Ep 3. The Smoke Screen

The Smoke Screen.

In this episode of Yes, Prime Minister, Sir Humphrey Appleby (Nigel Hawthorne) and his team of civil servants are in full damage control mode when a report on smoking is released to the public. The report confirms the dangers of smoking and recommends strict regulation of the tobacco industry.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Jim Hacker (Paul Eddington) is caught up in his own political problems as a potential scandal involving a member of his Cabinet threatens to take him down. With the help of Sir Humphrey and his team, Hacker sets out to distract the public and the media from the crisis by exploiting the smoking report and proposing a series of draconian measures to tackle the problem.

As Hacker and Sir Humphrey navigate the complex web of politics and bureaucracy, they must also contend with the growing public outrage over their proposed smoking laws. However, their actions are not without consequences as both men find themselves caught in a web of lies and deceit, putting their reputations and careers on the line.

With its sharp wit and biting satirical commentary, The Smoke Screen is a classic episode of Yes, Prime Minister that explores the corrupt nature of politics and the lengths to which those in power will go to maintain their grip on it. Providing a scathing critique of the government's handling of public health issues, this episode offers a fascinating insight into the machinations of the political machine and the intricacies of the civil service.