Prime Suspect: The Final Act (2006) (TV)

User Rating:

8.6/10   

Director:

Philip Martin

Writer:

Frank Deasy (writer)

Release Date:

12 November 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Plot:

Approaching retirement, Jane Tennison investigates the murder of a missing girl. But the cracks soon begin to show as Jane struggles with an alcohol problem and the death of her father.

Plot Keywords:

Retirement | Prime Suspect | Alcoholism | Terminal Cancer | Police

Awards:

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 7 wins & 7 nominations

Cast

Helen Mirren	...	Det. Supt. Jane Tennison
Stephen Tompkinson	...	Sean Philips
Laura Greenwood	...	Penny Philips
Eve Best	...	Linda Philips
Gary Lewis	...	Tony Sturdy
Katy Murphy	...	Ruth Sturdy
Frank Finlay	...	Arnold Tennison
Tom Bell	...	Bill Otley
Robert Pugh	...	DS Alun Simms
Brendan Coyle	...	DCS Mitchell
Robbie Gee	...	DI Traynor
Russell Mabey	...	DS Cox
Laura Doddington	...	DC Wood
Heshima Thompson	...	Curtis Flynn
Carolyn Pickles	...	Pauline

Also Known As:

Prime Suspect 7 (UK) (working title)
Prime Suspect 7: The Final Act (USA)

Runtime:

182 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Certification:

Australia:M | Australia:MA (DVD rating) | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Elliott School, Pullman Gardens, Putney, London, England, UK

Company:

Granada Television

Trivia:

This episode was dedicated to the memory of Tom Bell (Bill Otley) 1933-2006, who died two weeks before this final TV appearance was screened.

Goofs:

Continuity: In this episode, Jane's only sister is named Pauline, yet in all the other episodes - when mentioned - her name is Pam (and played by Jessica Turner).

Quotes:

Tony Sturdy: Christ! You never made a mistake? You never been ashamed?
Det. Supt. Jane Tennison: What were you ashamed of Tony? Hmm? 'Cause you like a drink? Is that what it is? You had more than one beer in that car, didn't you? I mean, I can tell you like a drink. 'Cause you smell of alcohol right now.
Tony Sturdy: No. That's not me. That's you.

Movie Connections:

Featured in The 59th Primetime Emmy Awards (2007) (TV)

This is Drama!!

Without a doubt this is one of the best dramas made in recent years for British Television, Helen Mirren's performance was a tour De force. She has an amazing ability to show the deep emotions of such a complex character that has so many tragic flaws.

In this final episode we see that she has hit rock bottom, retirement is looming large and the serious illness that has left her father seriously ill is now combining with her last case to leave her feeling isolated and alone. The result of which leads Tennison to make some very fatal errors of judgement that could very well destroy a glittering career.

All the cast in this are excellent and add real depth and feel to what is an emotional and somewhat sombre film.

Stephen Tompkinson is again excellent showing why he is such a versatile actor, Special mention should go to Tom Bell who's last performance was measured and very compassionate, he will be sadly missed.

The ending of this series that was leaked to the media was not the one screened which only added to what was a truly excellent piece of film making. Prime Suspect may be no more but we can be thankful that such an intricate and stunning series as this has graced our screens.