Inspired by something rihansu said, I've been thinking about this show I like. I've read a ton of fanfic about it - a team of government agents, rather maverick, rather prone to operate within their own self-imposed boundaries. They do respect their overall superior, though, who knows how and when to rein them in, and when to let them do their stuff. Because they're very good at what they do.

The team leader is a slightly older man, ex-military, very fierce, very dry wit, who has a tragic history: his wife and child were murdered. He doesn't like to talk about it, and his team will circle the wagons if any outsiders start to probe too deeply (but they don't let their leader know they're doing it). He's very protective of his team. VERY. Despite his antisocial nature, members of the team often seem to turn up at his house.

( Starting to sound familiar? )