The Gist:
Inspired by a real life 19th Century crime stopper, Paddy Considine stars as Jack Whicher, Victorian Detective as he solves all manner of nefarious crimes in English society. Backed up by the who’s who of British acting talent The Suspicions of Mr Whicher: The Complete Collection contains four feature length TV movies; The Murder at Road Hill House, The Murder in Angel Lane, Beyond the Pale and The Ties that Bind.
The Review:
Given the public clamour for period drama, it’s surprising that the Mr Whicher series hasn’t picked up more of a following – perhaps Downton really does have the market cornered (and also contains slightly less child murder). Still, Paddy Considine’s dogged detective Jack Whicher raised enough eyebrows in his first outing to warrant another three feature length episodes.
Set in a darkly atmospheric Victorian England, Whicher delves through layers of society, from asylums to stately homes, seeking murderers, kidnappers and the answers he is looking for. As a member of the newly formed Scotland Yard detective division, and later as a private investigator,
The supporting cast is impressive, with turns from Peter Capaldi and Olivia Coleman the standouts. But this is Considine’s show, he more that proves he is capable of holding a drama together as a lead.
The Verdict:
Atmospheric, dramatic and at times treading slightly towards the gothic in the later episodes. The Suspicions of Mr Whicher is a solid detective drama which, because of the era, relies on some good old fashioned detective work rather than forensics and gadgets.
Certificate: TBC
Starring: Paddy Considine, Peter Capaldi, Olivia Coleman
Running Time: 374 minutes
Release Date: 22nd September
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