| Does this look like my bollocking face? |
The Thick Of It returned last week and although the first episode was good this is the week that I and I assume most fans have been waiting for the return of the angriest man in Scotland.
For those who have never seen the show do so now, it's on netflix, its a political satire that follows the fictional Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship. A department that is almost as pointless as it sounds and just as hapless. The party; a Labour type party, although none of the parties names are mentioned and neither is the PM, is enforced by Malcom 'don't call me a bully im so much worse than that' Tucker. The very first scene see's Tucker dressing down a minister in a callous, conniving and aggressive way that paves the feel for the rest of the episodes.
The characters are brilliantly cast from the 'elderly aid' Glen Cullen to the annoyingly slimy Olly they all add their own agenda to policies and sum up party politics well. There are enough smaller roles to keep things fresh and offer different perspectives too. The superb Steve Fleming and the 'Bald pussy' Julius Nicholson add another layer to story lines and give Malcom and co true opponents. Let's not forget about the other scary Scotsman Jamie.
The show has a claustrophobic feel throughout, scenes filmed with three people crammed in to a back of car or minsters hiding in a larder gives the show an uncomfortable edge adding extra pressure on the characters which provides some great comedic moments.
My favourite thing about the show is the dialogue. The script is thick, full, fast and incredibly sweary. Lines such as 'He's about as much use as a marzipan dildo' or 'How much fucking shit is on the menu and what fucking flavour is it? Will have you in stitches over and over again.
The best of Malcom Tucker
This season see's the coalition in power with the hilarious Peter Manion pulling in one direction and his lib dem partner pulling in the other making sure nothing gets accomplished, sound familiar? With these two in power it means that Tucker has no real political power at all and there is nothing more dangerous than a wounded animal.
I could write a whole essay on TTOI but I wanted to keep it short so I will leave you with some advise. If you haven't seen the show yet do it now and if you have brace yourself for the return of the omnishambles and the Caledonian Mafia.
Fuckety Bye
