Prime Suspect 2

Television has never been considered "high art", but this 4-hour miniseries is about as close to that as you're going to find. When I first saw this series several years ago, I said it was the finest television miniseries I'd ever seen (so, longer-running series like I Claudius don't fall into this category). I recently saw it again, and I stand by my original opinion. Virtually every aspect of this series is exception and memorable -- an intricate, intriguing detective story, finely-drawn characters, subtle probing of psychological, social, and racial issues, remarkable acting, original and impressive cinematography, incredible editing, clear direction...even great costume design and an unforgettable musical score. This series was as riveting to me the second time I saw it as the first, and I constantly noticed many nuances and attention to detail which I missed the first time. This is a remarkable film, which stands up to repeated viewing and can be enjoyed on many levels. I can't recommend it enough. You won't be disappointed. (And I really don't engage in such hyperbole often...see some of my other reviews!)

DCI Jane Tennison (Helen Mirren) demonstrates interrogation techniques with DS Robert Oswalde (Colin Salmon). She has a fling with him and breaks up. A skeleton is found buried in the yard of a home in a black community. Racial tension is high and the case uncovers dark secrets. D Supt Michael Kernan (John Benfield) recruits Oswalde to be the token black investigator on the case.

The chain-smoking is gone and so is the blatant sexism. There is racial politics instead. This is more in line with a police procedural and I like this case better than the first series. Colin Salmon is a terrific actor and has great acting chops to match Mirren. The whodunit aspect is good. Overall, it's a solid TV cop movie.

Yes, this terrific four-hour (really 3.? hours) miniseries (actually, just a long movie when you think about it) deserves far more accolades on this here site.

I don't have much to add, except to say that I thought this was a notable improvement on PS I -- truly impressive stuff that, for me, didn't QUITE live up to the hype.

This one, however, exceeds it. If you're a fellow fan of T.V. police procedurals, this is possibly better than even the very best episodes of "Homicide" and definitely far more fleshed out and believable than any episode of "Cracker" -- and with an lead actor every bit the equal of the amazing Robbie Coltrane. This one was powerful stuff indeed, upsetting at times, complex in the best possible way and constantly fascinating.

And Helen Mirren as Jane Tennyson is, in her own way, almost as morally ambiguous and psychologically messed up as poly-addicted Fitz of "Cracker"...In a world where most movie cops fear promotions and the specter of a desk job more than death itself, she just may be the first truly careerist detective hero.

The only thing missing is that there's little humor here, but that's probably appropriate too. In the case of Jane Tennyson, a policeman's lot is definitely not a happy one!

People are compulsive liars, so finding grain of truth inside a lie is detective work.

Absolutely loved the first 'Prime Suspect' series. It was to me some of the best television to grace my television set, and a classic example as to why the 'Prime Suspect' shows in general adapt Lynda La Plante's work the best (far more consistent than 'Trial and Retribution' and leagues ahead of 'Above Suspicion', the latter of which did little for me).

'Prime Suspect II' is a triumph. It is every bit as brilliant as the first 'Prime Suspect' series, and while there will always be the debate as to whether it's better or inferior from personal opinion it's equal, though 'Prime Suspect II' feels a little more settled characterisation-wise and in the complexity.

It is stylishly and cleverly filmed, with slick editing and atmospheric lighting, and there is a consistently wonderful atmosphere throughout. It is very hard to forget the music score too. The scripting, like its predecessor, is some of the best there is of any mystery/detective drama, being superbly constructed and intelligent. The story is complex and easy to follow, utterly gripping from start to finish and with an incredible intensity and real emotional impact.

Standout scenes are with the distraught mother, which will break the heart of even those without children, and the deathbed confession, have to completely agree that the latter is some of the most gripping television of its kind produced. The portrayal of racism features strongly and is quite harrowing but is never laid on too thick.

Tennison is every bit as interesting as in the first series, and gets even more development. The depiction of the police force is just as ahead of its time in Tennison's treatment from the other officers. The confrontations and procedural aspects have a lot of tension.

Helen Mirren gives a typically magnificent performance in the lead, but the acting is great across the board as to be expected. Colin Salmon and John Benfield are more than up to Mirren's level.

All in all, a triumph. 10/10 Bethany Cox