“Whitechapel” is rather like a Dan Brown novella. What it lacks in actual writing talent, it more than makes up in storyline.

The previous commenter skewered this 3-part ITV crime drama, a modernist re-do of the Jack the Ripper murders, but the high scores (9.0 out of 10 at time of writing) tell a different tale. Those who are watching are clearly enjoying this fast-paced, oddly dark series. I suspect this is a reflection on other lacklustre series offered today, as much as its own qualities, but equally it could be because of its ambitious narrative. It’s one of those programmes which charms the viewer despite its flaws.

Rupert Penry-Jones, he of Spooks/Cambridge Spies and son of television grande dame Angela Thorne, leads a cast of unevenly talented actors who have been given the impossible task of updating the Jack the Ripper murders. But it’s not just the crime which has been updated, but for once, so has the copper.

Like many “paper cops”, who have more education than experience, DI Joseph Chandler (Penry-Jones) seems a bit wet to his hard-bitten colleagues in the force. His Savile Row suits, David Beckham haircuts, fashionably large Tag Heuer Grand Carrera Chronograph Calibre 17 watch (Penry-Jones is a big Tag fan), as well as homeopathic remedies for tension — a mint pomade for the temples — scream out metrosexual for these ‘lager and crisps’ men. It’s all too much when he asks them to shower and look more respectable in a suit, not to mention actually read whole books on the Ripper murders, which they reluctantly do.

East Londoner extraordinaire, DI Miles (Philip Davis), especially doesn’t like this new state of affairs. It’s possible that he sees a future when policemen will be more like Penry-Jones than the rogue-copper-with-a-heart-of-gold version he represents; he constantly refuses to acknowledge the lad may have some good ideas. His colleagues agree, save for one DI Chandler wannabe, played by Sam Stockman. With his off-the-peg suits, and “crapuccinos” (as they are teasingly referred to by others), it seems even the lower orders may desire a more polished style.

The series is never bogged down by details of the old Ripper saga, perhaps due to the eccentric Ripperologist who hovers around the story, played to the hilt by the excellent Steve Pemberton. Could the mastermind of the modern Ripper murders, replicated to the exact detail, be none other than a man whose entire life is dedicated to Jack the Ripper? Or perhaps like an Agatha Christie murder, the obvious is too, well, obvious?

Whitechapel may have any number of flaws, not the least of which are hackneyed character development, seeming like a cross between Prime Suspect, Morse and cult-classic Edge of Darkness, but it packs a very intriguing punch all the same.

Cougartown is a brand new show starring Courtney Cox as a newly-single over-40 mom ready to start dating a bunch of young guys!! … fast forward a few episodes Here’s the deal. The whole “cougar” idea really didn’t work for this show. They wanted a show about a hot 40-something dating young guys, and stumbled upon some genuinely likable characters ready for a sitcom. So while the title remains, the show is actually about the life and friends of Courtney’s character, Jules, as she struggles to rediscover herself when she thought she was past the age of new discoveries.

Just when you think the show is getting predictable, it pokes fun at itself. Once you get tired of Jules chugging wine every single episode, there’s a show about her trying to quit drinking. As soon as you get tired of her meddling in the affairs of her friends, there’s a show to see if she can go a day without prying. The show is very self-aware and unpretentious.

The characters are hilarious. Andy has the guy-love obsession with Jules’ ex husband. Grayson was a superficial jerk until we found out he worked better as a damaged, but ultimately likable guy with intimacy issues. Jules’ two best friends couldn’t be more different, and the conflict stays refreshing. The son is hilarious, and provides some great sarcasm and a constant reminder that this nut-case main character is still a mom who is trying to raise a teenage son.

The bottom line is this: The show is no longer about it’s title. I don’t care what you decide to call it, Cougar Town is relaxing, funny, and a flat out easy watch.