Suspects

My wife and I have watched scores of international detective series. This one is different in that there is almost no mixing in of the detectives' personal lives. It's all about solving crimes through modern police techniques and frequent interviews of suspects. For us, there were two negatives: many of the crimes were extreme ("sick") and there seemed to be excessive use of 4-letter words by everyone. Most of the episodes were self-contained although there were some two-parters and Season 5 followed certain crimes through the entire season. We thought it deserved better than a 7.0 rating.

The first review I read of this show was not positive, and I don't agree. It seems quite authentic to me, and I like the idea that the cast is not exactly scripted. Obviously the actors have to be taught some police lingo, and have probably been coached on how to handle certain types of people. I like the actors, and any hesitations or camera movements don't bother me. I watch primarily British crime and mystery shows (as well as those from Canada, Australia and New Zealand), because those made here aren't nearly as well done or interesting. Crime shows here feature, it seems to me, only beautiful women and handsome men. That's not how life is! Women in their 30's are not likely to be police superintendents. Helen Mirren, a stunning actress, did a fantastic job in the Prime Suspect series. She was shown without a lot of makeup, a bit tired, and it felt so real, not fake. That's how I think of Suspects as well. And many other British crime shows. Keep them coming! I'll give it a 10!

I just find this series dull and repetitive. Constantly in interrogation with the "suspects". I always laugh that the "solicitors" NEVER say a thing... Just sit there and act like they are taking notes. Totally predictiable. Seems like every episode is the same. Dont like the video format either. My girl on the other hand loves that. Just not my thing. Boring.

Unusual crime drama not just for the unscripted dialogue, but the meta-speed of plot developments. Puzzle pieces and connections among characters that on most crime dramas come together over several episodes fall into place in the course of each crime-to-solution hour. The pace is a bit off-putting, often defies credibility and comes at the expense of deeper character development. But the appeal of the primary detectives and the satisfaction of one-episode resolutions (in most cases) is it's own reward. I prefer the slower-burn dramas but thought this was an entertaining change of pace.

I absolutely love this show.

The only thing I don't like, is the fact that Channel 5 mess around with the episodes and when they are shown. They commissioned 10 episodes for season 1, so they should have shown them in the order they were made. The 7 other episodes should have made up season 2.

I did however like the change to 2-part stories. Would be better if they did them here and there in the series.

Roll on more episodes!

Any idea when season 4 is being shown?

I can't wait much longer!