4 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :- Spooky, 10. Mai 2006
Author:
Rick Blaine von London
This one unravels deftly. You might not know what's coming. If you
really watch for details, you might. Again, the realism of this series
beats the 'twinkie' world of Law & Order any day. This is not a Dick
Wolf Happy Meal - this is the real thing, and at the top of the heap of
great actors and other craftsmen involved is Helen Mirren, a wonder if
there ever was one.
Sometimes you have to step away from the quality stuff and wander over
into comic book land so to speak to fully appreciate what you're
getting. This part is not a cozy one to snuggle up with; this one will
make you think - but it's that good. A child is missing; there's a hunt
for the child; that's all you need to know. As it wears on, the
narrative 'sort of' tells you what you will finally understand. This is
neither a 'whodunnit' nor a straightforward drama nor a police series -
it's a bit of all three. And watching Helen Mirren do her stuff is
going to be a treat for all your senses.
2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :- Tennison returns, Lynda La Plante doesn't., 28. Februar 2004
Author:
grendelkhan von Xanadu
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
Prime Suspect 4 marks a departure for the series. Gone is series writer and
creator Lynda La Plante. The other major change is the format; this series
consists of three unrelated episodes, with some unifying
characteristics.
Spoilers:
When we last saw DCI Tennison, she had failed to gather enough evidence
to convict Edward Parker-Jones of the death of Colin "Conny" Jenkins and for
running a pedophile ring; but, she gained a measure of justice by subtly
providing a journalist the opportunity to reveal the story. She was able to
extort a promise of promotion from her superiors, if she solved the case and
gained a conviction. She earns her promotion to Detective Superintendent,
even though she doesn't obtain a conviction. She also finds that she is
pregnant with the child of a former lover, a married man. After the horrors
she has witnessed and learned, she decides to terminate the
pregnancy.
This episode opens with Tennison having her abortion. She wants to
quickly return to work so she doesn't have to confront her emotions.
Unfortunately, her first case involves the apparent abduction of an infant.
Tennison becomes increasingly desperate to recover the child; and when it is
found dead, to bring the killer to justice.
Although the previous series involved the dangers of pedophiles preying
on kids on the street and in state institutions, this series confronts the
harsher reality of a pedophile in a domestic situation. Tennison's prime
suspect is a pedophile who was released after serving his sentence and
undergoing treatment. Like most offenders, he was the product of abuse
himself. At points he seems like he is truly trying to live a normal and
healthy life; and at others, his actions are suspicious. To add to the mix,
one of Tennison's detectives seems obsessed with this case. He nearly
causes the suspect's death and sets into motion events which lead to his
escape and taking of hostages. Tennison discovers that her officer was also
the survivor of abuse, although his life took a more positive
path.
While Tennison attempts to resolve the hostage situation, without loss of
life, she uncovers the truth of what happened to the infant victim. The
siege ends safely, but Tennison has faced her own loss and had a glimpse of
what life could have been like had she chosen to carry out her pregnancy.
In the end, she doesn't know if she is better or worse
off.
The performances are good, as always, and the writing, although not La
Plante's, holds up well. As always, issues are presented without providing
easy solutions, much like life.
A special note for Star Wars fans; check out Anthony Daniels, sans C3PO
costume, as a pathologist. He demonstrates far greater skill than he was
allowed to show in the other films.
As the superb `Prime Suspect' series reaches part four there is no loss of
momentum at all, this in itself a considerable achievement.' Prime Suspect
IV: The Lost Child' has the solid supporting cast that we take for
granted
in these British dramas but of course the beautiful Helen Mirren easily
dominates; our eyes never leave her while she's on-screen.
The search for the lost child of the title leads Superintendent Jane
Tennison's CID team to a prime suspect who turns out to be a convicted
pedophile now living with a single mother and her two young daughters. The
insight we are given into the workings of his mind is one of the emotional
highlights of this mini-series but it may be too strong for many
stomachs.
The action sequences are brilliantly handled with the hand-held camera
thrusting us right into the middle of the excitement and there's gripping
tension during the climactic siege.
Altogether this is another magnificent police procedural
drama.
3 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :- Tennison anyone?, 21. Juni 2004
Author:
George Parker von Orange County, CA USA
"Prime Suspect 4" continues the exploits of the inscrutable and dogged
seeker of truth and justice, Detective Superintendent Jane Tennison; the
first of three miniseries (PS4, PS5, & PS6) with the notable absence of
founding writer Lynda La Plante from the credits. Imbued with the same
gritty reality of the first three series, the second three series pit
Tennison against the forces of evil while coping with middle age,
loneliness, indiscretions, a host of personal and professional problems, and
resolutions which are sometimes less than ideal. PS4 conjures two stories
while PS5 & PS6 are single episodes each which find Tennison seeking justice
on behalf of the brutally wronged while waging war against institutions
which are willing to sacrifice the interests of her victims for those of a
greater good. In other words, to prevail, Tennison must overcome both evil
and good forces, something which makes the always gray scenarios of the PS
series yet grayer and the Tennison wars as much a matter of principle as of
finding murderers. Very good stuff which only gets better from series to
series. (B+)
3 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :- As Watchable as any in the "Prime Suspect" series, 24. November 1998
Author:
Castor-11 von Victoria B.C.
I'm surprised that mine, so far, is the only comment on this t.v. movie...as
far as I'm aware, the series itself, has had a
huge following, reviewer pundits and real people alike, have praised it to a
person.
Anyway, let me tell you right away that, if like me, you're a sucker for
gritty police dramas, you'll like "The Lost Child"
Tennison, the heroine, throughout the "Prime Suspect"series, has been
battling the male police establishment, throughout the series, getting to
her present, comparatively powerful rank in the police hierarchy through
hard work,obstinacy, and sheer talent for police work.
She is,essentially, an ambitious career woman, but she has a romantic side
and is certainly no man-hater.
Unfortunately her relationships are affected by the wicked hours, which her
career demands, and she has never married, so when she finds herself
pregnant from her latest affair, she is faced with the choice of becoming a
mother, and jeopardising
her entire police job, let alone future advancement, or having an abortion -
which she opts for.
This abortion never looms large in the ensuing drama - it's very skilfully
dealt with, in less than a couple of minutes screentime, a marvel of economy
in scripting, and editing - but it's always there, as a counterpoint to
Tennison's desperate efforts to find another "lost child" - a kidnap victim
- before it's too late.
The story takes many twists and turns,before the surprise ending, and one is
fascinated, alike, by the plot, and characters (although I found the many
villains a little overdrawn), the police, and especially Tennison, herself,
are not always competent, nor that likeable, which figures, given the
unpleasant job that they have to do, in the sleazy underworld which this
series, habitually inhabits.
Mirren, herself, has said that she'll make no more movies in the series,
but, excellent as she's always been in the role of Tennison, the series,
itself, is as "actor proof" as is another
addiction of mine -Dick Wolf's American"Law & Order" - whoever appears
therein, each could go on forever.
As is my fervent hope.
Robert Glenister's portrait of child abuser Chris Hughes, 4. Oktober 2005
Author:
janine-vermeltfoort von Netherlands
After having seen The Lost Child for quite a number of times since its
release in 1995, and having read the reader's comments (mostly about
Jane Tennison's background and Helen Mirren's superb role in it), it
strikes me more than ever that no comments are made upon the brilliant
role Robert Glenister is playing as Chris Hughes. Even after 10 years
it is still one of the most credible ways of portraying the complex
personality of a child abuser, carrying the weight of his own
past.Watching the episode for the full one and a half hour makes you
constantly switch between feelings of love and hate for this guy, in
which the hate prevails because of the gravity of his actions. I have
seen more brilliant roles of my favorite actor, but this one never
fails to make the largest impression possible to me. Helen Mirren would
never shine without these wonderful actors next to her. Praise for
Robert Glenister!
1 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :- Prime Suspect painted itself into a corner. Just an opinion., 15. September 2007
Author:
ra2353-1 von U.S.A.
I, and my wife, have become 100% addicted to "Prime Suspect". We rent
them, 3 at a time, from NetFlix.
This is the best police series I have seen.
But --- The "Lost Child" episode my have been the end of my addiction.
Maybe it's because the creator and writer of the series, Lynda La
Plante, was not part of the "Lost Child" episode. I don't know.
Now I seem to have lost interest - because in this episode, Detective
Superintendent Jane Tennison is doing the exactly same thing as she did
in all of the previous episodes, i.e. Running the show. For example, I
don't recall any of the other Superintendents (Tennison's immediate
boss)in any previous episodes, being so involved in the hour-to-hour,
day-to-day, ordering the other D.C.'s about and such about, in nearly
every scene.
I loved the series because it was so real. It is not so real (to me)
anymore. In real life law enforcement, when a person is promoted to a
higher position they do not go to work every day and do the job they
have before they got promoted. I was in law enforcement and the
Criminal Justice system for over 20 years and never saw this happen.
My wife still is fanatically loyal to the series, but I am going to try
and sneak in different Netflix movies every now and then. lol.
Quicklinks
Top Bezüge
trailers and videosBesetzung und StabDies und dasOffizielle WebsitesDialogzitateÜbersicht
HauptübersichtDetailangabenBesetzung und StabBeteiligte Firmentv scheduleAuszeichnungen & Kritiken
NutzerkommentareKommentar/KritikUsenet Kritik(en)awardsIhre Bewertungparents guideEmpfehlungenDiskussionsforumInhaltsangaben & Dialogzitate
Inhaltsangabeplot synopsisStichworte zum InhaltAmazon.com VideoDialogzitateFun-Ecke
Dies und dasPannenSoundtrackUlkiges im AbspannAlternativfassungenBezüge zu anderen TitelnHäufig gestellte Fragen (FAQ)Weitere Angaben
Zu kaufen bei...EinspielergebnisseStarttermineDrehorteTechnische AngabenLaserdisk(s)DVD(s)LiteraturNewsDeskPromotionmaterial
Werbezeilentrailers and videosFilmplakateFotogalerieNicht-lokale Verknüpfungen
Spielorte und -zeitenOffizielle WebsitesVerschiedenes...Fotographiensound clipsvideo clipsIMDb user comments for
Prime Suspect 4: The Lost Child (1995) (TV)
4 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
Spooky, 10. Mai 2006
Author: Rick Blaine von London
This one unravels deftly. You might not know what's coming. If you really watch for details, you might. Again, the realism of this series beats the 'twinkie' world of Law & Order any day. This is not a Dick Wolf Happy Meal - this is the real thing, and at the top of the heap of great actors and other craftsmen involved is Helen Mirren, a wonder if there ever was one.
Sometimes you have to step away from the quality stuff and wander over into comic book land so to speak to fully appreciate what you're getting. This part is not a cozy one to snuggle up with; this one will make you think - but it's that good. A child is missing; there's a hunt for the child; that's all you need to know. As it wears on, the narrative 'sort of' tells you what you will finally understand. This is neither a 'whodunnit' nor a straightforward drama nor a police series - it's a bit of all three. And watching Helen Mirren do her stuff is going to be a treat for all your senses.
2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
Tennison returns, Lynda La Plante doesn't., 28. Februar 2004
Author: grendelkhan von Xanadu
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
Prime Suspect 4 marks a departure for the series. Gone is series writer and creator Lynda La Plante. The other major change is the format; this series consists of three unrelated episodes, with some unifying characteristics.
Spoilers: When we last saw DCI Tennison, she had failed to gather enough evidence to convict Edward Parker-Jones of the death of Colin "Conny" Jenkins and for running a pedophile ring; but, she gained a measure of justice by subtly providing a journalist the opportunity to reveal the story. She was able to extort a promise of promotion from her superiors, if she solved the case and gained a conviction. She earns her promotion to Detective Superintendent, even though she doesn't obtain a conviction. She also finds that she is pregnant with the child of a former lover, a married man. After the horrors she has witnessed and learned, she decides to terminate the pregnancy. This episode opens with Tennison having her abortion. She wants to quickly return to work so she doesn't have to confront her emotions. Unfortunately, her first case involves the apparent abduction of an infant. Tennison becomes increasingly desperate to recover the child; and when it is found dead, to bring the killer to justice. Although the previous series involved the dangers of pedophiles preying on kids on the street and in state institutions, this series confronts the harsher reality of a pedophile in a domestic situation. Tennison's prime suspect is a pedophile who was released after serving his sentence and undergoing treatment. Like most offenders, he was the product of abuse himself. At points he seems like he is truly trying to live a normal and healthy life; and at others, his actions are suspicious. To add to the mix, one of Tennison's detectives seems obsessed with this case. He nearly causes the suspect's death and sets into motion events which lead to his escape and taking of hostages. Tennison discovers that her officer was also the survivor of abuse, although his life took a more positive path. While Tennison attempts to resolve the hostage situation, without loss of life, she uncovers the truth of what happened to the infant victim. The siege ends safely, but Tennison has faced her own loss and had a glimpse of what life could have been like had she chosen to carry out her pregnancy. In the end, she doesn't know if she is better or worse off. The performances are good, as always, and the writing, although not La Plante's, holds up well. As always, issues are presented without providing easy solutions, much like life.
A special note for Star Wars fans; check out Anthony Daniels, sans C3PO costume, as a pathologist. He demonstrates far greater skill than he was allowed to show in the other films.
2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-

Prime Viewing, 16. Januar 2001
Author: edward wilgar (edwardwilgar@optusnet.com.au) von Melbourne, Australia
As the superb `Prime Suspect' series reaches part four there is no loss of momentum at all, this in itself a considerable achievement.' Prime Suspect IV: The Lost Child' has the solid supporting cast that we take for granted in these British dramas but of course the beautiful Helen Mirren easily dominates; our eyes never leave her while she's on-screen.
The search for the lost child of the title leads Superintendent Jane Tennison's CID team to a prime suspect who turns out to be a convicted pedophile now living with a single mother and her two young daughters. The insight we are given into the workings of his mind is one of the emotional highlights of this mini-series but it may be too strong for many stomachs.
The action sequences are brilliantly handled with the hand-held camera thrusting us right into the middle of the excitement and there's gripping tension during the climactic siege.
Altogether this is another magnificent police procedural drama.
3 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-

Tennison anyone?, 21. Juni 2004
Author: George Parker von Orange County, CA USA
"Prime Suspect 4" continues the exploits of the inscrutable and dogged seeker of truth and justice, Detective Superintendent Jane Tennison; the first of three miniseries (PS4, PS5, & PS6) with the notable absence of founding writer Lynda La Plante from the credits. Imbued with the same gritty reality of the first three series, the second three series pit Tennison against the forces of evil while coping with middle age, loneliness, indiscretions, a host of personal and professional problems, and resolutions which are sometimes less than ideal. PS4 conjures two stories while PS5 & PS6 are single episodes each which find Tennison seeking justice on behalf of the brutally wronged while waging war against institutions which are willing to sacrifice the interests of her victims for those of a greater good. In other words, to prevail, Tennison must overcome both evil and good forces, something which makes the always gray scenarios of the PS series yet grayer and the Tennison wars as much a matter of principle as of finding murderers. Very good stuff which only gets better from series to series. (B+)
3 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-

As Watchable as any in the "Prime Suspect" series, 24. November 1998
Author: Castor-11 von Victoria B.C.
I'm surprised that mine, so far, is the only comment on this t.v. movie...as far as I'm aware, the series itself, has had a huge following, reviewer pundits and real people alike, have praised it to a person. Anyway, let me tell you right away that, if like me, you're a sucker for gritty police dramas, you'll like "The Lost Child" Tennison, the heroine, throughout the "Prime Suspect"series, has been battling the male police establishment, throughout the series, getting to her present, comparatively powerful rank in the police hierarchy through hard work,obstinacy, and sheer talent for police work. She is,essentially, an ambitious career woman, but she has a romantic side and is certainly no man-hater. Unfortunately her relationships are affected by the wicked hours, which her career demands, and she has never married, so when she finds herself pregnant from her latest affair, she is faced with the choice of becoming a mother, and jeopardising her entire police job, let alone future advancement, or having an abortion - which she opts for. This abortion never looms large in the ensuing drama - it's very skilfully dealt with, in less than a couple of minutes screentime, a marvel of economy in scripting, and editing - but it's always there, as a counterpoint to Tennison's desperate efforts to find another "lost child" - a kidnap victim - before it's too late. The story takes many twists and turns,before the surprise ending, and one is fascinated, alike, by the plot, and characters (although I found the many villains a little overdrawn), the police, and especially Tennison, herself, are not always competent, nor that likeable, which figures, given the unpleasant job that they have to do, in the sleazy underworld which this series, habitually inhabits.
Mirren, herself, has said that she'll make no more movies in the series, but, excellent as she's always been in the role of Tennison, the series, itself, is as "actor proof" as is another addiction of mine -Dick Wolf's American"Law & Order" - whoever appears therein, each could go on forever. As is my fervent hope.
Robert Glenister's portrait of child abuser Chris Hughes, 4. Oktober 2005

Author: janine-vermeltfoort von Netherlands
After having seen The Lost Child for quite a number of times since its release in 1995, and having read the reader's comments (mostly about Jane Tennison's background and Helen Mirren's superb role in it), it strikes me more than ever that no comments are made upon the brilliant role Robert Glenister is playing as Chris Hughes. Even after 10 years it is still one of the most credible ways of portraying the complex personality of a child abuser, carrying the weight of his own past.Watching the episode for the full one and a half hour makes you constantly switch between feelings of love and hate for this guy, in which the hate prevails because of the gravity of his actions. I have seen more brilliant roles of my favorite actor, but this one never fails to make the largest impression possible to me. Helen Mirren would never shine without these wonderful actors next to her. Praise for Robert Glenister!
1 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
Prime Suspect painted itself into a corner. Just an opinion., 15. September 2007
Author: ra2353-1 von U.S.A.
I, and my wife, have become 100% addicted to "Prime Suspect". We rent them, 3 at a time, from NetFlix.
This is the best police series I have seen.
But --- The "Lost Child" episode my have been the end of my addiction. Maybe it's because the creator and writer of the series, Lynda La Plante, was not part of the "Lost Child" episode. I don't know.
Now I seem to have lost interest - because in this episode, Detective Superintendent Jane Tennison is doing the exactly same thing as she did in all of the previous episodes, i.e. Running the show. For example, I don't recall any of the other Superintendents (Tennison's immediate boss)in any previous episodes, being so involved in the hour-to-hour, day-to-day, ordering the other D.C.'s about and such about, in nearly every scene.
I loved the series because it was so real. It is not so real (to me) anymore. In real life law enforcement, when a person is promoted to a higher position they do not go to work every day and do the job they have before they got promoted. I was in law enforcement and the Criminal Justice system for over 20 years and never saw this happen.
My wife still is fanatically loyal to the series, but I am going to try and sneak in different Netflix movies every now and then. lol.
Add another comment
Weitere Links