Set in the notorious disease ridden and crime infested Five Points district of NYC in 1864, this is an intriguing period drama. In this predominantly Irish immigrant neighborhood, Kevin "Corky" Corcoran is an honest cop in a corrupt police department. Alas, he is also prone to beating the crap out of suspects, criminals and anyone else he's mad at. The murder of evil people is also okay with him and given the circumstances, I didn't find such murders particularly off putting. The only truly likable regular character is the doctor who provides elementary forensic services in the cases Corky is investigating. With all his flaws, Corky is a fascinating character wonderfully portrayed by Tom Weston-Jones. Corky can also show great kindness and is still grieving the death of his beloved daughter. Life in Five Points was brutal - horrid exploitation, racism, sexism, classism - a life of grinding poverty and struggle. In one of the episodes, we do get a welcome glimpse at a social reform effort led by an African-American church. The show's gritty realism makes for a frequently fascinating and often depressing drama. I'll definitely be watching the next season.
