The first three 'Prime Suspect' series were absolutely brilliant. 'Prime Suspect IV' changed the format from two episodes compromising of one case for each of the previous three series to three different cases and actually did it very well.
'Prime Suspect V: Errors of Judgement' was wonderful, but 'Prime Suspect VI: The Last Witness', having watched all the series over-time since reviewing the first series in 2016, ties with it as the best 'Prime Suspect' series since 'Prime Suspect III'. 'The Last Witness' is to me the darkest and grittiest since 'Prime Suspect III', and is one of the more suspenseful ones of all the series put together. Also with one of the more satisfying endings, not rushed, not too crammed, too convoluted or too pat, instead making one bite nails and may induce a few tears.
As is the case with all the 'Prime Suspect' series, 'The Last Witness' is stylishly and cleverly filmed, with slick editing and atmospheric lighting, and there is a consistently wonderful atmosphere throughout. It is very gritty, dark and effectively claustrophobic. It is very hard to forget the music score too, plus mood-wise and with some exotic moments in the mix it's one of the more action and atmosphere-enhancing music scores of all the 'Prime Suspect' series. The scripting, like its predecessor, is some of the best there is of any mystery/detective drama, being superbly constructed and intelligent, plus it is hard to not be impressed by the cunning subtlety of the conflicts.
Story-telling is very compelling and twisty, with an atmosphere that is gritty and harrowing but also intricate and honest. It is a complex story that keeps one guessing right up to the end while also being easy to follow. Plus the suspense of a lot of it is nerve-shredding. The deliberate pacing did not harm it at all, in fact it was executed incredibly well and was necessary considering the amount going on.
Jane Tennison continues to be an interesting character, the character and the depiction of the police force was very ahead of the time back in the 90s and holds much fascination now even if not so novel. There is the sense too that the character has evolved significantly, a feeling that one didn't get before.
Helen Mirren gives a typically magnificent performance in the lead. Frank Finley's performance is deeply felt and one wishes agreed that there was more of him.
Overall, just wonderful in every sense. 10/10 Bethany Cox
