Ep 3. A Diplomatic Incident

As the title suggests, the third episode of Yes, Prime Minister's second season, titled "A Diplomatic Incident," follows Jim Hacker and his team as they attempt to navigate a precarious international situation. A British ambassador in the fictional Middle Eastern country of Qumran has been unfairly accused of taking bribes, and the Qumranis have demanded that Britain withdraw its ambassador within 48 hours or face serious consequences.

Hacker and Sir Humphrey Appleby, his Permanent Secretary, must quickly decide how to handle the situation. The Prime Minister initially considers standing firm and refusing to withdraw the ambassador, but Sir Humphrey advises caution, warning that it could escalate the situation and that other countries might not support Britain. Sir Humphrey is more than willing to offer his own solution, which involves sending a new ambassador to Qumran as a way of placating the Qumranis, while the original ambassador is quietly proved innocent.

As the episode progresses, the situation becomes even more complicated, as the Qumranis demand an apology and compensation for their damaged reputation. Meanwhile, it looks like other countries are starting to take advantage of the situation. The Americans, for example, are seeking to curry favor with Qumran, so they are pressuring Britain to make concessions.

Hacker and Sir Humphrey must find a way to handle the situation without causing a diplomatic crisis. Meanwhile, they are also dealing with domestic political matters, such as negotiating with an opposition MP who is holding the crucial swing vote on a vital piece of government legislation.

The dialogue throughout the episode is sharp and witty, with plenty of political satire and dry humor. Jim Hacker is a likable and affable protagonist, who genuinely seems to want to do the right thing. Sir Humphrey, on the other hand, is much more cynical and manipulative, and often seems more interested in maintaining the status quo than in solving problems. In this episode, he plays a particularly pivotal role, as he comes up with the scheme to send a new ambassador to Qumran and manages to fend off the opposition.

Fans of political drama will enjoy the twist and turns of this episode, as the characters face tough decisions and unexpected complications. The show offers a thoughtful exploration of the complexities of international diplomacy and the often messy world of politics. The frantic pace of the episode keeps the viewer engaged, as the team rushes to solve the crisis before time runs out.

Overall, "A Diplomatic Incident" is a well-crafted and engaging episode that tackles important issues with humor and intelligence. It's a perfect example of what makes Yes, Prime Minister such a beloved and enduring series, even decades after it first aired.