Character: DCI Jane Tennison

Directed by: Christopher Menaul

Written by: Lynda La Plante

Produced by: Don Leaver

Cast Members: Tom Bell, John Benfield, Jack Ellis, Craig Fairbrass, Mossie Smith, Ian Fitzgibbon, John Bowe, Andrew Tiernan

Released date: April 7, 1991

Episode(s) Number: Appeared in all episodes

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

DCI Jane Tennison has paid her dues; she has risen through the ranks of the various branches of London Metropolitan Police, attaining the heretofore unheard rank (for women) of Detective Chief Inspector. But, it is not until the heart attack and death of the popular DCI John Sheffield that Jane gets to lead a murder investigation. She expects bad attitudes and "good ole boy" bravado from colleagues (and superiors) but she is determined to do her job. In her first hour on the case, Jane demonstrates how DCI Sheffield misidentified the murder victim and this enrages her new team; one accuses her of attacking the reputation of their dead comrade. A few of the "boys" try to sabotage their new team leader, but eventually, by doing her job and brooking no nonsense, Jane earns grudging respect from some of her officers. Like the murder inquiry, DCI Tennison is neither as simple nor as obvious as her detractors wish to think.

Character’s Quotes

• My voice suddenly got lower, has it? Maybe my knickers are too tight. Listen, I like to be called Governor or The Boss. I don’t like Ma’am – I’m not the bloody Queen. So take your pick.
• E D Williams is a 35 year old with history of a mental disorder who has a passion for watching trains at *Euston* station. Now either Sergeant Otley need his friggin’ head seen to or he’s sending me on a wild goose chase around London!