Ep 4. The Moral Dimension

The acclaimed political satire Yes, Minister returns with its third season, and its fourth episode, 'The Moral Dimension,' is no exception to the show's signature blend of wit, charm, and incisive commentary on the workings of government.

The episode revolves around the Minister of Administrative Affairs, Jim Hacker, grappling with a thorny moral quandary: whether or not to grant a new airport proposal to an African state with a dubious human rights record. The catch, however, is that the proposal is backed by a British engineering firm with strong government ties, and Hacker finds himself in a political catch-22.

As Hacker consults with his advisers, the episode unfolds as a deft dissection of the conflicting interests, values, and loyalties that drive the mechanisms of power. From the slimy machinations of Sir Humphrey Appleby, the wily Permanent Secretary, to the jaded pragmatism of Bernard Woolley, the hapless civil servant, the show satirizes the intricate webs of politics with bittersweet humor.

The episode's titular "moral dimension" refers not only to the ethics of dealing with a repressive regime but also to the moral ambiguities of everyday politics. As Hacker wrestles with his conscience, the show exposes the ways in which "doing the right thing" can often be at odds with political expediency and self-interest. The result is a thought-provoking exploration of the shades of gray that color the black-and-white world of public service.

Despite being filmed decades ago, the show's themes are as timely as ever. With its acerbic wit and sharp insights into the inner workings of government, it remains a classic of political satire and a must-watch for anyone interested in the politics of power.