Jack the Ripper is one of the most notorious serial killers of all time. This anonymous terror prowled the streets of London in 1888 “ripping” female victims. BBC America’s “Ripper Street” picks up the story of Whitechapel, London in his wake as the police force fights crime in his aftermath.

The plot follows Inspector Edmund Reid after failing to catch the Ripper. Along with his right-hand man Sergeant Bennet Drake and former American army surgeon Captain Homer Jackson, Reid works hard to keep order in the chaotic streets of Whitechapel.

Inspector Reid is played by Matthew Macfadyen. Better known as the irresistible Mr. Darcy in the 2005 production of “Pride and Prejudice,” Macfadyen’s portrayal of the Inspector is both passionate and haunting. His mere presence on screen is able to communicate the Inspector’s deep sense of justice and desire to solve the crime for the sake of the victim.

If Inspector Reid is to be considered the brains of this crime-fighting outfit, then Sergeant Bennet Drake must be the brawn. Previously seen on “Game of Thrones” as Bronn, Jerome Flynn is able to capture the character of the stoic Drake without the use of much dialogue. A man who has seen the worst of war, Drake is steadfastly loyal to Reid and always ready to throw a punch if necessary.

Balancing out this intense duo is the free-spirited Captain Homer Jackson. Played by 2008 “Mad Money” star Adam Rothenberg, Jackson is sought after by Reid for his skill in forensics and surgery. Rothenberg excels at portraying the vice-hungry man and adds a touch of comic relief to the otherwise serious show.

The unconventional setting for this drama provides viewers with a warmly welcomed new take on television’s crime-fighting genre. “Ripper Street” steps back from the usual stories where crime is solved by the latest piece of technology and provides a glimpse of what crime solving once entailed.

By focusing on Jack the Ripper, creator Richard Warlow capitalizes on the phenomenon around the world’s first documented serial killer. Not only will he be able to capture the audience’s attention by laying out exciting cases to be solved, but there is the hope that “Ripper Street” might address the Ripper himself: a man that has fascinated people for decades.

If the premiere of the show is any indication of how the series will play out, “Ripper Street” promises a captivating drama and a host of secrets to be unraveled. The show airs Saturday nights at 9 p.m. during BBC America’s aptly named “Dramaville.”