Because I review a whole tv series rather than individual episodes, there is a chance of spoilers, so if you haven’t watched the whole series yet, stop reading now!

It took me no time at all to get through three seasons and two hour long specials of The Thick of It. Not just because its only 6 episodes to a season, but because the show is brilliant aand compulsive telly.

Its not exactly the most mainstream of show or topic for a comedy. Shining a light on what happens behind the scenes in the British political system, albeit in a fictional and highly exaggerated way, could sem like very “dry” television but it actually makes for very interesting television. I’m sure there is an element of truth to the events and ways in which the show unfolds, although I hope the country is run by better people than who are portrayed here.

That being said, you couldn’t do much better than the shows brilliant, almost central character, Malcolm Tucker. Played brilliantly by Peter Capaldi, Malcolm is a sweary, agressive, political troubleshooter who brings the show most of its success and makes it worth watching. The similies, metaphors and other brilliant, highly offensive turn of phrases he manages to shout at his fellow politicians are fantastic. You can clearly tell his character has become the most popular, as his role in the show has grown to the point where his story becomes the finale for the third season.

Malcolm isn’t the only reason the show is so good though. The stories themselves are intelligent and equally silly. Standing in the wrong place in front of a billboard, blinking too many times on newsnight or unintentionally raising doubts in the Prime Minister because you said “man” instead of “person” are all far-fetched but somehow, plausible ways for the politicians central to the show, to mess-up.

For the specials, they even go the next logical step of bringing in the opposition. Its actually quite a clever move that we never really know, not to my knowledge anyway, who the “Party” is supposed to be. For a program set in and around British politics, very little comment on the actual political views of any of the parties is made. Instead, the show is a very good look at how crazy the political system can be, from the position of power and influence the press have to how even one mis-judged word, can set in a change of events that sees the cause for resignation. Its this glimpse into politics that makes the show so compelling.

Alongside the great characters, not just Malcolm Tucker, and the great stories, the show is ultimately, very funny. Its not necessarily a show that will have you laughing from beginning to end but there is at least one “laugh-out-loud” moment in every show and sometimes its the clever way the situation develops or the unexpected turn that events takes that brings the humour, rather than a well placed joke or clever line.

Overall, The Think of It is a show that over three seasons and two hour long specials, has maintained a very high standard of humour and quality. It has delivered very funny moments, very intelligent observations on politics without being alienating and overall, a very entertaining show. I’ve just got to get my hands on season 4 now!

Best Episode – Season 3, episode 7 and 8: Malcolm Tucker’s fall and then rise is done brilliantly and in a very clever way.

Best performance – Peter Capaldi as Malcolm Tucker

Should there have been another season? – Definitely, the show is fantastic and has lots more to put the politicians through.

Season Rating – 4.5

(1 – Awful, 2 – Average, 3 – Good, 4 – Great, 5! – Must See)