This is amongst the best crafted detective stories I've ever seen. When a girl is found brutally murdered, the police are convinced they have a culprit for the crime but when the DCI leading the investigation has a fatal heart attack, the investigation falls to "Jane Tennison" (an excellent Helen Mirren) and when she quickly realises that there are a few flaws in their case, she has to reconcile some obnoxious bigots on her own team, as well as a complex series of clues and red herrings as she tries to nail her prime suspect "George Marlow" (John Bowe). The detail in the story adds greatly to the authenticity of the series and the depth of the supporting cast - from Tom Bell as her reluctant sergeant ("Ottley"); John Benfield as her pragmatic but still sceptical boss, and a superbly sleazy Zoë Wanamaker as the suspect's wife all add to the suspense and tension as their manhunt gradually picks up speed - and more victims appear. The story also takes a look at how dedication has other consequences; and her relationships with both her family and boyfriend Tim Wilkinson are put under the spotlight highlighting the additional sacrifices many people have to make when time is against them in such life and death scenarios. Three and half hours just flew by - a great watch.
Review of Prime Suspect
