This was probably the best of the three series of Yes Minister which were made. Also this was probably one of the best written comidies ever. Yes minister was the first programme to win the BAFTA for best comedy series for three years running.

The battle between the political will and the administartive won't continues.

Jim Hacker is still in his job as 'Minister for Adminastrative Affairs' and his plans and ideas are still constantly being blocked (or 'redrafted' to use the civil service term) by Sir Humphery. Even a cabinet reshuffle (Epsd 'The Devil You Know) delights Sir Humphery. As they think that Jim now has got the hang of the job he has to go, then they can wipe the slate clean and start with a new minister....well that is until Sir Humphery finds out who may replace Jim in his department.

Still at least they agree when it comes to a select committie they must tell the truth and nothing but the truth - just as long as it isn't the whole truth. (Epsd question of loyalty) esp when it comes to wasting tens of thousands of pounds which according to Sir Humphrey was only a small mistake - the big mistake was people finding out. Whether they need to 'cook up a story' or 'agree their position Jim and Humphery agree on one thing they need to avoid answering any question that may be thrown at them.

The main caracters:

Jim Hacker - (The Minister) is not the most intelligent person and is a bit of a yes man to the PM. Hacker is obsesed with being a popular MP and will produce any policy that may win votes, much to Sir Humphery's disgust. Hacker's main aim as always is sliming down the civil service - not if Sir Humphery can help it.

Sir Humphery - The Oxford graduate is of the oppinion that it is he who runs the department and will use every trick in the book to stop the Minister doing as he wishes, telling him his policy is 'corageous' usualy does the trick. Sir Humphery is of the strong oppinion that there are things that it is best for the Minister not to know. Also above all make sure the Minister nails his trousers to the mast - then he can't climb down.

Bernard Wooley - well you have to feel sorry for him as he is sort of 'piggy in the middle' He is the Ministers personal secretery in the department and so he should be on the ministers side. Then again he is a civil servent, so a hypothetical question to his boss (Sir Humphery) is always a good idea

Although Jim may win the odd battle in this series it is usualy always Sir Humphery that comes out on top. As Sir Humphery knows, if the civil service screw up it's the minister that will get the sack not him.

Alot of this comedy is simply how well written it is and also how well the caracter of Sir Humphery can use the english language to make being asked to do the most simple thing sound like rocket science.

The fact is this comedy isn't all that far from the truth as to how government is run.

The one down side to this series is that the part of 'Jumbo' played brilliantly by John Savident (better known for playing Fred Elliott in Coronation st) in the first series no longer appears.

includes episodes:

The compassionate society:

A brand new hospital and yet it has no patiants. However, it is a wonderful employer - for civil servents that is. The minister is looking to save money so he can get the hospital running, but will Sir Humphery really let him 'sack' his civil servents?

Doing the honours:

The department is in panic. The minister has to approve a list of honours for the civil service and he doesn't look like he is going to as they haven't 'earned' the honour. Will a high table dinner at Oxford really change his mind?

The Death list:

The minister has recieved his petition against phone tapping, he is delighted that he may finaly be able to bring it to an end. How will his name appeaering on a 'death list' go down?. Better tell him right away believes Sir Humphery.

The greasy pole:

I have to climb it because it's there believes the minister. Sir Humphery does not agree with the minister on his new ideas and the minister must be stopped - but how?

The devil you know:

There is a re-suffle about to go on and the minister is in panic. Sir Humphery is delighted, a new minister means he can start his delaying tactics all over again. That is until he finds out just who is going to be the new minister.

The quality of life:

A new office block needs building but the minister wants to save a city farm, which just happens to occupy the site of the new building. How will Sir Humphery get the minister to 'do the right thing' this time?

A question of loyalty: The minister has been in the USA and made a speach on how money can be saved by propper administration and Britain is a shining example of it. Sir Humphery is delighted with it. Until a comittie uncovers just how much money has been wasted by his department. Wasting the money was only a small problem, the big problem was letting people find out about it. Only question is who will the Minister support, his department or the government?

the extras are the profiles of the writers.