Thick Of It Non-Finale

Welcome, welcome. Now, I assumed that episode six of The Thick Of It was to be the series finale and concluded that it was definitely going out on a high note. Imagine my shock, joy, nay, elation at finding another episode online this evening -- and, to learn there is still one more to go. This blog ain't finished yet...

So, episode six played out like a great stage play, with Malcolm Tucker storming onto the scene in the wake of what was perceived to be Nicola's announcement of a leadership bid -- this, of course, being a sly BBC in-joke aimed at Auntie's latent penchant for mis-quoting and 'sexed-up' editing. Malcolm declares a lockdown and so sets in motion the ebb and flow of one of The Thick Of It's better episodes.

I have heard some mixed reviews over this episode. For me, I feel it was a culmination of the mastery that preceded it. Malcolm's rages were spectacular, as usual, but his best scene in the episode was a rather quiet one. More on that in a moment.

I have mentioned several times that the character of Teri has been utilised and developed further than in previous series. I think that this episode in particular was demonstrative of the impact the character can have when given the chance to do so, and Joanna Scanlon rises to these occassions with aplomb. As the current government seems to be going down the pan and everybody acts as ghosts floating around a sunken ship, Teri is the only one who remains smug and rises above the pressure -- as she knows her job is completely safe. Sitcom writers -- or at least good sitcom writers, who aim to challenge themselves and the audience -- always aim to reveal new facets to their characters. After three series and two specials, Malcolm's superiority complex and attendant rages may have begun to wear thin. But, through teasing out, this new water-off-a-duck's-back aspect of Teri's character, we see she is not afraid of him and will challenge him in areas where no one else will. This then facilitates a wider range of actions for his character.

So, Teri takes him to task, and points out, correctly so, that every decision he has made that day has been wrong. ("You're wrong, Malcolm. Like a sultana in a salad."). She does so in her usual patronising manner, but still manages to break Malcolm down completely.

The rest of the office stands back in silence.

Malcolm leads Teri to a side office.

We, the audience, hide behind our hands, afraid to watch...

...but what unfolds is a confession that Malcolm can only, perhaps, reveal to Teri. He confides that he is aware of his position, aboard the sinking ship of the current government -- or, as he puts it, on a terminal cancer ward where all the patients are wandering round blaming each other for their disease. He does not shout or swear at Teri; instead, he rages against what he is starting to realise is the futility of his current state. Having escaped intact, Teri is then dismissive of Malcolm's fears when questioned by Ollie.

Never can it be said that this show is straightforward. Excellent.

More soon.

Peace xx