Roadkill

Thought I'd write something as I saw a rant about tropes of people of colour and "white men bad"- That person has issues and is projecting. There is a female PM (she's no Angel) but the majority of the politicians are depicted as white men, it's Britain so this should be expected. The people of colour are side characters and the majority are in prison, the other notable main person of colour is a morally bankrupt barrister and that's it so I'm not seeing all this good that PaulSpencer chose to see. I'm also confused as to what could have been the expectation considering they're supposed to represent the Tory party. Also, I didn't think of the main Hugh Laurie character as bad, he's just a politician, has done no worse if not less than our current politicians, but his character is very likeable. After the things our ministers have done they still manage to survive and carry on- This is no different. Despite his failings he still manages to make us like him and even root for him. The portrayals of some of the female characters are a bit 2D and questionable, something seems unfinished so I can understand people having issue there. As a Brit I didn't see the anti-right sentiment, I simply see snippets of what we have now with the Tory government and I don't think it would been much different if they were portraying a labour government - These are the political workings of our government.

Overall this isn't groundbreaking but it's a decent watch, it's entertaining. They could have done better with the material and stretched it out over a few more eps but for the talent alone I'd watch another series.

So now I got the public service announcement out of the way, lets discuss this series so far.

Acting is solid, pacing is suitable. Dialog seems a bit unnatural at times. Its as if the cast don't really gel, but sometimes that takes time in a new series.

Subtle comedy and intrigue support what would suite those who like dry slow-roll political drama. It has enough to keep you watching, but mostly because of Laurie's character and on-screen presence.

I would not recommend for those not familiar with UK politics. Most US viewers won't understand some of the political interactions.

For this genre and target audience its a solid entry. It may end up being something special eventually, but currently its a little stunted- and that's what stops it being great.

7.5/10

I find it humorously ironic that the consumer reviews section highlights one of the main subtexts of this well crafted show. A lot of sensationalist polarised opinions based on political allegiance rather than acknowledgement of a well written script and some standout performances. I agree that the characters are a bit 2D but the show needs to form a base from which to develop. I hope the BBC comissioners give this show the future it deserves as there's a lot of interesting and engaging stuff here.

It's evident that there has been a concerted move by far right anti-BBC reviewers to downgrade this drama, giving very low marks that are contrary to the majority of reviewers not related to the Daily Mail et al. In fact, after watching just one episode l think this appears to be an absorbing political drama, not wholly unconnected to events at the present time. l know the idea that certain politicians are nasty pieces of work who are strangers to truth upsets some people, but not the majority of people and I believe this is going to be a very good series based on what I've seen so far.

Ignore the ideological anti-BBC campaign here. This is well written and well performed political drama.