Matthew Macfadyen: Spook, Musketeer, Ripperologist

Late last summer, BBC One announced its plans to make an eight-part dramatic series focusing not upon Jack the Ripper or his victims specifically, but upon their aftermath in a “fevered, historical London.” From the press release:

The action centres around the notorious H Division–the police precinct from hell–which is charged with keeping order in the chaotic streets of Whitechapel. Ripper Street explores the lives of characters trying to recover from the Ripper’s legacy, from crimes that have not only irretrievably altered their lives, but the very fabric of their city.

Via digital spy (and abundant Tweets), it’s been announced that actor Matthew Macfadyen will be taking the lead role.  From Pride and Predjudice (2005) to the The Pillars of the Earth and The Three Musketeers, he knows his way around period pieces. He gets extra bad-assery points for Spooks,  and this news just makes us more excited about the potential of the show set to air later this year!