The British political satire "The Thick of It" has a forth season coming out later in 2012, so this three season package is a good way to get caught up before then. Created by Armando Iannucci, this sitcom (at times) plays as a fairly conventional workplace comedy driven by awkward moments and uncomfortable blunders. The cast here struggle valiantly to keep their heads above water, maintain a dignity in the most unprofessional situations, and deal with the incompetency of those around them. Here's the thing that separates "The Thick of It," though. This workplace just happens to be in the top offices of the British Government. I have often heard the series described as "The Office" meets "Yes, Minister" which I think is a fair statement. When Iannucci has described the series, however, he has opted to use "Larry Sanders" crossed with "Yes, Minister" as a reference point. So, hopefully, that gives you an idea of the show's tone and humor if you have not been lucky enough to see it. Almost the entire basis for the show is how the staff can spin any occurrence, no matter how tragic or absurd, with the media, the public, and the country's real power brokers.
The show revolves around the fictitious Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship, an all-encompassing oversight branch that participates and advises various other departments within the contemporary British government. Chris Langham plays the hapless minister in charge, and he's surrounded by a diverse staff all looking out for their own best interests. Their contact with the Prime Minister's office is played by Peter Capaldi, known as the Enforcer, in a tremendous performance. Capaldi (his character name is Malcolm Tucker and you won't ever forget it) is one frightening force to be reckoned with!
The DVD release contains all of "The Thick of It." Regular episodes are 30 minutes, the Specials are an hour, and there's a fifteen minute short. I'm listing the shows here in order.
Season One: Three episodes from 2005 largely deal with Langham's new appointment and the impending feeling that each day might be his last! Serious on the job training.
Season Two: Another three episodes from 2005 (these first six shows were subsequently released as a Season One DVD, but officially are two seasons), this centers around a major cabinet reshuffle which could have important implications for the survival of the department.
Specials: Due to complications in Langham's personal life, plans for Season Three were thwarted and these specials aired in lieu of a new season in 2007. (1) Rise of the Nutters: As the Opposition Party rises, the crew struggle with an immigration glitch. (2) Spinners and Losers: A major shift in leadership has everyone (particularly Malcolm) scrambling. (3) Opposition extra: fifteen minute short film.
Season Three: Eight episodes from 2009 introduce new faces (including Rebecca Front as the head of the department) and continue to showcase the expected blunders, but they also focus more on the opposition and the potential unraveling of Malcolm!
Iannucci recently created a very similar show for HBO called "VEEP" which deals with the inner workings of the Vice President's office (delightfully, and sometimes painfully, played by Julia Louis Dreyfus). Also interesting to note, "The Thick of It" cast (led by the great Capaldi) were also the basis for the feature film "In The Loop" which netted Iannucci with an Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay. "The Thick of It" is smart and incisive and utterly convincing. It may help to have a familiarity with British Government to appreciate all of its nuances, but it's not entirely necessary either. The madness and spin should be identifiable to anyone who has ever remotely followed the political scene anywhere! At the BAFTA's, Langham picked up a Best Comedy Performance award for the show's first season. And for the third, the show won Best Comedy with Front and Cipaldi winning for their respective roles (this was his third nomination). Profane, adult, and distressingly realistic--a bright comedy for grown-ups. KGHarris, 7/12.
