MASTERPIECE THEATRE: PRIME SUSPECT 4: THE SCENT OF DARKNESS (TV)

Summary

One in this ongoing series of dramas presented under the umbrella of "Masterpiece Theatre." This program presents the third stand-alone episode in the fourth edition of "Prime Suspect." In this installment, set in contemporary London, recently promoted Superintendent Jane Tennison investigates a series of murders eerily similar to those of her first case, causing many to wonder if she arrested the wrong man. As the episode opens, Antony and Elizabeth Bramwell wonder why their teenage daughter Christine hasn't returned home. Meanwhile, Tennison has begun a relationship with Dr. Patrick Schofield, a stabilizing figure in her life. That night, a bound and bagged body is found by the railroad tracks. Later, Tennison and Detective Inspector Richard Haskons visit the morgue to learn the details of the murder of Marjorie Miller. Tennison notices that Miller was clamped in a way similar to that inflicted on the six victims of George Marlow, who had been sent to prison by Tennison years ago. Tennison now assumes that someone has committed a copycat killing due to the recent release of a book by Mark Whitehouse proclaiming Marlow's innocence. The next day, Tennison learns that a witness saw a man with a Mediterranean appearance leaving the scene in an escort van. Soon, Tennison's team, specifically Detective Chief Inspector Mitchell, is questioning Marlow's guilt, forcing Tennison to tell them she put away the right man. Then, Christine is found bagged, mutilated and killed in a way similar to Miller -- and Marlow's previous victims. Tennison's team begins offering investigation theories based on Whitehouse's book, frustrating Tennison even more. According to Mitchell, Andreas Hulenkinis, a Cypriot who had been convicted of a sex crime, is the nephew of the owner of a "lock up" where two of Marlow's victims were found. Mitchell posits that Hulenkinis could be a suspect. Meanwhile, Tennison investigates a mysterious gardenia scent found on the two corpses. Feeling pressure from her doubting team, Tennison and Haskons investigate the lock up, but Hulenkinis's story seems to check out. Soon, Tennison sees that even Schofield is reading Whitehouse's book, leaving her feeling betrayed. The next day, due to pressures from the "top," Chief Superintendent Kernan tells Tennison that she has been removed from the case and replaced by Mitchell. Meanwhile, Haskons gets a tip that Christine may have gotten into the car of a mysterious, undercover police officer, or a man imitating one. Soon, an independent council -- headed by Tennison's old nemesis, Superintendent David Thorndike -- begins looking into Tennison's investigation of Marlow for a possible "miscarriage of justice." Kernan thinks it would be a better idea to figure out who is leaking information to Whitehouse. Meanwhile, having looked at Tennison's papers on Marlow, Schofield believes he may have discovered something of use. Soon, Whitehouse is going on talk shows, claiming his certainty that Marlow is innocent and that Tennison botched the case. Then, Tennison stumbles upon the fact that Schofield and Whitehouse are in communication. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Thorndike tell Kernan that it is time to consider that Marlow is possibly innocent, and that the investigation should be opened up, officially making Miller and Christine victims number seven and eight. Despite being removed from the investigation, Tennison remains determined to prove she was right the first time, secretly enlisting Haskons to help her out. Later, Tennison meets face-to-face with Whitehouse, wondering why he's so interested in Marlow -- and Schofield. Afterward, Kernan tracks Tennison down, telling her to be more careful in her "secret" meetings with Haskons. Eventually, another woman, Lynn Matthews, goes missing. Police think she may have been abducted by the killer, who has been holding victims for three days before murdering them. Tennison goes to Blackpool to meet with Marlow's senile mother Doris, trying to see if she has any recollection of gardenia perfume. Tennison takes Doris out on the pier, where Tennison gleans some vital information. Meanwhile, Schofield is confronted by Tennison about his connection to Whitehouse, leading to a breakup between the two lovers. Eventually, Tennison visits the imprisoned Marlow, certain that he has tipped off someone on how to duplicate his murders. That night, Commander Trayner calls Tennison into his office, suspending her from duty due to her unauthorized prison visit with Marlow. The next morning, Tennison meets with Haskons, who reveals the names of all the convicts with whom Marlow has spoken during his incarceration. Tennison immediately keys on one name -- Raymond Harding. Tennison and Haskons track down Harding, who immediately flees upon their arrival. As Haskons chases him, Tennison looks through his flat, but turns up nothing relevant. Meanwhile, Mitchell sends his team out to investigate five fellow officers that may be linked to the murders. Then, Tennison gets an inspiration while burning the file of Moyra Henson, Marlow's ex-girlfriend. Asking Schofield to accompany her to Whitehouse's home, they ask what he knows about the gardenia perfume, and who Henson may have confided in before her death. Tennison figures out who the copycat murderer is, immediately alerting Mitchell that it is Marlow's prison guard. The police race to the scene, hoping it's not too late to save Matthews -- nevermind Tennison's career. Includes promos.

Details

• NETWORK: PBS
• DATE: May 5, 1996 Sunday 9:00 PM
• RUNNING TIME: 1:52:09
• COLOR/B&W: Color
• CATALOG ID: T:78228
• GENRE: Drama, mystery/suspense
• SUBJECT HEADING: She Made It Collection (Lynda La Plante)
• SERIES RUN: PBS - TV series, 1971-
• COMMERCIALS:
  • TV - Promos - "Interview Day"
  • TV - Promos - "PD James: A Mind to Murder"
  • TV - Promos - "Signs and Wonders"

CREDITS

• Rebecca Eaton … Executive Producer
• Sally Head … Executive Producer
• Steven Ashley … Senior Producer
• Brian Park … Producer
• Paul Marcus … Director
• Guy Hibbert … Writer
• Stephen Warbeck … Music by
• Russell Baker … Host
• Helen Mirren … Cast, Jane Tennison
• Pip Donachy … Cast, Len Sheldon
• Tim Woodward … Cast, George Marlow
• Stephen Boxer … Cast, David Thorndike
• Hugh Simon … Cast, Finlay
• Alan Leith … Cast, Howell
• Stuart Wilson … Cast, Patrick Schofield
• Penelope Beaumont … Cast, Elizabeth Bramwell
• Christopher Ashley … Cast, Antony Bramwell
• Glen Berry … Cast, Wayne
• Joseph Kpobie … Cast, Al
• Otis Munyang'iri … Cast, Pete
• Rebecca Thorn … Cast, Policewoman One
• Scott Neal … Cast, Geoff
• Christopher Fulford … Cast, Tom Mitchell
• Sam Halpenny … Cast, Bill Douglas
• Linda Henry … Cast, Forensic Scientist
• Richard Hawley … Cast, Richard Haskons
• David Ryall … Cast, Oscar Bream
• John Benfield … Cast, Tom Kernan
• Caroline Strong … Cast, Catherine Cooper
• Geoffrey Church … Cast, Colin Blake
• Martin Stone … Cast, First Prisoner
• Mark Phoenix … Cast, Second Prisoner
• Marc Warren … Cast, Andy Dyson
• Antony Byrne … Cast, Jason Headley
• Andreas Markos … Cast, Takis Hulenkinis
• Darrell D'Silva … Cast, Andreas Hulenkinis
• Tanya Ronder … Cast, Lawford
• Stafford Gordon … Cast, Trayner
• Ray Fearon … Cast, Mark Whitehouse
• Nick Miles … Cast, TV Interviewer
• Sadie Shimmin … Cast, Mrs. Williams
• Karen Salt … Cast, Kate Matthews
• Jason Cheater … Cast, Policeman
• Lara V. Harvey … Cast, Policeman Two
• Heather Emmanuel … Cast, Nurse
• Kate Ashfield … Cast, Helper
• Joyce Redman … Cast, Doris Marlow
• Ruth Carrawy … Cast, Kelly
• Elaine Lordon … Cast, Tracy
• Tim Wallers … Cast, Motorist
• Dermot Keaney … Cast, Raymond Harding