Prey

I enjoyed this series, or is it a mini-series?

It's an interesting story. I won't give it away.

The production is very well executed. Good use of available light and normal locations. The acting is very good. Everyone really seems to be living their roles convincingly.

There are a few places I thought the plot kind of faltered.

It should have been either more believable or generated more intrigue. But instead it did neither, opting for a more emotional outcome. Or at the very least kept our protagonist in play.

For example, I would really have enjoyed a bit more detective work and shaking down the bad guys. Finding out more tantalizing clues that lead to more revelations. I enjoy watching crime dramas and cop shows for that aspect. Like the Mike Chiklis show The Shield.

This series has some of that rotten cop aspect but they don't explore it very much. I also wish that they had explored a bit more of the female co-star's life while all this is going on. She is actually the protagonist. And Simm's character would be better described as the anti-hero. Overall pretty good, darn site better than most American TV these days which is all about explosions and cliff hangers.

The themes of both seasons are very similar, give yourself a break between watching them. The acting is excellent and does make up for some contrived plotting.

As interesting, compelling, and flawed as the three-part miniseries of Season 1 was, I am surprised that not one of the reviewers noted and called out the debt owed to both the US television series and the US movie, The Fugitive. If you've watched (or are watching) Season 1, think about it and you will know what I mean. If you've not yet watched and plan to, think about what I've said as you watch it.

/refers to Season 1/

I like British crime series - they are less "explosive" than those coming from the US, and do usually include some witty twists or turns, plus the use of distinct character actors not selected upon "cute" looks. Prey includes all above as well, but the story is not too plausible, and references to the motives were revealed too soon (I would have preferred to have longer doubts whether DC Farrow was guilty or not, and in what), and the very ending could have included some upside-down solution...

Nevertheless, the events are catchy to follow, and John Simm as DC Marcus Farrow and Rosie Cavaliero as DS Susan Reinhart, first of all, give splendid performances. "Only" 7 points from me, since I regard e.g. Line of Duty, Luther meatier and more seamless.

Nick Murphy's drama 'Prey' is a fast-moving, gritty crime drama, with a typically strong performance from John Simm in the lead role. Although the plot is complex, the audience isn't really encouraged to waste too much time on it: the twists and turns are mainly Maguffins, serving mainly to justify the next explosive chase. If aspects of the series (lone hero set up for a crime he didn't commit) are generic, Simm keeps it real, and with just three episodes, it doesn't outstay its welcome. It's not quite up to the level of 'Prime Suspect', but it's nice to see ITV still keeping their hand in with authentic-feeling police procedurals.