Watch The New Professionals
- 1999
- 1 Season
The New Professionals, produced by Screenbound Pictures, is the second series of the 1970s classic British TV show The Professionals. The show is set in the present day and follows a new generation of top-class intelligence agents, who have been recruited to work for the shadowy criminal defence organisation known as CI5.
The series is an action-packed espionage adventure, with each episode taking the viewer into the murky world of crime, corporate espionage and international terrorism. The show features a diverse cast of skilled operatives, each with their own unique set of skills and specialties, and each committed to protecting the interests of the United Kingdom against all comers.
The two main protagonists of the show are ex-special forces soldier Simon 'Ash' Ashton (Cal Macaninch) and IT expert Jess Bailey (Connie Hyde). Both Ash and Jess have been brought into CI5 from different directions and come from very different backgrounds. Ash is a seasoned soldier who has seen action in some of the world's most dangerous hotspots, while Jess is a gifted computer hacker with a strong moral compass.
Ash is a man of action, always ready to confront dangerous situations head-on, while Jess is more analytical, preferring to work behind the scenes using her technical expertise to help the team out of tight spots. Despite their differences, the two of them share a strong bond, born out of their mutual respect for each other's skills and their dedication to the mission at hand.
The rest of the team is made up of experts in a wide range of fields, including forensic science, cybercrime, and surveillance, all tasked with tackling the toughest cases that come their way. The team is led by the cool-headed and no-nonsense Deputy Director, Harry Malone (Edward Woodward), who oversees CI5's operations from the top. Harry is a veteran of the intelligence game, having been involved in many covert operations over the years, and is wily enough to negotiate the dangerous waters of espionage and politics with ease.
Throughout the series, the team takes on a series of high-stakes missions, including foiling a plot to launch a drone strike on Parliament and preventing a terrorist group from detonating a nuclear bomb in central London. Along the way, the team members must deal with personal struggles and challenges, such as Ash's troubled family life and Jess's struggle to come to terms with the moral implications of her work.
One major theme explored throughout the series is the issue of privacy versus security. The team is often called upon to use controversial techniques, such as covert surveillance and data analysis, in order to catch high-profile criminals and prevent attacks. This raises questions about the ethics of intelligence gathering and how far one should go in the name of national security.
Overall, The New Professionals is an exciting and engaging espionage thriller that will challenge viewers' preconceptions about what it means to be a spy in the 21st century. The show combines action, drama, and political intrigue to create a compelling narrative that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. With a talented cast, sharp writing, and top-notch production values, The New Professionals is a worthy successor to the classic original series and a must-watch for fans of intelligent, well-crafted TV drama.