From ‘Witness’ to the Prosecution

Amanda Burton proved to be a formidable performer in “Silent Witness,” the first-rate A&E; films about a sharp medical examiner. Tonight, she takes on a new persona in the title role of the TV movie “Helen West: Deep Sleep” (9 p.m., A&E;).

This is the first of three mysteries--the others are due this fall--drawn from books by Frances Fyfield about a British prosecutor in London.

Watchable as it is, the deliberately paced drama adapted by Jacqueline Holborough lacks the snap and psychological edge of Burton’s previous project.

As “Deep Sleep” opens, West is recovering from the removal of a cyst. In another part of the city, trusted pharmacist Phillip Carlton (Dermot Crowley) runs his small business with Kim (Annabelle Apsion), a divorced woman raising a 10-year-old son.

Unexpectedly--or is it murder?--Carlton’s wife dies in her sleep while he’s attending an overnight conference. Returning to her office, a healthy West promptly suspects foul play when traces of chloroform are found in the wife’s blood. Afterward, Kim copes with a disgruntled ex-husband (Ian Puleston-Davies), and West plays her hunches with help from attentive boyfriend Chief Superintendent Bailey (Conor Mullen).

And, oh yes, there’s another fellow whose casual observation costs him his life.

Modestly intriguing, the film devotes more time to supporting players than to its protagonist. As a result, it barely scratches the surface of West’s character and wastes the talents of Burton, a subtle, skillful actress who should be the focal point here.