This episode touches upon the subject and, also, upon the nemesis of the pilot of Prime Suspect, George Marlow. Unfortunately for us, the creators did not use the same actor in both episodes and this episode suffers for it. The character lost most of his chillingly charming "Ted Bundy-like" impact due to the ill-advised casting. The entire Prime Suspect series revolves around the complexities, quirks and demons that comprise Jane Tennison throughout her career: one clearly sees that one CANNOT "have it all," an American colloquialism that is depressing in its banality and lack of truth. Certainly, most current crime and psychological dramas that carry any real impact, both British and American, have benefited immensely from the impeccable model set by the Prime Suspect body of work and the attendant BBC production values. Prior to this show, most crime shows were not very realistic and the characters were not very complex or compelling. Early serial killers lacked "layers," making them one-dimensional and unbelievable. Early crime and psychological dramas lacked the rhythm and personality that distinguishes every person, every snowflake and every breath of air. One show could easily be substituted as any other one simply by changing a title, crime or character. Painstakingly exact depiction of legal procedure and method was never hallmarked in many earlier pieces because these matters are considered tedious and mundane. (The notable exceptions are the shows in which Jack Webb participated and/or created; at least, considering the 1950s and 1960s "status quo ante," Jack Webb utilized the few tools available to him at the time.) This PS episode poorly distinguished itself, from a series which always garners 9 point and above ratings from this viewer, chiefly in the final 2-3 minutes of film. The Jane Tennison so valued by this viewer would never have reacted as she was depicted. No professional, male or female, who had the tenacity and testicular fortitude to achieve her position and responsibilities at the Metropolitan would have thus disgraced herself. The real Jane, a la LaPlante, would have made a cutting remark to the entire "nob" table when she turned back to face them. Without missing a beat, LaPlante's Jane would have said that she, too, had heard from various sources that David was having trouble having "hard feelings" for ANYONE AT ALL and perhaps, he should consult his urologist! Head held high, with the male laughter virtually castrated, Jane would have glided away, smiling, as the credits rolled. The actual ending, coupled with the poor casting of George Marlow, left me vaguely dissatisfied with this episode and the future direction of the Tennison character.
Prime Suspect: The Scent of Darkness
(1995 TV Movie)
The continuing epic of Jane Tennison...
17 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers