Synopsis
DCI Tennison can’t ever get a nice, straightforward case that won’t destroy anyone who goesnear it. This time the murder of a young boy is just the first link in a chain that leads to explosiverevelations of child prostitution and police connections. Tennison’s life is made even morecomplicated by the fact that she has to knock heads again with her old enemy St. Bill Otley.
One could be forgiven for detecting a pattern, or even a formula, emerging in this series.Eac… story deals with a crime aimed at a different victimized social group. Even the set-up of thestories are similar: both Series 2 and 3 begin with the opening of an investigation beingjuxtaposed with Tennyson screwing up in a relationship once again. But the hard edge is stillpresent, Helen Mirren is still fabulous, and it is refreshing to see a female character older than 25being allowed to be sexual.
Audio
The sound is of much the same caliber as with Prime Suspect 2. The track is 2.0, andfeatures pretty muscular use of surround sound effects. If there’s ever any rain, flames, or thelike, the sounds blast out of the rear speakers. The dialogue is not, however, drowned out. Thesound is not entirely free of distortion.
Video
As with the sound, so with the picture. There are the same qualities and flaws as with thecompanion release. The image is rather soft. The contrasts are solid, as are the blacks, but thegrain and murkiness issues could do with some work.
Special Features
None. And such a nice case!
Closing Thoughts
If you already taped the series when it aired on TV, I wouldn’t worry about grabbing theDVD, which, other than lasting longer, isn’t a big step up. Good show, though.
