What does the American version of Prime Suspect have to do with the original? Very little. The main reason why this is is that the format of the original was vastly different. Each installment had two episodes spanning a whopping three hours and twenty minutes collectively while the new version has roughly 40 minutes. So right off the back, there is clear disparity in how much the writers can fit in. Something had to be left out unless the writers decided to serialize the show.
Unfortunately, the parts the writers leave out contribute to the show's numerous problems. For one, they leave out the entire "prime suspect" idea and the crime solving is an afterthought rather than the focus. Second, the writers have an idea of these "moments" which are supposedly important; however, these moments are wholly unnatural and contrived, as they leave out the key developments which lead to the moments.
Without looking at the original, Prime Suspect isn't too bad. The writers clearly tried way too hard to make her into action woman, but Maria Bello is good throughout the episode. But given the start to the show and how busy Thursday is, I don't think I'll be tuning in again.
Score: 7.4/10
