As we’re into the hardest part of Droughtlander, it’s time to look at more ways to get through it. Ripper Street could be the perfect show for Outlander fans.
This is certainly the hardest part of Droughtlander. Filming is over and information is scarce. That means we’re looking for any way to get through it. One of the ways I’ve made my way through it is by watching Ripper Street and it could be perfect for other Outlander fans.
For those who haven’t heard of Ripper Street, it is on Netflix. Set six months after Jack the Ripper, it tells the story of H Division, led by Inspector Edmund Reid. The people of Whitechapel are terrified that Jack is still on the loose and the police need to do everything they can to quell fears and handle the situation. What happens when there’s another killing in the area that looks just like it’s by Jack the Ripper’s hand?
Starring Matthew Macfayden, Jerome Flynn, Adam Rothenburg, and MyAnna Buring, the series is a perfect way to make your way through Droughtlander. Here are five reasons why all Outlander fans should at least give it a chance. Just one episode and you will be hooked.
It’s a period drama in London
Let’s start with one of the reasons some fans are drawn to Outlander. You like the costumes and the 18th-century setting. Well, Ripper Street has that. It’s just set a century later, coming up for the turn of the 20th century. There’s still the carriages, the lack of technology, and the absolutely beautiful costumes.
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British dramas do sometimes lack the costumes because of the budgets. The White Queen comes to mind when it comes to costumes that just aren’t on point. However, Ripper Street delivers above and beyond what you would expect. You can tell this is the start of the industrial revolution and that certainly has an effect on clothing and colors available, which is instantly seen in the first episode.
My favorite costumes are certainly MyAnna’s for Long Susan. As a madam of a brothel, you know she’s got some money for her outfits and that shows immediately. Mrs. Reid’s clothes are my next favorite, although she has fewer outfits for various reasons. In fact, it’s because she has fewer outfits that I love the costuming. Like Outlander, it’s all about repurposing the clothing, which is just right for the time period.
On top of that, you get the sets that are all created to look like those from the late 19th century, including cobbled streets inside the police station.
Short, snappy storylines
Each episode of Ripper Street is contained as its own storyline. This is an important benefit to the series, as there are no drawn-out connections you need to remember or boring elements within the episodes as they move from one storyline to another. However, there are a few overarching elements, so pay close attention to lead character Reid’s story about his daughter.
Drama unfolds in each episode. There’s never a dull moment, whether it’s within the brothel, about the American surgeon who is clearly hiding something or the fact that they know Jack the Ripper is still somewhere out there.
The individual stories help us know we’ll get a conclusion at the end. We’ll find out who is involved, why they’re murdering people and just how and when H Division have a chance to stop them. One or two cases take a little longer, but never really more than a handful of episodes.
As the seasons go on, there are some storylines that take up the whole season. There’s individual drama in the episodes, though, helping to give you something else to focus on instead of rolling your eyes at the long drawn-out storylines. Plus, each season is short, helping to keep the episodes intriguing and exciting.
Strong female characters
If one of the things you love about Outlander is the strong female characters, you’ll definitely adore Ripper Street. While the inspectors are certainly the main characters, there are two women who stand out. I’ve already mentioned MyAnna Buring, but there’s also Charlene McKenna, who plays prostitute Rose.
Neither of these women is a damsel in distresses. Okay, sometimes they need rescuing, but the same can be said for the men. After all, having them never in danger would be just as realistic as them always being in danger, right?
The series focuses on building positive characters. They have their flaws but they have their strengths. The women have their ambitions and work to play the game in a man’s world. Already at a disadvantage, they focus on improving their lives and being role models for people watching.
Throughout the series, more strong women are added in. We get to see how life affects them, but what they can do to make sure they survive and thrive in a world against them. If you love Claire’s inner strength in Outlander, you’ll love Long Susan and Rose in Ripper Street.
The main women aren’t the only strong and passionate females. Look out for the guest stars who you’ll wish could live in a better time.
A real look at 19th-century London
This isn’t just a period drama with pretty costumes and a focus on a woman finding love. Sure, Mr. Darcy may be in the lead, but he’s not the charming, sweet man that you want to be with. He’s a police inspector and that comes with duties and sacrifices.
And that’s not all. The whole show includes the realities of 19th-century London. Remember that this was a time of fear. Jack the Ripper was out there somewhere. Nobody knew what happened after that last killing. We still don’t. It’s not surprising that people were looking out for anyone who could be him once more.
Then there are the realities of science and of business. The second season has one of the most horrific moments throughout when we see the real necrosis of the jaw due to cigarettes designed for women. We also can’t forget about Chinese immigration, opium outbreaks, and the persecution of the Jews.
If you’re looking for a show that skirts over the truth, then I’m surprised you’re watching Outlander! Ripper Street will take you through the dark streets of London, without making it look “pretty.”
There’s also a real look at the forensic science of the time. Police work wasn’t what it is now and collecting evidence wasn’t easy. However, we see it all develop.
The moral grey characters come to life
You’ll start to like someone in Ripper Street and then they’ll do something that makes you dislike them. Then you start to like them again. The problem with the characters is they are all very real. They’re just like you and me. Many will do things that they believe are right for the situation.
You never know which side some of them are on at times, especially when it comes to Jackson and Long Susan. It’s clear they are often out for themselves, but they’ll have a touch of compassion now and then. And of course, Reid wants to do what’s right but that can lead him down some questionable and dark paths.
In a time when many were just out for themselves, we get to see how that can affect relationships. This is a chance to see why some will go down the paths they do, but how they can feel in the aftermath.
The only one who attempts to always do the genuine right thing is Sergeant Drake. If you’re used to seeing Jerome Flynn as Bronn in Game of Thrones, you’ll not see a spec of that character in Sergeant Drake. Flynn is a talented actor and he’s certainly a reason to tune in each week.
Do you watch Ripper Street? What are you watching to get through Droughtlander? Share in the comments below.
Outlander Season 4 premieres in November. Follow Claire and Jamie on Facebook for more tips to get through Droughtlander.