Watch First Among Equals

First Among Equals is a political drama series produced by Granada Television in 1986, adapted from the novel of the same name by Jeffrey Archer. It follows the story of four ambitious politicians from different backgrounds who are elected to Parliament at the same time and yearn to become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The series is set in the 1960s and continues until the early 1980s.

The plot centers around Charles Seymour (Jeremy Child), a Conservative politician who becomes considered a prime minister candidate after he becomes a prominent member of the British House of Commons. Seymour is the quiet, resourceful and smart tactician of the quartet; he is hardworking and always wants to be ahead of the game. Roy Bull (David Robb) is a Labour leader from a working-class background who starts out as an engineer and quickly rises through the Labour Party ranks. Simon Kerslake (Nicholas Clay) is a flamboyant Conservative who comes from an aristocratic family, and he is impulsive and rash. Raymond Gould (Ian Richardson) is a Labour Party leader from a Scottish working-class background and is intense and driven.

The characters' differences become more evident as the series progresses, and they compete with each other for power and supremacy in Parliament. As they climb the political ladder, they face challenges from different angles, including personal and professional challenges, and their actions have consequences that impact their future careers. The four characters maneuver and navigate the political world to climb the ranks of their parties to become the leader, and ultimately the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

One of the strengths of this series is its emphasis on the political process and the complex nature of political parties, structuring and organizing to maintain power. The series examines the candidates' strategies as they vie to become eminent leaders, including parliamentary protocol, manipulation, backstabbing, and blackmail. We see how they build relationships and alliances to gain the upper hand within their parties, as well as how their personal lives become entwined with their public roles. This focus on the internal workings of the political system provides insight into what politicians do, the choices they make, and why they make them.

The character of Charles Seymour, portrayed by Jeremy Child, is the central figure of the show. He is reserved, controlled, and intellectually superior; he is the epitome of a perfect politician. Child brings an understated quality to Seymour's character, which makes Seymour's tactics even more formidable. David Robb shines as Roy Bull, the outspoken Labour leader, who is brash and can be impulsive. Nicholas Clay gives a charismatic performance as Simon Kerslake, the idealistic Conservative who ultimately gets corrupted by personal ambition. And Ian Richardson delivers a compelling performance as Raymond Gould, a driven Scottish Labour leader.

Overall, First Among Equals is a well-written and well-acted political drama that provides an insightful look into the British political system. The series takes an in-depth look at the intricacies of political parties, the dynamics of power, and the personal sacrifices made by political leaders in their quest for supremacy. The series features strong performances by an outstanding cast that keeps viewers engaged and interested in their characters' fates. The tension-filled plot is full of surprises and plot twists, making it a fascinating and thrilling watch.