Roy Battersby

British television has produced two smashing police-detective series in recent years, each a superb vehicle for its star. Granada Television takes credit for both: "Prime Suspect," with Helen Mirren, and "Cracker," starring Robbie Coltrane. "Cracker," created by Jimmy McGovern ("Priest"), begins a third season of feature-length dramas tonight on

With series extending over several years, television often provides viewers with the unique pleasure of watching actors chisel away artistically at the characters they portray. Combining skill with intuition, the interpretations can become more precise and more subtle. Consider only public television's "Mystery" and its powerhouse lineup of British