Ep 4. The Key

The episode "The Key" from season 1 of Yes, Prime Minister is a political comedy that depicts the challenges faced by the British government in managing their relations with foreign nations. It highlights the power dynamics that operate in the international arena and how even the smallest incidents can have major implications on the political landscape.

The primary plotline revolves around the transfer of a tiny island in the Indian Ocean from British rule to that of a newly formed African state. The island is of strategic significance as it overlooks a vital shipping route that connects the East and West. The transfer of the island has implications for both the British and the Americans, who have a significant stake in maintaining control over the region.

The episode begins with the arrival of Sir Humphrey Appleby, the Cabinet Secretary, at the office of the Foreign Office Minister, Jim Hacker. Sir Humphrey comes bearing the news that the British government has decided to retain control over the island, a decision that has been ratified by the Prime Minister. However, there is a catch – the Africans have also laid claim to the island, and they demand that it be turned over to them.

The Foreign Office is in a state of disarray as it tries to come up with a strategy that will allow it to retain control over the island while preventing an international incident. Hacker, who is known for his impulsive behavior, is taken in by the idea of keeping the island. He believes that retaining the island will reinforce Britain's presence in the region and serve as a source of power and prestige.

Sir Humphrey, on the other hand, thinks that such a move will only lead to trouble, as it will not only antagonize the Africans but also undermine Britain's relations with the Americans, who have a major stake in the region's security. Sir Humphrey subtly tries to persuade Hacker to abandon the idea of keeping the island by suggesting that it might cost him his job, but his words fall on deaf ears.

Meanwhile, the Americans, who are concerned about the security implications of the transfer of control over the island, dispatch a senior diplomat, Mr. Langley, to the Foreign Office. Langley implores Hacker to give up the island, stating that it is not in Britain's interest to retain it. But Hacker, who is still enamored with the idea, refuses to back down.

As tensions mount, Sir Humphrey pens a letter to Hacker, urging him to reconsider his stance. In the letter, Sir Humphrey warns Hacker that his continued obstinacy could lead to a constitutional crisis and cost him his position as Prime Minister. However, Hacker, instead of heeding the advice, becomes furious and threatens to use the letter to bring down Sir Humphrey.

As the episode comes to a close, the situation comes to a head, and the decision regarding the island is rapidly approaching. Hacker is determined to keep the island, but Sir Humphrey is equally committed to preventing him from making a grave mistake. The tension between the two escalates, and it remains to be seen which way the decision will fall.

Overall, "The Key" is a thrilling and engaging episode that deftly balances humor with serious political issues. The episode skilfully highlights the difficulties of maintaining national relationships between countries and the delicate balance that needs to be struck to avoid major international conflicts. The performances of the lead actors, Nigel Hawthorne and Paul Eddington, are exemplary, and their chemistry makes the episode even more entertaining.