Mr. Palfrey of Westminster

Watch Mr. Palfrey of Westminster

  • TV-14
  • 1984
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.8  (166)

Mr. Palfrey of Westminster is a British television series that premiered in 1984. The show is based on a novel by John Nightingale and stars Alec McCowen as the titular character, Mr. Palfrey, a longtime servant of the British government who has spent his career working for MI6. The show follows Mr. Palfrey as he navigates the bureaucracy and politics of his job, all the while trying to maintain his integrity and loyalty to his country.

The show is set in London and takes place during the Cold War. Mr. Palfrey is a middle-aged man who has spent most of his adult life working for MI6. He is highly respected in his field and is known for his professionalism and dedication to his job. Mr. Palfrey is also a bit of an enigma. He leads a solitary life and rarely socializes with his colleagues outside of work. He is a man of few words but is always thinking and observing.

Mr. Palfrey's job often takes him abroad, and he is frequently tasked with completing dangerous and sensitive missions. He works closely with his younger colleague, Julian, played by Clive Wood, who is more impulsive and less experienced than Mr. Palfrey. The two men have a good working relationship, but Julian often finds himself in over his head and must rely on Mr. Palfrey's guidance and expertise to stay alive.

Caroline Blakiston and Briony McRoberts also star in the show, playing two of Mr. Palfrey's colleagues at MI6. Caroline plays Lady Lillian, a retired agent who is often called in for advice and consultation on difficult cases. Briony plays Mr. Palfrey's secretary, Sarah. Sarah is a loyal and efficient assistant who is always one step ahead of her boss.

Despite the serious nature of Mr. Palfrey's job, the show has a dry sense of humor and often pokes fun at the absurdities of bureaucracy and government. Mr. Palfrey and his colleagues are often frustrated by the red tape and protocol they must follow in order to complete their missions. The show also explores the personal lives of the characters, showing glimpses of their interests and hobbies outside of work.

Overall, Mr. Palfrey of Westminster is a thought-provoking and nuanced show that explores the complexities of espionage and government work. The show is anchored by Alec McCowen's impressive performance as Mr. Palfrey, a man who is both brilliant and human. The writing is sharp and witty, and the show's themes of loyalty, duty, and sacrifice are timeless. If you are a fan of spy dramas or political thrillers, then Mr. Palfrey of Westminster is definitely worth checking out.

Mr. Palfrey of Westminster is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (10 episodes). The series first aired on April 18, 1984.

Mr. Palfrey of Westminster
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Seasons
The Baited Trap
6. The Baited Trap
June 11, 1985
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.
Spy Game
5. Spy Game
June 4, 1985
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?
Official Secret
4. Official Secret
May 28, 1985
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.
Music of a Dead Prophet
3. Music of a Dead Prophet
May 21, 1985
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.
Return to Sender
2. Return to Sender
May 14, 1985
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.
Freedom from Longing
1. Freedom from Longing
May 7, 1985
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.
Description
Where to Watch Mr. Palfrey of Westminster
Mr. Palfrey of Westminster is available for streaming on the Acorn Media website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Mr. Palfrey of Westminster on demand at Apple TV Channels.
  • Premiere Date
    April 18, 1984
  • IMDB Rating
    7.8  (166)