Just who exactly is it that thinks Rupert Penry Jones is such a great screen presence? Sure, he suited the stilted, emotionally stifled action man persona needed for Spooks, but he failed to bring the energetically lazy reboot of The 39 Steps to life. And his turn as a clean freak, career-ladder-jumping inspector in Whitechapel similarly neglected to light up the screen.
Not that a striking lead actor was necessary for Whitechapel. Jack the Ripper's the star, a brooding, terrifying specter that hangs over not only ITV1's big-budget new drama series, but over London as a whole. You could have cast John Barrowman in the role and I'd still have tuned in.
A stonking 8million people did hit button three on their remotes last night, proving that there is an appetite for new drama - and that the public might forgive ITV1 for years of rubbish 9pm fare. Whitechapel looks great thanks to modern-day London filmed with just a hint of Victorian peasoup in the air.
Of course the Ripper's crimes continue to enthrall and were gorily recreated, the only downside being the culture clash element between rising star Rupert and old-timer Phil Davies. But I think we can over look that if the second episode can throw in more suspects, more gloom and more chills.
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