Watch Mr. Palfrey of Westminster

Mr. Palfrey of Westminster is a British television series that premiered in 1984. The show is based on a novel by John Nightingale and stars Alec McCowen as the titular character, Mr. Palfrey, a longtime servant of the British government who has spent his career working for MI6. The show follows Mr. Palfrey as he navigates the bureaucracy and politics of his job, all the while trying to maintain his integrity and loyalty to his country.

The show is set in London and takes place during the Cold War. Mr. Palfrey is a middle-aged man who has spent most of his adult life working for MI6. He is highly respected in his field and is known for his professionalism and dedication to his job. Mr. Palfrey is also a bit of an enigma. He leads a solitary life and rarely socializes with his colleagues outside of work. He is a man of few words but is always thinking and observing.

Mr. Palfrey's job often takes him abroad, and he is frequently tasked with completing dangerous and sensitive missions. He works closely with his younger colleague, Julian, played by Clive Wood, who is more impulsive and less experienced than Mr. Palfrey. The two men have a good working relationship, but Julian often finds himself in over his head and must rely on Mr. Palfrey's guidance and expertise to stay alive.

Caroline Blakiston and Briony McRoberts also star in the show, playing two of Mr. Palfrey's colleagues at MI6. Caroline plays Lady Lillian, a retired agent who is often called in for advice and consultation on difficult cases. Briony plays Mr. Palfrey's secretary, Sarah. Sarah is a loyal and efficient assistant who is always one step ahead of her boss.

Despite the serious nature of Mr. Palfrey's job, the show has a dry sense of humor and often pokes fun at the absurdities of bureaucracy and government. Mr. Palfrey and his colleagues are often frustrated by the red tape and protocol they must follow in order to complete their missions. The show also explores the personal lives of the characters, showing glimpses of their interests and hobbies outside of work.

Overall, Mr. Palfrey of Westminster is a thought-provoking and nuanced show that explores the complexities of espionage and government work. The show is anchored by Alec McCowen's impressive performance as Mr. Palfrey, a man who is both brilliant and human. The writing is sharp and witty, and the show's themes of loyalty, duty, and sacrifice are timeless. If you are a fan of spy dramas or political thrillers, then Mr. Palfrey of Westminster is definitely worth checking out.

Mr. Palfrey of Westminster is a series that ran for 2 seasons (10 episodes) between April 18, 1984 and on Acorn Media