Copper S1 [Blu-ray]

One of the most ambitious new shows to be produced by the BBC is actually set on American soil. What's up with that? And "Copper" arrives with one of the season's most impressive pedigrees! Oscar winner Barry Levinson (6 total nominations with "Rain Man" earning him a Best Director prize) and Tom Fontana (3 Emmy wins for writing on "St. Elsewhere" and "Homicide: Life on the Streets") are the creative forces behind the series set in New York's immigrant neighborhood of Five Points. Set shortly after the Civil War, "Copper" showcases the unruly lawlessness that runs rampant in a city struggling to define itself. The streets are filled with murder, illicit sex, and unchecked racism. At the same time, the wealthy are embroiled in political scandal, dubious business dealings, and an equal proportion of unqualified racism. Straddling these two worlds is Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones in a star making role), a good cop who's not above coloring outside of the lines to pursue the truth or enact justice.

Corcoran is introduced as a troubled soul reeling from personal tragedy. Despite being a copper who commonly takes refuge in a house of ill repute, he also has ties to a more elite base of friends. Oftentimes within "Copper," these two divergent paths are at odds. In my opinion, that is one of the most fascinating aspects of the show. The lives of the rich are expertly juxtaposed to the travails of the less fortunate. Within its crime format, there are a lot of different topics struggling for attention within a crowded plot line. There are episodic crimes to solve, there is the long-range mystery of Corcoran's family, there is commentary on the immigrant experience, there is the birth of forensic science, there is the racial element, there is a land grab conspiracy, and there are anti-Lincoln politcal machinations. And not every weekly case is as compelling as some of the more enduring storylines, but the show never lacks for ambition. Expertly produced, the series creates a believable historical portrait of its specific setting.

In addition to its terrific production values, there is a great cast at work. Weston-Jones makes a fascinating anti-hero. He's not perfect or even necessarily good, but he tries to be just. But there is a scary ruthlessness simmering just beneath the surface that can lead to some unexpected acts of aggression. Kyle Schmid plays a rich ally with just enough mystery that we never know exactly what his real agenda might be. Equal parts charm and smarm, I really like Schmid in this. Franka Potente as the convenient lady in Weston-Jones life, Kevin Ryan as his faithful partner, Anastasia Griffith as a wealthy society matron, and Kiara Glasco as a troubled girl all make an early impact as well. In fact, as the season progresses--Glasco develops into one of the most unorthodox, strangely fascinating and disturbing characters that I've seen in quite a while. And Ato Essandoh scores as a black doctor that our hero employs (to much controversy and consternation) to look at bodies and evidence.

Season One is comprised of ten episodes. As I mentioned, some stories are inherently more compelling than others. If anything, the show probably tries to cover too much. As much as I like Essandoh's performance, his progressive forensic know-how seems awfully convenient. But every time the plot lines veer, Weston-Jones in on hand to ground the action. Thoroughly unpredictable, his energy makes "Copper" really unique. It may not be a perfect show, but you can't fault the ambitious attempt to stand apart from traditional television fare. Give it a look if you enjoy more complex TV designed for adults. KGHarris, 9/12.

Bonus features:
Talent Commentary On Select Episodes
Deleted Scenes
"Making of" Documentary
Character Video Profiles and Featurettes

NO SPOILERS:

As K. Harris did the heavy lifting. I can provide a more granular viewpoint re: what I like about Copper.

While some "poetic license" has to be allowed, as a student of history, BBC America nailed it! The time period has been covered before in the big budget "Gangs of New York" who took somewhat more of a "poetic license" than BBC America.

The Irish as a growing minority, the winding down of the Civil War, Tammany Hall, The integration of Blacks, the role of woman, the gap between rich and poor (& the fostering of well-known industrial titans) and general cleanliness (it might be a small thing, though look at the dirt caked nails of some of the main characters) are all topics prevalent to the time period.

Copper is both well-acted and well scripted. Franka Potente stands out with her best performance since "Run Lola Run."

The storyline itself might only merit a *4 rating, though historical accuracy bumps Copper up to *5 IMHO. Truth be told, I do have an ancillary motive, as my hope is that both commercial and critical acceptance of Copper will not only encourage BBC America to script additional programs, but that they will also open up the vaults by expanding their current offerings menu to include many of the fine programs that US audiences can only currently obtain through purchase.

Set in the gritty Five Points area of New York during the Civil War, Copper follows Det.Kevin Corcoran, an Irish American 'copper', as he solves crimes with nothing more than guts, brains and the clumsy tools of the day. Set against the backdrop of his own missing wife and murdered daughter, it's a dark and foreboding angst-fest for all. Corcoran's urge to champion every underdog continually undermines his career, and he has as many enemies on the police force as he does friends in the filthy underground he polices. Some people may be surprised or offended at some things depicted in this show - including a child prostitute 'married' at the age of ten against her will, and later imprisoned in a brothel to serve a 'certain kind of gentleman'. Child actress Kiara Glasco plays Annie Reilly, the child prostitute, and her performance is simultaneously electrifying and disturbing. Even seeing a child her age uttering the lines she's given in the show is enough to sometimes turn the stomach - which is likely the point. If Kiara Glasco is electrifying, then Tom Weston-Jones' performance can only be described as one that captures the screen and the imagination entirely. His face is one of those that can be angelic or brutish, depending on angle, and its chameleon quality is used to full effect here. One never knows from one scene to the next or even one line to the next which side of Kevin Corcoran we're about to see. The writing so far is top notch, though the third episode wasn't quite as startling as the first two. The production quality is top notch - so much so that this show must cost an enormous amount to produce. That in mind, if you are interested in dark drama, late Victorian New York City or just good television - watch this and keep them in business. It's one of the best of it's kind to come along in a very long time.