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Kernwell Industries, a US defense contractor, is thrust into the public eye when Sergeant Callum Tate is caught attempting to purchase a 17 year old prostitute in Sarajevo. He claims that he was trying to save her, not take advantage of her, and that he witnessed Kernwell peace-keepers involved in sex-trafficking. Eager to prevent any further scandal and a possible loss of future contracts, his claims are dismissed and he is unceremoniously discharged. The story goes on to revolve around two Moldovan sisters, Elena and Vara, who unwittingly become victims of a sex-trafficking ring. John Simm plays Daniel Appleton, a bashful but determined investigator for a London non-profit organization, whose attempts to uncover the truth behind Kernwell's involvement lead him to Elena.
The programme also focuses on the wife of the the CEO of Kernell, who through her efforts to fund shelters for trafficked woman stumbles across the cover-up.
Sex Traffic was broadcast in two parts in 2004 on UK's Channel 4. It was directed by pre-Harry Potter David Yates.
This show provides examples of:
- Adorkable: John Simm really should wear glasses more often.
- Adult Fear
- Bilingual Dialogue
- Bittersweet Ending
- Blackmail: Elena is told her son will be killed if she misbehaves.
- Callum Tate attempts to do this to the Kernell executives with the tape.
- Cassandra Truth: Both Callum and Daniel.
- Cluster F-Bomb: Daniel gets a few of these.
- Completely Unnecessary Translator: Referring to the scene where Elena is asked to translate, but told to be quiet every time she attempts to do so.
- Corrupt Corporate Executive: And how.
- Disproportionate Retribution: A girl is shot because she has a sore on her lip. These are some pretty messed-up psychos.
- Foreign Correspondent
- Going for the Big Scoop: Daniel gets the crap beaten out of him for his trouble.
- Inelegant Blubbering: It's more than justified considering the situations these characters find themselves in.
- Is That a Threat?: Played quite straight.
- Men Don't Cry: Averted. However, Elena does seem to somewhat hold this opinion, judging by her reaction.
- Nerds Are Sexy: Of course, it helps when said nerds are played by John Simm...
- Nice Guy: Make it through the entire program without wanting to marry, or at least hug, Daniel. Go on, try.
- No-Holds-Barred Beatdown: With steel toed boots, no less.
- Not What It Looks Like: Both Daniel and Callum get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
- Rape as Drama
- Rescue Romance
- Ripped from the Headlines: Unfortunately, sex-trafficking is a very real problem that exists throughout the world.
- Tactful Translation: Doesn't work very well on Daniel, as he usually knows both languages in question.
- That Came Out Wrong: "You should maybe take that off. Well, not... off... now. Uh, I didn't mean-I didn't mean it like that... um, ah, sor-forget it." Oh, Daniel.