I’ve just seen Prime Suspect for the first time – yes, I know I’m nearly 20 years late – and it’s rather good isn’t it? One thing really stood out for me almost as much as the great acting, writing, etc – just how much everyone was smoking.
If the show is in any way accurate, every man in London (not just the police) is not only a sexist alcoholic, but they also smoke like a chimney. And all of the women are merely alcoholic chain-smokers.
Every scene is seen through a blue haze, if a character isn’t smoking at the start of the scene, they are by the end of it.
It’s interesting to see what dates a television show, at the time you might have guessed the clothes, or the cars maybe. Probably not the cigarettes.
What? Why Bother? 