Ep 5. The Writing on the Wall

In this episode of Yes, Minister titled "The Writing on the Wall," Sir Humphrey Appleby, the permanent secretary of government department, informs his Minister, Jim Hacker, of a new project- a motorway extension through Hacker's constituency. Hacker is delighted at the prospect of a grand opening ceremony with all the attendant publicity, but his happiness is short-lived.

When the local government in Hacker's constituency catches wind of the project, they point out the practical difficulties and suggest that perhaps the extension would be better located elsewhere, closer to London. Sir Humphrey, meanwhile, is more focused on the political implications of this local opposition. He warns Hacker that if they attempt to move the motorway to another location, Hacker's reputation will be damaged and he may even lose his seat in the next election.

Hacker decides to hold a public meeting in his own constituency to hear the views of the people directly. But things quickly spiral out of control as a group of angry protesters disrupt the meeting, leading to a heated exchange between Hacker and the local council. Frustrated and worried about his own political future, Hacker seeks the advice of his wife, who suggests that he consider leaving government and returning to the private sector.

As Hacker struggles to come to a decision, Sir Humphrey attempts to solve the problem by turning to his vast network of contacts. He arranges a meeting with a wealthy businessman who has connections to the local council and offers him a deal- he will help broker a solution to the motorway problem in return for financial support for the Conservative party.

As the episode unfolds, it becomes clear that Sir Humphrey's motivations may not be entirely selfless. He is clearly more concerned with maintaining the political status quo than with serving the needs of the people. Meanwhile, Hacker finds himself torn between his desire to do what is right for his constituents and his own ambition to remain in power.

Overall, "The Writing on the Wall" is a sharp and satirical take on the world of politics and power. The episode highlights the challenges of balancing personal ambition with the needs of the community, and the difficulties of navigating the complex web of relationships that underpin modern-day politics. With its intelligent writing, clever plot twists, and sharp wit, this episode is a must-watch for fans of political satire and high-quality television.