“Copper,” failed TV copycat

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 15:43:00 +0000

“Copper,” BBC America's first foray into scripted television, premiered last night. It's "Gangs of New York” turned into a serialized series. Set in 1864 New York City, the Draft Riots and their attending racial tensions barely past and the Civil War still ongoing, “Copper” focuses on Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jone), an upstanding detective working the mean streets of the Five Points. As the description suggests, “Copper” is the latest show that would like to be awarded an “A” for ambition — it’s a historical period drama set in a moment rife with meaningful similes about the present day and starring a tortured macho man! — but the only “A” it deserves is for absurd facial hair. (I know the bushy mutton chop was once a real beard-style, but it’s hard to take a guy seriously when his ears appear to be sprouting topiary.)

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“Copper,” failed TV copycat