Netflix has quietly added a gripping British police drama to its catalogue, and viewers are hailing the outstanding series as a worthy rival to Line of Duty, Broadchurch, and Prime Suspect.
What is Prey?
The streaming giant added the crime series to its UK library on Sunday, April 26, and it has quickly climbed the platform's most-watched charts for the week. The debut series of the ITV original first aired on April 28, 2014, in the UK, with a second season commissioned in April 2015 and released in December of that year. With three episodes per series, each approximately 45 minutes long, the show is firmly in miniseries territory. It earned a BAFTA Television Award nomination in the Mini Series category in 2015.
Cast and Performances
Rosie Cavaliero leads the cast as DS Susan Reinhart, the only principal character to appear in both series. John Simm (known for Grace, Doctor Who, Life on Mars) headlines series one, while Philip Glenister (Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes) takes the lead in series two. Series one also features a stellar supporting cast including Anastasia Hille, Craig Parkinson, and Benedict Wong. Series two includes MyAnna Buring, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Ralph Ineson, and Daniel Jillings in key roles. For his portrayal of DC Marcus Farrow in series one, John Simm won a Royal Television Society North West Award for Best Male Performance.
The official synopsis reveals: In the aftermath of her marriage, Detective Sergeant Susan Reinhardt puts long hours into her job as she struggles with inner demons while fighting to uncover the truth in two intense cases. Both cases appear to involve corruption by UK law enforcement officials. In the first, she pursues a colleague, Detective Constable Marcus Farrow, wanted for the murder of his wife and son. He is on the run, hoping to find evidence to clear his name before Reinhardt catches him. Later, prison officer Dave Murdoch's life is turned upside down when he learns his pregnant daughter has been kidnapped, and he must help an inmate escape for her release. Reinhardt searches for clues that could solve the case and advance her career.
Critical Acclaim
Prey has achieved a flawless 100% score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. One critic wrote: Prey is a near perfect blend of well-crafted characterizations within the context of a credibly gripping murder case. Another review praised the series, stating: Despite its familiar premise, Prey is an engrossing, dynamic series, a testament to the sturdiness of the tropes it is driven by as well as Lunt's ability to play with and execute ideas so many have explored. A third critic noted: Bolstered by a stacked roster of very capable British actors, Simm, Glenister, and Cavaliero go a long way toward helping you not worry about wasting your time. Yet another reviewer said: Prey is not without its faults... But the big question was, did it make the viewer want to tune in next week to see the story unfold? And the answer is a resounding yes.
Audience Reactions
Audiences have been equally won over by the ITV production. One viewer wrote: I cannot believe that I just found this gem. Outstanding acting from virtually everyone, non-stop action, great storyline. Every character is so believable, so real. Three episodes, so well done! Series two is my plan for tomorrow. Amazon Prime has the absolute best choices for British and Australian TV. Another IMDB user was particularly effusive: BRITS DO IT BEST... The Brits just seem to have the formula for these types of series.. always spot on.. better than anything on American and Canadian TV... and anything with John Simm in it is going to be A1 entertainment... Great series .. worth the time and a good binge watch. One IMDB user review stated: Gripping ITV drama. ITV have made quite a few solid crime dramas recently, and this series is among the better ones. John Simm puts in a fine performance as Farrow, and Rosie Cavaliero is equally good as Reinhardt. The rest of the cast are pretty good too, especially Struan Rodger who plays elderly villain Topher Lomax, who is threatening even though he is in a wheelchair and needs an oxygen cylinder. The story is gripping from start to finish. Overall this series is well worth watching if you enjoy crime dramas. Another viewer shared: Absolutely loved this action-packed thriller. Both series were excellent, though, of course, for me the draw was John Simm. The entire cast is brilliant. Well worth watching!
Prey is available to stream for free on ITVX and with a subscription on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
