After the first episode was broadcast. A television critic wrote that he wanted to shout from the rooftops that good drama was still alive.
His shouts must have travelled through time. 30 years later Netflix must have heard him as their foray into premium televised drama was a remake of this BBC show!
The opening episode benefitted from good fortune. Just days before broadcast, Margaret Thatcher was deposed as Prime Minister by her own party.
Francis Urquhart (Ian Richardson) looks to the camera and tells the audience that 'nothing lasts forever.'
A new Prime Minister, Henry Collingridge has been selected. Francis thinks of him as 'the people's favourite, a well-meaning fool, no background and no bottom.'
When the new PM calls an election, the Conservative majority is reduced. Francis hoping for a promotion to one of the big cabinet posts. Instead he remains Chief whip.
Elizabeth Urquhart acting like Lady MacBeth tells Francis that he can become a better leader. Francis feels betrayed by the new PM and it sets in motion a cunning quest to topple Collingridge and craftily seize the premiership.
The opening episode was stolen by Ian Richardson. It is almost like he read the script and realised that he had in his hands the part of a lifetime. All the acting skills he had acquired in his years are put to great use.
What makes it shine is the story adapted by Andrew Davies. The plot is fast flowing, the characters are sharply etched and it crackles with great lines.
His shouts must have travelled through time. 30 years later Netflix must have heard him as their foray into premium televised drama was a remake of this BBC show!
The opening episode benefitted from good fortune. Just days before broadcast, Margaret Thatcher was deposed as Prime Minister by her own party.
Francis Urquhart (Ian Richardson) looks to the camera and tells the audience that 'nothing lasts forever.'
A new Prime Minister, Henry Collingridge has been selected. Francis thinks of him as 'the people's favourite, a well-meaning fool, no background and no bottom.'
When the new PM calls an election, the Conservative majority is reduced. Francis hoping for a promotion to one of the big cabinet posts. Instead he remains Chief whip.
Elizabeth Urquhart acting like Lady MacBeth tells Francis that he can become a better leader. Francis feels betrayed by the new PM and it sets in motion a cunning quest to topple Collingridge and craftily seize the premiership.
The opening episode was stolen by Ian Richardson. It is almost like he read the script and realised that he had in his hands the part of a lifetime. All the acting skills he had acquired in his years are put to great use.
What makes it shine is the story adapted by Andrew Davies. The plot is fast flowing, the characters are sharply etched and it crackles with great lines.
