Ep 5. The Devil You Know

During the season 2 episode 5 of Yes, Minister titled "The Devil You Know," Sir Humphrey Appleby and Jim Hacker returned as the Permanent Secretary and Minister for Administrative Affairs, respectively. The episode began with the Minister attending a surprise party where he met several public's faces. Among them was a union boss, Arthur Foxley, who the Minister believed to be an untrustworthy liar.

The next day, the Minister and Sir Humphrey had a meeting with Foxley to discuss the closing down of a government-run printing press. Foxley argued that his union members would lose their jobs which could lead to him threatening a strike. Sir Humphrey and the Minister tried to convince him to see things from their perspective but to no avail.

Later on, the Minister attended another party, this time hosted by the Prime Minister. During the event, the Minister found himself alone with the Prime Minister, who expressed his disappointment with the Minister's inability to handle Foxley. The Prime Minister advised the Minister to put aside his personal opinions about Foxley and work with him in the interest of the government.

Back at Westminster, the Minister met with Sir Humphrey to discuss strategy for their next meeting with Foxley. The Minister was unhappy when Sir Humphrey suggested that they give a pay rise to the union members to offset any potential job losses. The Minister believed that such an action would be akin to bribery and refused to take part in it.

As the episode progresses, the situation between the government and Foxley continues to deteriorate. Foxley calls a meeting with the Minister where he threatens to call a strike if the government did not change their decision regarding the printing press. The Minister tries to reason with Foxley again but it appears to be hopeless.

It is at this juncture that the Minister gets a taste of his own medicine. A young political activist informs the Minister that she has evidence of a corrupt deal that he had been involved in the past. The Minister panics and pleads with her not to expose him. After some negotiation, a deal is reached that sees the activist suppress the evidence in exchange for the Minister doing a favor for her.

Later on, the Minister meets with Foxley again, and this time he employs a different tactic. Instead of trying to reason with him, the Minister offers him a bribe and promises to help him get what he wants. Foxley is pleased with the offer and a deal is struck.

Overall, the episode highlighted the issue of corruption among public officials and the lengths to which politicians would go to cover up their wrongdoings. Additionally, the episode portrayed the power of the unions in the political landscape and how often politicians had to make compromises to appease them.