The Vice
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.
Cast: Caroline Catz, David Harewood, Rosie Marcel
6 episodes
- 1. Daughters (1)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.18CC50minJan 4, 1999
- 2. Daughters (2)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.18CC50minJan 11, 1999
- 3. Sons (1)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.18CC50minJan 18, 1999
- 4. Sons (2)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.18CC50minJan 25, 1999
- 5. Dabbling (1)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.18CC50minFeb 1, 1999
- 6. Dabbling (2)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.18CC50minFeb 8, 1999
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The Vice
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.
Creators and cast
- Created by
- Rob Pursey, Barry Simner
