kitellis-98121 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.

s k The utter stupidity of the so-called detectives in this show is mind numbing. For example, despite "rumors" of their affair, Bradfield and Tennison CONTINUE to flirt with each other in plain view of the other officers. And while the bank job is going on they don't bother to cover all the exits? Or stake out Bentley's flat? Pffft. A total waste of time watching this nonsense.

t_kam Before I start, this review is solely for episode five. Up to this point, I'd give the series a ten but I was to some extent disappointed with this episode which is as far as the ABC here in Australia has got to. The story line is by and large good but there are a number of points that had me annoyed. The first was that Tennison did not need to give the lie she told as witness to O'Duncie's beating. She could easily have contradicted Flowers assertion that she witnessed the events merely by truthfully saying that she had already taken Flower down and that Flower could not have witnessed the beating. If she had to lie, she could have said she did not witness the events as she was walking back up at the time. I realise that this was a plot device to make her 'one of the team' but it seemed clumsy. Secondly, was when Ashton approached the neighbour as the crime was being committed. As he knew they were under surveillance from David Bentley he could have spoken to her then walked of with her thereby appearing to know each other and to remove her from the possibility of a violent outcome. Thirdly, when the police entered the bank why was there no officers entering through the cafe at the same time to prevent any escape that way. Lastly, why wait for them to start opening up the safety deposit boxes. Bradfield said that he wanted to wait until Bentley actually broke into the bank to make his arrest in order for him to get the maximum sentence. The officers could have been waiting in the vault or have the door ready to open and as soon as the gang entered the vault that would have been enough to arrest them. Waiting only makes the damage to the vault and it's contents worse for no possible benefit.

woodjwood3 I've just finished watching this show and I was impressed with the attention to detail, it really does transport you back in time, the acting was good as was the storey line. I never actually watched the original Prime Suspect show with Helen Mirren so I watched this show with fresh eyes and can not compare it to the original show.I hope this gets renewed for follow up seasons.