Compelling, edge-of-your-seat dramaby Anonymous

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September 24, 2007: If you are a Prime Suspect fan, this episode is a must-see. I had unfortunately missed seeing it when it first came out, and then last year, after PBS ran the 7th and final chapter, they re-ran episode 6, much to my delight. I immediately went out, splurged, and purchased the dvd set. In the months I've had it, I've lost count of how many times I've watched this episode. Next to the very first Prime Suspect, where the Jane Tennison character is introduced, to me it is the most compelling, dramatic, and heart-wrenching story of the entire series. As in the very first episode, the villain in this one is an extremely handsome and charming individual. But scratch the surface and a horrible monster of unbelievable proportions emerges. Meanwhile, Helen Mirren as Jane Tennison is at her best while under tremendous pressure to resign as she has "run the good race" and all the good ol' boys believe it's time for her to have a much deserved rest. However, she will have none of it. She is NOT ready to be put "out to grass" as she says, just yet. She's determined to root out a monstrous killer who is hiding among the citizenry as a normal family man only trying to help the government, so he says. Naturally Tennison has to dodge the big guns and flagrantly disobey direct orders to accomplish unearthing what she knows to be the truth when the rest of the establishment simply want to turn their backs. This episode has a wonderful array of characters. Tennison has a team with a traitor in it, and she must use great and careful skill in diffusing all the male egos who slam up against each other day after day. The story also deals with the issue of foreign immigrants to which we can all relate. Fortunately, Jane Tennison is a character who treats each situation with maturity, tact, compassion, and wisdom--even when she has to lie through her teeth! The conclusion is very satisfying: the viewer feels that all the tension was worth the ride. One other thing: it has a wonderful musical score which complements the story, action, and atmosphere perfectly. This also adds to the pleasure of the view. I highly recommend Episode 6.