MYSTERY!: PRIME SUSPECT 3: EPISODE 2 (TV)
Summary
The second of two programs on this tape. One in this mystery anthology series. Host Diana Rigg introduces part two of this four-part program, set in contemporary London, in which recently transferred Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison -- now on the Soho vice squad -- investigates a teenager's murder and discovers a sinister link to the police. As the episode opens, Tennison meets with Edward Parker Jones, trying to determine what he was doing on the night of the arson fire that killed Connie Jenkins. She also tries to corroborate prime suspect James Jackson's alibi that he, too, was at the homeless children's center during the time of the murder. Meanwhile, Superintendent Halliday tells Dalton to try to prevent Tennison's investigation from being broadened. With five alibis on Jackson's side, including Parker Jones, Tennison begins to wonder if Parker Jones might not be as squeaky clean as everyone assumes. Aside from being aware that one of her tape recordings is missing from her desk, Tennison also begins noticing the casual homophobia within her department. She informs DI Brian Dalton that Billy Matthews, a boy who bit him during routine questioning, has full-blown AIDS. Later, Tennison is called to the scene of Martin Fletcher's death. Sgt. Bill Otley subsequently questions one of Jackson's alibis, young Alan Thorpe. Having observed the confrontation, Jackson then takes Thorpe for "a ride." Tennison continues to think Jackson is the prime suspect, as she believes he may be controlling the young boys through fear. Tennison is also ordered by Halliday to back off in her questioning of Parker Jones. Frustrated, Tennison visits with social worker Margaret Speel, imploring her to get Matthews off the streets while also trying to learn more about Parker Jones. Next, new vice squad member Ray Hebdon begins targeting modeling photographer Mark Lewis -- who had once photographed Jenkins -- ultimately finding an enormous stash of pornography of underage boys in his apartment. Lewis is brought in for questioning, where he reveals that an older man once commissioned explicit videos of Jenkins. After finding the previously missing tape now back in her desk, Tennison finds that none of her colleagues know anything about it. Seeing Matthews in one of the videotapes with Jenkins, Tennison asks that Matthews be brought in for questioning. When found, Matthews appears near-death and must be hospitalized. Later, journalist Jessica Smithy reveals to Tennison that she had been working on a story with Jenkins in which he was planning to reveal some of his customers -- notably a high-ranking police official and a member of Parliament. Meanwhile, Lewis's flat is mysteriously cleared of all potentially damaging tapes and photographs, further arousing Tennison's suspicions. Badgered by Chiswick and Halliday to bring matters to a close, Tennison tells them about her pending interview with Smithy. Once Tennison is out of earshot, Chiwick tells Halliday to get any incriminating tapes. Finally, Tennison meets with Smithy, where she learns that the journalist once had a confrontation with Parker Jones. Smithy also claims that she was preparing to pay Jenkins 500 quid for his story around the time of his murder -- coincidentally, the exact amount of money found on the dead teen's body. Now, Tennison believes she has a motive. But she soon finds herself distracted by a non-professional issue: Tennison learns that she's pregnant.
Details
- NETWORK: PBS
- DATE: May 5, 1994 Thursday 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:56:42
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:77359
- GENRE: Drama, mystery/suspense
- SUBJECT HEADING: She Made It Collection (Lynda La Plante); LGBT Collection
- SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 1980-
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Rebecca Eaton … Executive Producer
- Sally Head … Executive Producer
- Paul Marcus … Producer
- La Plante, Lynda … Associate Producer, Writer
- David Drury … Director
- Stephen Warbeck … Music by
- Diana Rigg … Host
- Helen Mirren … Cast, Jane Tennison
- Tom Bell … Cast, Bill Otley
- Andrew Woodall … Cast, Brian Dalton
- Felix Bell … Cast, Rutter
- Andrew Dicks … Cast, Billy Matthews
- Mark Strong … Cast, Larry Hall
- Ciaran Hinds … Cast, Edward Parker Jones
- Struan Rodger … Cast, Halliday
- Philip Wright … Cast, Lillie
- Richard Hawley … Cast, Richard Haskons
- Mark Drewry … Cast, Ray Hebdon
- Liza Sadovy … Cast, Kathy Bibby
- Karen Tomlin … Cast, Norma Hastings
- Terrence Hardiman … Cast, Chiswick
- Eric Deacon … Cast, Gordon
- Danny Dyer … Cast, Martin Fletcher
- David Thewlis … Cast, James Jackson
- Richard Cadman … Cast, Alan Thorpe
- Alyson Spiro … Cast, Margaret Speel
- Steven Crossley … Cast, Mark Lewis
- Greg Saunders … Cast, Connie
- Kelly Hunter … Cast, Jessica Smithy
- Joseph Grieg … Cast, Caretaker
- Pearce Quigley … Cast, Red