I have just discovered Yes, Minister

103 replies

Andylion · 09/11/2023 17:19

And Yes, Prime Minister.

Why did I wait so long? I have developed a crush on Nigel Hawthorne, (or maybe Humpy).

My favourite episode is The Key, from Yes, PM. They took time throughout the series setting up Sir H as a smoothly conniving character so that when he does become unhinged, it is a sight to behold. (I know he loses it in other episodes as well, but this is the best.)

I know there must be other fans out there. What are your favourite bits?

OP posts:

Warmwoolytights · 08/01/2024 02:33

If you can find them I highly recommend the books - they’re not just the scripts, but the episodes set out as diaries, memos and newspaper reports. So much detail.

I worked with politicians and senior civil servants for many years and the whole thing remains uncanny.

BronwenFrideswide · 08/01/2024 10:23

PerkingFaintly · 09/11/2023 21:11

I've never forgotten the explication of Salami Tactics.

Have since spotted Salami Tactics deployed in a lot of unpopular government actions internal to the UK. And obviously now, sadly, in the original Yes, Minister context.

Was a bit of a shocker remembering that, at the time, West Berlin was a West German enclave in a different country, ie East Germany. Seems so very long ago.

Related to that episode Sir Humphrey's It is the nuclear weapon Harrods would sell is just such a brilliant line and the delivery of it was sublime.

KimberleyClark · 09/01/2024 13:36

Warmwoolytights · 08/01/2024 02:33

If you can find them I highly recommend the books - they’re not just the scripts, but the episodes set out as diaries, memos and newspaper reports. So much detail.

I worked with politicians and senior civil servants for many years and the whole thing remains uncanny.

Oh yes, “Sir Bernard Woolley recalls”!

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