In BBC America Series, 'Copper,' It is the Wild, Wild East

Cast member of "Copper" at the premiere party at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. From left, Tessa Thompson, Dylan Taylor, Kyle Schmid, Tom Weston-Jones, Franka Potente, Ato Essandoh, Tanya Fischer, Kevin Ryan and Anastasia Griffith. Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images.

IT is 1864 New York City. Tensions are still raw from the deadly and divisive Draft Riots of 1863.

The scene is the notorious crime, disease- and vice-ridden Lower East City enclave, Five Points. The worst neighborhood in New York of today ain't got nothin' on Five Points.

These are the means streets that Irish immigrant, Det. Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones), works in “Copper," the first original series from BBC America. It premieres tonight at 10 (EDT), with numerous repeats, after a swanky premiere screening party on Wednesday night at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Was the Lower East Side Tenement Museum not available?

In tonight’s episode Det. Corcoran is investigating the murder of a neighborhood girl. He is aided in his investigations during the course of the 10-part series by two seemingly unlikely allies: Dr. Matthew Freeman (Ato Essandoh, who discusses his role in the video below) and Mr. Robert Morehouse (Kyle Schmid).

The doctor is a free Negro, hence his surname; the mister is from a wealthy white family. Det. Corcoran is neither. This is before the Irish were white. The three fought in the Civil War and are inextricably tied despite the disapproval of many in their respective communities.

The British know how to do up a period piece, for “Copper” appears to be authentic on every level, right down to the nuances of language. Credit for some of this no doubt goes to two of the show’s Yank producers – Barry Levinson and Tom Fontana. TF is also a co-creator and acts as the host of “Copper.”

Anyone who liked “Gangs of New York” will cotton to “Copper.” It is well-done all around and will assist viewer understanding of New York City history, as well as the back story of the racial/ethnic tensions that still plague the city today.

Visit http://www.bbcamerica.com/copper/ to learn more about “Copper.”