Ep 7. The Hudson River School

In Copper season 1 episode 7 titled "The Hudson River School," the Irish-immigrant detective Kevin Corcoran investigates the murder of a member of the Hudson River School, a group of landscape painters that was popular in the mid-19th century. The episode begins with the discovery of the dead body of a young woman, who was an aspiring painter and student of the Hudson River School.

Corcoran's investigation into the murder leads him to the tight-knit community of the Hudson River School painters, who are suspicious of outsiders and refuse to cooperate with the police. Nonetheless, Corcoran persists in solving the case, driven by a sense of justice and a desire to protect the vulnerable individuals who make up the underbelly of New York City.

As Corcoran delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deception, betrayal, and secret affairs among the members of the Hudson River School. He also discovers that the victim may have been painting a landscape that revealed a dark secret about one of the painters, which may have led to her murder.

In addition to his investigation, Corcoran must also deal with personal issues, including his struggles to maintain a relationship with his wife and his growing suspicions about his mentor and father figure, Matthew Freeman. Freeman, a black physician, is facing discrimination and harassment from the white medical establishment, and Corcoran must navigate his own conflicting loyalties as a law enforcement officer and a friend.

Meanwhile, two other subplots add depth and complexity to the episode. One involves Corcoran's friend and former Civil War comrade, Francis Maguire, who becomes entangled in a dangerous relationship with a wealthy woman who is pursuing him for personal gain. The other involves Elizabeth Haverford, a socialite who is devoted to philanthropy and who is investigating a case of child labor abuse in one of her factories.

Overall, "The Hudson River School" is a gripping and intense episode that combines a murder mystery with historical political and social issues. As with previous episodes of Copper, the showpaints a vivid and realistic picture of mid-19th century New York City, highlighting the city's poverty, corruption, and social inequality. With its complex characters, intricate plotting, and attention to historical detail, "The Hudson River School" demonstrates why Copper is one of the most compelling and original shows on television.