Ep 1. Pure as the Driven

In Ripper Street season 2 episode 1, titled "Pure as the Driven," Detective Inspector Edmund Reid and his team are back solving crimes in Victorian-era Whitechapel. This episode begins with a brutal murder that has eerie similarities to the infamous Jack the Ripper killings from several years prior. As Reid and his team investigate the murder, tensions run high, and they are forced to confront their own pasts and relationships as they try to track down the killer.

The episode's opening scene shows a young woman wandering the streets of Whitechapel in the early morning hours while a carriage follows closely behind. Suddenly, the woman is attacked and brutally murdered. Reid and his team are called to the scene, and as they examine the body, they realize that the killing bears a striking resemblance to the Jack the Ripper murders. However, the twist in this case is that the victim was a nun, and her death was particularly gruesome and violent, making it evident that the murderer is not just a typical criminal.

As the investigation progresses, the team uncovers a complex web of characters that might be connected to the murder. There is a group of prominent community members, including the local bishop, who are advocating for stricter laws against prostitution and the regulation of the sex trade. Reid quickly realizes that this group has a lot to lose if the murder was committed by someone connected to the trade.

In addition to the investigation, several personal stories develop throughout this episode. Reid meets a new pathologist, Dr. Homer Jackson, who becomes his new recruit to help solve the crime. At the same time, Reid is still wracked with guilt over the death of his daughter and the failed rescue mission from the last season. The death of the nun only adds to his already strained mental state.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Bennet Drake is struggling to keep his own personal life in order, particularly regarding his marriage and desire for a family. Sergeant Donald Artherton, on the other hand, seems to be struggling to come to terms with the complexities of his own relationship with his fiancée.

All of these personal relationships are tested as the team races to find the killer before they can strike again. The pressure mounts as the investigation progresses, and the team begins to realize that the murderer may be someone within their own community.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger note, with the team realizing that the case may be even more complex than they originally thought. The stakes are higher than ever, and the team must work together to solve the murder and bring the killer to justice.

"Pure as the Driven" is a gripping season opener for Ripper Street, filled with intense drama, fascinating characters, and a complex mystery that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. The show's Victorian-era setting, coupled with its dark and gritty tone, makes for an engaging and thrilling viewing experience. This episode sets the bar high for the rest of the season, leaving viewers eager to see where the story will go next.