Customer Reviews

Prime Suspect 2

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is quite probably the best episode in what is already a very fine British detective series. Jane Tennyson is played by Helen Mirren, who gives a brilliant performance as the complex, extremely capable investigator whose personal life is rather messy and who continually struggles to be accepted by her male colleagues. This episode also explores the tense racial situation that has developed in London with the arrival of thousands of Caribbean immigrants. Colin Salmon is beautiful to look at and also gives an outstanding performance. If you've seen any of the other episodes and liked them, or if you like other BBC mysteries like Silent Witness or Inspector Frost, this is a must-have.

Superb series, well written. Helen Mirren is a miracle.

At last, the whole series has been reissued on DVD. Worth the investment...unlike most TV shows on DVD (hello, HBO and Fox?)

Beware of the old DVDs floating around from the original PBS presentations in the early 1990s. Strong language was dubbed over, rather poorly.

Helen Mirren returns in the second go-round of "Prime Suspect". The story is a superb "who dunnit" with outstanding writing and acting all the way around. In addition to being a great crime solving drama, "Prime Suspect 2" succeeds as a character study of a middle-aged, professional woman who has sacrificed much of her personal life to rise among the ranks of the police force.

The rating gets only 4 stars rather than 5 for Anchor Bay's DVD treatment. Normally they have done a great job with their releases, but "Prime Suspect 2" is, unfortuantely, not among their best. I'm not sure about the source material that was available to them, but the picture doesn't appear to be as crisp as one would expect from a DVD, particularly for material that was produced in 1993. You must also flip the disk over . . . it's presented in two parts, just as it was released on PBS in America. This release also replaces some minor profanity with toned-down language. Save for 20 chapter breaks (10 on each side) and English subtitles, there are no extras on this DVD. Still, the story and characterizations merit a view.

Be prepared to love Jane Tennyson, a British police detective who is as competent and talented as the actress playing her, Helen Mirren. The story is well crafted and builds suspense while weaving a complex psychological portrait of a driven passionate women who beyond anything wants to capture the criminal. Tennyson in the tradition of the talented detective does not always follow the rules but with a combination of intuition and dogged persistence brings the criminal to justice. In addition to the complex relationships she has as a woman in a primariy male environment, she also has an inter-racial relationship. If you havent seen the first one yet, go back and watch it as well.

The second installment of DCI Jane Tennison finds a story that pursues both the politics and the reality of race relations in Britain. Still battling the "old-boy" network, she is assigned a case that has both political and racial overtones, one that many would be happy if she failed to resolve. As usual, the messy overtones of her personal like intrude into the story.
Following on the success of the first Prime Suspect, this would be just another sequel if it weren't for the compelling story and the performance of Helen Mirren. Driven to succeed against both forces outside and inside the department, she looks for the unpleasant truth against those who would use this tragedy for their own purposes.
Another "must see" this second installment cemented the series as great viewing.

Prime Suspect 2 is just as well made and compelling as its predecessor. This story was especially interesting because of the race relations angle that was a focus of much of the program. Helen Mirren's Jane is not always a likable character but she seems very very real and the series really showcases what a fine actress Mirren is.

I really enjoyed the 2nd episode. It has all the original cast, and shows the transition of Det. Tennyson. Its a rehash for me, I saw all on PBS. Its great to see quality in this dumbed down world.

Another great movie with Helen Mirren.. Great for detective and crime story fans!

This is brilliant gritty British TV at its best. Every one in the series is excellent, I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys great acting (Helen Mirren is fantastic) and strong story lines.

I received my two DVD's quickly. Only watched the first one, but it's in great shape. I would reorder from this vendor.