The Protector (American TV series)

The Protector (also known as Exit 19), is an American police procedural drama television series starring Ally Walker as Gloria Sheppard, a single mother who struggles to maintain the balance between her personal and professional life as an LAPD homicide detective.

The Protector
Promotional poster
Also known asExit 19
Genre
Created by
Starring
ComposerGabriel Mann
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Producers
CinematographyWalt Lloyd
Editors
  • Mitch Stanley
  • Chris Peppe
  • Kurt Courtland
  • Rick Tuber
  • David J. Siegel (pilot only)
Running time43–60 minutes
Production companies
DistributorDisney–ABC Domestic Television
Release
Original networkLifetime
Picture formatHDTV 1080i
Original releaseJune 12 –
September 19, 2011 (2011-09-19)
External links
Website

The series is broadcast in the United States on the cable channel Lifetime, and is a co-production between ABC Studios and Wass-Stein Productions. It premiered on June 12, 2011, and ended on September 19, 2011. It was created by Michael Nankin and Jeffrey Jackson Bell.

On September 8, 2011, Lifetime announced it would not renew the series for a second season. The series finale aired on September 19, 2011.[1]

Overview

The series follows Gloria Sheppard, an LAPD detective attached to the Robbery-Homicide Division. A recent divorcée and single mother, Gloria has to perform her duties as an LAPD homicide detective while raising her twin sons. Gloria's brother, Davey Sheppard, whose house she recently moved into, helps to raise her two sons Nick and Leo. While at work, Gloria must solve some of Los Angeles' highest profile crimes with the assistance of her partner, Detective Michelle Dulcett as well as Detectives Ramon "Romeo" Rush, Buerge, and Van Stone, while being overseen by her commanding officer, Lieutenant Felix Valdez.

Cast and characters

Main
  • Ally Walker as Gloria Sheppard – An LAPD Detective attached to the Robbery-Homicide Division.
  • Tisha Campbell-Martin as Michelle Dulcett – An LAPD Detective II.[2] She is Gloria Sheppard's partner in the Robbery-Homicide Division.
  • Miguel Ferrer as Felix Valdez – An LAPD Lieutenant. He is Gloria Sheppard's superior officer in the Robbery-Homicide Division.
  • Chris Payne Gilbert as Davey "Dave" Sheppard – Gloria Sheppard's brother and uncle to Leo and Nick Sheppard.
  • Terrell Tilford as Ramon "Romeo" Rush – An LAPD police officer and later Detective, attached to the Robbery-Homicide Division.
  • Thomas Robinson as Leo Sheppard – Gloria Sheppard's youngest son.
  • Sage Ryan as Nicholas "Nick" Sheppard – Gloria Sheppard's oldest son.

Recurring
  • Larry Joe Campbell as Detective Ted Buerge – An LAPD Detective attached to the Robbery-Homicide Division.
  • James Hanlon as Detective Joe Van Stone – An LAPD Detective attached to the Robbery-Homicide Division.
  • Karly Rothenberg as Marlene – Loyal secretary to Lt. Valdez
  • Marianne Chambers as Nora Fitzpatrick

Development and production

Originally known as Exit 19, The Protector was initially developed by Jeffrey Jackson Bell, based on a script written by Michael Nankin, in late 2007. In early 2008, CBS placed an order for a pilot presentation for Exit 19.[3] Bell wrote the pilot. Nankin was attached to the project as director, with Jeffrey Jackson Bell, Nina Wass, and Gene Stein serving as executive producers. The pilot was a co-production of ABC Studios, CBS Television Studios, and Wass-Stein Productions. It was described as being about "a quirky homicide detective on the mean streets of Manhattan who also is a single mom to two kids in the suburbs on Long Island."[3] Geena Davis was the first to be cast in the pilot as 'Gloria'. She also served as co-executive producer.[3] Next to join the pilot was Matthew Lillard as Gloria's younger brother.[4] Rosie Perez, Ramon Rodriguez, and Amy Farrington were the last actors to be cast, with Perez playing 'Lorna', Gloria's partner on the NYPD, Rodriguez playing 'a smart flirty cop who works with Gloria and Lorna', and Farrington playing Gloria's neighbor.[5] On May 10, 2008, it was announced that CBS had decided not to pick up the pilot to series.[6]

In July 2009, Lifetime announced it was redeveloping the pilot.[7] In June 2010, the network placed a pilot order.[8]

Casting announcements began in November 2010, with Ally Walker first to be cast. Walker portrays Gloria Sheppard, a Los Angeles Police Department homicide detective who is juggling her demanding personal and professional lives while raising two children.[9] Next to join the series was Tisha Campbell-Martin and Chris Payne Gilbert, with Campbell-Martin playing Michelle Dulcett, Gloria's smart and vivacious partner, and Gilbert playing Davey Sheppard, Gloria's younger brother, a recovering alcoholic, with whom she shares the house the two co-own.[10] Last to be cast was Miguel Ferrer playing Lieutenant Felix Valdez, Gloria's boss.[11]

The network green lighted the series on February 7, 2011, with an order of 13 hour-long episodes.[12] The series is a co-production between ABC Studios and Wass-Stein Productions.

On May 3, 2011, during the network's 2011–2012 upfronts presentation, Lifetime announced that Exit 19 had been retitled The Protector and would debut in the summer of 2011.[13]

On September 8, 2011, Lifetime announced it would not renew the series for a second season. The series finale aired on September 19, 2011.[1]

Episodes
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Pilot"Peter O'FallonStory by : Michael Nankin & Jeffrey Bell
Teleplay by : Jeffrey Bell		June 12, 2011 (2011-06-12)1.89[14]
LAPD homicide detective, Gloria Sheppard and her partner, Michelle Dulcett, probe a fatal mugging that may have been a targeted murder. At home, Gloria is tasked with creating a play costume for her youngest son.
2"Help"Sanford BookstaverMichael S. ChernuchinJune 19, 2011 (2011-06-19)1.49[15]
A powerful player in the fashion industry is murdered and detectives wonder if it is an anomalous event. Meanwhile, Gloria is unhappy that Davey is dating the babysitter.
3"Class"Martha MitchellElle TriedmanJune 26, 2011 (2011-06-26)1.22[16]
When a college professor is found stabbed in her apartment, Gloria and Michelle are on the case to find that parents, students and faculty will do anything to get into the prestigious school. At home, Gloria finds that Nick tested high on a test and is known as "gifted". Gloria has to make the choice as to whether or not to pay for private school that will cost more than she wants to pay.
4"Spoon"Peter O'FallonJeffrey BellJuly 10, 2011 (2011-07-10)1.16[17]
A young couple known as the Newlywed Bandits are found dead on the day they were supposed to report to jail, and a double suicide is suspected. However, Gloria and Michelle unearth evidence that then takes the case in a different direction. Meanwhile, Nick's nonstop texting with a girl raises concern for Gloria.
5"Revisions"Peter O'FallonAlison CrossJuly 17, 2011 (2011-07-17)1.24[18]
A successful plastic surgery doctor is found murdered in his hot tub and Gloria starts to think that this was personal. When she discovers the real killer, she will stop at nothing to make sure that they get what they deserve. James, Gloria's ex-husband, comes for a visit so that they can close on the house and things get a little "heated".
6"Beef"Christine MooreJody WorthJuly 24, 2011 (2011-07-24)1.21[19]
After a food truck owner is murdered in his truck, Gloria and Michelle investigate the possibilities that it could be in retaliation to the owner refusing to pay a protection racket fee. Gloria is also forced to do a ride-along to help raise money for Leo's school.
7"Wings"Jeff BlecknerChristine RoumAugust 1, 2011 (2011-08-01)0.85[20]
Gloria and Michelle are surprised when the murder of a young woman found floating in a downtown lake leads them into a world of kinky sex parties. Meanwhile, Gloria and Davey's lives are complicated by an unexpected visit from their mother.
8"Bangs"Bethany RooneyMichael S. ChernuchinAugust 8, 2011 (2011-08-08)0.60[21]
After a famous hairstylist is found dead and suicide is the theory, Gloria suspects foul play and together, she and Michelle go and find the killer. Meanwhile, Davey has a double life that Gloria starts to suspect that he has relapsed.
9"Affairs"Paul HolahanElle TriedmanAugust 15, 2011 (2011-08-15)N/A
A woman known for dating policemen is murdered, and the evidence suggests a cop may be the killer. Meanwhile, Davey's growing popularity with the women in the neighborhood results in some free meals but a huge headache for Gloria.
10"Rats"Kenneth FinkAllison Cross & Michael S. ChernuchinAugust 22, 2011 (2011-08-22)N/A
Gloria and Michelle's investigation into the death of a lab researcher leads them to believe it was a drug-related murder. Elsewhere, Nick blackmails Davey after he sees him kissing Nora.
11"Blood"Sanford BookstaverChristine RoumAugust 29, 2011 (2011-08-29)N/A
Gloria and Michelle investigate a bartender's murder at a family-owned Mexican restaurant. Meanwhile, Gloria's mother (Patty Duke) makes an extended visit.
12"Ghosts"Peter O'FallonJody WorthSeptember 12, 2011 (2011-09-12)0.47[22]
Detectives Duclett and Rush investigate the robbery of a high-stakes poker game; Gloria waits to testify for the district attorney.
13"Safe"Jeannot SzwarcJeffrey Bell & Michael S. ChernuchinSeptember 19, 2011 (2011-09-19)N/A
Gloria and Michelle investigate the murder of a bookstore owner whose hippie lifestyle masked dark secrets. Meanwhile, Rush considers telling Michelle how he feels about her, and Gloria invites Brennan over for a family dinner.

International broadcasting
Country Network Premiere date
 Canada CTV 2 Fall 2011[23]
 Italy Fox Crime (Italy) 24 August 2012[24]
 Norway FEM 24 July 2012[25]
 United Kingdom Alibi[26] 29 October 2012[27]
 Finland Liv 1 June 2014[28]

Reception

Critical reception

The Protector has received mixed to average reviews, earning a score of 53 on Metacritic.[29] The New York Daily News said of the series: "Where Army Wives can get soapy at times, it also starts with a premise that sets it apart. The Protector doesn't start with that advantage."[30] The New York Times gave a mixed review: "Ms. Walker is an appealing actress with a strong presence, but in the pilot, at least, her character isn't as well formed or well written as other tough-talking television dames."[31] The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette gave the pilot a positive review:

The Protector is fairly routine plot-wise but the breezy tone—conveyed through upbeat music and snappy dialogue—and strong, collegial performances make this series a welcome summer diversion.[32]

Ratings

The pilot episode premiered with 1.90 million total viewers,[33] scoring 0.9 million viewers in the 18–49 demographic.

Season Season Premiere Season Finale
Date Viewers
Total
(in millions)		 Viewers
18–49
 Date Viewers
Total
(in millions)		 Viewers
18–49
1 June 12, 2011[1] 1.90[33] 0.85 September 19, 2011[1] N/A N/A

References
  1. "Shows A-Z - The Protector on Lifetime". The Futon Critic. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  2. "Affairs". The Protector. Season 1. Episode 9. 15 August 2011. 25 minutes in. Lifetime. She's a D-II. Stated by Detective Buerge.
  3. "Development Update: Tuesday, March 18". The Futon Critic. March 18, 2008. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  4. "Development Update: Friday, April 4". The Futon Critic. April 4, 2008. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  5. "Development Update: Monday, April 7". The Futon Critic. April 7, 2008. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  6. Finke, Nikki (May 10, 2008). "Primetime Pilot Panic: CBS Rejects Geena". Deadline. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  7. "Development Update: Thursday, July 23". The Futon Critic. July 23, 2008. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  8. "Lifetime Television Orders Three Drama Pilots for 2011". The Futon Critic. June 23, 2010. Retrieved October 24, 2010.
  9. Andreeva, Nellie (November 1, 2010). "Ally Walker To Star In Lifetime Pilot 'Exit 19'". Deadline. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  10. Andreeva, Nellie (November 10, 2010). "Two Join Ally Walker On Lifetime's 'Exit 19'". Deadline.com. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  11. Andreeva, Nellie (November 22, 2010). "CASTINGS ROUNDUP: Trio Join Cable Pilots". Deadline.com. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  12. Andreeva, Nellie (February 7, 2011). "Lifetime Greenlights 2 New Scripted Series". Deadline. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
  13. Seidman, Robert (May 3, 2011). "Lifetime Announces 2011-12 Programming Slate Including New Dramas 'The Protector' and 'Against the Wall'". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 7, 2011. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  14. Gorman, Bill (June 14, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'Game of Thrones', 'Real Housewives,' 'Kardashians,' 'In Plain Sight,' 'Army Wives' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on June 16, 2011. Retrieved June 22, 2011.
  15. Yanan, Travis (June 21, 2011). "Sunday's Cable Ratings: "Falling Skies" Reigns for TNT". The Futon Critic. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  16. Yanan, Travis (June 28, 2011). "Sunday's Cable Ratings: "True Blood" Returns Hot for HBO". The Futon Critic. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  17. Yanan, Travis (July 13, 2011). "Sunday's Cable Ratings: "True Blood" Continues HBO's Reign". The Futon Critic. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  18. Yanan, Travis (July 19, 2011). "Sunday's Cable Ratings: HBO's "True Blood" Still Untouchable". The Futon Critic. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  19. Yanan, Travis (July 26, 2011). "Sunday's Cable Ratings: "True Blood" Overshadows the Competition". The Futon Critic. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  20. Yanan, Travis (August 4, 2011). "Monday's Cable Ratings: "Pawn Stars" Takes Demos, "The Closer" Wins Total Viewers". The Futon Critic. Retrieved August 10, 2011.
  21. Seidman, Robert (August 9, 2011). "Updated Monday Cable Ratings: 'Pawn Stars,' 'American Pickers,' 'WWE RAW' Top Night + 'Closer,' 'Rizzoli,' 'Switched At Birth,' 'Eureka' & Much More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on September 10, 2011. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
  22. Gorman, Bill (September 13, 2011). "Monday Cable: 'Monday Night Football' Rules; 'Pawn Stars,' 'The Closer,' 'Rizzoli & Isles,' 'American Pickers' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved September 14, 2011.
  23. "THE CTV FACTOR: 16 NEW SERIES JOIN CANADA'S MOST X-TRAORDINARY TELEVISION LINEUPS IN 2011/12". CTV. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  24. http://www.foxcrime.it
  25. http://www.fem.no
  26. Munn, Patrick (August 20, 2012). "Alibi Acquires UK Rights To 'The Protector'". TVWise. Retrieved August 20, 2012.
  27. Munn, Patrick (August 28, 2012). "Alibi Sets UK Premiere Date For 'The Protector'". TVWise. Retrieved September 21, 2012.
  28. "Uusi draamasarja Protector alkaa Livillä 1.6. klo 21". Liv (in Finnish). Retrieved June 21, 2014.
  29. "The Protector: Season 1". Metacritic. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  30. Hinckley, David (June 11, 2011). "'The Protector' review: New Lifetime series handcuffed by stale lady-cop cliches". Daily News. New York. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  31. Stanley, Allesandra (June 10, 2011). "Television review: The Protector It's a Crime That Men Are So Lazy". The New York Times. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  32. Owen, Rob (June 9, 2011). "Ally Walker shows breezier side in 'The Protector'". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved August 14, 2011.
  33. Gorman, Bill (June 14, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: 'Game of Thrones', 'Real Housewives,' 'Kardashians,' 'In Plain Sight,' 'Army Wives' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on June 16, 2011. Retrieved June 22, 2011.
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