Prime Suspect - The Final Act part 2

In earlier comments regarding part 1, Rose asked, what of part 2?

Part 2 of The Final Act, the final Prime Suspect episode aired last Sunday night in the UK.

It was a great piece of TV entertainment, with the penultimate scene being one of the most touching and emotional I have seen on TV.  Mirren's performance was outstanding and in a highly charged story others deserve notice:

• Laura Greenwood (as Penny Philips) is a young actress to watch.  Her performance was quite remarkable.
• Gary Lewis (as the grieving father) was outstanding.  As Ken Stott was once for me, Lewis is a recognisable face, but a certain performance comes along that is so memorable, his name is noted and his future performances sought out.
• The late Tom Bell as Otley, Tennison's old foe who became her friend in her hour of need.  Otley's misogynistic arrogance had departed, replaced with great sensitivity.

As for the plot, it was appropriate but also sad that the now troubled Tennison made mistakes in the investigation.  She was even "baby sat" during her last case.  I think crime devotees would not be overly suprised at how the plot develops, but the unravelling and unmasking made for some tense viewing.

I still remember the first Prime Suspect, with its excellent performances from Mirren, John Bowe and Zoë Wanamaker.  For me, the last one is on a par with that.  I'm sure it will prove to be just as highly memorable and that I'll watch it again.

The character of Tennison was treated with respect in the final episode: a very diginifed exit.

I'm sure this programme will feature highly at the next BAFTAs.

Comments

[Dana]

I have a question: How is it that Penny knew that Sallie was pregnant with her father's child at the time of the murder? Wasn't that a fact that was revealed to her later in the story?

[Benj]

elle est angélique...

[Joel]

Laura Greenwood. What should I say? she's just awesome. I wish i had seen more of her. I've been trying to get nice pictures for a month. Help me :)

[rose by any other name]

Bugger! Just wanted to post that this final series is being advertised on our screens over here now too, so should be screening in the next few weeks. And I have to now convince myself that I didn't actually see Bucky's post ... forget, you will forrrgggetttt ......

Won't spoil anything for me, so have no fear. I'm already slathering over the anticipated performances of Mirren and Bell, and by the looks of things there will be fresh faces and acting to enjoy too.

[crimeficreader]

Hi Bucky,
SPOILER WARNING to anyone who doesn't want to know who the murderer is, i.e. don't read on... it was the girl's teenage friend (female).

[Bucky]

I saw the first half but not the second. Whodunit???

[crimeficreader]

I agree with you, Kimberley. Laura Greenwood was great in that part in PS7 and everything else she's done (that I've seen).

I knew her face as soon as I saw her on screen. She's one of those actors that delivers (so well and frequently) but does not yet have the main part.

I hope PS7 makes sure that she is noted and that her potential for so much more is capitalised.

[kimberley]

i absloutely love Laura Greenwood. She is a remarkable talented actress. She portrayed the charactyer incredably well and was just as good in her other works such as walk away and i stumble, v for vendetta, the brothers grimm, and my life as a popat

[rose by any other name]

Thank you so much, it sounds a must see. Time to find out which network it may be screening on here, and email for further details.

[crimeficreader]

I don't watch, but it's good to have something of such a high standard of production that restores my faith in the quality TV we can produce on these shores.
I caught one episode of Jane Eyre recently and wish I'd watched the whole series. I'm usually put off by these classic series/films as they've been done before and not so long ago...
Another one coming up that looks good is the serialisation of Andrew Taylor's Roth Trilogy. A great bunch of UK actors and a lovely setting, plus it's based on Andrew's novels. That too is ITV and to be aired in the spring 2007. (With a documentary of the filming on ITV3 also.)

[Clare]

Yes, I agree with all that - much the best piece of drama I've seen on the TV since 'Low Winter Sun' which was nearly as good.