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In this British television series, which was an enormous hit in Britain, Helen Mirren plays the role of Detective Superintendent Jane Tennison. She is the first woman to become head of the London police homicide division. The Prime Suspect series (only seven "chapters) follows her career.

We became addicted to the series a few months back and rented all seven DVDs in quick succession. Mirren plays a woman whose career comes first and manages to navigate herself up the ranks of a male-dominated police force with intricate internal politics. Yet, she never sacrifices her commitment to solving murders at whatever cost, even if it means defying her superiors. The seven cases are all of great interest, as the mystery of each murder unfolds, due to Jane Tennison's unrelenting pursuit of the killer.

What makes Prime Suspect so fascinating is Mirren's nuanced performance of a British working class woman who is devoted to her police work and her sense of justice, as well as her fascination with assembling clues. She has a remarkable ability to solicit information from sources, but -- due to her devotion to her job -- makes a mess of her personal life.

We've chosen to offer Prime Suspect 6, The Last Witness, because it interweaves international politics and accountability with a murder inquiry. Specifically, it traverses between a killing in London and Bosnian war crimes.

If you like murder and suspense thrillers for the thinking person, then the Prime Suspect series is for you.

And BuzzFlash readers won't be disappointed with "The Last Witness." Unlike American police films, there are is no fusillade of gunfire every five minutes, just fascinating character and plot development -- although there are some graphic morgue shots.

An online reviewer:

Former Chief Detective Tennison, has now been promoted to overseeing all murder investigations in London. She is, as usual, battling the male establishment and coming to grips with advancing middle-age. At 54 she feels she is being pushed toward early retirement and the pressure and presence of ambitious younger colleagues who would love to have her job are ever present. At this point in her life Jane Tennison is also beginning to realize that her career has become her life - a sad and lonely realization.

When the body of a young Bosnian woman turns up, with signs of brutal, sadistic torture, Jane takes over the case. Her investigation leads her to one man, and perhaps two, who are alleged war criminals with much to hide as they attempt to make new lives for themselves in Britain. The murdered woman's older sister is finally found and promised protection in return for her story and assistance with the ongoing investigation. The police protection proves to be weaker than the will of the murderer to eliminate all possible witnesses to his crimes. And disaster strikes again with horrifying results. As usual Tennison risks all in her determination to bring the guilty to justice and in this sixth episode "all" could mean her career.

The Prime Suspect series has long been a favorite. Helen Mirren is superb as an actress in any role and absolutely shines as Jane Tennison. Ms. Mirren lends the correct mix of tough independence and vulnerability that are such an important part of the character. And her face mirrors all the emotion her character is feeling more eloquently than words. I heard Ms. Mirren say, in a recent interview with the press, that this will be the last Prime Suspect episode. I am very sorry to see it end but can't imagine a more fitting conclusion. Wonderful acting and drama. Highly recommended!

BuzzFlash note: Mirren returned for one more episode, "The Final Act," which ends with her retirement.

You can find out more on Prime Suspect on Wikipedia.



BUZZFLASH REVIEWS