Public Enemies

Public Enemies looks at the probation service from the points of view of the ‘offender’ and the ‘gatekeeper.’ It’s about disgraced individuals trying to reclaim their lives and their reputations. The stories of Eddie and Paula are complex, gripping, surprising and incredibly moving, while the writing beautifully and powerfully explores the issue of rehabilitation and whether, as a society, we really believe in it.

Eddie, 28, is released from prison after serving 10 years for murder. Has he learned his lesson and is he safe to be released into the community – one that doesn’t want him? Probation officer Paula Randall is tasked with managing Eddie as he settles back into life on the outside. But Paula has a chequered history and has only recently come back to work after a high-profile suspension. Is she up to the task?

Feeling all eyes on her, Paula is acutely aware that she mustn’t set a foot wrong in her management of Eddie. But is clamping down on him really the answer? Or will this make an angry young man even angrier?

In episode two, convicted murderer Eddie claims he’s an innocent man. But Paula, his probation officer, doesn’t want to hear it. Eddie’s life is desperately spiralling downwards and the only person that can help him is Paula. With her job on the line, Paula has to decide whose skin she’s going to save; her own or Eddie’s.

In the final episode, Eddie wants to fight his miscarriage of justice and Paula wants to help him -but she’ll lose her job, her relationship and her reputation if she does. When she realises how much she cares for Eddie, will Paula decide it’s all worth risking?

Anna Friel and Daniel Mays star.