Watch Prime Suspect 1973

Prime Suspect 1973 is a British television drama series set in the 1970s, created by Glen Laker and Lynda La Plante, based on the novel 'Tennison' also by La Plante. The show stars Stefanie Martini as a young Jane Tennison, who rises through the ranks of the Metropolitan Police as a WPC in the early days of her career. The show explores Tennison's early struggles and challenges as a woman in a male-dominated workforce, as well as the social and political issues of the era.

The show is set in Hackney, East London in 1973, where the police force is very different from what it is today. Racism, sexism, and corruption are commonplace, and the Metropolitan Police is struggling to solve crimes while dealing with these issues. The series follows a young Jane Tennison as she begins her career in the police force, working closely with her colleagues, each of whom has their own issues and secrets to hide.

The storylines of the show revolve around various cases that Tennison works on, including the murder of a prostitute, a burglary that goes wrong and leads to the death of an elderly woman, the brutal beating of a young boy, and the pursuit of a gang of drug dealers. Each case is meticulously investigated, and the characters are pushed to their limits as they try to solve these complex crimes.

While the main focus of the show is to provide an insight into the early days of Jane Tennison's career, the show also features a range of compelling characters, each with their own storylines. Sam Reid plays the charming and enigmatic Detective Sergeant Spencer Gibbs, whom Tennison begins a relationship with. Blake Harrison plays DS Ray Miles, who has his own demons to fight, including alcoholism and a troubled marriage.

The show also highlights the social and political issues of the time, giving the viewer a glimpse into the struggles that women and minorities faced in the police force and society in general. The show's attention to detail and historical accuracy is impressive, with the costumes, set designs, and music all reflecting the time period perfectly.

One of the standout performances of the show comes from Stefanie Martini, who embodies the character of Jane Tennison perfectly. Martini's portrayal of the young detective is nuanced and compelling, conveying the character's strength, determination, and vulnerability with ease. The show's writing is also excellent, with the supporting characters being well-rounded and fleshed out, each with their own unique motivations and flaws.

In conclusion, Prime Suspect 1973 is a well-crafted and compelling drama series that provides a fascinating insight into the early days of Jane Tennison's career, as well as the social and political issues of the time. The show is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and anyone who is interested in British history from the 1970s.