TV series

The Vice

Name: The Vice
Released: 1999
Cast: Caroline Catz, David Harewood, Rosie Marcel, Tim Pigott-Smith, Mel Raido

1999–2003· 5 seasons· 90 min episodes★ 5.6Ended

On ITV1 — From Carlton Television · Touchpaper Television

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Synopsis

The Vice is an ITV police drama about the Metropolitan Police Vice Unit. Spanning five short series from 1999 and 2003, it follows the London Metropolitan police force's vice squad, where prostitution, underage sex, and such organised crime are regular occurrences. Most episodes end where the main villain is caught but often not in a 'naturally' concluded way expected from other TV dramas, and often ending with more unanswered questions than answered. Leader DI Pat Chappel struggles to manage the balance between his private and professional lives — as do the rest of the team. Working in the seedy underworld leads to a continual dilemma — the tension between the Vice Squad and vice-related crimes runs throughout the series and gives the show a rich viewing experience. The line of the team staying on the right side of the law is often blurred, as almost every member at different points submits briefly or permanently to the dubious temptations, sometimes with drastic consequences.

Themes

london, england police detective crime investigation sex worker sex trade police procedural police crime drama

Episodes

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E1 Daughters (1)Next upJan 4, 1999 · 50 min
Synopsis
DI Pat Chappel finds himself involved in a turf war between two rival pimps when he investigates the murder of a prostitute. Whilst gathering evidence against his prime suspect, he takes the high-class Nikki under his wing and learns that her pimp is physically abusive towards her.
Guest stars: Garry Cooper (Supt Jeff Callard), Struan Rodger (David Hinkley), Sally Hurst (Nikki), Amelia Lowdell (Carla), Heather-Jay Jones (Natasha Hinkley), Romla Walker (Sophie), Dorian Lough (Andy Cooke), Basienka Blake (Valerie Cooke)
E2 Daughters (2)Jan 11, 1999 · 50 min
Synopsis
Chappel resolves to help Nikki after she refuses to give a statement to the police, and gets personally involved trying to protect her from Hinkley, ostensibly, a respectable family man. Less than pleased at the attention he's receiving, Hinkley needs Chappel's help when his own daughter is kidnapped by a rival pimp.
Guest stars: Garry Cooper (Supt Jeff Callard), Struan Rodger (David Hinkley), Sally Hurst (Nikki), Amelia Lowdell (Carla), Heather-Jay Jones (Natasha Hinkley), Dorian Lough (Andy Cooke), Gerard Fletcher (DCI Bowcher), Elizabeth Edmonds (Liz Hinkley)
E3 Sons (1)Jan 18, 1999 · 50 min
Synopsis
WPC Cheryl Hutchins takes on more than she can handle while undercover, when she discovers that a nightclub boss has a side hustle in S&M films. This also brings back painful memories to Chappel.
Guest stars: Tim McInnerny (Max Wilson), Paul Angelis (John Fitzsimmons), Eileen O'Brien (Sheila Fitzsimmons), Raymond Pickard (Brendan Fitzsimmons), Mike Savage (Alex Davies), Bruce Byron (Tony Melia), Helen Bennett (Jill Melia), Helen Rimmer (Cathy)
E4 Sons (2)Jan 25, 1999 · 50 min
Synopsis
Hutchins is making slow progress in her bid to find the young boy involved in a porn film, but believes his parents are hiding important information about his past. Meanwhile, Chappel's professional relationship with Dr Weir becomes personal.
Guest stars: Tim McInnerny (Max Wilson), Paul Angelis (John Fitzsimmons), Eileen O'Brien (Sheila Fitzsimmons), Raymond Pickard (Brendan Fitzsimmons), Mike Savage (Alex Davies), Bruce Byron (Tony Melia), Helen Bennett (Jill Melia), Helen Rimmer (Cathy)
E5 Dabbling (1)Feb 1, 1999 · 50 min
Synopsis
Tasked with investigating an escort agency who are providing a sideline in drugs trafficking and prostitution to their more than satisfied customers, Chappel sends PC Dougie Raymond undercover as a punter to gather evidence. Dougie successfully manages to secure the intel, but soon finds himself hooked on prostitutes.
Guest stars: Garry Cooper (Supt Jeff Callard), Corin Redgrave (Lord Butler), Philip Jackson (Nigel Wingrave), Richard McCabe (Michael Walden), Amanda Harris (Tricia Walden), Sonya Walger (Emma), Siobhan Burke (Amy), Justin Pickett (Richie)
E6 Dabbling (2)Feb 8, 1999 · 50 min
Synopsis
When Raymond falls hopelessly in love, he attempts to woo the one particular girl into a real relationship, instead of a business arrangement. However, when she subsequently leaves the country to traffic drugs, Raymond goes on the rampage and jeopardises the entire case... and his career in Vice.
Guest stars: Garry Cooper (Supt Jeff Callard), Dennis Banks (Custody Sergeant), Corin Redgrave (Lord Butler), Philip Jackson (Nigel Wingrave), Richard McCabe (Michael Walden), Amanda Harris (Tricia Walden), Sonya Walger (Emma), Siobhan Burke (Amy)