About this season
The Protectors is a British television series, an action thriller created by Gerry Anderson. It was Anderson's second TV series using live actors as opposed to electronic marionettes, and also his second to be firmly set in contemporary times. It was also the only Gerry Anderson produced television series that was not of the fantasy or science fiction genres. It was produced by Lew Grade's ITC Entertainment production company. Despite not featuring marionettes or any real science fiction elements, The Protectors became one of Anderson's most popular productions, easily winning a renewal for a second season. A third season was in the planning stages when the show's major sponsor pulled out, forcing its cancellation. The Protectors first aired in 1972 and 1973, and ran to 52 episodes over two series, each 25 minutes long - making it one of the last series of this type to be produced in a half-hour format. It starred Robert Vaughn as Harry Rule, Nyree Dawn Porter as the Contessa Caroline di Contini, and Tony Anholt as Paul Buchet. Episodes often featured prominent guest actors.
Episodes (26)
1. Quin
Aired 21 September 1973
Harry travels to Spain in order to track down a bounty hunter named Quin.
2. Bagman
Aired 28 September 1973
The Protectors are called to deliver the ransom for the kidnapped daughter of a Danish aristocrat.
3. Fighting Fund
Aired 5 October 1973
A revolutionary group steals and auctions off a priceless art collection in order to purchase dynamite to fund their cause.
4. The Last Frontier
Aired 12 October 1973
The Protectors are hired to smuggle into Britain a Russian scientist who wishes to marry her childhood sweetheart.
5. Baubles, Bangles and Beads
Aired 19 October 1973
In Denmark, a young woman and her father call on the Protectors to deliver a huge ransom for a stolen jewelry shipment.
6. Petard
Aired 26 October 1973
The Protectors go after industrial spies who are threatening to topple a chemical company by scooping their best products.
7. Goodbye George
Aired 2 November 1973
Alone in Italy, the Contessa goes to Venice to find out why the son of a wealthy Brit is making huge withdrawals from his account.
8. Wam (1)
Aired 9 November 1973
In Salzburg, the Protectors must rescue a group of vacationers whom are unknowingly being held hostage on top of an Austrian mountain.
9. Wam (2)
Aired 16 November 1973
In Salzburg, the Protectors must rescue a group of vacationers whom are unknowingly being held hostage on top of an Austrian mountain.
10. Implicado
Aired 23 November 1973
In Spain, an English boy is framed and arrested on drug charges after a drug dealer plants some hash in his backpack.
11. Dragon Chase
Aired 30 November 1973
In Britain, Harry is called on to protect a Russian author from publishing his anti-socialist book.
12. Decoy
Aired 7 December 1973
An old friend who has a new lead on an insurance scam calls Harry and the Contessa to Venice, but he is murdered just before they arrive.
13. Border Line
Aired 14 December 1973
The Protectors are hired by a Hungarian actress wanting to bury her now deceased revolutionary father in their homeland.
14. Zeke's Blues
Aired 21 December 1973
Harry's college friend Zeke, a pianist, is blackmailed into setting Harry up by mobsters.
15. Lena
Aired 28 December 1973
In Venice, Harry aids Lena, a journalist, expose a corrupt politician.
16. The Bridge
Aired 4 January 1974
Undercover as an explosives expert, Harry seeks to rescue a kidnapped girl and prevent a bridge bombing.
17. Sugar and Spice
Aired 11 January 1974
In order to protect the daughter of a rich industrialist who has received threats against her life, Harry poses as her tutor.
18. Burning Bush
Aired 18 January 1974
Harry masquerades as a drunk in order to get a Canadian heiress out of a cult.
19. The Tiger and the Goat
Aired 25 January 1974
The Contessa is used to lure her former lover, a British spy, out into the open.
20. Route 27
Aired 1 February 1974
Knowing where a huge stash of heroin is hidden, Harry confronts the drug dealers.
21. Trial
Aired 8 February 1974
The Protectors are called upon when the father of a man on trial for murdering a policeman goes after the judge.
22. Shadbolt
Aired 15 February 1974
Harry is stalked on a train by Shadbolt, a professional assassin.
23. A Pocketful of Posies
Aired 22 February 1974
Harry Rule is called upon to see if Eartha Kitt's (guest star)home is haunted.
24. Wheels
Aired 1 March 1974
The Protectors are hired to discretely research stolen secret Swiss bank account information.
25. The Insider
Aired 25 February 1974
The Protectors aid a movie director in the retrieval of film being held for ransom.
26. Blockbuster
Aired 15 March 1974
The Protectors chase after a stolen platinum shipment.