First Among Equals

First Among Equals is a formidable political drama series broadcast by Granada Television in 1986. This compelling show, based on Jeffrey Archer's 1984 novel of the same name, stars Jeremy Child and a dedicated ensemble cast. The series delves through the murky corridors of British politics, illustrating the journey of four politicians who aspire to become the British Prime Minister - offering viewers a blend of aspirational warfare, betrayal, alliances and political maneuvering.

The series primarily revolves around the political and personal lives of four charismatic Members of Parliament, who begin their political careers in the same year. Among them is Jeremy Child's character, Charles Seymour, a cunning and ruthless conservative member of the British aristocracy who sets his sights on political power. Seymour is an Eton and Oxford-educated blue blood, an unabashed elitist with an insatiable hunger for power. The character portrayed by Child is older and more grizzled than its novel counterpart, making Seymour's journey seem that much more desperate and driven by a looming sense of his own mortality.

Alongside Seymour are three other ambitious politicians. Simon Kerslake, Andrew Fraser, and Raymond Gould - each representing different political and social spectrums - make up the competitive quartet. Despite their varying backgrounds and beliefs, they share a common aim— reaching the zenith of British political power by becoming the Prime Minister. The series very astutely portrays the tension between their shared ambition and the stark divide in their political and personal values.

First Among Equals is as much a human story as a political one. The expeditions and tribulations of the four central characters are shaped by their relationships with love, friendship, alliances, rivalries, family and secrets. Affected by a series of personal, political, national and international events, the story follows their parliamentary and personal lives over three decades. This rich depiction of how public service intersects with personal ambition earns the series a unique stance in the realm of political dramas.

First Among Equals stands out with its audacious portrayal of the cumbersome British political system. The series uncovers the internal machinations of the House of Commons, where political careers can be made or shattered. This realistic depiction of the British political world's nuances is made richer through the show's fidelity to historical events and occurrences.

Jeremy Child's performance as Charles Seymour stands out in the series. He skillfully presents Seymour as a man seemingly born into power, yet still hungry for more. His portrayal of Seymour's manipulation, charm, and ruthlessness renders the character complex and riveting. Other main characters are also well fleshed-out, each one reflecting a different aspect of political society. Their distinct and dynamic personalities fuel the drama, providing a means to examine the multilayers of political maneuvering.

Besides the splendid performances, the series gains its authenticity from the immaculate script penned down by Derek Marlowe and Julian Bond. It brilliantly balances elements of political savvy and personal drama, creating a captivating narrative that keeps viewers hooked from start to end. The dialogue is razor-sharp, exploring the political fervor and personal aspirations of each character in a deep and engaged manner. The script writers build the narrative on the framework of real historical events from British and global history, imparting validation and authenticity to the storyline.

The production quality of the series contributes to the authenticity of the show. The series carefully curates period-appropriate sets, clothing, and props, taking you back to the era it depicts while immersing you into the world of British politics in the mid to late 20th century. Each episode runs for about an hour. Despite the length, viewers can expect to remain captivated throughout, owing to the gripping plot and superb acting.

In summary, First Among Equals is a fascinating exploration of British politics, laced with personal dramas, political intrigue, power games and historical authenticity. Its amalgamation of politics and individual narratives makes it a compelling series to watch. The performances and cohesive storytelling make it a stand out, offering a unique insight into the challenging and complex world of power and politics. It presents a brilliant cast, with Jeremy Child impressing in his portrayal of Charles Seymour, making the show a must-watch for fans of political dramas or those curious about the political world's intricacies from a bygone era.