Watch Prime Suspect: Tennison

Prime Suspect: Tennison is a British procedural drama TV series that premiered on PBS in 2017. The show was created as a prequel to the famous Prime Suspect series that aired in the UK between 1991 and 2006. The original series followed the stories of Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison as she navigates a male-dominated profession in London. Prime Suspect: Tennison goes back in time to before the first season of Prime Suspect and follows a young Jane Tennison in the beginning days of her career as a WPC (Woman Police Constable).

Set in 1973, the show explores Tennison's life as an officer in the Metropolitan police force. Stefanie Martini takes on the role of Jane Tennison, a rookie cop who is trying to find her place in a world ruled by men. Martini's portrayal of the character is charming, strong-willed, and vulnerable at the same time. She perfectly captures the struggles of a woman trying to find her place in a male-dominated profession while also dealing with her own personal demons.

In her quest to prove her worth, Tennison becomes entangled in the investigation of a seemingly unrelated serial killer case. Her ambition and curiosity lead her to a string of unsolved murders that she believes are connected. However, her superiors don't take her seriously, and more experienced male detectives belittle her ideas. Tennison finds herself struggling to earn the respect of her peers, and she faces constant discrimination because of her gender.

Tennison's journey is also intertwined with her personal life. She is a woman trying to figure out herself while navigating a difficult and complex profession. She has affairs with her colleagues, and the show doesn't shy away from exploring how these relationships affect her work and personal life. The show does an excellent job of portraying the sexism that existed in the '70s and how it affected women in the workplace.

Sam Reid plays Tennison's mentor, DCS Len Bradfield. Bradfield is a brilliant detective with a no-nonsense persona. He is one of the few men who recognize Tennison's talent and sees her potential. Despite his gruff exterior, there is a sense of compassion and understanding from Reid's portrayal.

Blake Harrison is another standout in the show as DS Spencer Gibbs, a colleague who dislikes Tennison at the beginning but grows to value her opinion. Harrison does an excellent job of showing the change in Gibbs' personality and how his misogyny is challenged by Tennison's intelligence and determination.

The show is set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing British society. The '70s were a time of political and social upheaval, and this is reflected in the wider narrative of the show. The IRA bombings in London serve as a reminder of the tense political environment, and the socio-economic divide is highlighted through the relationship between Tennison and the characters from working-class backgrounds.

One of the unique features of Prime Suspect: Tennison is how it combines the grittiness of the crime procedural genre with a more character-driven narrative. The show is not just about solving the murders but also deals with the personal struggles of the characters. The relationships between the characters are well-written and nuanced, and they feel like real people with real problems.

Another aspect of the show that stands out is its attention to detail. The set design and costumes perfectly capture the '70s aesthetic, and the show features an impressive soundtrack that transports the viewers back in time. The creative team behind the show did a fantastic job of recreating the era in which the show is set, and it adds to the authenticity of the story.

In conclusion, Prime Suspect: Tennison is an outstanding prequel to the iconic Prime Suspect series. It effectively captures the struggles of a woman trying to find her place in a male-dominated profession while also dealing with her own personal demons. The acting is superb, and the attention to detail is impressive. The show is not just a crime procedural but also a character-driven drama that explores the personal lives of the characters. Anyone who is a fan of the original series, or the procedural genre, should definitely check out this show. It's an excellent addition to the Prime Suspect franchise.

Prime Suspect: Tennison is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (9 episodes). The series first aired on June 25, 2017.