Helen Mirren
John Benfield
Richard Hawley
Phillip Wright
Mark Strong
Tom Wilkinson
Ralph Fiennes
Kelly Reilly

Created by:
Lynda La Plante

Recurring Miniseries
1991-2006
Crime, Drama, Mystery
ITV/PBS
TV-NR

“Prime Suspect” is a British police-drama, categorized as a recurring miniseries, whose episodes are essentially mini-films. Helen Mirren is the star of the show, in all ways. She’s the reason to watch this. (Isn’t she always?)

The show itself is dated (with the possible exception of the final season, which aired in 2006) and a bit slow-going. “Prime Suspect” just doesn’t have enough momentum to warrant the investment. It’s good enough, but it could be great. It’s just not gripping enough throughout.

It does have superb climaxes, though. If you have the patience, those climaxes will give you a bit of a reward at the end of each season.

Overall, I’d call “Prime Suspect” competently made, and that’s it.

Verdict: Good

About: (Source: primesuspect)

The tenacious, difficult and brilliant Jane Tennison (Helen Mirren) stormed onto PBS in 1992 with Prime Suspect. By the time the series ended in 2006, not only had an iconic character come to worldwide acclaim, but the crime series genre itself had been transformed. From a new frame on feminism to the illumination of critical social issues, Prime Suspect and Jane Tennison left an indelible impression. Admired by critics and audiences alike, Prime Suspect won more than 20 international awards, including Emmys for “Outstanding Miniseries” and “Outstanding Actress” for Helen Mirren.