Heißer Verdacht - Aktion soko

Prime Suspect 3 is probably the grittiest of the Prime Suspects, in my opinion. While "The Lost Child" is disturbing, and Prime Suspect 1 is heartbreaking, Prime Suspects 3 delves into an examination of the world of London "rentboys," young male prostitutes hired mainly by other men. This may be the one which deals most sensitively with the ever-present personal life conflicts of DCI Tennison's co-workers and cohorts, and it doesn't hold back on letting us know just how intense some of those personal issues are. The cast is huge, the murder itself unbelievably complex, and the resolution is probably the most jarring of any of the movies' last fifteen minutes (always the best part of any murder mystery). Helen Mirren is DCI Tennison to a tee, and of the Prime Suspects, this might well be my favorite.

As good as crime fiction on film gets, whether theatrical or made-for-television. Lynda La Plante's writing is at a peak here, with sharp dialog, vividly drawn characters and narrative that captures and won't let go until the end. It's grim, seedy, violent and sad---a real slice of vice unit life and of those they interrogate or pursue. Helen Mirren, as Jane Tennison, has rightly received top honors for her work in the Prime Suspect series, but here she excels even herself. An incredibly detailed characterization you won't forget. But she's not alone when it comes to accolades. Every supporting member is terrific, and there are some future stars to see: Jonny Lee Miller, Peter Capaldi, Mark Strong, Ciarán Hinds, Danny Dyer, James Frain, the incredible David Thewlis! And let's not forget the great Tom Bell, as Tennison's nemesis Bill Otley. All of it brilliantly directed by David Drury. Absolutely essential viewing crime procedure aficionados and anyone else.

The original 'Prime Suspect' was one of the finest pieces of TV dramas, ever created. Again in part three Helen Mirren, teams up with the brilliant Tom Bell (as Sgt. Bill Otley). Another fab English actor pops up as the prime suspect David Thewlis. Just a shade under the classic and original vision.

At first, we had a hard time understanding the accents, but by the second episode we caught up and enjoyed it a great deal. Then again, we were watching a home-taped VHS copy, so the sound was a little muted.

The acting and the writing were excellent.

DCI Jane Tennison (Helen Mirren) breaks up with her boyfriend Jake Hunter. He's married and an author of a serial killer book. She's starting a new job and finds old nemesis Sgt. Bill Otley (Tom Bell). They investigate an arson-murder involving underage rent-boys and a cross-dressing cabaret. Thuggish James Jackson (David Thewlis) is the prime suspect. Edward Parker-Jones (Ciarán Hinds) is the club owner. The clientele and police involvement threaten to be a scandal.

Helen Mirren is the lead. This show can never be bad with her driving the boat. This time Otley is back but he's somewhat domesticated. The vicious sexism is no longer there. The case is lascivious and dirty. This is solid TV police drama but nothing compared to series 1 part 1.