Ep 1. Equal Opportunities

In the first episode of the third season of Yes, Minister, entitled "Equal Opportunities," the British government is facing mounting pressure to address concerns about workplace gender discrimination. The Minister of Administrative Affairs, James Hacker, finds himself caught in the middle of this conflict, as he must work to balance the demands of his female colleague, Dorothy Wainwright, with the expectations of his all-male cabinet.

As the episode begins, Hacker meets with Wainwright to discuss the issue of equal pay for women in government positions. Wainwright argues passionately for more equitable treatment, while Hacker tries to find a compromise that will satisfy her without angering his male colleagues. He suggests appointing a special committee to investigate the issue, hoping to delay any actual action until after the next election.

Meanwhile, Hacker's Permanent Secretary, Sir Humphrey Appleby, is working behind the scenes to undermine Wainwright's efforts. Appleby, an old-school politician who believes in maintaining the status quo, derides the idea of equal opportunity as a "fad" and tries to convince Hacker that the government is already doing enough to address the issue. When that fails, he turns to more devious tactics, including feeding confidential information to the press in an attempt to discredit Wainwright.

As the episode progresses, the tensions between Hacker, Wainwright, and Appleby escalate. Wainwright becomes increasingly frustrated with Hacker's half-hearted attempts to address the issue, while Appleby continues to undermine her in any way he can. At one point, he even tries to convince Hacker to hold a meeting about equal opportunity in a strip club, arguing that it is the only venue available on short notice.

Despite these setbacks, Wainwright refuses to give up on her cause. She attends a conference on equal opportunity in Brussels and brings back a report that is critical of the British government's record on women's rights. This report causes a scandal in the press and puts even more pressure on Hacker to take action.

In the final scene of the episode, Hacker is faced with a difficult choice. He can either continue to support Appleby's efforts to stall and delay any meaningful change, or he can take a stand and risk alienating his male colleagues. In the end, he chooses the latter, announcing his support for Wainwright's proposals and pledging to make equal opportunity a priority for his government.

Overall, "Equal Opportunities" is a thought-provoking and entertaining episode that explores the complexities of gender politics in government. The writing is sharp and witty, with plenty of clever one-liners and satirical jabs at the bureaucracy and political maneuvering that define Whitehall. The performances are also excellent, with Paul Eddington, Nigel Hawthorne, and Penelope Keith all delivering strong, nuanced performances. Whether you are a fan of political satire or simply looking for an intelligent and engaging comedy, this episode of Yes, Minister is definitely worth your time.