In this final episode of Prime Suspect 4, the series misses the mark set by it predecessors. The story does have some interesting ideas and twists, but the whole is less than the sum of its parts.
Spoilers:
Tennison is faced with a series of killings which bear a strong resemblance to the Malowe killings of the first series. On top of it, there has been a book published, which casts a shadow of doubt on her original investigation. Tennison knows she got it right and is forced to prove it again. Also, she finds herself caught in a political struggle with her superiors, who have always resented her position. Meanwhile, she has developed a relationship with Dr Patric Scofield, who was introduced in the first episode of series 4. Once again, Tennison puts a strain on her personal life as she becomes more obsessed with her work.
Tennison ends up removed from the case due to her personal obsession. Meanwhile, the new investigation head is leading the police down the wrong trail. At the same time, a mother has disappeared and appears to be the next victim. The police and Tennison, on her own, are on a race to find her before she turns up dead. Tennison is forced to confront Marowe again to gain some insight into the killer and assure herself that she was correct, originally.
Tennison's actions result in the safe rescue of the mother and the apprehension of the killer; but, she faces disciplinary action for involving herself in the case, after she was removed. Although her actions were correct, she has far too many powerful enemies, including Thorndike, who tries to dig into her personal life. Although she gains a measure of satisfaction, Tennison finds her career ruined.
There are good ideas here: the possibility that Tennison got her first case wrong due to her obsessive nature, her attempts at building a relationship with someone who might be able to understand her, and her fight against political enemies. Unfortunately, those parts don't really come together. Also, the idea of Marlowe manipulating events from his cell comes across as too much like Hannibal Lecter. The realism that has been a hallmark of this series is lost. The final scene where Tennison confronts her antagonist, Thorndike, is classic; but her relationship with Scofield is left up in the air.
Helen Mirren is good, as always, and Stuart Wilson is a fine addition. His character is a psychologist and is fascinated with Tennison, both as a woman, and as a case study. He is able to defuse some of Tennison's destructive tendencies, but grows frustrated with her paranoia.
Ultimately, this episode feels like a pale reflection of the original series. The same ground is covered with a less satisfying execution. The only positive aspect is the possibility of a lasting relationship for Tennison; but, it is not to be.
Spoilers:
Tennison is faced with a series of killings which bear a strong resemblance to the Malowe killings of the first series. On top of it, there has been a book published, which casts a shadow of doubt on her original investigation. Tennison knows she got it right and is forced to prove it again. Also, she finds herself caught in a political struggle with her superiors, who have always resented her position. Meanwhile, she has developed a relationship with Dr Patric Scofield, who was introduced in the first episode of series 4. Once again, Tennison puts a strain on her personal life as she becomes more obsessed with her work.
Tennison ends up removed from the case due to her personal obsession. Meanwhile, the new investigation head is leading the police down the wrong trail. At the same time, a mother has disappeared and appears to be the next victim. The police and Tennison, on her own, are on a race to find her before she turns up dead. Tennison is forced to confront Marowe again to gain some insight into the killer and assure herself that she was correct, originally.
Tennison's actions result in the safe rescue of the mother and the apprehension of the killer; but, she faces disciplinary action for involving herself in the case, after she was removed. Although her actions were correct, she has far too many powerful enemies, including Thorndike, who tries to dig into her personal life. Although she gains a measure of satisfaction, Tennison finds her career ruined.
There are good ideas here: the possibility that Tennison got her first case wrong due to her obsessive nature, her attempts at building a relationship with someone who might be able to understand her, and her fight against political enemies. Unfortunately, those parts don't really come together. Also, the idea of Marlowe manipulating events from his cell comes across as too much like Hannibal Lecter. The realism that has been a hallmark of this series is lost. The final scene where Tennison confronts her antagonist, Thorndike, is classic; but her relationship with Scofield is left up in the air.
Helen Mirren is good, as always, and Stuart Wilson is a fine addition. His character is a psychologist and is fascinated with Tennison, both as a woman, and as a case study. He is able to defuse some of Tennison's destructive tendencies, but grows frustrated with her paranoia.
Ultimately, this episode feels like a pale reflection of the original series. The same ground is covered with a less satisfying execution. The only positive aspect is the possibility of a lasting relationship for Tennison; but, it is not to be.