Viewers of ITV's latest crime thriller, Protection, have taken to social media to express their outrage following the first episode's disturbing scenes, especially one involving the shocking murder of a family dog. The series, which premiered on March 16, 2025, depicts the life of DI Liz Nyles, played by Siobhan Finneran, and explores the tense circumstances surrounding witness protection procedures.
Originally aired during its December 2024 debut on BritBox, the series has since dropped on ITVX, drawing significant viewer interest. Fans, both intrigued and horrified, were particularly drawn to the graphic violence showcased within the first fifteen minutes of the episode. A disturbing scene unfolded when masked men invaded the home of Nyles, resulting not only in the deaths of the family but also tragically shooting their pet. This moment sparked widespread dismay, with many viewers claiming it breached the "golden rule" of television: never kill the dog.
"Why kill the dog? It adds nothing to the story #Protection," one irate viewer posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Others echoed the sentiment, calling the scene utterly unacceptable. A second viewer lamented, "If the dog gets hurt, I’m done before we even start #Protection," reflecting growing frustration among audiences over such brutal storytelling choices.
Across the platform, hashtags reignited as commenters feared for the beloved canine. "Oh nooo! Don't shoot the poor wee dog! Can't handle it!" exclaimed another distressed user. The emotional impact was palpable, and by the end of the episode, many found themselves deciding to abandon the series. "The dog... NOOOOOOOO," was yet another cry of despair among manysubsequent viewers.
The drama's heavy thematic elements extend beyond this shocking decision. The narrative weaves together complex scenarios of crime, protection, and moral ambiguity, as Nyles also wrestles with personal dilemmas. One critic and commentator noted the show's gripping portrayal of witness protection: "The six-part ITV series reunites stars Siobhan Finneran and Katherine Kelly from Happy Valley. Finneran plays DI Liz Nyles, juggling ethical dilemmas and home life, magnifying the intensity of her role."
Despite the graphic violence, early reviews on Rotten Tomatoes suggest fans are still engaged with the story. One user praised, "I thought this was a great storyline, excellent actors, and a good watch. Would highly recommend!" Another added, "The acting was at times excellent, but the writer(s) had nowhere to go by the end. Very dissatisfying conclusion." A third viewer commented, "The storyline was good. Enough twists to keep me engaged. Acting was pretty good," emphasizing the show’s high potential amid the contention.
Following the pilot episode, Protection returned to screens for its follow-up on March 17, 2025, heightening the suspense surrounding mysterious young character Amy, played by another rising star. Viewers speculated she might be hiding significant information linked to her family's attack. Warnings escalate for Nyles, with her colleague DS Paul Brandice's advice, "trust no one," becoming increasingly relevant as the plot thickens.
With every episode, the narrative poignantly shifts, exploring themes of trust and betrayal. Amy's reluctance to provide information during police interrogations not only builds intrigue but also weighs heavily on viewers. During one such interview, Amy maintained she saw nothing, which fueled theory discussions among audiences. How much does she really know? Fans flooded social media with their theories surrounding Amy's connections and the circumstances leading to her family's attack. One noted, "Could Amy be talking to the man on the bike who followed them? #Protection," indicating the depth of engagement and speculation surrounding character motives.
The suspense escalates with thrilling chase sequences, as Nyles and Amy are pursued by menacing individuals after leaving the police station. The tension kept audiences at the edge of their seats, with Liz struggling to protect Amy, who is portrayed as increasingly central to unraveling this gripping crime mystery.
Further complicate matters, Nyles must navigate her own family troubles, as her daughter returns home from her father's house to find Amy occupying her room. Many viewers criticized the dynamics, feeling empathy for the daughter sidelined during a crisis.
Criticism of the show not only focused on the violence but also included aspects of its logic, with some viewers questioning character decisions, such as why Amy’s character remained with Nyles rather than being placed with social services. Comments on X underscored this concern, highlighting inconsistencies: "She just left the witness with her dad who’s got dementia #Protection." Another added skepticism over character motivations when leaving Amy vulnerable: "Blimey, she's so dodgy. And she shouldn't promise to keep the girl safe,” reflecting frustration over the storytelling choices and character development.
The show has sparked controversy, as many feel it balances edge-of-your-seat drama with potential lapses in realism. But as the series progresses, audiences remain curious about how the plot will evolve. With comments like, "I think Amy knows more than she's letting on #protection," viewers are eager to see where this dark tale leads.
All episodes of Protection are available to stream on ITVX, with many fans hoping for resolutions to the revelations and various character arcs laid out across the series. This heightened expectation leaves fans on tantalizing edge, pondering just what lies around the corner for Liz and the helpless young Amy caught at the center of such turmoil.
