On March 16, 2025, ITV launched its new crime drama, Protection, spotlighting the murky world of witness protection and corruption within the police force. The show features the talented Siobhan Finneran as Detective Inspector Liz Nyles, who must navigate not only the intricacies of safeguarding vulnerable witnesses but also the personal chaos of her own life.
Protection kicks off with high-stakes drama: the murder of protected witnesses, posing immediate danger to others under the care of the police. The first episode sets the tone for the series, exploring the darker aspects of witness protection, challenging the common portrayal of it as simply keeping innocent people safe. "Witness protection is often glamorised as keeping innocent witnesses safe from harm but the truth is darker, murkier, and far more complex," the official synopsis states.
Detective Inspector Liz Nyles embodies these challenges, showing her unwavering dedication to her job even as she struggles with her own family obligations and secretive romantic entanglements. At 60 years old, Finneran portrays Liz as both fierce and relatable, tainted with the burden of being the primary caretaker of her dying father. She is not just battling bureaucratic hurdles but also her own emotional disarray. "She's a woman in her fifties with a 16-year-old daughter, and she's just become a full-time carer to her dad," Finneran mentioned, providing depth to her character.
A notable aspect of the drama is the competition Liz faces from her colleague, DCI Hannah Wheatley, played by Katherine Kelly. These two strong women navigate their professional rivalry, which promises tension as they both seek to hold their ground within the police unit. Liz's affair with her younger, married colleague DS Paul Brandice, portrayed by Barry Ward, adds another layer of complexity to her character. Their relationship is characterized by secrecy, as Liz grapples with trust not only toward her partner but also her colleagues.
Filmed primarily across the north-west of England, Protection takes advantage of real locations, including Liverpool, Birkenhead, and Runcorn. With scenes shot at significant landmarks such as Runcorn Shopping City, Princes Docks, and Delamere Forest, the setting bolsters the drama's authentic feel as it weaves through complicated crime narratives. The choice of locales enhances the storytelling, contributing to the show's credibility and grounding the narratives of witness protection and law enforcement.
Critics have noted the combination of personal stakes and procedural drama as something to watch, yet the reception has been mixed. Some viewers find the show's reliance on familiar tropes and predictable crime storylines to dilute the unique premise. Protection begins by plunging audiences directly amid the chaos without much contextual familiarity toward its antagonists, which some argue leads to diminished emotional investment. The overarching narrative hints at deep-seated conspiracies within the witness protection domain, echoing themes of deceit and moral compromise.
Despite its grassroots appeal, critics note the dialogue can sometimes be clunky, attempting to educate viewers about the intricacies of witness protection protocols. While this may serve as informative for those new to the subject, it risks breaking the immersive allure of the story, pushing the viewer out of the narrative.
Through its first episode, Protection establishes its core themes and character dynamics, albeit with less fireworks than some might hope for. Viewers already acquainted with the pre-release marketing may feel the plot lacks surprises, leading critics to describe it as "average" at best. Yet, the show's ability to engage wide-ranging audiences may make it suitable for Sunday night viewing—a safe option for those seeking intrigue without significant risk.
For those intrigued by Finneran's layered performance and the show's explorative take on witness protection, Protection presents itself as watchable seasonal fare. Streamable on ITVX, the remaining episodes promise to unravel the intricacies of the established suspects, tangled relationships, and systemic corruption.
Following the premiere, the second episode is set to air on March 17, 2025, at 9 pm, keeping audiences eagerly anticipating the next twists and turns of Liz Nyles's investigation.