to see. It transpires that Faulkner is out to get what he thinks he is owed. In an unusual twist both Drake and the audience are alerted to the fact that he is behind the robbery and set to get what he feels he entitled to in another one. Therefore, we are ahead of Reid and unsure as to where Drake’s allegiance will fall.

In a dramatic and gripping final showdown of the episode the gold is glinting, blood is spilling and the bullets are certainly flying. The climax of the big robbery is as emotional as it is brutal. The heartache for Drake further continues as he finally learns Rose will only ever see him as a friend. The final sequence is bittersweet as he releases the two little love-birds he bought for her as we learn our tough sergeant has the ability to love beyond his very means.

This week’s episode has seen the show turn a corner. By interweaving the plot with the personal story of Drake the drama has risen. Through Flynn’s portrayal of the complicated man it has become natural to care what happens to him in the rest of the series. I shall certainly be tuning in to see who his story arc develops from here.

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