A Pint of Policy Wonkery: Decoding This ‘The Thick of It’ Clue
Right, settle in, because today’s crossword clue has thrown me right back into the chaotic world of spin doctors, government ministers, and expletive-ridden tirades that is Armando Iannucci’s “The Thick of It.” A sharp, cynical, and often painfully accurate depiction of British politics, this show is a treasure trove of memorable (and frequently monstrous) characters.
We’re dealing with a clue that specifically asks about
“Some characters on the U.K. show ‘The Thick of It’.”
Now, that’s wonderfully broad, isn’t it? Iannucci and his team populated the fictional departments of government with a vibrant (if ethically dubious) cast of individuals. To narrow down the possibilities, we need to consider what the length of the answer is, and any crossing letters we might already have.
But before we even get to the letters, let’s engage in a bit of character brainstorming. Thinking about the key players in “The Thick of It” is a hilarious exercise in itself. You’ve got your Machiavellian enforcers, the hapless politicians, and the army of junior staff desperately trying to keep their heads above water in the turbulent sea of Westminster.
Consider the core relationships within the show. The dynamic between Peter Mannion and his special advisor, Ollie Reeder, is a comedy goldmine. Mannion, perpetually exasperated and struggling to maintain a semblance of competence, is constantly undermined by Ollie’s ineptitude and eagerness to please. Then you have Nicola Murray, whose time as a minister is a spectacular series of crises and public relations disasters.
And of course, one cannot forget the legendary Malcolm Tucker, the Director of Communications, whose creative insults and volcanic temper are the stuff of legend. Tucker, portrayed with breathtaking brilliance by Peter Capaldi, is the architect of spin, the master manipulator, and the man you absolutely
do not
want to cross. His presence alone sends shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned political operators.
Beyond the main players, there’s a whole supporting cast of characters, each adding their own unique flavor to the show’s satirical landscape. We have Terri Coverley, the director of communications, who struggles to navigate the cutthroat world of politics. Phil Smith, the ineffectual advisor, and Jamie McDonald, the foul-mouthed sidekick to Tucker.
The beauty of “The Thick of It” lies in its ensemble cast. Each character is flawed, ambitious, and deeply human (despite their often-inhuman behavior). Their interactions, whether born of genuine friendship, professional rivalry, or sheer desperation, create a captivating and consistently funny portrayal of modern politics.
When solving this clue, think about the frequency with which certain characters appear, their importance to the overall narrative, and the likelihood that the crossword setter would choose them as representative of the show.
So, consider all of the above. What characters leap to mind, and how do they fit within the framework of the crossword puzzle’s constraints? Think of your crossing letters and the required length, and revisit the chaotic world of “The Thick of It” for possible answers.
Available Answers:
MPS.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Saturday’s Daily By Malaika Handa / Ed. Patti Varol