Review: The Long Shadow (TV Mini Series)

“The Long Shadow” is a 7-part miniseries about the hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper. It is written by Georges Kay (known for “Lupin” and “Hijack”) and directed by Lewis Arnold, who has worked on several British shows including “Time,” “Broadchurch,” and “Misfits.” Currently available on ITV1, the rights for the show are progressively being sold across the world.

The Yorkshire Ripper

Between 1975 and 1980, Peter Sutcliffe killed 13 women, becoming one of the worst serial killers in England. Why was he given the infamous surname ‘the Ripper’? Because he began targeting women, using a hammer and a knife to kill them. The press quickly dubbed him the Yorkshire Ripper, a reference to Jack the Ripper, a serial killer who terrorized London in the late 19th century. The show follows the investigation and the victims over five years of terror. One interesting choice is the lack of focus on the killer. There are no depictions of the killings, his name remains unknown, but his ominous presence is similar to a lurking shadow.

The Terror

I want to caution you, it’s unlike other serial killer shows, such as Dahmer, which extensively delve into the killer’s psyche. This story is different. For five years, the killer terrorized the population from Manchester to Leeds. There are no scenes depicting the killings; instead, the focus is on the aftermath of such crimes.

The spotlight is on the women and their families. Some episode typically begins by sharing the victims’ stories, featuring brief scenes to humanize them. Some of these women were prostitutes, but, more importantly, they were mothers, friends, and integral parts of their community. Unfortunately, at the start of the killings, both the public and the police tended to blame the victims. They didn’t receive the necessary attention and were even harassed and looked down upon. As it became evident that the killer was targeting women in general, the pressure on the police intensified, and terror loomed over the communities.

A failure

The police were convinced that the killer was targeting prostitutes, and they focused their investigation on that assumption. Their failure resulted in a lack of confidence in the local police, who were unable to protect these vulnerable women. Even years after Peter Sutcliffe’s capture, families continued to seek answers. Could they have apprehended him earlier? Why did it take so long? The show offers the beginning of an explanation. For a more in-depth understanding, I would recommend reading “Wicked Beyond Belief: The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper” by Michael Bilton.

"I had a good time and you should too" - The author

The Long Shadow takes an interesting turn by focusing on the victims instead of the perpretator. It is a refreshing take on the genre and a welcome change when compared to other tv shows. Most of the screen time would have been dedicated to the killer and his motives. Instead, the show focuses on the consequences, bringing humanity and sense where others would have chosen to make the story sensational.