Richard Warlow the creator and writer of Ripper Street has a fascinating article about how he came up with Ripper Street.  Here is what he had to say about Matthew Macfadyen

As soon as Matthew Macfadyen told us he was interested in taking on the part of Inspector Reid, I knew that this duality would be perfectly served.

As an actor, he has such an astonishing ability to describe both toughness and vulnerability, to entirely inhabit the role of a man who is haunted by terrible ghosts but who is still intent, every new day, on bringing the fight to the evil and corrupt.

There’s a particular moment toward the close of episode one when, the case solved, he tells his one-time boss and superior officer, (the more fictionally celebrated) Fred Abberline that no longer is he going to let Jack The Ripper dominate his every day and that from now on he’s going to look on and forward.

Reid comes out of the pub, puts on his bowler and – a private moment for the camera – he smiles.

It’s a smile of conviction and intent and, whilst it wasn’t scripted, it makes the whole character come alive.

It’s a purely instinctive moment from Matthew and one that went on to entirely inform the further development of the character.

Hurry on over HERE to read the full article.