Everything you need to know about new BBC drama Roadkill
BBC1, SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER, 9PM
There are all kinds of good reasons to watch this new four-part political thriller: the story from veteran writer David Hare, in which the characters never quite know who, if anyone, to trust; the intriguing insights into how British politics works; and the awesome cast, led by Hugh Laurie, in what might be his juiciest role since the glory days of House. But the best reason of all is the sheer pleasure of watching Helen Mccrory (Peaky Blinders, Motherfatherson) sinking her teeth into the role of a fictional Conservative Prime Minister. With a distinctly Thatcher-esque haughtiness, Mccrory has a whale of a time playing a woman who is also having a great time in her lofty position of power.
SECRET LIVES
Mccrory’s lovely performance matches the overall jaunty tone of the show, underlined by a surprisingly jazzy musical score. At the same time, this is a series that takes on big themes and ideas. Laurie’s character Peter Laurence is a working-class bloke who’s popular with the public for his forthright views, but he’s clearly got a closet full of secrets, despite the fact that when we first meet him, he’s just been acquitted of corruption charges in court. As he’s celebrating, his special advisor Duncan Knock (Iain De Caestecker) breaks the news that an inmate in a women’s prison is claiming to have a secret about Peter’s past. And it’s something that could have serious repercussions for his political ambitions, just at the point when Mccrory’s PM is dangling a promotion in front of him.
CONSPIRACY THEORIES
As well as exploring the political machinations of this fictional government, writer Hare also touches on the institutions of the penal system (there’s a full-on prison riot in the opening episode) and the press. The brilliant Sarah Greene (Conor’s mum in Normal People) plays the seemingly principled, troubled journalist whose attempted exposé of Peter Laurence ends in disaster when he wins the subsequent court case. Throw in Laurence’s complex family life, including his coke-snorting, threesome-loving daughter, and you have more than enough intrigue to keep you watching. HHHH