PopSyndicate.com

If you had to create a police force, how would you do it?

I love BBC television series.  They are short, to the point and don’t have filler episodes.  Take City of Vice, it’s five episodes that cover season one.  Not 22 episodes like the majority of American series, just five compact, well put together episodes that have you jumping to the next episode as soon as one ends.  City of Vice is an intense look into the formation of the first British police force and the somewhat skewed views of the law exist when the world is lawless.

Set in London circa 1753, Ian McDiarmid plays novelist Henry Fielding.  Together with his blind brother John (Iain Glen), helped form the Bow Street Runners, a predecessor to the British police force.  In its nascent days, Fielding worked as judge and jury holding court over the criminals that were captured.  City of Vice takes this idea and combines it with case histories taken from Old Bailey records and presents a picture of a city that is about to explode.  The wealthy clashes with the poor as the rural farmers pick up shop and move into London. 

It’s amazing how well put together these episodes are.  Blending 3D with traditional camera work, the creators are able to zoom around the city and give a modern sensibility to 1753 London.  The scripts are cleverly written with a unique use of dialog and attention to detail.  Don’t expect riveting police procedurals here, the policemen are just figuring out the methods to solve crime so the interest comes from watching the neophytes try to figure it out.  When you live in a world where life is cheap, child prostitution and muggings on the street are common place, developing a scenes of right and wrong can be tricky.

There is a standard making of featurette that can be skipped.  With the first season complete, let’s hope that BBC sees merit in returning to London of old.  This is a great series that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible.  It’s a great rental and should be shared with friends. My only complaint is it’s over too soon.  With just five episodes, City of Vice leaves you wanting more.

4