This is an excellent series with some very good actors. The production value went up after the series left the BBC (as principal producers) and went to Amazon, however the writing and stories weren't quite as good as the first couple of seasons. It also got a little sensationalistic and the characters became caricatures of themselves. That said I still give it a "9" for overall quality and it's original inception.

Let's face it. The Kings English of the late 1800's isn't everybody's cup of tea. But, it is one of the main reasons I enjoyed Ripper Street -- a testament to when people actually conversed. Colorful characters, a dark touch to the cinematography, and suspenseful endings to every episode had me hooked from S1E1. Some dips and peaks, naturally, but overall, I found Ripper Street to be one of the most consistently excellent shows I've watched. Then we hit the final episode of Season 5.*** SPOILERS AHEAD *** The unusually long lead-in made me wonder what was happening when the initial title and credits appeared 11 minutes into the episode. The resolution of the immediate story seemed rushed and lacking creativity. They could have easily banished Long Susan to America along with Homer Jackson, but they chose to give her the rope. Nathaniel as well, even though he would have qualified as criminally insane in modern times. Augustus Dove got off too easy. A few minutes are spent tidying up the story, during which it "feels" like end-of season, end-of-series. Then, the last 20 minutes play out where I thought Reid might simply waking up from an extended bad dream. The imagery shifts to a decidedly warmer visual tone, giving an ethereal effect. Reid's mental stability is uncertain, Bennett Drake pops in and out (sometimes as a huge painting on the wall), and at one point it seemed Mathilda was killed when the ship she was on sank (later, not). It seemed the production crew found themselves short of material to flesh out a final episode, so they spliced together clips from the cutting room floor. Overall, I found it needlessly confusing. What happened to the writers A team? Despite my beef with the finale, I still rated Ripper Street a 9. As for a season 6, without the chemistry of the now deceased main characters, I doubt Reid could carry it solo, or with any other characters they might throw into the mix.

Edge of the seat drama that is done very well. Kudos to the cast and crew for a job well done! Is there a possibility that they will create a season six? I do hope they continue with this series and add more seasons. It's worthy of creating further dialogue so we can see where it goes from the end of season 5.

Finally, a series (not season) on Amazon Prime that has a proper conclusion. I've started watching so many US productions that get cancelled and are unresolved, but this has been great. Fascinating glimpse into the advances in forensic science, some great characters, and excellent story lines. It also gives you an appreciation of the hardships faced in the late 19th century. Fortunately for me I am not hard of hearing, but honestly, I think the subtitles were written by a non English speaking person who clearly couldn't be bothered to do it properly. Truly appalling, with errors in every single episode. Hope this hasn't spoiled things for those who are hard of hearing. Nonetheless thanks to Amazon for picking up what the BBC dropped.