Roadkill

Roadkill is a compelling political drama series released by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in 2020. Directed by the acclaimed Michael Keillor and written by the award-winning David Hare, the series centers on personal dilemmas and web of intricate political machinations.

At the heart of the show is Peter Laurence, a charismatic and calculating Conservative Party Politician, brilliantly portrayed by Hugh Laurie. Laurence is a self-made man, who has risen from humble beginnings to become a Tory Cabinet Minister. Ambitious, confident, and adept at maneuvering through the smoke and mirrors of politics, he's ruthless in his quest for personal advancement.

The plot of Roadkill revolves around Laurence's many trials and tribulations. He's dealing with a series of personal scandals and public disgraces that threaten to overshadow his political career. Amid the noisy and relentless spin of the media cycle, the Tory minister's secrets and buried past begin to surface, forcing him into a precarious position where he must fight to keep his head above the water. Despite his public image, the audience sees another side of Peter Laurence. His dogged determination to cling on to power reveals not just a skillful politician but a man wrestling with his conscience and principles.

Roadkill presents a multidimensional portrayal of politics, investigating the backstage intrigues, scandals, and power games of Britain's political landscape. It delves deeper into the fragile and volatile world of government, where an individual's public and personal life is constantly under scrutiny. It unflinchingly illuminates the high stakes nature of political life where one misstep or scandal can be career-ending.

Each episode presents a new challenge for Laurence as he navigates a complicated maze of political maneuvers, challenging personal issues, and standoffs with his enemies both inside and outside the party. Hugh Laurie portrays these complexities with a range of intensity that oscillates between raw emotion and steely determination.

Laurence is surrounded by a host of characters that range from loyal allies, scheming associates, to outright adversaries. Helen McCrory plays Dawn Ellison, the Prime Minister with her own share of Machiavellian tendencies. Her frigid exterior belies a pragmatic politician aware that she is a player in a game full of hidden agendas. Sarah Greene gives a formidable performance as Charmian Pepper, a journalist who believes in truth at any cost, challenging Laurence at his own game in her quest for justice.

The peculiarities and politics not only of government but also of the press and the legal world come into play in Roadkill. Characters like deputy editor Joe Lapidus, portrayed by Pip Torrens, and barrister Rochelle Madeley, played by Pippa Bennett-Warner, portray the complex dynamics and sensationalized coverage of politics in the era of digital news.

Roadkill effectively explores the concept of truth in a post-truth world, forcing viewers to question whether the idea of a 'clean' politician is a myth. The series is incisive, diligently probing the thin line between a politician's commitments to public service and their own personal interests.

The visuals of the series support the quality of its narrative - London's political heart, Westminster, is depicted in all its grandeur and grit. Striking and elegant, yet often blurred and cast in shadow, it mirrors the duplicitous nature of politics itself.

Poised at a precipice between morality and ambition, Roadkill serves up an engaging high-stakes drama that is both a sharp political commentary and an intricate portrayal of personal survival. While it lays bare the unceremonious truth of the political world, it also makes a statement about the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Ultimately, Roadkill is a cautionary tale about the repercussions of ambition unchecked by moral prudence.

What sets Roadkill apart is its relevance and reflection of present-day politics, combined with its cinematic quality, and captivating performances. Through its finely knitted storylines and complex characters, the series exposes the less illuminated corridors of power and the challenging walk on the path to political self-preservation.

In conclusion, Roadkill is a compelling lens into the ruthless world of politics, where personal destinies are intricately entwined with professional roles. Deeply rooted in realism and bolstered by impeccable performances, the PB series leaves its viewers buzzing with anticipation for what happens next, without ever providing clear or convenient answers.