In my humble opinion, all things considered, this is one of the most original, consistently well-acted, deftly scripted television series ever conceived. The tenor perfectly matches the (at times) patent idiocy of bureaucracy, and its self-serving purpose, the bane of many a well-meaning politician and social reformist. Eddington performs newly appointed cabinet minister Jim Hacker to the tee, ostensibly appointed for his meek, seemingly compliant approach, his sudden elevation sees him start to consider preposterous fantasies like 'making a difference' and 'representing his constituency', much to the chagrin of his permanent secretary (Hawthorne), assigned to keep the Minister out of trouble. Throughout his initiation, Hacker is bullied and corralled by his 'advisors', the distinguished quintessential manipulator, Sir Humphrey Appleby, himself nurturing the younger, naive adviser Bernard (Fowlds) in the dark art of creating red tape.
Highlights include the hospital without patients, but hundreds of administrative staff on the payroll, the nude-badger protest and Hacker's temerity in attempting to make the annual public service honours list dependent upon productivity improvements. Quotable dialogue that is priceless (CMG = call me God, GCMG = God calls me God) and has spawned countless expressions used amongst fans and public servants (in a jocular fashion, of course), still remains some of the best ever written for the small screen.
This series was said to have been Prime Minister Thatcher's favourite, and perhaps in spite of her reputed absent sense of humour, her taste in this instance, is faultless. Might not appeal to those who take no interest in political satire, but should entertain those who appreciate an intelligent, sophisticated comedy that is possibly close to flawless. It's follow-up series "Yes Prime Minister", while still sharp, lacks the important dimension of Hacker (and Appleby) positioning himself in the party caucus, a void that is filled by a female adviser, and stiff competition for the once supreme Sir Humphrey.
Highlights include the hospital without patients, but hundreds of administrative staff on the payroll, the nude-badger protest and Hacker's temerity in attempting to make the annual public service honours list dependent upon productivity improvements. Quotable dialogue that is priceless (CMG = call me God, GCMG = God calls me God) and has spawned countless expressions used amongst fans and public servants (in a jocular fashion, of course), still remains some of the best ever written for the small screen.
This series was said to have been Prime Minister Thatcher's favourite, and perhaps in spite of her reputed absent sense of humour, her taste in this instance, is faultless. Might not appeal to those who take no interest in political satire, but should entertain those who appreciate an intelligent, sophisticated comedy that is possibly close to flawless. It's follow-up series "Yes Prime Minister", while still sharp, lacks the important dimension of Hacker (and Appleby) positioning himself in the party caucus, a void that is filled by a female adviser, and stiff competition for the once supreme Sir Humphrey.