Copper undergoes shake-up

Copper

I am a big fan of Martin Scorsese and particularly love "Gangs of New York." Sure, it is not his best film, but I love the work of Daniel Day-Lewis (his Bill the Butcher should be studied by film students and theater majors for years to come) and am a history buff, so that look at New York City during the Civil War was particularly intriguing to me.

Imagine my surprise this morning when I learned of BBC America's Copper, which had its first season released on DVD and Blu-Ray today. The series is set in the same Five Points area of Manhattan that Gangs used.

It has been announced that the series, which returns in 2013 with 13 new episodes, is going to be changing producers. Out-going producer Brad van Arragon is leaving to produce the movie Hector and the Search for Happiness. In his place might be Mike Frislev and Chad Oakes, who are the co-founders of Nomadic Pictures. Nomadic Pictures also works on AMC's Hell on Wheels.

This news pulls me in different directions. I really want to check out Copper and it sounds really cool. But, I hate Hell on Wheels (as I wrote about yesterday). Have any of you seen Copper? Please tell me it is worth the time investment.

Details

Show:
- Copper
Network:
- BBC America

Written by: Josh Raymond
Oct 30th, 2012, 4:05 am

Anonymous

Message Posted On Nov 3rd, 2012, 2:08 pm

From the way this guy in my office at DISH was talking about Copper I thought I was going to be watching Gangs of New York adapted into a series. We rented it from Blockbuster at Home through DISH, it arrived today and your review hits the nail on the head. It was not the best film, but it was certainly enjoyable. I am a history buff too and Copper must have done an immense amount of historical research, because I could not find a single piece of their post Civil War story out of place. I can’t wait until the next season.

Anonymous

Message Posted On Nov 2nd, 2012, 2:41 pm

Watch Copper!! Well worth it! :-)

maggiemay

Message Posted On Nov 2nd, 2012, 11:20 am

This show is awesome for so many reasons (1) Great writing, (2) Great acting, (3) Great costumes, (4) The research the put into the show shows and gives you a history lesson of the times back then as well. It has such twists and turns that you have to watch each episode at least twice to make sure you haven't missed something. It always leaves you wanting for more.

Fake Me Out

Message Posted On Nov 1st, 2012, 10:58 am

Personally I consider Copper to be one of the top five shows on TV today. However, I've never seen HoW so I can't compare the two shows. Even if S2 were to be a bust, these 10 episodes are gems and well worth your time. ymmv

Anonymous

Message Posted On Oct 30th, 2012, 8:21 pm

I didn't like Hell on Wheels either, but am enjoying Copper. Give it a go, Josh.

zootie

Level 2 (10%)
Since: 02/Mar/10

Message Posted On Oct 30th, 2012, 12:51 pm

As to comparing HoW and Copper.

IMO HoW is pretty good. The only problem I have with it is that it is too sparse, specially the first season, it jumps from one scenario to the next with little regard to consequences of the actions, trying to give a preview of its universe. The second season takes more time and detail, albeit still it could use more episodes per season.

Copper's univers is smaller, so it doesn't flail around so much and the story is more coherent. You might like it more than HoW.

Hamatosan

Level 4 (34%)
Since: 02/Aug/12

Message Posted On Oct 30th, 2012, 7:20 am

You dislike Bill the Butcher? Why?

bad_subject

Level 2 (58%)
Points: 23.4
Since: 22/Aug/12

Message Posted On Oct 30th, 2012, 5:14 am

"his Bill the Butcher should be studied by film students and theater majors for years to come"

..... consider our rivalry RENEWED, RAYMOND.

Hamatosan

Level 4 (34%)
Since: 02/Aug/12

Message Posted On Oct 30th, 2012, 4:14 am

Awesome, thanks anonymous!

Anonymous

Message Posted On Oct 30th, 2012, 4:14 am

i've got to say the first 10 episode season is worth the watch, a good story arch with weekly stories like so many shows but what set it apart was the quality of the acting, sets and characters, i'm sure if you enjoyed gangs you'll find this a worthwhile investment of your time.

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