The Professionals: Private Madness Public Danger (ITV 30 Dec 1977)

In Private Madness Public Danger CI5 have a major problem on their hands when Charles Nesbitt, a chemical warfare expert, holds the country to ransom threatening to release deadly chemicals into the water supply. It seems the key to tracking down Nesbitt is through a drug addicted girlfriend of his.

We very quickly learn that Crowley is ruthless, being willing to turn pusher Sutton into a drug addict unless he gets what he wants. Once the team do track Nesbitt down they face a very desperate race against time to prevent a whole water system being contaminated.

Quite an interesting opening episode, there is no introduction to the characters, they are already working for CI5 but the hallmarks of the show are very much in place. The action heroics, the bantering between Bodie and Doyle and the take no nonsense attitude of boss Crowley. Good to see the dependable Keith Barron cast against type as the villain for a change too.

production details
UK / ITV – London Weekend Television / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Friday 30 December 1977 at 9.00pm

Writer: Anthony Read / Director: Douglas Camfield

Series: The Professionals Season 1 Episode 1

cast
Gordon Jackson as George Cowley
Martin Shaw as Doyle
Lewis Collins as Bodie
Keith Barron as Charles Nesbitt
Donald Douglas as Eric Sutton
Di Trevis as Susan Fenton
Angus MacKay as Gerald Harvey
Trevor Adams as Benny
Christopher Ellison as Biggs, CI5 Agent
Peter Penry-Jones as Cummings
Penny Irving as Pam
Gloria Maley as Pretty Nurse (as Gloria Walker)
Bridget Brice as Betty, Cowley’s secretary
Donald MacIver as Hoskins
Melanie Peck as Barmaid