It's very likely that something will be brilliant if it's from the hand of Armando Iannucci. It's likely to be amazing if Chris Morris says "one of the best things he's ever done, if not the best thing". I am referring to the Christmas special of The Thick of It of course, and last night, I think I convinced myself it's the best thing on television.

This one-off special sees the tail-end of the Christmas recess and Hugh Abbott, the Minister for Social Affairs and Citizenship, is away in Australia. Of course, Hugh, played by Chris Langham is actually out of action due to some serious allegations and an impending court case.
Let's avoid tittle-tattle and get on with looking at the show. With Hugh out of the way, shadow minister Peter Mannion and his team over at Opposition HQ are free to float a few new policies. Obviously, Mannion, like Hugh, is a bungling and confused chap run ragged by the people that surround him.

Mannion is confused and bitter, and provided this writer with enough laughs to last me a lifetime. Thankfully, Mannion wasn't the only court jester. Junior minister Ben Swain was a green and slightly cocky sod who is part of the 'Nutters'. The Nutters being the main faction that hope to take over when the PM finally resigns and is hoping to make the headlines in the post-Christmas lull. His stint on Newsnight sees him getting slapped to kingdom come by Jeremy Paxman. With policies and guidance falling into surreal wrongs, ideas were batted back and forth including the gag of the year (yep, already) when hard nosed advisor, Malcolm Tucker quips "Buy a goat for an entire village to shag". Priceless and cruel... just the way I like it.

Basically, if you have watched the show, you'll know how hard it is to relay how hilarious it is. It isn't out-and-out joke heavy... and more about improvisations and lightning quick exchanges. So to tell you a specific moment that is worth pulling is almost impossible because, quite simply, the whole thing is amazing and hilarious... as well as intelligent (a rarity in comedy these days) and brave. Everyone should watch this blindingly stunning programme... and if you don't like it... you're probably a bit thick. [Mof Gimmers]