Prime Suspect creator Lynda La Plante gave British and American TV audiences another determined female cop in The Commander, which debuted in 2003 and is now in its fifth season. This four-disc boxed set collects the initial quartet of episodes (originally broadcast as two-parters) running well over two hours each. The opener, “Entrapment,” introduces us to Commander Clare Blake (Amanda Burton), the highest-ranking woman in New Scotland Yard and head of the Murder Review Team, a crack investigative unit specializing in high-profile cases. Blake is ambitious, driven, relentless, and not afraid to step on toes, especially those of Detective Chief Inspector Mike Hedges (Matthew Marsh), a jealous, resentful colleague. Clare is a risk-taker, personally as well as professionally, and when her connection to convicted, supposedly reformed killer James Lampton (Hugh Bonneville) becomes known, Hedges attempts to use it against Clare. While not quite up to the level of Prime Suspect, The Commander still provides solid entertainment in multifaceted stories that are both gritty and gripping, with raw language, violence, and sexuality very much integral parts of the mix. This is mature, adult drama with a real edge—it doesn't sugarcoat the characters or situations, nor does it shy away from dicey material that would unnerve U.S. network producers. DVD extras include interviews with Burton and La Plante, a featurette on the supporting cast, and text bios. Recommended. (E. Hulse)
The Commander: Set 1
Acorn, 4 discs, 570 min., not rated, DVD: $59.99 Volume 24, Issue 1
The Commander: Set 1
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