As a standalone six-part drama I would have given this show eight stars without hesitation, as it was generally very good. But since it is using the Prime Suspect brand name to draw a larger audience (the book upon which it is based was simply called Tennison) I expected better, so it lost a star.
On its own merits it is a high-quality piece of television, with excellent cinematography and mostly excellent performances. The writing is somewhat pedestrian, as is the direction, but not enough to annoy. The art-direction is superb, with strong attention to period detail, but as usual with modern dramas set in the 1970's it proved impossible for the hair and makeup departments to make the actors look as hideous as people really did during that era.
In terms of story it was somewhat unoriginal, borrowing heavily from well known historical events, and that lost the drama some of its edge - especially since a major plot point was dramatized far better in a 2008 heist movie starring Jason Statham.
After getting off to a highly promising start, the series meandered a little in the middle, but found its feet in time to make a strong finish that would have set up an ongoing series quite nicely, but is nevertheless neatly wrapped-up without any aggravating loose ends - a good thing since it wasn't picked-up for a second series.
As a prequel to Prime Suspect, it sets up that series quite well, albeit unnecessarily, but as part of that brand it doesn't compare very favourably. In terms of writing especially it lacks the depth and punch of the original work, and in all other ways it just feels less special.
It came as no surprise to discover that the original author, Lynda LaPlante, walked away from this series due to creative differences with its producers, which is why it didn't go further. I imagine that if she'd been allowed more creative control this show could have been as great as its predecessor. It is best viewed as a standalone, and as such is well worth a watch.
