*Warning – this article contains spoilers for ITV’s Protection.*
‘s latest six-part drama, Protection, has left viewers divided, with some drawing comparisons to Line of Duty, both positively and negatively.
The series features Happy Valley actress Siobhan Finneran in the role of DI Liz Nyles, a police officer working for the UK Protected Persons Service, also known as witness protection.
In addition to her demanding job, DI Nyles’ personal life is far from perfect. She finds herself embroiled in a passionate affair, adding another layer of complexity to her already challenging circumstances.
The plot intensifies when Liz is tasked with protecting Jimmy McLennan, a notorious gangster turned informant, and his family. However, keeping them safe proves to be an enormous challenge, reports .
Don’t miss…
Protection fans can’t seem to make up their minds (Image: ITV)
Tragically, the parents are killed at their safe house, leaving Liz concerned that her illicit relationship with DS Paul Brandice (Barry Ward) will be exposed.
It also transpires that DS Paul, who is married himself, is not involved in the affair for the right reasons but is instead using Liz to gain information about her witnesses.
The series’ numerous twists, insider secrets and corruption have provided viewers with a thrilling ride, reminiscent of Line of Duty, leading to comparisons between the two shows.
Liz Nyles is worried her affair will come to light (Image: ITV)
Fans of the gripping new thriller Protection took to Twitter with a buzzing excitement, reminiscent of blockbuster hits. One viewer exclaimed: “New Line of Duty vibes #Protection.” (sic)
Another chimed in with equal enthusiasm: “#Protection is giving vibes of The Bay and Line of Duty I love it!” (sic) The buzz around ITV’s fresh offering didn’t just simmer down, countless viewers aired their own recommendations.
One particularly captivated fan gushed: “Fully recommend Protection on ITV. Already chewed through four episodes.” Similarly, another viewer heaped praise, claiming: “Protection is possibly ITV’s best crime drama in years.”
Fans are convinced the plot has been done before (Image: ITV)
However, not all feedback echoed such positivity. Some users pointed out a lack of originality, with one critical remark stating: “Everyone involved in Protection owes Jed Mercurio a few quid. A Poundland Line of Duty with a waste of fine acting talent.”
Another user echoed a sense of deja vu, posting: “This Drama is ok, but has this story not been done before? Just feels like a tired format and nothing new. #protection.” (sic)
Others felt overwhelmed by the density of the plot twists, as one individual commented: “#Protection is trying too hard. Too much is happening in too short a time. Siobhan Finneran is a great actor, but viewers barely have time to absorb all the twists.” (sic)
Protection returns to ITV1 this evening from 9pm for it’s second installment.