Season 7
Prime Suspect is a British police procedural television drama series created by Lynda La Plante which focuses on a no-nonsense female Detective Chief Inspector, Jane Tennison, who is attached to the Metropolitan Police division, and chronicles how she survives and thrives in a male-dominated profession.
The series aired in the UK on ITV as a series of made-for-TV movies from 7 April, 1991 to 22 October, 2006. In syndication each story typically airs as four-part seasons. There are seven seasons in the series in total.
The series originally aired in South Africa on M-Net and later aired on DStv's Movie Magic 2 (which later became M-Net Movies 2) channel, as a series of standalone movies. Broadcast dates of the original run of the series are not available.
Prime Suspect premiered in South Africa on DStv's Sony Entertainment Television (SONY) channel on Monday 18 July 2011, at 20h30. See "Seasons" below for seasonal broadcast dates and times.
Season 7 premiered on SONY on Saturday 3 March 2012, at 23h05, with the second episode airing the following week at 22h50. There are two episodes in the seventh and final season.
Season 7
Helen Mirren reprises her iconic role as the formidable Detective Superintendent Tennison one last time. As her exemplary career heads towards its inevitable conclusion, Jane is paying dearly for 35 years of repressed rage and loneliness.
When the body of missing schoolgirl Sallie Sturdy is discovered, the hunt for her killer begins. But as Tennison and her team work to identify their prime suspect, the emotional fallout from the brutal murder starts to take its toll.
As the investigation gets underway, Tennison is not only dealing very privately with the imminent death of her father but also an addiction to alcohol she is desperately trying to keep hidden.
But as the pressure mounts on all sides to secure a conviction on the high profile case, the cracks begin to show. The boundaries between her professional and private life begin to blur as her personal demons become all consuming.
As the investigation starts to slip beyond her control Jane forms an emotional bond with Sallie's closest friend, Penny Phillips, in whom she recognises a kindred spirit.
While the crisis threatens to destroy the reputation of an exemplary career, Tennison struggles to stay afloat as the storm around her intensifies.
Yet despite the occupational danger inherent in the relationship, Jane becomes unable to detach herself from the teenager, convinced Penny is her only lifeline.
With her superiors clamouring for her to take retirement early, her loyal team of DI Traynor, DS Simms and DC Cox close ranks. But this is Jane's personal journey, and her battle alone to fight.
As she struggles to redeem herself professionally, she must first find redemption personally. But if the will to fight has gone, what hope is there of recovery?
Seasons
Note: these details are for the run of the show on SONY only. Original broadcast dates for the run on M-Net and Movie Magic 2 are not available.
Season 1 (4 episodes)
Premiere: 18 July 2011 | Finale: 8 August 2011 | Mondays, 20h30
Season 2 (4 episodes)
Premiere: 15 August 2011 | Finale: 5 September 2011 | Mondays, 20h30
Season 3 (2 episodes)
Premiere: 12 September 2011 | Finale: 19 September 2011 | Mondays, 20h30
Season 4 (3 episodes)
Premiere: 26 September 2011 | Finale: 10 October 2011 | Mondays, 20h30
Season 5 (2 episodes)
Premiere: 30 January 2012 | Finale: 6 February 2012 | Mondays, 20h30
Season 6 (2 episodes)
Premiere: 13 February 2012 | Finale: 20 February 2012 | Mondays, 20h30
Season 7 (2 episodes)
Premiere: 3 March 2012 | Finale: 10 March 2012 | Saturdays, 23h00