Ep 2. The Ministerial Broadcast

In the second episode of the first season of Yes, Prime Minister, entitled "The Ministerial Broadcast," the focus shifts to the issue of television broadcasts. The Prime Minister is scheduled to give a live broadcast to the nation, and the episode centers on the various political maneuverings and behind-the-scenes negotiations that take place in advance of the broadcast.

The episode opens with the Prime Minister discussing the broadcast with his advisors. His Permanent Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby is concerned about the political content of the speech, suggesting that it needs to be more neutral and less partisan. The Prime Minister agrees, but the two of them are soon at odds over how to best achieve this.

Meanwhile, there is concern among the Cabinet that the Prime Minister's team is using the broadcast to build up his own image, rather than promoting the government's agenda. This is exemplified by the fact that the Prime Minister's speechwriter Bernard Woolley has drafted a speech that is heavily focused on the Prime Minister himself.

As the episode progresses, various other characters become involved in the negotiations surrounding the broadcast. These include the head of the BBC, who is pushing for a more critical coverage of the government, as well as the opposition leader, who sees an opportunity to score some political points by commenting on the Prime Minister's speech.

Eventually, the broadcast goes ahead, with the Prime Minister delivering a speech that is both more neutral and less self-promoting than the original draft. However, as the episode comes to a close, it becomes clear that the political maneuverings and negotiations that took place prior to the broadcast have left many of the characters feeling unsettled and dissatisfied.

Overall, "The Ministerial Broadcast" is a fascinating exploration of the behind-the-scenes political maneuverings that take place in advance of a major television event. The episode is filled with rich characterization and insightful commentary on the nature of political power and media influence. As such, it is a must-see for fans of political dramas and anyone interested in the inner workings of government.