I kind of knew this would "ruin my childhood" (I think that is what people say these days about remakes that are awful), but I watched it anyway. From the very first seconds you know the show has not spend much (if any) budget on historical research. Literally nothing about Victorian London is actually accurate. Besides a few minutes on the internet clearly nobody researched Jack the Ripper or how Victorian people behaved. Sure, I don't expect perfect authentic Victorian language but is it that much effort to at least avoid a frightfully modern conversation about dating, being single and divorced? Did anyone realise that when you said "Hello gents" back then it meant you were calling your friends toilets? And there is a maid/housekeeper who is blonde but should be grey and thus dyed her hair blonde, wears makeup and doesn't know her place? Even the shipwreck Downton Abbey did that better. Besides that our Victorians are impressed and in shock with modern society for a few minutes and then quickly fit in. Sure. On top of that we have a bunch of dumb women. OH we get kidnapped by Jack the Ripper, yay I wacked him over the head with a bowl. Let's make a run for it in stead of you know, wack him again or at least tie him up...
I know the original 1970s movie was a bit of fun and not too serious, I know it had plenty of mistakes in it. But this is 2017, thanks to CGI and computers there is so much we can do when it comes to bringing the past to life, authentically. Would it really have been that much effort to get a few proper researchers involved?
And yes, I know, many people will think historical details don't matter, that nobody will know the mistakes. But in the end when you spot historical mistakes, especially obvious ones, they are simply an example of somebody in the production team not doing their work properly. Some people notice bad lighting, some bad camera work, I notice lack of research.
Anyway, I managed to finish the first episode, but it was quite an effort. I hear that in other episodes they'll go and visit other eras. Oh dear.
I know the original 1970s movie was a bit of fun and not too serious, I know it had plenty of mistakes in it. But this is 2017, thanks to CGI and computers there is so much we can do when it comes to bringing the past to life, authentically. Would it really have been that much effort to get a few proper researchers involved?
And yes, I know, many people will think historical details don't matter, that nobody will know the mistakes. But in the end when you spot historical mistakes, especially obvious ones, they are simply an example of somebody in the production team not doing their work properly. Some people notice bad lighting, some bad camera work, I notice lack of research.
Anyway, I managed to finish the first episode, but it was quite an effort. I hear that in other episodes they'll go and visit other eras. Oh dear.