Siobhan Finneran shines as Detective Inspector Liz Nyles in ITV's new suspenseful thriller, Protection, which premiered on March 16, 2025. Set against the grim backdrop of witness protection, the six-part series captures the intense struggles of those tasked with safeguarding vulnerable individuals under dire circumstances.
Finneran's character leads her unit amid personal tribulations, juggling her role as a mother, full-time carer to her father, and the demands of her profession. It's no easy feat, as Liz discovers when criminal corruption threatens the integrity of her unit. "She's just become a full-time carer to her dad. Like hundreds of thousands of women, Liz is trying to keep balance between personal and professional," Finneran explains, reflecting the dual pressures her character faces.
The series kicks off with a shocking incident — the family of witnesses, known as the McLellan family, their lives intertwined with Liz's role, ends up embroiled in violence. A horrific breach of security occurs, resulting in tragedy as the family's safety is compromised just as they are about to testify against crime boss Eddie Crowther. The stakes couldn't be higher as Liz grapples with the fallout.
Acclaimed actress Katherine Kelly joins the cast as SCI Hannah Wheatley, sent to investigate the potential corruption within the witness protection unit. The tension escalates when Liz's affair with her married colleague, DS Paul Brandice, portrayed by Barry Ward, leads to complications as investigations begin to point fingers at her team. Liz's boss quips, "Is there any chance you’ve slipped up here?" addressing the moral quandaries Liz must navigate as she faces scrutiny from those around her.
The drama captures the essence of high-stakes policing, merging thrilling sequences with heartfelt moments. The narrative dives deeply, offering viewers insight not only on criminal networks but also the personal and poignant battles faced by those who guard these secrets.
Director Kris Mrksa succeeds in creating a gripping tale, including Finneran's nuanced portrayal of Liz. While some scenes may seem contrived at times, the intense pacing of the story keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.
Protection stands out as it ventures beyond traditional policing narratives to explore the lasting effects of crime on families and the emotional burdens borne by those who protect them. It offers viewers what they crave — intensity, plot twists, and relatable characters. The combination of personal and professional dilemmas weaves through each episode, forcing viewers to ponder the fragility of trust and the messiness of human relationships.
Finneran's past experience as Clare Cartwright on another thrilling series, Happy Valley, lends her credibility and depth as DI Nyles. Her performance is often the touchstone of emotional gravity, allowing audiences to connect with Liz's fears and hopes. It feels as though Liz could be someone from our own lives, struggling under the weight of expectations and challenges.
Throughout the series, Liz’s evolution is compelling, especially as Finneran masterfully balances her character’s determination with vulnerability. The show throws Liz on her 'own personal mission' to clear her lover's name, even as she risks her career, her family's safety, and her own wellbeing, negotiating between loyalty to her team and her moral compass.
Overall, Protection has received mixed reviews yet is captivating for fans of crime dramas. Some critics suggest the series falls slightly short of breaking new ground within the genre, hinting at familiar tropes seen across other series. Nonetheless, many agree Finneran's portrayal holds the show together, bringing depth to the otherwise frantic storylines.
While it’s difficult to reinvent the wheel for crime dramas, Protection adds its distinct flavor to the mix. The carefully constructed narrative centers on trust, choices, and their far-reaching ramifications within the cold, stark world of policing criminal networks.
Protection airs on ITV1, unavailable elsewhere until the series concludes, but all episodes will be accessible as a box set on ITVX for those eager to catch every twist and turn. The show promises drama, action, and human performances as it delves deep within police procedures, giving viewers something to anticipate each week.
Siobhan Finneran's role as DI Liz Nyles may change how we view the standard cop drama. Her authentic acting and relatable characters raise poignant questions about the state of policing today. Undoubtedly, Protection has set the stage for discussions on crimes old and new, challenging stereotypes and inviting viewers to offer their perspectives on protection, safety, and justice.