3.6 The Incontrovertible Truth The Incontrovertible Truth is a darkly atmospheric tale. The rain pours down outside the station throughout the entire episode, the station lit by gas lamps and half in shadow. It creates something quite claustrophobic, particularly as the characters start working through not only the case, but also the various problems that they have been having throughout the series so far. Chief amongst this is the concerns around Edmund Reid’s health and his quick descent into that focus on work which first severed his relationship with his family and now threatens to do so again. Reid’s return may feel a little rushed, but his return to Leman Street is cleverly done within the case. It is focus and determination that fuels everyone else to solve the murder, resorting to his bullish leadership skills to keep everyone within the limits of the station. His old tactics are brought back, using Drake’s intimidation tactics, as well as Jackson’s medical skills, uniting the three of them in their work. As the night continues, various other characters wander in, bringing with them their own troubles such as Jackson’s partner, Miss Morton and her brother, Rose’s fiance who promptly smacks Bennett for his affair. However, it is the central case that proves to be the episode’s greatest strength, thanks in large part to a charismatic performance from Laura Haddock as the Lady Montecute and Charles Edwards’ cowardly turn as her husband. She’s both enigmatic and alluring, capturing the attention of Reid and the poor Constable Grace who doesn’t quite know what to do with himself. The murder she is accused of committing is an intriguing one, involving drugs, body doubles and husband-wife sexual games, but with her feigning ignorance and her husband claiming not to remember anything, it poses a unique problem. It’s Francis Galton’s Fingerprints that provides the solution as Jackson surmises that the blood on the handle of the knife used to stab the victim could have captured a thumb print. The use of early forensics has been an ongoing characteristic throughout Ripper Street, but this is perhaps the best usage of it so far. The end of the episode is frustrating as Aberline refuses to accept the evidence that Lord Montecute is actually the guilty party, despite his wife’s false signed confession. The dramatic irony of the situation gives the audience a sense of frustration equal to that of Reid, Jackson and Drake. It also potentially provides the catalyst for Susan’s eventual discovery and downfall. Read Becky’s review of the previous episode, Heavy Boots, here. Follow our Twitter feed for faster news and bad jokes right here. And be our Facebook chum here.
