A gripping new crime drama, "Protection," premiered on ITV on Sunday, March 16, 2025, captivating audiences with its intense narrative revolving around the world of witness protection. The six-episode series, which explores themes of corruption, personal conflict, and the challenges of maintaining righteous integrity within the police force, puts spotlight on the ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement officers. It also marks the return of acclaimed actress Siobhan Finneran, known for her powerful performances in prior series.
"Protection" follows the character of Detective Inspector Liz Nyles, portrayed by Finneran, as she navigates the shady underbelly of crime after the shocking murder of a family involved with witness protection. The drama brings to life the blurred lines between safety and danger, showcasing how the very systems meant to protect the innocent can lead to dire consequences when compromised. Explaining the storyline, ITV stated, "The drama examines what happens when the system breaks down, and the protagonist becomes embroiled in corruption and personal conflicts."
The core of the narrative revolves around the police officer’s affair with her married colleague, DS Paul Brandice, played by Barry Ward. Their relationship introduces personal complexity and risk, as Liz struggles to balance her professional responsibilities and personal desires. According to the network, the story is crafted to keep viewers guessing, with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
Other notable cast members include Katherine Kelly as DCI Hannah Wheatley, who leads the Major Investigations Team and is characterized by her sharp instincts and relentless pursuit of justice—a role emphasizing the internal strife and competitive nature within the force. Nadine Marshall shines as DCI Amanda Kelman of the Professional Standards Unit, who is tasked with investigating police corruption, lending depth to the series’ exploration of systemic failings. Her position adds another layer to the narrative, illustrating the pressures faced by those tasked with upholding integrity.
The filming locations scattered across Liverpool and Merseyside, including Wirral, Knowsley, Sefton, and Halton, add to the show’s authenticity and gritty appeal. British fans of the series have already begun expressing their views, with many taking to social media to share reactions to its intense scenes—one particularly shocking moment being the graphic portrayal of violence against animals, igniting considerable backlash from viewers. "Oh the dog did get shot! OMG," one outrage viewer tweeted, highlighting the emotional engagement the series invokes.
For those eager to binge, all six episodes were simultaneously made available on ITVX starting with the premiere, appealing to various viewer preferences. The complete episode catalog not only allows for the immediate consumption of the storyline but also garners interest over the entire arc of the character development and plot twists.
Fan reactions indicate high engagement and investment in the characters and storyline—from praise for the performances to discussions around the moral dilemmas presented. This indicates both television critics' and audiences' intrigue with the intense ethical conflicts faced by police officers and citizens connected to witness protection.
Although the series boasts familiar faces from the UK television scene, including David Hayman as Sid Nyles, Liz’s estranged father and former DCI, and Ace Bhatti as DCI Arun Kapoor, the dynamics among the cast seem to resonate strongly with viewers unfamiliar with the original BritBox release. The series also introduces newer actors such as Chaneil Kular and Nichola Burley, making way for refreshing talent and bringing diverse representation to viewers.
Overall, "Protection" stands out as one of ITV’s latest thrilling offerings, promising to unravel deep societal issues against the backdrop of criminal intrigue. Viewers can expect drama interlaced with themes of loyalty, morality, and the aftermath of maintaining justice amid dark realities. The second episode will air on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 9 PM, encouraging audiences to tune back for more of this riveting drama, which kicks off at the very heart of the fight for justice.