Mr. Palfrey of Westminster
He describes himself as "just a civil servant." But in the cloak-and-dagger world of the British security services, mild-mannered Mr. Palfrey (Golden Globe nominee Alec McCowen, Travels with My Aunt) is an invaluable player in the spy game. A master of counter-espionage and a spy-catcher extraordinaire, he's smart, discreet, cunning--and likes to do things his own way. His new boss quickly realizes the talents and dangers of the deceptively charming, utterly ruthless Palfrey. Known simply as "the Coordinator" and splendidly played by Caroline Blakiston (Brass, Scoop), she appoints an assistant (Clive Wood, The Lion in Winter) to work with Palfrey but report back to her. As always, however, Palfrey has his own ideas. "Alec McCowen plays Palfrey to perfection" (The Times, U.K.) in this stylish British spy series seen on public television and featuring guest appearances by Julian Glover (By the Sword Divided), Leslie Phillips (Chancer), Richard Johnson (The Camomile Lawn), and Deborah Grant (Bergerac).
- 1984-1985
- 2 seasons
- Drama
- TV-14
He describes himself as "just a civil servant." But in the cloak-and-dagger world of the British security services, mild-mannered Mr. Palfrey (Golden Globe nominee Alec McCowen, Travels with My Aunt) is an invaluable player in the spy game. A master of counter-espionage and a spy-catcher extraordinaire, he's smart, discreet, cunning--and likes to do things his own way. His new boss quickly realizes the talents and dangers of the deceptively charming, utterly ruthless Palfrey. Known simply as "the Coordinator" and splendidly played by Caroline Blakiston (Brass, Scoop), she appoints an assistant (Clive Wood, The Lion in Winter) to work with Palfrey but report back to her. As always, however, Palfrey has his own ideas. "Alec McCowen plays Palfrey to perfection" (The Times, U.K.) in this stylish British spy series seen on public television and featuring guest appearances by Julian Glover (By the Sword Divided), Leslie Phillips (Chancer), Richard Johnson (The Camomile Lawn), and Deborah Grant (Bergerac).
Season 2 Episode Guide
6 Episodes 1985
Episode 1
Freedom from Longing
51 mins
Palfrey's assistant, Blair, gets recruited by another department to investigate a suspected Soviet agent--a Czech-born woman with whom Blair once had an affair. But Palfrey believes the department may have hidden motives for requesting Blair's aid.
Episode 2
Return to Sender
50 mins
A former British agent who defected to the Soviet Union makes an unannounced return, threatening to embarrass both countries. Under instructions to silence him, Palfrey decides to up the stakes.
Episode 3
Music of a Dead Prophet
50 mins
A tell-all book alleges that the British government assassinated an Iranian general in the 1950s and helped topple a regime. Ordered to prevent its publication, Palfrey suspects a government cover-up.
Episode 4
Official Secret
52 mins
A disgruntled former government official believes that double agents still work in the intelligence service--and threatens to tip off the press unless something is done. The Coordinator assigns Palfrey to head him off.
Episode 5
Spygame
50 mins
On advice from the CIA, Palfrey surveils an American aerospace engineer suspected of passing the Soviets classified information about an Anglo-American defense project. It looks like the case may unearth the mole, but can Palfrey trust the CIA?
Episode 6
The Baited Trap
48 mins
A contact at the Soviet embassy informs the Coordinator that one of her agents is "playing a double game." Since she doesn't hold this agent in high regard, the Coordinator tells Palfrey to look into it--but he suspects a set up.