The reviews are in...

Last Sunday's first installment of the two-part Masterpiece Theatre "Prime Suspect: The Final Act" has been garnering a slew of media attention. While Helen Mirren has promised that this is her curtain call as the gritty detective Jane Tennison, pundits are praising the work in publications across the country. If you missed the broadcast, be sure to set your Tivos or find a place in front of your television at 9 p.m. Friday night for a special encore presentation. Then don't miss the conclusion at 8 p.m. Sunday.

Be more Tuned In scoured newspaper Web sites to see what critics are saying about Tennison's farewells -- and the reviews are overwhelmingly favorable.

"Mirren is the least vain and most intelligent performer of her generation." Maureen Ryan, Chicago Tribune

"Ms. Mirren ... is a fearless actress, and never more than when portraying this dedicated, redoubtable, not always lovable detective." Alessandra Stanley, New York Times

"TV will be a lesser place without (Mirren's Tennison)." Robert Bianco, USA Today

"Mirren is as usual terrific, but the element of time adds another layer." Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times

"In short, has anyone had a better year than Helen Mirren?" Jane Burns, Capital Times

"Mirren's never been better as the brooding Tennison." Ken Tucker, Entertainment Weekly