The Thick of It - Series 4 [DVD]

After what seems a lightweight start, this series suddenly gets very dramatic (in a 'House of Cards' way) and is very funny and gripping, if not quite reaching the highs of the 2 'Election Specials'. Without giving too much away (wouldn't want to leak), series 4 takes a sour look at the workings and machinations of the coalition government and the new opposition, which is now led by a hapless Nichola Murray.

It builds towards a public inquiry, not a million miles removed from the Hutton Inquiry, in which, arguably, the death of David Kelly was caused by the kind of vile people this programme satirizes. Malcolm Tucker (now which Hutton Inquiry witness was he allegedly based on again?) doesn't appear as often as in the previous shows, but he is still at the heart of the political plotting and every scene in which he is present is darkly humorous and superbly vitriolic.

The dialogue is still witty, but more toxic than ever before and Peter Capaldi's acting is spell-binding. Tucker is described as 'Iago with a blackberry' and Capaldi and the writers bring a Shakespearean dimension to the character. Aside from Iago there are analogies with the downfall of Richard II too.

There are a number of great comic performances where the character and the actor blend to such perfection that the actor never truly escapes the role ever again: Steptoe / Corbett, Fawlty / Cleese come to mind, for example, and Tucker / Capaldi may find himself, for better or worse, in this group of comedic geniuses.

It is not quite a perfect series. Too many characters swear and insult each other in a similar Tuckeresque way. Some argue this is due to the corrosive effect of Tucker on political communication, but some of the dialogue, perhaps, needed a bit more variety and nuance. Also, the 'liberal coalition' characters are suitably opportunistic, but slightly too puerile for my tastes. (I look at weasels like Clegg and Alexander and find them unpleasant, unprincipled, but not frivolous and I had hoped to see the 'junior' coalition partners in the series get more of a satirical battering - although Glenn takes a step in the right direction in the final episode.) Nonetheless this is clearly one of the few unmissable recent UK comedy shows. And what can replace it?

The Thick of It is a modern day classic of British TV and is great if you're a fan of either politics or comedy, although if you have a good understanding of British politics, you're bound to understand more of the references.

If you have never seen the show before, treat yourself and watch it from the beginning. It'll definitely help with knowing more about the characters.

Season four may not be the strongest series overall, as the opening episodes start off a little weaker than what is to come, but it soon picks up the pace and the latter episodes are up there with the best of them

Season 4 is quite a bit different to the previous series, largely because the previous ones have focused on the (fictional) Labour government. But, as The Thick of It always stays topical, we're now treated to the same show `coalition style.' This has attracted some criticism from fans, not liking the new set-up. However, I found it the natural progression of the show and the fact that it still works is a reminder of just how flexible the show really is.

The last couple of episodes are a little different to the rest as they're based on the Leverson enquiry - these ones aren't `laugh out loud funny,' but they're an integral part of the story and foreshadows what is to come

I would say the only downside to the season is that it's the last. Once it's ended it still leaves you with a sad feeling knowing that it's all over now and a thirst for more. I'm sure if the writers wanted to continue it they could, but they've decided to call time on it before it got stale.

Enjoy it for being the greatest political comedy since Yes Minister (and certainly the most sweary!).

The Thick of It is a triumph! And series four is no exception. When first on TV I laughed so much that I missed many great lines so had to watch it a second time on iplayer to get the laughs in for the missed bits. I still roared come the third viewing. The colaborative effort is evident and, although the realisation that it is now over is a sad one, the 'close' is perfectly executed. Rebecca Front and Peter Capaldi definitely deserved their BAFTAs. James Smith (Glenn Cullen) and Will Smith (Phil Smith) play off eachother so well and Roger Allam (Peter Mannion) is as 'tired' as ever. Brilliant! Armando iannucci, Tony Roche, David Quantick, Natalie Bailey, Chris Addison; Good company indeed. Terri's (Joanna Scanlan) going about 'being Terri' too so no disappointments there.