In this second episode of Prime Suspect 4, we begin to feel the loss of creator Lynda La Plante. The episode is weaker than previous series and the first episode of the current series. Helen Mirren continues to shine and the supporting actors are all good, but the writing is not up to par. The story becomes a bit muddled and the ending is a bit hard to swallow.
Spoilers: This time, Tennison is called in to investigate what at first appears to be a break in and murder, but turns into a look at political corruption and scandal, as well as class struggle. When a man is found dead in his home, of what appears to be autoerotic strangulation, all is not what it seems. It is quickly determined that the manner of death is a cover up for what really happened. Tennison enters a world of wealth and privilege, surrounding a country club and nearby neighborhoods. At the fringe of this well-to-do community, is a low-income housing estate. The housing estate is at odds with its wealthy neighbors, who also control the local council.
Tennison ends up caught between the "haves" who try to brow beat her and manipulate her investigation, and the "have-nots" who appear to be her prime suspects. Added to the mix is a young female detective who came out of the low-income area. Tennison solves the case, although the final solution comes across more like a pulp novel than the type of drama we are used to.
Mirren rises above the material, as do the supporting performers, but this episode is less satisfying. The ending is too muddled in double-crosses and manipulation. The writer tries too hard to add layers to what is a straightforward crooked real estate deal and murder. Unfortunately, this fourth series resembles a downward slope as it progresses. The next episode would fall even further.
Spoilers: This time, Tennison is called in to investigate what at first appears to be a break in and murder, but turns into a look at political corruption and scandal, as well as class struggle. When a man is found dead in his home, of what appears to be autoerotic strangulation, all is not what it seems. It is quickly determined that the manner of death is a cover up for what really happened. Tennison enters a world of wealth and privilege, surrounding a country club and nearby neighborhoods. At the fringe of this well-to-do community, is a low-income housing estate. The housing estate is at odds with its wealthy neighbors, who also control the local council.
Tennison ends up caught between the "haves" who try to brow beat her and manipulate her investigation, and the "have-nots" who appear to be her prime suspects. Added to the mix is a young female detective who came out of the low-income area. Tennison solves the case, although the final solution comes across more like a pulp novel than the type of drama we are used to.
Mirren rises above the material, as do the supporting performers, but this episode is less satisfying. The ending is too muddled in double-crosses and manipulation. The writer tries too hard to add layers to what is a straightforward crooked real estate deal and murder. Unfortunately, this fourth series resembles a downward slope as it progresses. The next episode would fall even further.