Ep 2. The Beating of Her Wings

In the second episode of Ripper Street's third season, "The Beating of Her Wings," Detective Inspector Reid and his team must investigate a string of murders that have occurred in a local slum. The arson attack on Leman Street Station has left the city on edge, and the team's investigation is hindered by violent gangs and corrupt lawmakers.

The first victim is a young woman who has been savagely beaten and left to die in the street. Her identity is unknown, and her injuries are so severe that even the experts at the hospital don't expect her to survive. However, when a mysterious stranger arrives and insists on paying for her medical care, Reid and his team begin to suspect that there is more to this case than meets the eye.

As the team sifts through the evidence, they uncover a network of corruption and deceit that reaches all the way to the highest levels of government. The victim, it turns out, was a prostitute who had been working for a notorious pimp named Teddy Hennessy. Hennessy, it seems, has powerful friends in Parliament who will stop at nothing to protect him and his criminal empire.

With time running out and the body count rising, Reid and his team race to unravel the web of lies and find the killer before he strikes again. Along the way, they must navigate a treacherous political landscape and confront their own demons.

As always, the show's attention to historical detail is impeccable, transporting viewers back to the gritty streets of Victorian-era London. The dark, moody cinematography and haunting score create a palpable sense of tension and unease, immersing viewers in the world of the show.

The performances, too, are excellent. Matthew Macfadyen shines as the brooding, morally conflicted Reid, while Jerome Flynn brings a quiet intensity to his role as the loyal Sergeant Drake. MyAnna Buring, as the enigmatic and fiercely independent Long Susan, is a standout, delivering a nuanced and complex performance that adds depth and texture to the show.

Overall, "The Beating of Her Wings" is a gripping episode that showcases the best of what Ripper Street has to offer. With its intricate plotting, richly drawn characters, and atmospheric setting, the show continues to be one of the most compelling crime dramas on television.