Crime drama series The Professionals told the usually violent exploits of Bodie (Lewis Collins) and Doyle (Martin Shaw), two members of CI5, (The CI 5 initials stood for Criminal Intelligence Five), a special government agency set up to combat crime at the highest level. Their boss is George Cowley (Gordon Jackson).
The series would have been no doubt quite different if original leads Jon Finch and Anthony Andrews had appeared in the lead roles. Finch (in the Doyle role) signed and then decided against appearing in the series whilst Andrews (as Bodie) actually began filming on a few of the early episodes but it was clear that his Bodie was too similar to Doyle.
CI5: The New Professionals was a lacklustre reboot by David Wickes Television for Sky TV. Edward Woodward took the lead as Harry Malone and there was at least a nod to modernism with a female agent by the name of Tina Backus (played by Lexa Doig). An episode from season one The Klansman was never transmitted in the UK at the time.
Opening narration: “Anarchy, acts of terror, crimes against the public. To combat it I’ve got special men – experts from the army, the police, from every service – these are The Professionals”. – George Cowley.
Cast: Gordon Jackson as George Cowley; Lewis Collins as Bodie; Martin Shaw as Doyle
Creator: Brian Clemens / Music: Laurie Johnson / Executive Producers: Brian Clemens, Albert Fennell / Producers: Sidney Hayers, Raymond Menmuir / Stunt arranger: Frank Henson
UK / ITV – London Weekend Television – Avengers – Mark One / 57×60 minute episodes / Broadcast 30 December 1977 – 6 February 1982
