Ep 2. Am I Not Monstrous?

The show Ripper Street is a crime drama set in the late 19th century, in the aftermath of the infamous Jack the Ripper murders. Season 2 episode 2, "Am I Not Monstrous?", continues to follow Detective Inspector Edmund Reid and his team as they investigate crimes and navigate the complex social and political landscape of Victorian London.

The episode opens with a shocking discovery: a woman's dead body has been found floating in the river Thames, with her face brutally mutilated. Reid and his team soon realize that the woman is a prostitute who was known to several members of the police force, as well as some prominent members of society. This leads to a complicated investigation that delves into the inner workings of London's power structures and the shady dealings that keep them afloat.

As the investigation progresses, Reid and his team come across a young woman named Maddy, who is found loitering near the scene of the murder. Maddy is a former prostitute who has been taken under the wing of a local businessman, Silas Duggan. Duggan is known to have connections to the police and is rumored to be involved in some less-than-legal dealings. Reid is immediately suspicious of Duggan and begins to dig into his background, hoping to find a motive for the murder.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Bennet Drake is dealing with his own personal demons. His relationship with Long Susan, a former madam, has hit a rough patch, and he's struggling to find his place in the world now that he's no longer a member of the force. His indecision leads to a rift between him and Reid, and he begins to spiral out of control.

As the investigation into the murder continues, Reid and his team uncover a web of corruption and deceit that goes all the way to the top of London society. They discover that Duggan is involved in a scheme to launder money and that several prominent businessmen and police officers are complicit in his activities. It soon becomes clear that the murder of the prostitute is tied to this scheme, and Reid must use all of his detective skills to unravel the truth before more bodies pile up.

In the end, Reid and his team are able to bring the criminals to justice, but not without paying a heavy price. The investigation has taken a toll on all of them, and the realization that corruption is so deeply entrenched in their society leaves them disillusioned and distraught. Despite this, they vow to continue the fight for justice, no matter the cost.

Overall, "Am I Not Monstrous?" is a gripping episode that deals with themes of power, corruption, and the struggle for justice. The complex web of deceit and the nuanced characterizations of the main players make for a compelling narrative that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat. The dark and gritty atmosphere of Victorian London is expertly captured, adding to the overall sense of unease and tension. Fans of crime dramas and historical fiction will find plenty to enjoy in this episode.