Prime Suspect is probably the best police procedural made-for-television series I have ever watched. It is a gritty, realistic view of the life of a woman making her way in the almost all male world of British police detectives. Prime Suspect follows as Jane Tennison (Helen Mirren) moves up the police ranks while contending with the resentment of a lot of the on-job men who think a woman simply doesn’t belong in their professional world.
The Prime Suspect series began in 1991 and ran all the way until 2003. Unfortunately for its devoted fans, there are only seven years worth of seasons, which, since it is a British show, means very few episodes. I strongly suggest watching the series in the correct chronological order. It is not a Cozy British police procedural. As I mentioned in the first paragraph, it is “gritty.” It is not just the Prime Suspects who are not model citizens. Jane Tennison (Helen Mirren) is relentless about catching the flawed bad guys – but she is a very flawed person herself.
I have enjoyed Helen Mirren’s work since way before her well-deserved current popularity. A lot of you probably remember her excellent work from such movies as The Madness of King George, Calendar Girls, The Queen, and Gosford Park. Let me assure you that Mirren’s performance as Jane Tennison is (as usual) multi-faceted, and a delight to watch. (Prime Suspect’s creator Lynda LaPlante modeled the Jane Tennison character after a true life female DCI.)
I am not going to tell you obvious things like: the show has three-dimensional supporting characters, mysteries that ring true, there’s great attention to detail, the scenes are realistic, the scripts are great, there is phenomenal direction, ETC. Those things go unsaid. (Remember my first sentence in this entry!) Both Mirren and the series have won several Emmy and BAFTA awards, proof of the obvious: I am not alone in liking this show!
I watched this series as it originally aired on PBS (way back when “Mystery!” was the name of the show) and have watched it two times since then. I finally decided to share it with my husband, and we then treated our children to this very superior police procedural. And, I plan to watch it again! I may know “who dunnit” but the Prime Suspect journey is definitely a treat within itself.
PS>>> If you’re offended by adult language and themes, this is not a series for you nor is it appropriate for young children.
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Lyle says
I agree, Prime Suspect is a wonderful series. The character that Mirren plays is a very complex, flawed female lead; the type of character you would rarely see in movies or tv.
The mystery story line is typically thought provoking and to really appreciate, requires attention. They assume the audience is intelligent.
Thanks for your review.
Carole says
I totally agree with your thoughts and am glad you posted about it. Prime Suspect + Helen Mirren is a winning combination. I recently read that one of the major networks has an American version in the works, but I doubt it could come close to the original.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
I doubt it also, Carole. But it sure will be interesting to see if it comes anywhere close.
Thanks for telling us about it, and, if you see anything else about a new version, please keep us informed.
Robin says
I was so impressed when I saw the first case treated in Prime Suspect. It was rivetting and I enticed my policeman husband to watch it—a real feat since he didn’t want to watch modern procedurals. He yells at the screen during Cops! But he found the episode what Nero Wolfe would have dubbed ‘satisfactory’, in short, high praise.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Robin, that’s mighty high praise (for a policeman to enjoy a crime show)!
Kathryn says
I agree that Prime Suspect was outstanding although at times it was too dark for my taste but I saw the last season and it was a great wrap up of Jane Tennison’s life and career.
I highly recommend another series called “Blue Murder” that takes place in Manchester starring Caroline Quentin as DCI Janine Lewis. Although the cases are complex and treated very professionally, there is a more balanced side dealing with Lewis’ 4 children and great interaction with her well-cast squad.
There is a complete collection of four seasons on DVD for under $45.00 from Amazon. I found the series at my library.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kathryn, Blue Murder is another series I follow…
Vickie B says
Prime Suspect was the show where I first saw Helen Mirren. She has such presence (for lack of a better term from my tired brain). I need to find the series on DVD to watch at any time. Thanks for the reminder.
Maria (BearMountainBooks) says
“I am not going to tell you obvious things like: the show has three-dimensional supporting characters, mysteries that ring true, there’s great attention to detail, the scenes are realistic, the scripts are great, there is phenomenal direction, ETC. Those things go unsaid.”
Sneak!
Rabia says
Would Monk or Psych or any of the other mystery shows on USA network be considered to be even a tad bit cozy?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rabia, I only watched Monk during the time that Sharona (Bitty Schram) was his nurse. Based on those years, I would say that it would be considered Cozy.
As for Psych… I don’t know.
Ricky says
I couldn’t agree more about the great qualities of Prime Suspect, one of the best shows ever on television. The American one will be on this fall. I also really miss Inspector Morse.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ricky, I sure hope they don’t “Hollywoodize” the American version of Prime Suspect. Jane Tennison is perfect the way she is. I hope they don’t “glam her up”…
Bob says
Not being the sharpest sleuth on the shelf, I had no idea that the Maria Bello “Prime Suspect” was allegedly related to the Helen Mirren version. I fell in love with Helen Mirren on that show and the only similarity is the name! What’s next, Peter Ustinov as Poirot?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Yikes, Bob! Peter Ustinov as Poirot?!? That’s even crazier than Tony Randall as Poirot!
Anne says
I believe Lynda Le-Plante is writing a “prequel.”
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Anne, I will have to make a point of watching for it. Thank you!
Patrick says
Dear Danna,
I have just started watching Prime Suspect Tennison and it’s excellent.
Please let everyone know that while PBS Masterpiece Mystery is showing the first episodes 3 from season 1. The rest can be found on free stream websites.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patrick, thanks for the suggestion!