The Commander – Set One (Acorn Media)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C-     Episodes: C+

 

 

The police procedural is becoming played out on both sides of the ocean and The Commander – Set One is one of the oddest entries yet.  From Prime Suspect creator Lynda La Plante, the show stars Amanda Burton as the title character, who has become the top female investigator in all of New Scotland Yard.  Claire Black has not found it easy to get where she is and there are those who for many reason would like to see her backslide, but she intends to do what she can to continue to succeed.

 

Unfortunately off the bat, these four telefilms start off awkwardly and become less and less believable as they go on.  In the pilot Entrapment, she becomes seduced by a potential serial killer!  By Virus, it is a tabloid matter and the subplots keep piling on in a way that is counterproductive.  By Blackdog and Blacklight, this was like watching a train wreck that was never going to recover.  Though it is done professionally and has some money and talent involved, it is maybe the oddest of the cycle yet and only for the most interested.

 

The letterboxed 1.78 X 1 image is on the soft side, but also seems more manipulated digitally than many such shows.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is a good recording but has no Pro Logic surrounds or distinct character.  Extras include interviews, a supporting cast featurette and text bios on La Plante and Burton.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo