Am I Missing Something?

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

As a standalone six-part drama I would have given this show eight stars without hesitation, as it was generally very good. But since it is using the Prime Suspect brand name to draw a larger audience (the book upon which it is based was simply called Tennison) I expected better, so it lost a star.On its own merits it is a high-quality piece of television, with excellent cinematography and mostly excellent performances. The writing is somewhat pedestrian, as is the direction, but not enough to annoy. The art-direction is superb, with strong attention to period detail, but as usual with modern dramas set in the 1970's it proved impossible for the hair and makeup departments to make the actors look as hideous as people really did during that era.In terms of story it was somewhat unoriginal, borrowing heavily from well known historical events, and that lost the drama some of its edge - especially since a major plot point was dramatized far better in a 2008 heist movie starring Jason Statham.After getting off to a highly promising start, the series meandered a little in the middle, but found its feet in time to make a strong finish that would have set up an ongoing series quite nicely, but is nevertheless neatly wrapped-up without any aggravating loose ends - a good thing since it wasn't picked-up for a second series.As a prequel to Prime Suspect, it sets up that series quite well, albeit unnecessarily, but as part of that brand it doesn't compare very favourably. In terms of writing especially it lacks the depth and punch of the original work, and in all other ways it just feels less special.It came as no surprise to discover that the original author, Lynda LaPlante, walked away from this series due to creative differences with its producers, which is why it didn't go further. I imagine that if she'd been allowed more creative control this show could have been as great as its predecessor. It is best viewed as a standalone, and as such is well worth a watch.

7.9 + 8.0 + 7.9 + 7.9 + 8.4 + 8.4 = 48.5/6 = 8.08 or 8.1 averageEpisode #1.1 7.9 (182) Rate When the body of teenager Julie Ann Collins is found in the underground car park of a Hackney housing estate, probationer WPC Jane Tennison becomes immersed in her first murder investigation. Watch Now With Prime Video + 1 more Add Image S1, Ep2 9 Mar. 2017 Episode #1.2 8.0 (144) Rate The team establish that Julie Ann was last seen getting into a red Jaguar. This leads them to Homerton Hospital Drug Unit where they interview receptionist, Teresa O'Duncie. Watch Now With Prime Video + 1 more Add Image S1, Ep3 16 Mar. 2017 Episode #1.3 7.9 (127) Rate Following the revelation of the red Jaguar in George and Mary Collins' garage, the pair protest their innocence about their daughter's final days. Watch Now With Prime Video + 1 more Add Image S1, Ep4 23 Mar. 2017 Episode #1.4 7.9 (122) Rate The case escalates when Eddie Philips' body is discovered in the canal, and Bradfield suspects they're looking at a double murder. Watch Now With Prime Video + 1 more Add Image S1, Ep5 30 Mar. 2017 Episode #1.5 8.4 (120) Rate Jane plays the radio recordings to Bradfield, who diverts the whole team to carry out surveillance of the Bentleys, despite orders from his superior officer to stay focused on the murder case. Watch Now With Prime Video + 1 more Add Image S1, Ep6 6 Apr. 2017 Episode #1.6 8.4 (115) Rate In the aftermath of explosion at bank vault, the police operation descends into pandemonium and panic. As Jane arrives at the scene, she is met with devastating news.I wish you folks would correct the 7.5 - it is mathematically undeservedly lower.

They trash the whole series, or movie, because it doesn't meet, "their" criteria, because a character is miscast. Prime Suspect, House of Cards, Star Trek, and on and on. Just take each version, on its entertainment value alone. I must confess, that there was but one, Sherlock Holmes! Basil Rathbone. If we are to make comparisons, is Benedict Cumberbatch better, or is Johnny Lee Miller? As I got older, I started to expand my appreciation, for The Casting Directors, that are aware of past and present, and come up with great actors, for roles based on well worn recycled fare. Cruise for Frasier! That's a stretch, but OK. I was entertained. The Mummy.This also applies here. All 3 actresses who have played Tennison have entertained us well. All were the right person for the part. Yes Maria Bello's, Tennison in New York version did not get a fair shake. But was perfectly cast as a NYC version. Helen Mirren in NYC? Not in my world. Bello in The UK. Tea time would have a whole new meaning! So this Tennison is perfect for 1973. I saw in the trivia section, that comparisons were made, about eye color, and the actresses actual ages, to their characters age, and they did not match, so this Tennison was not believable! C'mon!!This sadly short series was fantastic in all areas. Definitely a must watch for British Bobby Show fans. Cheerio Guv.P.S. We want more Stefanie Martini as Jane.

I have not seen any prior Prime Suspect shows probably because I couldn't understand half of the English dialog. But now with my trusty CC turned on, I really enjoyed this from beginning to end and especially the 4th episode. Stefanie Martini is a great actor in the making and I look forward to seeing her in more Prime Suspects and other shows. I love my CC. I can watch all English shows (Downton Abbey, Poldark, Broadchurch, Grantchester, My Mother and Other Strangers and the other show about the small English town in WW II) and follow the dialog effortlessly. I have discovered a new channel (PBS) and look forward to watching many more great shows. One thing though, the quality of these shows puts American network (not cable) television to shame.