The Persuaders!

An American and an Englishman are each sent a strange invitation to a lavish hotel on the Côte d’Azur. Upon arriving they discover the invitation is a ruse, thrusting them into a demanding new profession filled with adventure and deadly peril.

Overture is a programme presented as a single episode. It falls within the genre of episodic television, offering a self‑contained story that unfolds over its runtime. The title itself hints at a beginning, setting the stage for what follows. The narrative follows two men – one from the United States and the other from England – who each receive a peculiar invitation. The summons leads them to a sumptuous hotel perched on the Côte d’Azur, a setting that promises luxury but quickly reveals something far less ordinary. Upon arrival, the pair discover that the invitation is a ruse, intended to thrust them into an unexpected line of work that promises both adventure and danger. The episode uses the contrast between the American and the Englishman to underscore the unusual circumstances they face. Their differing backgrounds are highlighted against the backdrop of the lavish French Riviera, creating a dynamic where cultural differences meet a shared, high‑stakes challenge. The story positions their new “career” as one that tests their limits, implying a series of perilous tasks that lie ahead. Ultimately, the programme frames this encounter as the start of a demanding journey. The luxurious hotel serves as the gateway, while the bizarre invitation acts as the catalyst that pulls the two protagonists into a world where excitement and risk are inseparable.