The Professionals1977

[the draconian regime instigated by Chief Constable Green has just been toppled]

Chief Constable Green:
It was Chives. He took it upon himself. Overstepped his authority.

George Cowley:
Chives was a runaway truck, careering downhill, running over the guilty *and* the innocent. A runaway truck. But *you* released the handbrake.

Chief Constable Green:
[horrified] George!

George Cowley:
[snarling] The name is Cowley! *Mister* Cowley! I don't know what we'll be able to make stick against you, Green, but I do know that whatever the outcome, you'll never have authority again. Not even to see kids across the road.

Chief Constable Green:
[plaintively] My motives - what I did - I thought was in the public interest.

George Cowley:
Aye. That's the tragedy.