Prime Suspect 1973 divides viewers as Stefanie Martini takes on Helen Mirren's iconic role
The younger version of Jane Tennison appealed to some viewers – but others were put off by historical inaccuracies and a “slow” plot
Last night saw the debut of Prime Suspect prequel Prime Suspect 1973, with the younger version of Helen Mirren’s DCI Jane Tennison (here a WPC played by Stephanie Martini) starting out her career in the force in a fug of sexism and cigarette smoke.
However, despite the programme’s pedigree (or perhaps because of it) the new series seemed to divide viewers. Some praised the promising storyline and music, as well as the casting of Martini in the lead role.
https://twitter.com/milominder/status/837420508035629060
https://twitter.com/AverageTVViewer/status/837411016711471108
https://twitter.com/jase1962/status/837413996659621888
https://twitter.com/Buckie72/status/837412191955480581
https://twitter.com/monarchomach/status/837414419034431489
https://twitter.com/harehartley1/status/837416329539878913
https://twitter.com/EmmaLouiseWebb3/status/837422161203773443
However, others were unconvinced, calling out various historical inaccuracies and disagreeing that the younger years of Tennison were interesting enough for a prequel among other complaints.
https://twitter.com/GooneressexNJ/status/837418123460554752
https://twitter.com/jw_bagpuss/status/837408767784402944
This lot look nothing like people did in 1973 #PrimeSuspect1973 pic.twitter.com/5hv5EVbz9B
— Miner (@teesminer) March 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/samjaytheduck/status/837418136634806274
https://twitter.com/Toobroke2drive/status/837418859363696642
And a few couldn’t help comparing it to another 1970s-set policing drama – time travel mystery Life on Mars, as well as its sequel Ashes to Ashes.
https://twitter.com/dansilver_/status/837415557599223809
https://twitter.com/Brucebfg/status/837414512990945280
https://twitter.com/hkp074/status/837419033167286275
And overall, even if people did like it there was one crucial element missing – Helen Mirren, who last played the character in 2006.
https://twitter.com/see75/status/837412887639425024
Watching the new Prime Suspect knowing it could NEVER come close to the original...there's only one Helen Mirren !
— michele (@MicheleHandley) March 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/MachineGun1967/status/837412376962076672
In fairness, we can’t help but suspect there are few that could fill her shoes.
Prime Suspect continues on Thursdays at 9.00pm