Say what you will about Margaret Thatcher, she knew what she wanted and worked hard to get it. Her obstinate nature, her determination and uncompromising personality have been documented and discussed in various formats, and this production has its own take, combining fact with fiction. Not sure I 'buy' into Lindsay Duncan's portrayal, but she does a decent enough job, although physically Gillian Anderson is more 'authentic' in The Crown series. The intrigues and back-stabbing politics that went on during this particular time period is not exactly a positive endorsement of the British establishment or its politicians. As a woman she had to be both tougher than her male counterparts yet was supposed to represent the 'dedicated wife and mother' of the so-called traditional Conservative Party she led. Having to juggle various competing forces and expectations, both personal and political, she remained defiant and stubbornly never swayed from her belief in how right she was. She paid a high price for her success and will always remain a dividing personality, as this show clearly demonstrates. Interesting but for a more powerful and well-made series about British politics, I would recommend: A Very British Coup. It's a bit dated by now but intriguing and still relevant.
