Wildest Moments of The Thick of It, Series 3 | The Thick of It | BBC Comedy Greats

[@danmayberry1185]

"I stopped doing The Thick of It because politicians were seeing it as some sort of training manual rather than a warning" - Armando Iannucci

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

Can well believe this is how they carry on. In fighting and one upping each other instead of doing what's best. Listening to Wondery podcast about Boris Johnson. It just makes me despair of these people. They truly believe that they're elites with big brains...in reality they're not fit to run a bath.

[@supremeworld87]

Don't really agree with this. He made a show very specifically about the culture of spin that came with New Labour. It was no longer relevant after the tories came back to power, the last season didn't work anywhere near as well as the preceding ones

[@TapesProductions]

@@supremeworld87 Erm? Where the fuck have you been in the past two years surely that alone is enough to prove iannucci’s quote.

[@supremeworld87]

@@TapesProductions no, not really. As I've already said he made a show about new labour's spin doctors during the blsir and brown years. It isn't really at all relevant to today. Yes we have politicians who are about as inept as the ones in the show but that's about it. The final season is literally about the cameron/clegg coalition but it didn't work precisely because it was so far removed from the spin doctor aspect the show was conceived as.

[@TapesProductions]

@@supremeworld87 Yes I know that was why the show was made however, as fans of the show we can draw comparisons and suggest as times has gone by modern day politics is like watching a episode of The Thick of it. Which it what I was eluding to.

[@javonaziz5323]

Pure genius to cast all of the current MPs in the sequel and broadcast it live on the news everyday

[@davidrider2264]

Indeed. Its peak Tory. My favourite bit is when the health minister advocates dishing out her own prescription drugs to friends and family. Or when the Home Secretary uses her Government email account to forward classified Government documents to her personal Gmail account, to forward on to her own personal advice guru - but also cc'd some other random bint in error. Gets fired for it. And then 6 DAYS LATER, is back in the cabinet. I mean, you just can't WRITE this stuff.

[@MascotWP]

I genuinely loled at this. life imitates art indeed.

[@redbloodcell4047]

Or when Sunak was on a hospital ward and filmed patients records off of a PC screen, then posted it online unblurred.

[@thesimpsons17]

Malcomn setting Nicola up in front of the sign then walking out acting disappointed and pointing out Glenn tried his best is so evil 😂

[@johnking5174]

Pure Alastair Campbell style approach

[@thesimpsons17]

@@johnking5174 makes sense the character was based on him

[@adscott27]

He didn't set her up, he noticed straight away and was giving them a chance to defuse the situation and they failed

[@jamiestewart48]

@@adscott27he looked at the print out of the poster, realises the letters and says she looks like she’s off at the side so they tell her to move to the middle

[@TW-lj1ij]

@@adscott27 He says to her "little bit edgy" and moves her in!

[@Retw86]

I like how Malcom needs to save face when Terri challenges him so he takes her aside. But he respects her standing up to him and tells her exactly how he feels and doesn't give her a bollocking. It's such good writing and such a great character moment for Capaldi

[@DJSamsonofficial]

and then afterwards when Ollie asks Terry what Malcolm said she mentions that he was rambling about pharaohs and stuff. Which can be interpreted as either Terry had no idea what Malcolm was talking about or she just decided not to tell anyone else what was said.

[@JoshWiniberg]

​@@DJSamsonofficialI've seen that scene so many times and it never once occurred to me that she was actually trying to help Malcolm save face there with the Ancient Egypt comment. I always thought she was a bit out of order being so flippant but actually she was trying to do him a favour. That brings a whole never perspective on the writing, thank you!

[@rjs_252]

"You still sleeping in the car, yeah?" gets me every time. Just eviscerates the guy...

[@kenrehill8775]

That’s Clinton Baptiste, so he knew it was coming.

[@thekidd7]

That was diabolical.... 🤣🤣🤣

[@robashton8606]

"..and a face like Dot Cotton licking piss off a nettle." 😂😂💀

[@pioneer_1148]

"and by the way that's an incredibly homophobic remark you masaive poof" may just be my favourite tuker line

[@samuelackroyd179]

22³³³³

[@philmuggeson1849]

Watched it so many times but there's still lines you forget about and laugh hysterically when you hear them again, this is a perfect example and a line I may steal at some time in the future

[@myzamau428]

5:01 "Please don't get up, I'm not Viagra." I'm on the floor with some of these lines.

[@Mathew1905]

Don't get up from the floor, I'm not viagra

[@aidy6000]

That's the best about this programme, there's always off the cuff lines for you to find!

[@iamls360sterriker9]

'She's coming across like a Nazi float at the Notting Hill Carnival' How do they come up with this stuff? The writing and/or improv is so darn good

[@MrLethalShots]

What is Notting Hill Carnival?

[@loup7454]

@@MrLethalShots it’s a carnival in west London led by, and featuring the music,dance etc of, the British West Indian/Afro-Caribbean community and culture.

[@MrLethalShots]

@@loup7454 Haha wow! Thanks!

[@bennym5244]

All the characters were based on real life nutters in the new Labour government. The writers were told how things actually worked in Labour hq. Rich material.

[@sarcasmenul]

its quite funny how labour and tory politicians go to the same cuntish private schools. Have gone to one and this is what private schools do to someone

[@sainsburmcmanus]

The absolute peak of British comedy in my opinion, can be watched again and again.

[@cloroxusthestainlessone4324]

This, love thy neighbor and the young ones top the list

[@originalbadboy32]

Doesn't really work anymore given that real life has become more satire than the satire.

[@user.--.]

@@originalbadboy32 It does work

[@brencelt]

Wish they'd put it back on Netflix. I watched it through ten times. It's the absolute best high end comedy ever made, anywhere

[@ephre]

yes minister was pretty good too.

[@jacklawrence2212]

Nicola Murray is an amazingly multi-faceted character. She truly believes she's one of the good guys in politics but in reality she's venal, two faced, corrupt and hell bent on power and in the end all those qualities destroy her career. And Rebecca Front is quite brilliant at playing her.

[@burnbobquist8999]

Yes and she treats some of her staff very badly, like Glenn. Her downfall was a joy to watch.

[@riccardobater-james5396]

Mass de-carcinagenasid 😂😂😂

[@sayno2lolzisback]

Terrifying to think that most politicians must be like this

[@AW-kr9fl]

Absolutely spot on portrayal of a typical MP. There are so many exactly like her

[@thekidd7]

She's literally Liz Truss.

[@LifeOfRy]

44:57 one of my favourite line deliveries in the whole show. The insult that plays on Julius' hat metaphor, the bitterness towards Steve and the piercing eyes of death. I love Capaldi.

[@aquaries206]

“The kraken awakes” always gets me😂

[@dorcasmalahlela2805]

I unliked your comment so I can like it again.

[@brucekilby9957]

Thats Malcolm at his best,Like he always is. This show is perfect.💷📠

[@sayno2lolzisback]

"Get your feelers out for the lads."

[@applejuice5272]

10:55

[@aquaries206]

@@dorcasmalahlela2805 the same to you ;)

[@davidtarbuck3532]

Malcom’s face on simple wooden toys is priceless

[@TardisGrant]

Always love that Malcolm actually cares for his subordinates and apologies to Glenn. The hug afterwards

[@フランクランドン]

For a political satire show that has characters just tearing one another down, it’s nice to see a heartwarming moment for once.

[@MrLethalShots]

Ah you can't pretend it wasn't in Malcolm's best interest either.

[@pixel.mp465]

Capaldi is constantly in character acting in the back of scenes, looking more and more infuriated. Brilliant acting, brilliant actor.

[@trinityj1]

It makes it so fun to rewatch, because there's always something in the background

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

I agree!

[@guitarhero661]

“Put the tiny kettle on lad, I’m gasping” probably the greatest phrase ever penned

[@dorcasmalahlela2805]

I love how Malcolm openly roasts the Guardian writer about his sucky novel and philandering. Wandering hands 🤣🤣🤣

[@planetyes]

The guy's named Alex Lowe. Really funny guy. He plays a character named Clinton Baptiste with a brilliant podcast.

[@dandonnelly2381]

I heard newspapers are struggling. I read that on the internet

[@abnormalanorak]

​@@planetyes"I'm getting the word... Nonce!"

[@Warriors_and_Wanderers]

I’ve only just realised how Malcolm does set her up with the I am Bent sign! 😂

[@DanRazaMusic]

Haha, Malcom is Machiavelli 😂

[@jvsl1999]

Man's got to have leverage

[@salemgelidi3266]

how

[@nicksexton927]

amazing! doesn't matter how many times I watch it there's always details that I missed

[@DanRazaMusic]

@@nicksexton927 would be fascinating to see them continue the show and interpret what’s going on in contemporary UK politics.

[@gingerg85]

"Terri, can I have a word..." Scariest delivery in the entire series.

[@townsjim]

"you still sleeping in the car, yeah?" Savage lol

[@kenrehill8775]

Do you know who the actor is?

[@aislingnid5163]

Love the moment of confrontation and then apology between Malcolm and Terry...when he asks her "how are you feeling about things" and he was actually being genuine ❤

[@Theseamus2000]

One of the only two times Malcolm opens up about the stress the job does to him in the whole series and Terri doesn't even understand half of it

[@Dilkingt0nne]

Malcolm’s such a fantastic character. He knows Nicola’s dreadful and he knows he wants rid of her for the good of his party. But he also knows he doesn’t actually *need* to sabotage her in any way he just gives her a slither of self confidence and then let’s her prattle on and sabotage herself (see the toys thing at the guardian interview). It’s so Machiavellian it’s unreal.

[@burnbobquist8999]

Yeah it seem he was way more level headed with Hugh, because he was more down to earth, while Nicola drowned in her own ego which he absolutely hates.

[@YourLocalGP]

Sliver*

[@badralsharif6575]

“Hey, Yoko Ono and the two remaining Beatles, piss off!” 😂😂😂

[@bm7760]

"This, out of proportion, Israeli-style response". I've never seen this series. Funny as.

[@hukama6911]

timestamp?

[@benmakin9156]

@@hukama69113:45

[@redacted3740]

​@@hukama6911 3:40

[@redacted3740]

​@@hukama6911 round about 3:45

[@Highland_Moo]

Watch In The Loop - film version of the series and equally funny.

[@SirChickenMacNugget]

"A face like Dot Cotton licking piss off a nettle" is one of the best insults ever put on film.

[@francesbernard2445]

:- :-D Dot Cotton instead of Mary Ann Cotton while coming up with one pseudomym alias at the time suggestion for her peers when they apparently in the office were at the time had nothing better to do than to be only pretending to be a being paid art critic at the time too. Art critic getting creative about first name use at the time.

[@flatbat8571]

I never noticed before how Terri actually does go and get a pickled egg rather than just use it as an excuse to phone Nicola!

[@jasonx5292]

_that is such a Terri thing to do_

[@tabithajones3809]

Iconic Terri moment.

[@lenakingsleigh]

"Joko Ono and the two remaining Beetles" gets me every time lol

[@EndOfSmallSanctuary97]

Words can't describe how much I adore this show. Easily the best comedy I've ever seen and it's not even close.

[@melissashaw2431]

Same here. I've watched it from start to finish countless time and it never gets tiresome. Genius scripts and one of the best television performances ever by Peter Capaldi. Love it, love it, love it. Wish they would've brought it back during Brexit.

[@mikejohnson3338]

How does The Office UK rank? Asked by a yank from Pittsburgh who loves David Brent.

[@EndOfSmallSanctuary97]

@@mikejohnson3338 The Office UK is my second favourite comedy, and it's only slightly below The Thick of It. The reason why I slightly prefer The Thick of It is because it's nowhere near as depressing as The Office UK. But those two are still the absolute GOATs of comedy and there's a huuuuuuge gap below them.

[@iamskippy]

@@mikejohnson3338 Since it’s from the creator of *VEEP* I’m curious how it compares to VEEP by lovers of both shows.

[@markdaly1648]

Veep is about a bumbling, incompetent female politician who is actually ruthless, ambitious, tyrannical autocratic. Selina myers is also resentful and in the final moments where she becomes president, she sacrifices her pa by having him arrested

[@MattBeardless]

"I've seen spooks" might be one of the most underrated lines ever written in this series.

[@redherring4119]

Rebecca Front really took the show to a whole new level and Capaldi is Capaldi. Praying they can bring back the show one day. 4 seasons is too short.

[@ShervaanBaros]

I hope so, too. It would be more relevant than ever

[@jamesinhenley]

@@ShervaanBaros she really did

[@Account.for.Comment]

Brexit, Covid, Cummings, too much materials.

[@beedubree2550]

at this point, reality is more ridiculous than any satire of it could ever be

[@Magicalnora]

@@Account.for.Comment throw in a bit of Megzit, the Jamaican tour, Belarus leaving the Commonwealth. Oh so much 😂😂😂

[@LifeOfRy]

1:33 only just noticed Terri saying “thanks” when Malcolm sarcastically says “you did your best” 😂

[@DrAdityaKumar-o1m]

From the screen 🖥️ to the ring 💍 to the pen 🖊️ to the king 👑

[@jasonmeek7197]

I've watched every episode countless times and every now and again you see or hear something you never saw or heard before. Genius!

[@kevinmcgrath8310]

The writing in this show is second to none ,I can go back to it periodically and still find things I’ve missed,it’s just brilliant.

[@gerg83]

8:42 Nicola talking to herself, "I'm actually wondering whether to take... No I can't take the lift" 😂

[@thomascobbett]

I’ve watched the show all through multiple times n just caught that haha. Great writing

[@workreadysupplies2963]

“I am the man that makes the baji go away” best quote ever

[@Sickofdrawingcowboys717]

I absolutely love his performance. And yes, what an hilarious line!

[@bigJohn-r7x]

19:00 "Oh hello? You're back! Hyah! Every epic needs a hero! Stick tiny kettle on lad am gaspin" Absolutely creasing 🤣🤣🤣

[@Lasergridable]

"Might be difficult to smash a champagne bottle on a turd." Sometimes Ben Swain has the best lines in the whole show.

[@georgeohunt2263]

Oh sweet giver of blood sugar!

[@RealMexFoodShouldntGiveUDrrhea]

When he hugs Glen after clocking him 🤣

[@pixelsandmagic]

"...she's a proper person..."Nicola smiles "...with dyed roots and stretch marks"

[@bobby_bolognaREAL]

You can tell Malcom's remark at 10:05 almost makes Rebecca Front break character but she composes herself in a millisecond. I don't know how anyone could do a scene with Capaldi and not break with laughter every single time.

[@akshaydalvi1534]

Character break at 12:53 as well 😂

[@FrancisCWolfe]

Is the zoom done in post to cover that?

[@lukealexander6680]

12:07 when Duggan says 'I've got so much on as it is' one of the most underrated lines in the series

[@DanskiV2]

Duggan was a brilliant character

[@blabla6544]

All the times I've watched this I hadn't noticed that, that why I love this show aha

[@Jackaljkljkl]

The "up to" semantic argument is quite interesting. Never really thought about it before.

[@pranavgopalakrishnan9673]

Yeah, but as Nicola said, they didn't have time for a semantic argument.

[@fredneecher1746]

I think we'd say "the events *leading* up to the Second World War". If we study history up to WWII we would include it, I think.

[@finb]

I hate Nicola but she's actually right in that argument. Counting "up to" and publishing stats "up to" are the same thing, where you would include "the number 20" or "the last quarter," respectively. The events leading up to the second world war are very clearly the EVENTS "leading" up to the second world war which categorises them in a finite set of years, whereas saying "EVERYTHING up to the second world war," rather than specifying the "events," like Steven did, would put the semantic debate on the same play field. Crikey it's actually so hard to explain now that I think about lol.

[@HO-bndk]

No it's not interesting. They are just dummies. If the quantity is discrete then it includes (her example), if it's continuous then it doesn't include (his example).

[@wilverbal]

@@HO-bndk it is interesting, and the point you made is also interesting!

[@theskinnerparadox]

Every time you get close to believing Malc is the bad guy the writing is so attentive in maintaining three dimensional characters with human traits you get brilliant touching moments like where he genuinely apologizes to Glen for breaking his face and Glen seems to accept🤣

[@chris.breadz]

"Please don't get up, I'm not Viagra" is low key the best line 🤣🤣🤣

[@burnbobquist8999]

"And by the way thats an incredible homophobic headline you massive puff" the sheer calmness of him saying that with a straight voice gets me everytime. xD

[@worldcomicsreview354]

"Did it feel like a 'no' to you?" lol

[@dundeedolphin]

Rebecca Front is such a great actress.

[@daveroche6522]

Peter/Malcolm can (and does) say so much with just his expression(s) - priceless.

[@sunkat76]

'Malcolm will have grabbed his false passport and be on a plane to Brazil and he's about to spend the rest of his days being the worlds scariest dentist'. I can actually envisage that...

[@SuperDecdog]

Malcolm mengele

[@aniziobraga]

Hahaha

[@philmuggeson1849]

Love it how he makes sitting next to Paul McCartney at checkers sound like a punishment

[@davidtomsett]

One of Capaldi’s greatest roles

[@melissashaw2431]

In my opinion, it's one of the greatest television performances ever. Period.

[@Dat-yi4iz]

The best

[@davi0121]

"I'm only a Cabinet Minister" always gets me.

[@johnking5174]

Reminds me of Jim Hacker in Yes Prime Minister when he said "I am just the Prime Minister" when he said he had no real power.

[@finb]

I still remember the first time I watched the Liam Bentley episode. I was laughing my arse off all night.

[@BrandNewByxor]

Can't stop laughing at Oli and Glenn hiding the Mannion masks 21:05

[@vymell2379]

6:45 - 7:45 ❤❤❤❤❤ Peter Capaldi will never know how much joy he has brought to my life in these few seconds. The way Malcolm watches Nicola in this scene still makes me laugh like a witch whenever I see it. Pmsl.

[@baldybouncers]

"I hope this is real vinegar" gets me every time😅

[@_emnpmfcrf]

I love Malcolm's reaction at this moment 😂 6:16

[@_emnpmfcrf]

That's so awkward ! 😂😂

[@keiraroberts2113]

‘Noses Supposes’ made me squawk and cry when I first heard it. 🤣

[@needyverse]

12:53 One of the most openly laughing faces captured in the show 😂

[@HalfGodHalfManYourWelcome]

I never noticed that!

[@SBurny]

Will Smith was worse when Malcom was threatening Phil about telling anyone about Nicola's daughter

[@terryneale3086]

A face like Dot Cotton licking piss off a nettle. Get me every time.

[@bennym5244]

No, " leafleting in Neasden '.

[@DANOTV7]

Glenn and Ollie’s faces at @31:02 gets me every time 😂😂

[@jamessparrow8836]

The scary bit of this is how true it is. I am civil servant working in Westminster, trust me this could be a documentary.

[@davi0121]

Do the spin doctors really swear that much?

[@jamessparrow8836]

The ones who work for no.10 are insane.

[@flygonfiasco9751]

Terry asking Malcolm if he’s feeling emasculated just great

[@datchaanimalsheltermoldova1980]

31:25 Malcolm's face is priceless!

[@phrophetsamgames]

"Life is just a succession of 5 minuteses" -Malcolm Tucker

[@johnking5174]

At 0:53 you can see the moment where the the devious brain of Malcolm suddenly realises the potential of the poster slogan behind Nicola, and starts his manipulation to ensure she moves into the right shot for the press to get their "I Am Bent" picture.

[@rvne3959]

Never had to hire a golf buggy, just sat in his lap 😂

[@jamesbutler6253]

"and a face like Dot Cotton licking piss off a nettle". 😂😂😂

[@luvhart]

Been binging on this series the past few days and finished last episode tonight

[@freeforester1717]

B C best thing BBC made since Kenneth Clark's Civilisation (the one Malcolm guest presented, and with more quim, lol!); best, and last. Ivermectin for the people, truth shall speak unto power...

[@marksinger2360]

It's quite a ride, isn't it? Season 4 from the second episode on is a non-stop train wreck. "It's all gone a bit J. G. Ballard."

[@leetman102]

Terri has quite an astute angle with politics. No wonder Malcolm respects her.

[@HalfGodHalfManYourWelcome]

"Indiana Murray and the Big Bum Dildo of Vengeance" Never stops being funny 😂

[@keithmorgan3929]

"Indiana Murray and the bum dildo of vengeance". Plus "I never said anything about tea bagging; do you even know what tea bagging is"? My two favourite Tucker lines (out of hundreds of favourites) in this series. Brilliant writing, imo.

[@jacksimpsonguitar253]

'No, but I've heard it's unpleasant'

[@lukealexander6680]

49 minutes isn't long enough. The ideal compilation would just be an upload of every single episode bacl to back

[@rosieosho]

awww they cut out the bit after malcolm's crisp packet speech to terri and they ask her what it was about and she says "something to do with ancient egypt"

[@cuzned1375]

“I think you’ll find that Steve was addressing me.” 😆

[@WAAAAAAAAAAAY]

that wooden toys bit is still so hard to sit through

[@Trapsarentgay133]

Decarcinogenocide

[@TheDaverobinson]

its very early days

[@anonUK]

"Simple wooden toys for simple wooden... children..."

[@RealMexFoodShouldntGiveUDrrhea]

I still remember that bit when shopping for toys and cringe

[@somerandomguy2073]

Genuinely a pretty good policy, but terribly explained.

[@LooseOnTheGoose]

24:30 Nice to see Malcolm deep down cares

[@AOD_AnkGrooger]

"no no, don't get up, I'm not Viagra" Why is this show just amazing?

[@michaelahern6821]

My God...this was one of the best things on TV when it was on just brilliant...

[@robertgendron4683]

36:23 “Am I being Gang Bollocked?” 😂😂😂😂

[@andresimms7639]

The cheeky girl back on tour 😆 🤣 😂

[@mikeyjoe]

Been binge watching Veep the last couple of weeks. Very enjoyable and , that brought me back to The Thick of It. But this makes Veep look like a Disney Channel show by comparison. It's not just the terminology, although the 'violent sexual imagery' never quite made it across the water, but it is the vicious delivery of Malcolm in particular and the performance of the others in their respective roles is just so so good. The US secondary characters seemed to be written for comedy, but these characters (or maybe its because of the actors) are written perfectly for the people who exist in reality, which happens to be comedic.

[@Philliben1991]

'She's a proper person...with dyed roots and stretch marks.'

[@BeardslapRadio]

And ladybollocks, apparently.

[@wabznasm9660]

13:22 always gets me, perfect payoff for the tiny hotel stuff joke.

[@TheJoshuamooney]

It’s beyond great and beyond timely. It’s old but it’s NOW.

[@halifaxtommycfc]

That Stephen Hawking golfing bit 😆😆😆

[@andyjennings5190]

"she's working her lady bollox off". Brilliant

[@halifaxtommycfc]

Love that this is in my recommendations just under Liz Truss resigning this morning. Who would ever have thought that the Thick of It made their politicians look competent in comparison. Omnishambles doesn't even come close to describing UK politics in 2022.

[@leanneblake4248]

As a Aussie , British Comedy is still the Best.

[@smrriles5668]

As a Brit I don't care what Aussies think about our comedy

[@phatstrats6015]

@@smrriles5668 okay lol

[@jdrancho1864]

'Utopia', 'The Hollowmen'? 'Clarke & Dawe"?

[@sunkat76]

thank you :-)

[@djunior874]

@@smrriles5668 as a brit, stfu

[@joshuadavies5631]

Everyone in this show deserves an Oscar

[@adrianmeyer2157]

Never gets old, comedy genius that program.

[@7lvnblue464]

Malcolms rants are the best....

[@babbscollection]

I have never laughed as much ❤😂❤ in my life. This is British television at its best. Not just because Peter Capaldi is my favorite actor.

[@samrodriguez9653]

Malcolm uses his words like an Assassin 🎯

[@_-4232]

This is a show that could never be re created or re interpreted by the americans, truly unique and genius

[@trinityj1]

That's why when they did Veep, it's just the same people still writing it.

[@anandmorris]

This is peak political comedy. I know the film spin off In The Loop got criticised, but i can watch that over and over. I used to have a long journey on the tube to work, and used to just listen to it on the journey.

[@bmcgoo6027]

"... massive, out-of-proportion Israeli style response." - The truth is out there.

[@PorkotylerClips]

That quote aged like fine wine.

[@flygonfiasco9751]

Damn dude, rip Palestine

[@radiozero4230]

@@flygonfiasco9751 lol get rekt

[@Kydos37]

Anything can be true with the power of fake news.

[@Hi-Fitxt]

@@PorkotylerClips it was the same back then, Israel and Palestine is nout new, people just jumped on a bandwagon a month ago like the fucking sheep they are

[@BillHobbes]

'all I've got is my Blackberry and a chib' Priceless