And so, after just four episodes (*glares at the BBC*), the brilliant first series of W1A has come to an end. Well, of sorts. And look who returned!
This week, the fall-out from Ian Fletcher’s salary revelation has left the BBC execs with a conundrum – how to deal with an employee who reportedly, and actually, earns almost twice as much as the Prime Minister.
The BBC Head of Values finds himself embroiled in an hilarious meeting which sees any mention of his pay bleeped out; a wise wink to how distasteful money talk is seen in England. Even the amount that it’s reduced by is audibly obscured. But this playful moment is undercut but the return of his former PA Sally Owen, played by Broadchurch‘s Olivia Colman.
For fans of the W1A team’s previous show, Twenty Twelve, this is a hugely affecting moment. More so as we learn that their relationship did not blossom, and her returning of the flowers he sent was truly heart-breaking. The couple’s stereotypically English lack of passion or expression underpins the hurt, inducing waves of sympathy (or empathy depending on your experience) from the audience. It’s a short but brutal moment.
But there’s no time for tears! The scandal of the week this time is a new presenter on BBC Two current affairs show Newsnight has been “accused of wearing clothes that are inappropriately watchable,” resulting in the programme being dubbed “Kneesnight.” In another knowing nod, referring to how the BBC is often seen as shooting itself in the foot/being its own worst enemy, the complaint came from inside the organisation (the name of the person amusingly bleeped out just enough to make clear who it was).
Elsewhere, the ongoing saga of Britain’s Tastiest Village provides another great moment for Entertainment Format Producer David Wilkes, so wonderfully played by Rufus Jones (Hunderby). On joining telly heavyweights Holly Willoughby and Gary Lineker together as presenters, he salivates, “Is that even legal? I feel dirty even saying it.” Classic stuff from the no-brains, everyone-is-“lovely” producer.
So obviously there’s more W1A to come and, with what we’ve been delivered so far, it’s evident that there’s plenty of material still to feast our eyes and ears on. With four absolutely top-notch episodes under its belt already, and very healthy viewing figures, the future seems bright for Ian Fletcher and co.
Aired at 10pm on Wednesday 9 April 2014 on BBC Two.
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