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

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 Big Fat Quiz of the Year (2006) (TV)

Intelligent AND entertaining!

"The Final Act" is the splendid concluding episode of a (generally) gripping series. As in the very best crime dramas, the focus really isn't the plot or the "whodunnit?" but the character of the central players. And if Helen Mirren almost eclipses them, that's only a bonus for the viewer. The tension is generated not by the crime plot (which is serviceable but predictable) but from Mirren's gripping portrayal of the powerful and all-too-human Jane Tennyson who treads the tightrope of her final days in her career. She somehow manages to give us a woman who balances the angels and the devils in her character without once lapsing into the predictable or the incredible. And THAT's what keeps you leaning forward in your seat.

God, but she's good!