" A Man of My Company " (Season 1, Episode 7) is a pivotal episode of Ripper Street that shifts from standard police procedurals to deep character backstories. It introduces , an American shipping magnate who arrives in London with a group of Pinkerton detectives to acquire a struggling shipping line. Key Plot Developments

: A grim revelation in this episode is that Long Susan is actually Theodore Swift's daughter, despite their complicated romantic past.

: It is revealed that Fanthorpe’s wife, Martha , was the true architect behind the engine design.

: This episode is noted for its particularly gruesome scenes, including the severing of Fred Best's ear by Frank Goodnight.

: The episode features the shocking death of Dick Hobbs , the young and innocent rookie bobby, who is murdered by Frank Goodnight while following Martha Fanthorpe.

: The front page of the Chicago Herald shown in the episode incorrectly lists September 3, 1889, as a Monday; it was actually a Tuesday.

: Inspector Reid investigates the death of Samuel Fanthorpe, a brilliant engineer who was close to a breakthrough in revolutionary engine design.