Yes, Prime Minister

James Hacker MP didn't expect that he would be the next prime minister. Unlike in America, the party is elected in Britain while we, Americans, vote for candidates regardless of their party. Despite the differences, Paul Eddington CBE's performance as minister turned prime minister almost overnight is helped by his senior adviser, Sir Humphrey, played by another knight, Sir Nigel Hawthorne, and veteran actor Derek Fowlds also returns to the scene as well. Now instead of pleasing some people, he has to please the nation rather than his constituency. Now, he has a hard job to do even more difficult than before. Now, he must approve the honors list and work with Her Majesty as well on a regular basis. Hacker is not the hacking type. He is rather than the every man who we like and don't want to dislike and turn into a villain of sorts or a vicious dictator. Now, we see the prime minister's point of view and all the pleasing that must go on as well as handle strikes.

In the final episode of 'Yes Minister' Jim Hacker, the Minister for Administrative Affairs, is surprisingly chosen to be Prime Minister... this series shows what happens next. That turns out to be very much the same in that the Civil Service, in the form of Sir Humphrey Appleby, seem to be making most of the decisions... although Hacker does occasionally get the better of him. Since he is now PM he has bigger ideas and bigger problems. Jim now has Dorothy Wainwright, a political advisor, on his side; Sir Humphrey finds her an irritation. Bernard Woolley is still present as the PM's Principal Private Secretary; always ready to correct a mixed metaphor.

If you enjoyed 'Yes Minister' this is a must see; the wit is as sharp as ever and all the main characters return. Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne and Derek Fowlds continue to be great as Hacker, Sir Humphrey and Bernard making us believe we are watching real people rather than characters. Deborah Norton is a fine addition to the cast as Dorothy Wainwright. The series is now over thirty years old but the politics still feels fresh... although it must be noted that most of the 'unacceptable' ideas to reduce smoking in the episode 'The Smoke Screen' have become law! Overall a great series that provides lots of laughs in every episode.

It is not easy for everyone to link laughter with politic which, in my opinion, is serious. YPM made it, wow! What matters most is that even today, 2020, this old Series still can make people reflect on.

Jim Hacker is England's Prime Minister. He does have some good ideas, but Sir Humphrey -- played by Nigel Hawthorne -- always makes sure that none of Jim's ideas are realized. Jim Hacker is a Tory, alright, but he is in fact more of a liberal man -- that keeps Sir Humphrey busy, who would do anything to keep the UK from adopting progressive politics. Of course, Jim himself does have some serious flaws himself, not so much on the political, but rather on the personal side -- this makes Sir Humphrey's "job" a lot easier.

Nigel Hawthorne spreads the same kind of Tory charm that he does in _Her Majesty Mrs Brown_, where he interprets D'Israeli. _Yes PM_ is for those who like a bit of politics and LOTS of humour: the eternal fight between progress (Jim, his wife, Dorothy) and reaction (Sir Humphrey and Bernard, Hacker's secretary, who's always driving the others mad with his speeches on Latin and Greek grammar...)

"Yes Prime Minister" picks up where the previous "Yes Minister" left off, and continues the quality. The two series are bridged by a Christmas special, "Party Games", where the Prime Minister has retired, and Sir Humphrey has manipulated the selection process to place Jim Hacker in Number 10. The new series picks up with Hacker now in his new job.

The series continued the fine work of its predecessor. The writing is first rate and the performers still shine. New dimension was added with the introduction of Deborah Norton as Dorothy Wainwright, Hacker's political advisor. Wainwright is a master strategist, who is able to counter Sir Humphrey's schemes. As such, Jim gets to win a few more this time. Still, never underestimate Sir Humphrey.

There is more of a trade-off here, as the battles are split between Sir Humphrey and Hacker, and a few where they are allies. If there is any criticism of the show, it's that some of the themes had already been done in the original series. However, they are given a new wrinkle as Hacker is now in the top spot. He no longer has to worry about the PM, because he is the PM; but, he still will not make a "courageous" decision, or anything that is unpopular.

Repetition may explain why this series was shorter. The series had explored everything it could, short of full scale war. Still, every episode is a delight.

The entire series is available on vhs, in the US; and, hopefully, will follow the recent release of "Yes Minister" on DVD. Also, the two "diaries" of the shows are well worth seeking out. They beautifully capture the shows, through diary entries, memo's, and government documents. They are far more than a brief plot summary. You can find them through out-of-print book searches on the web.