Under Suspicion

At the time of release, critics simplified this as an Americanized version of Prime Suspect. While that should have peeked interest, it did the series no justice. Well-defined, flawed characters did not make it an easy, mindless program to watch. It was very complex and more human than series are generally allowed to be.

I saw this show in its original network run and was totally blown away by it. Intelligent scripting, interesting characters and great performances made this crime series transcend it's genre.

And like most shows that are a little to original and intelligent to be pigeon-holed into a neat little category, the network morons promptly consigned it to limbo.

Karen Sillas plays Rose Phillips, a Portland homicide investigator who gets involved in very twisty, convoluted cases. The plot developments kept her and the audience guessing until the end.

I love crime and mystery stories. The more complicated, the better. The plots of Under Suspicion (stretched out over two episodes, so they couldn't be tied up in a nice little bow) are reminiscent of the best in crime literature. This is something truly rare in TV and film. Perhaps something we will never see again.

Since this show has been cancelled, Network television has steadily declined and now hit it's nadir with the brainless fad of "reality TV". I hope someday the network would give intelligent shows like Under Suspicion another chance. But that is unlikely to happen.

The "Sunday Herald" (Boston, 5/15/05)) had some brief commentary regarding the mid 90s short lived but excellent crime series "Under Suspicion", that CBS promptly canned after one season. That induced me to revisit the show at this site and to try conveying some thoughts based upon recollections of a decade ago. I remember watching it on Friday nights (I think) and have never forgotten the noir-ish moods it conveyed so well. After 10 years, details fade and one is left with general impressions and memories somewhat distorted by time, so I reviewed the episodes listings with their brief summaries and it was good to be re-reminded of Detective "Phil" Phillips who was always reliably relentless in her pursuit of justice on behalf of the mostly innocent victims of crime and evil that were brought to her attention. I think that "Under Suspicion" managed to avoid the clichés that today's slick, formulaic "successful" crime series with their wooden, one dimensional characters, countless trips to the morgue and neat, almost unbelievable wraps at the end, are unfortunately, sustained by. Further,it was probably too close in style and content to the British series "Prime Suspect" for it to be be picked up by American PBS, but it's interesting to wonder what might have developed had that happened.

Although I accidentally happened on this series of shows on TNT this summer while on vacation from teaching, I began watching or taping the shows daily. How did I miss this superb show when it was on prime time? I like cop drama shows very much and view Law and Order each week. It appears that as soon as I like a show, it is short lived. Law and Order is the exception. I am truly sorry that Under Suspicion was cancelled. I really cared about the characters, especially the relationship between Rose and Det. James Vitelli. I am NOT a sitcom person. I know they have their place. Bring on more dramas like Under Suspicion!

Really enjoyed season 2 especially . Videls character is funny and the relationship between him and the commander is cute .. always keeps me on my toes never know what will happen next.