Cracker (Brotherly Love) (1995)

When a prostitute is found murdered, police are quick to arrest David Harvey, who was the last person to be seen with her, and forensics seem to clinch the case. But while in custody another prostitute is found murdered, and when forensics link the crime to Harvey, DCI Wise calls in Fitz on the case. For there is a problem: when the 2nd murder was committed, Harvey was already in custody. So how could he of done it? And as they soon discover the killer isn't finished yet. Meanwhile Fitz receives some devastating news, while Penhaligon is still trying to recover from her rape. When she learns that Jimmy Beck has been welcomed back into the team, she determines to bring him to book by whatever means, leading to a dramatic and devastating conclusion... Starring Robbie Coltrane, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Lorcan Cranitch, Ricky Tomlinson, Barbara Flynn, Kieran O'Brien, Tess Thomson, Mark Lambert, Brid Brennan, David Calder, Ruth Sheen, Andrew Knott, Leanne Molloy, Paul Copley, Clive Russell, Polly Hemingway, Robert Cavanah, Clive Russell, Ron Donachie, Andrew Whyment, Claire Stephanie Hardacre, Sharon Percy, Gemma Peacock Wood, Isobel Middleton, Edward Peel and Irene Marot, who soap fans will recognize as DD Dixon from Brookside. This kickstarted the 3rd series of Cracker on October 22nd 1995, originally as a 3 part mystery, but for some reason on my DVD it comes as a feature length version where they have merged the three episodes by just removing the credits. Much of this mystery is still affected by the aftermath of Penhaligon's rape, who is probably the only likeable character in this series. She has to suffer her inconsiderate police bosses reinstating her rapist Jimmy Beck and expected to work alongside him, while Fitz's wife - who until now I had a lot of sympathy for - later makes a callous comment to her that loses all that in one instant. Considering that Judith had already left Fitz by that time, what was her problem with Penhaligon? As to the case itself, it's a somewhat sordid tale involving the murder of prostitutes that seems clear cut early on, but is anything but. It does however have a spectacular ending, where yet another of the original cast departs. Will they have anyone left by the end of it? Please note that this contains swearing, violence and nudity.