Copper: Surviving Death Review

I was really looking forward to the premiere of Copper, and I wasn't disappointed. It's not often that one episode can provide such insight into so many characters, but that's what we got with "Surviving Death."

Because the case hit so close to home for Detective Kevin Corcoran, there was very little time wasted in discovering to what lengths he would got to solve a case, what his friends and colleagues thought of him and what  his determined and moral investigative techniques inspired in those he met along the way.

Corcoran is a man, above everything. Needing the comfort of a woman, he isn't above seeking it at the local brothel. He chooses a brothel run by a smart business woman who doesn't exploit the situation for her own gain and remains true to that one woman, Eva. His partner and friend, Francis Macguire also frequents the establishment but Molly doesn't have the same soft spot for him that Eva has for Corcoran. She's always leaning in for a kiss in the hopes of engaging Corcoran and speaking of him and his missing wife while laying with Francis. It would do her good to be happy with what she has, as Macguire doesn't take well to people talking about Corcoran and his misfortunes. More of that loyalty Corcoran inspires.

I really liked the idea that Corcoran would take the murdered child to Matthew Freeman, a black man with whom he served in the Civil War and a private physician, instead of the morgue. You can trust in the system, but more in those with a proven track record. If the murdered child had been his own daughter, Corcoran would have trusted Freeman.

Also interesting was the glimpse into the birth of modern forensics. The clay molded around the post to simulate a head and Freeman using numerous objects to simulate the bruising on the girls head. If it keeps on,  there will really be a little bit of everything in Copper to amuse the broadest possible audience.

The best part was that the system failed. The wealthy man got away with the crime, and tried to discover where the dead girl's twin sister was to, one was left to assume, ensure her silence. Why was that the best part? Because it didn't spin Corcoran off into some vengeful escapade. He knows eventually it will come around and that dude will pay. It certainly helped that one Elizabeth Haverford, the killer's wife knew in her heart her husband did it and gave Corcoran permission to do whatever it takes to make sure he pays. If he had reacted differently to the news that another man was to pay for his crime, would she have been as willing? I don't think so.

It would appear they will be walking a very fine line between right and wrong on Copper, but it won't necessarily be the good guys that have to carry the balance. Life will do it for them while they fight for justice, using alternative methods to get at the truth and juggle morality, integrity and the laws of the time.

I'm in!