Prime Suspect consisted of 7 series. The original formula was that each series consisted of one story, split across 2 or more episodes. Prime Suspect 4 departed from this with a seperate story for each of the three episodes, with a bit of an overall arc, relating to Tennison's personal life. Prime Suspect 5 returned to the original formula.
Prime Suspect 1 revolves around the investigation of a brutal murder and the possibility of a serial killer. It also deals with Tennison's battles with discrimination and condescending attitudes, plus her unstable personal life.
PS 2 revolves around the investigation into the death of a young girl, whose body is discovered several years after the murder. It also focuses heavily on race relations in the community and Tennison's own prejudices, through her relationship with a young black police sergeant, played wonderfully by Colin Salmon.
In PS 3, Tennison has been assigned to vice and must investigate the death of a "rent boy," a young male prostitue. In the process, she uncovers a pedophile ring and possible police corruption. She also rekindles a romance with an old acquaintance, which leaves her facing a dillemma.
PS 4 consists of 3 episodes. "The Lost Child" focuses on the apparent kidnapping of an infant, with the prime suspect a known sex offender. One of Tennison's team seems to have a personal stake in the case, which leads to serious consequences. In the course of the investigation, Tennison meets a psychologist, to whom she is attracted. "Inner Circles" deals with the investigation of an apparent suicide that is anything but. Tennison's investigation ruffles the feathers of members of a private country club and examines class distinctions. The last episode, "The Scent of Darkness", revolves around a killing that has the same aspects as in PS1. Tennison is racing to solve the crime, prevent another woman from dying, and prove that she got it right in PS1; but finds herself at odds with her superiors. Dr. Patrick Scoefield is introduced in "The Lost Child," and by "The Scent of Darkness," he is in a relationship with Tennison. This is the main linking device between the three episodes of the series.
PS 5 finds Tennison relocated to Manchester, where she encounters a major crime figure, know as "The Street." He rules the drug trade in the area, but seems immune to the police. Tennison also finds an attraction to her new, married boss.
PS 6 follwed a gap of a few years and sees Tennison now investigating the death of a young woman from Eastern Europe. Tennison will confront the legacy of the wars in the Balkans, and her own relationship with her father.
PS 7 finds Tennison's career falling apart, due to alcoholism, as well as her impending retirement. In addition, her father is dying of cancer and Tennison must resolve her troubled relationship with him. In the process, Tennison is driven to solve the murder of a young girl, near a housing estate, and the secrets that surround her. She also develops a relationship with a young girl, a friend of the victim. Tennison also meets up with her nemesis from PS1 and 3, Sgt. Bill Otley.
In the US, Prime Suspect 1 through 6 were released in 2 disc sets by HBO Home Video, with 7 released by Acorn Media (also 2 disc). The Complete Collection is released by Acorn.

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