Rent Prime Suspect: The Complete Collection (1991)

Has aged remarkably well and is still gripping today. Great stuff! - Prime Suspect: The Complete Collection review by RP

The 'Prime Suspect' TV series has been repeated many times now, but I hadn't seen any of the repeats until almost by accident I recently caught a showing of the final 'Prime Suspect 7'. While that one wasn't quite up to the same standard that I remembered of the original, I thought I'd order up the box set and watch them again...

The first 'Prime Suspect' is perhaps the best police procedural Brit cop drama made in recent times. First screened in 1991 it has aged remarkably well and is still gripping today. Helen Mirren (a well known actress even then) plays DCI Jane Tennison, hard-bitten but with a vulnerable core, trying to survive in a sexist, male-dominated career as she heads an investigation into a serial killer whose victims are predominantly prostitutes. She is great.

The other roles are well acted, particularly by John Bowe as the 'prime suspect' George Marlow, by Zoe Wanamaker as his partner and by Tom Bell as DS Otley. All are really good and John Bowe could lie for England. There are also parts for Craig Fairbrass, who has since played many roles on both sides of the law and a small but really well-acted part by then newcomer Ralph Fiennes as a victim's boyfriend.

Excellent stuff, highly recommended. 5/5 stars.

Premium Prime Suspect - Prime Suspect: The Complete Collection review by CP Customer

Helen Mirren is gritty, tough but shows a human touch. This series has not aged and in fact is better for the second viewing. Long but worth it. Fast plot, good acting and slick filming. Good.