Prime Suspect 1973

Prime Suspect 1973, also titled Prime Suspect: Tennison, is a British television drama series, spin-off prequel to the long-running crime drama Prime Suspect, aired by ITV in 2017. Produced by Noho Film and Television and distributed by ITV Studios, it provides an embryonic glimpse into the early career of the iconic investigator Jane Tennison.

The original Prime Suspect series, which aired from 1991 to 2006, starred Helen Mirren as the tenacious, unabashed and gritty Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison, the first female DCI to head a murder investigation. Prime Suspect 1973 explores the early life of this iconic character and illustrates the pathways that paved the way for her illustrious career.

This six-part series is set in Hackney, East London in the 70s era of flared trousers, platform shoes, and glam rock, providing a fond vintage vibe to the prime-time crime drama. The plot places an eager young Jane Tennison, played brilliantly by Stefanie Martini, an actress known for her roles in films like "Crooked House" and "Hurricane", right at the beginning of her police career during her probationary period as a WPC, Woman Police Constable. The series is adapted from the bestseller "Tennison" by Lynda La Plante, the acclaimed author who created the original series.

Since its beginning, the series offers a thrilling narrative with multiple interlinked storylines. Its depiction of the 1970s Metropolitan Police, where sexism and dated attitudes prevail, forms a crucial background against which Tennison must prove her worth. The series explores the criminal world of East London, delving into grisly murders, dangerous robberies, drugs, and gang warfare.

The plot propels when Tennison, ambling on the edges of serious police work, gets embroiled in her first murder case, providing her with a daunting taste of what lies ahead in her career. Throughout the series, viewers glimpse her developing acute investigative instincts and tenacity that made the character a household name.

Besides Stefanie Martini performing the titular role of young Tennison, Prime Suspect 1973 boasts a noteworthy cast. Sam Reid takes on the role of the intransigent DI Bradfield, Tennison's superior and mentor, while Blake Harrison plays DS Spencer Gibbs, a seasoned officer less welcoming of Tennison. Alun Armstrong, Ruth Sheen, Jessica Gunning, and Andrew Brooke also lend their acting prowess to the cast.

The series does a commendable job blending a multi-layered dramatic storyline with accurate period details. The aesthetic intricacies such as the old-fashioned vehicles, period costumes, subdued color palette, and music, conspicuously of 1970s, contributes to an authentic ambiance complementing a thrilling narrative.

Moreover, the series is not merely a murder mystery to unravel, but it explores various aspects of Tennison's life - her family dynamics, characterized by an oppressive and disapproving mother, and a burgeoning romantic life. It provides a distinct perspective to her character as she negotiates the personal and professional realms, strengthening her integrity and resolve.

Prime Suspect 1973 is a compelling watch for both fans of the original Prime Suspect series and new audiences alike. It offers a unique lens into the making of a extraordinary detective while providing a healthy serving of 70's nostalgia, vintage policing, interlinked criminal activities, and feisty personal relations. The series's atmosphere, combined with a gripping storyline and remarkable acting performances, offers a well-rounded drama that demands attention. Through this axis of shifting dynamics, complex characters, and engaging narrative, viewers journey with a young ordinary constable to become one of UK's most proficient and respected sleuths - Jane Tennison.

However, the series is not just a police procedural or crime drama; it's a study of society, gender roles, and an era that shapes a young woman to become an implacable force in British crime investigation. Her journey echoes the struggles of women of that era who step into the world previously dominated by men, highlighting their determination, resilience, and integrity. Prime Suspect 1973, therefore, holds a compelling mirror to a society poised on the brink of change, and a crime-fighting legend in the making.