The new ITV drama, Protection, has taken television by storm since its premiere on March 16, 2025. Starring Siobhan Finneran as DI Liz Nyles, the series offers a gripping narrative centered on witness protection and its inherent dangers. Yet, as episode two aired on March 17, viewers quickly took to social media to voice their bewilderment over plot elements they deemed unrealistic.
Protection focuses on DI Nyles's efforts to safeguard eight-year-old Amy, whose family was brutally murdered to prevent them from testifying against notorious drug lord Eddie Crowther. The story spirals out of control as various elements of the police procedure and witness protection are called to question by vigilant viewers.
During the second episode, one especially tense scene involved Nyles and Amy attempting to evade masked pursuers, which led them to seek refuge within the throngs of shoppers at a local shopping center. While thrilling, some viewers criticized the notion of Nyles taking significant risks without backup. One viewer stated on X (formerly Twitter), "I really want to like this series but come on! Like they would let one single officer just take the kid to her house and ferry her about totally on her own." Others echoed similar sentiments, indicating the lack of protective protocol surrounding the child's safety raised significant alarm.
The concerns heightened when it was revealed Amy had access to a tablet, which she managed to use to reach out to someone during her supposed secrecy. "Whatever happened to child safeguarding?" questioned another viewer. The presence of communication devices seemed to contradict police protocols meant to protect witnesses from potential threats.
Critics argue the evident lapses undermine the serious themes the show aims to tackle, putting child welfare and security procedures under scrutiny. Amid critiques of its realism, some loyal viewers maintain their enjoyment of the show. One commenter said, "Totally unrealistic but totally enjoying Protection.” Indeed, the dramatic highs and lows continue to captivate audiences, even if they believe the plot could use some fine-tuning.
While the series enjoys popularity, its plotlines sparked considerable discussion among the public and highlighted broader issues related to policing strategies. Reflecting on the writing process, Kris Mrksa, the screenwriter, noted the inspiration drawn from the actual experiences of witness protection specialists. These real-life professionals have dealt with high-stakes situations involving major crimes, shedding light on the complexity and risks inherent within the witness protection program.
Finneran, who plays Nyles, expressed how enlightening the insights from the witness protection officers were. "Even if you do talk to someone from the world you're portraying, you're never going to be fully immersed in it – we’re dependent on the scripts,” she shared. This lack of comprehensive immersion adds layers to the portrayal of police work and child protection, making the series's authenticity continually apparent.
The excitement surrounding the early episodes of Protection is palpable, with audiences quick to share their opinions. Critics have drawn parallels between this new series and the critically acclaimed show Line of Duty, enhancing expectations for character depth and narrative complexity.
Viewers are invested not only in Liz's professional life but also her tumultuous personal relationships. Following the murders surrounding her charges, Nyles finds herself entangled back within her own complex past, which crashes through her professional facade, shaking her confidence and judgment.
Even as the show features potentially melodramatic turns, the gripping confines of its plot suggest future complications may surface as the narrative continues to unravel. Produced across the northwest of England, filmed during the summer of 2023, the series falls under both fiction and inspiration derived from genuine cases, cleverly fitting fictional details around stark realities.
Upcoming episodes will see the return of more layers of criminal conspiracy, with the backdrop of corruption raising the stakes for Nyles and the entire police unit. Each episode is set to air weekly, maintaining audience engagement through suspenseful cliffhangers and character development.
Critical feedback remains at the forefront of public discourse, and as viewers continue to dissect storylines and character decisions, the road to authenticity and reform within police drama on television looks promising. With the second episode already aired, viewers eagerly anticipate both the chaos of witness protection and the consequential dilemmas facing DI Nyles as she navigates her challenging dual role as protector and investigator.
Protection continues to make waves, and as audiences weigh entertainment against realism, one thing is clear – this drama invites conversation and reflects public concern over safety processes and policing ethics. It's this engagement with the narrative, blending entertainment with social commentary, which truly encapsulates what much of modern television aims to achieve.
This Sunday, March 23, the third episode is slated to return, with the audience hoping it will deliver on expectations set forth during the thrilling premiere and draw connections back to the underlying themes of duty, safety, and integrity within the precarious role of law enforcement.
