Whitechapel II Episode 2 Review

Another great, albeit very different-feeling, episode of this three part series.  Learning very early on in the episode that it was in fact twin sons of one of the Krays who were behind the latest murders and bludgeonings gave the episode time to switch focus and really build on the terror of the Kray dynasty, their Federation of Crime.  Last week’s episode was about dichotomies; this week’s was solely about the growing power and violence of the Krays.

The Krays were ahead of Chandler et al. every step of the way and were brazen about it, starting right off with “Jimmy Kray shot him, he only lives around the corner” and “Jimmy’s expectin’ ya” when DI Chandler (Rupert Penry-Jones) arrived at Jimmy’s and Johnny’s home.  The Krays already knew they’d get off since it’s impossible to tell them apart.  The twins, by the way, were both played by Craig Parkinson, and the twin effect was pulled off fairly successfully.

It was appropriate that “investigative journalist”  Edward Buchan (Steve Pemberton) became terrified of working on the case once he received tangible warning in the form of now-dead Slasher’s lighter.  He had certainly done enough research on the prior Kray killings to know what was ahead for him if he helped the investigation.  It was nicely played, then, that his way back in was through investigating the death of DS Miles’s father by the senior Krays.

The threat level was well ramped up by the abduction of DI Chandler himself, and even moreso when each of the members of the investigative team were also threatened.  The Krays apparently believed that it would be better for them to turn or at least neutralize members of the force, rather than eliminate them.   What is not clear is why Kent said that he had not been threatened, when he was clearly given a talking-to by turned members of the force.  Most likely part of the lecture included a requirement that he not speak of it without consequence to himself or perhaps a family or team member.  Suspended pending investigation; will that result in a death sentence by the Krays?

CPS lawyer’s tires slashed, Chandler’s car stolen, the peer’s days are numbered.  The Krays’ reach has become seemingly unstoppable.  The fact that Chandler and Miles were set up to be mowed down shows just how far the Krays are willing to go to secure their power.

Chandler and Buchan did devise a strategy, but that attempted slaughter seems to have nipped that idea.   Will Jimmy’s apparent insanity finally prove to be the breaking point for both of the Krays?  Or will something come of the confession of Freddy the Dip’s murderer?   I’m looking forward to finding out, whilst hoping that the body count doesn’t first rise to include any favorite cast members.  Next week, the conclusion.  Favorite line from this episode?  “You’re gonna need a bigger white board.”

First published on Simply Television on 10/18/10  http://simplytelevision.blogspot.com/2010/10/whitechapel-ii-episode-2-review.html