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I looked forward to the airing of this series. And I find I've mixed feelings on it. I am awarding 4 stars for the reasons that I like the episode.
I like the actors, two in particular develop a quick onscreen chemistry in the roles of long time friends. Kevin Corcoran and Francis MacGuire. The opening sequence is well set up, but almost immediately disturbing. With the introduction of Annie who is a child prostitute. I suspect it is meant to be so. Luckily things move on to the bank heist in progress, which is put down by the three officers with brutal and bloody expedience. All of the robbers are killed and the youthful "lookout" turns out to be in police pay. The officers help themselves to some of the loot, until the arrival of the chief, who gives the clear impression he will do the same, likely to a greater degree. So it is clear corruption in the force is accepted and expected. So far things look interesting, aside from the dimness of the set, which strains the eyes.
Next we move on to the brothel/bar. There is singing which is rather good. And the whores, who look a lot less like they've had a hard life. There is a easy nudity which is refreshing. We witness a protection payoff going to the police. OK, more evidence of corruption, quite historically feasible.
And then we travel via coach to the Morehouse mansion and meet Mr Morehouse the younger (Kyle Schmid). There isn't much of a connection between Morehouse and Corcoran despite the history revealed. Perhaps a illustration of the class awareness of the time. We meet the protagonist/bad guy Winifred Haverford. Also discover Kevin is boxing enthusiast, and that he also referees. Morehouse seems rather amused by everything, and more than a little suspicious. A guy you want to keep an eye out for.
The murder of the child, ostensibly Annie (who later turns out to be her twin Kate), is distressing for Corky, who has recently lost both his wife and his daughter. Again no mention of the girls' actual age. but she looks to be maybe 9 or 10, though historically a child prostitute living on the streets would look older than her age. The child's body is taken to a doctor who is tasked with discovering how she died. There is a previous relationship between the doctor and the detective. It is implied that the doctor has trained in a larger Parisian morgue with more forensic knowhow than is available in America. I am not sure the resulting forensics is believable, (but it may simply be a case of my personal background interfering here). There is more of a chemistry between the two actors here. Yes you can believe that they know and respect each other.
Wrapping the case up, Corcoran follows the forensic leads and abducts a suspect, tortures him for information, then discovers he isn't the guilty party. Corky reports his findings to his Chief when it comes to pass that the guilty party is in fact the wealthy Mr Haverford, who buys his way out of the charge. Apparently with the full knowledge of the Chief.
What makes this hard to watch is the tamped down emotion. I get very little read from any of the actors. Missing is the connection between the actors except in the case between Corcoran and MacGuire. And a little between the doctor and Corcoran. None of the prostitutes are in anyway intriguing, but perhaps they are there to contrast with the saintly Mrs H and provide a bit of titillation? Mrs Haverford seems bland, though it is clear she is to be a significant part of the series. It is also hard to watch child abuse/murder.
What appeals is the period setting, a few moments of delightful singing. The friendship between MacGuire and Corcoran shows promise. I'll continue to watch in order to see if that relationship is further developed. Usually what makes or breaks a show for me is the chemistry between actors.There is also a certain slyness in the character of Morehouse the younger that bears watching. I do hope more historical happenings, such as the women's suffrage movement is detailed in upcoming episodes.
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