Ripper Street Season 4

Photograph: Bernard Walsh/Amazon

This series is the BEST Victorian era series on TV. It's not steampunk, but it's the next best thing. The BBC cancelled it after two seasons and there was a big revolt among viewers. The show got picked up for a third season by Amazon Prime and then before the season was over, Amazon Prime ordered a season 4 and 5.

Season 1 takes place in 1889, right after the Ripper Murders in Whitechapel. Season 2 takes place in 1890. Season 3 shakes things up a bit and begins in 1894 and now Season 4 takes place in 1897. They're already booked for a Season 5 and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that HOUDINI makes an appearance in that show!

The video below is the teaser video for Season 4. Now, there is an air date listed as January 15th, 2016. However, I have come to understand that this only applies to Amazon Prime customers in the UK. For folks like me in the USA, I do not know when we will be able to see season 4. Soon I hope. Until then, enjoy the trailer. AND THEN below that video will be a second teaser video with 9 minutes from episode 1 of season 4.

Ripper Street - What's Next?

Season 3 of Ripper Street is over having aired all their episodes. The one thing I dislike about the show is that they only have 8 episodes, however I love everything else about the show. Let me tell you, these were jam packed episodes with great story lines. The ending clearly appears that the producers and writers of the show thought it was going to be their finale, meaning, last episode ever. There is a definite 'this is the end' to the show after episode 8. But as I mentioned in a previous article, they've been renewed for a Season 4 and 5.

What will be in store for the next seasons? I do not want to give away any details of what transpired during Season 3 in case you've not seen it. Though, I will throw out that one character from the show dies, but I won't say who.  I did some research on the real Edmund Reid from Whitechapel and I found some interesting facts about him. One thing I will say, the real Reid and the television Reid, are not quite the same. The writers have fictionalized his family history from that of the real Reid. The historical record says the real Edmund Reid is transferred to L Division in 1895 and in 1896 retires from the police force due to ill health. In late 1896 he becomes a private detective.

A side note of interest, I read that Reid became an accomplished actor and singer and was adept at sleight of hand. But I don't know if these skills were kept as a hobby or if he attempted to try out for the stage like the character Rose from the Ripper Street show. What they do with Reid, Drake, Homer Jackson and Long Susan is anyone's guess. I just hope they don't make us wait too long for Season 4. I'll leave you with a great quote....one that is surprisingly relevant today.

"Evil men do as they please. Men who would be good must do as they are allowed" Inspector Reid-Ripper Street

Ripper Street 3 Is ON, and More Good News

As you may know, I love this show called Ripper Street. It's very Victorian as it takes place in the late 1800s, just past the time of the Jack the Ripper murders, thus the name. It's extremely well done and after two fabulous seasons the BBC cancelled the show. But thanks to a huge campaign by the public, it was brought back for a third season.

The third season started airing just a few weeks ago. I believe they are three episodes in to the new season and wow is it amazing. The storyline picks up 4 years after the events of season 2. Most of the main characters have been split apart and are off doing their own things. A tragic event brings them all back together. This is the opening episode and it's quite amazing. But it's the second episode that will fry your brain, if you're familiar with the characters. I won't reveal what it is, but you must check it out. It's on BBC America and it's also available on iTunes and Amazon Prime I think.

And there is even better news. Ripper Street has already gotten the green light for a Season 4 and 5. That is spectacular news!!!!

There is much to like about the show, but I'm really taken with the costuming and the language. The way they speak and the various slang words they use are all authentic. I find it to be educational as well as entertaining. It's worth checking out if you've never seen it and trust me, you'll be hooked the same way I am!

Ripper Street is Returning for a Third Season

Ok, this is not magic and not exactly steampunk, but it IS VERY VICTORIAN, so in my book it fits. Ripper Street is produced by the BBC and it's my favorite show on TV......well, actually I've never watched it on TV, I saw it on Netflix.

Anyway, I've only seen Season 1 of the Show. I had heard that after Season 2, the BBC announced in Dec 2013 that the show was cancelled. And then amazingly, Ripper Street came out to be the #1 Favorite Drama in some Poll taken in the UK. So the next thing you know, Ripper Street Season 3 was announced! I'm getting that news a little late, but still, better late than never.

If you have never seen Ripper Street, you simply must check it out. It is set in 1890s England, in the Whitechapel area where the Jack the Ripper Murders were supposed to have taken place. The story takes place AFTER the Ripper Murders, but there is still plenty of crime and drama that takes place on these streets. The show also has a touch of Victorian CSI to it which is highly interesting.

The writing and acting on this show is fantastic. The costumes are incredible and the Victorian dialogue that is often used is frankly, educational!!!! And the characters, wow, they are so gritty and human and damaged and full of depth. One of my favorites is Long Susan, played by MyAnna Buring, who is a dead ringer for Kelly Rippa.

It's great stuff. Season 1 is available on Netflix. Season 1&2 are available on iTunes, but you'll have to pay for them there. Go to the official site and you can buy season 1 on DVD or BlueRay!

If you are venturing down the road to presenting a Steampunk character of any kind, whether for fun or for performance, this show Ripper Street, can be of great help in pointing the way towards costuming and even character traits. If you haven't seen it, please give it a chance, it's a fine show!

OH, I'm just watching the first episode of Season 2 and the Elephant Man/John Merrick and his Doctor, Dr. Treeves make a brief cameo! Come on, that is cool!

UPDATE: Well this is interesting. I just found out the character of Detective Reid is based on the real Detective Edmund Reid. And the real Reid had a passion for sleight of hand, not in the criminal sense but in the MAGIC sense! So there is a connection to conjuring afterall!