This show stands alone. It's the best comedy ever written as far as I'm concerned. So insightful, almost prophetic. The absolute gold-standard of comedy.
Agreed. The final series of Blackadder is up there too but for me it's Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister all the way. You can watch them over and again and not get bored.
Where was Sir Humphrey when the Queen wanted to get a divorce for princess Margret approved by the Bishops? I am sure he would have taken great delight in informing them that the whole reason for the Church of England was so that Henry the 8th could get a divorce.
@@terence_k It is just a matter of protocol. However do not be fooled, Her Majesty maybe titled "Supreme Governor of the Church of England" but there is very little real power in that title anymore. That power went to the Archbishop of Canterbury by the time of King George I.
In a show filled with great moments this is one of my favourite bits.Such is the quality of acting throughout that I can watch episodes again and again and again. Canon Stanford’s wife is eminently suitable, not because she does good works et cetera but because she is the daughter of the Earl of Chichester!
Our local (ancient) parish church has been redesigned to provide space for all sorts of social activities - yoga, Pilates, choir, toddler group, messy church, public library, lunch, but happily has preserved the area for Holy Communion.
Yes, most religions have forgotten that the church building is the place to teach and preach God's truth, for giving discipline when necessary. It is not the place for secular activities.
I am a theologian. This scene actually has had significant impact on my thinking on the nature of religion. One often gets more from the media and movies than reading ten books by renowned theologians.
Alas that’s the case today. There’s actually only one true religion, Catholicism. Like all Christian religions, it’s been significantly weakened by modernism but even so, only the fullness of the Truth can be found there.
Sir Humphrey explains these things to the PM and somehow, Sir Humphrey seems less of an adversary. And then comes a scene when he tells the PM that in the church God is "optional." The shock on the face of a non-religious PM is obvious. And yet, this all is exactly how social, political and religious institutions are: the basic reason for them to exist is lost in the day-to-day operation of them. This show is, at once, painfully cynical, correct, and hilarious. It doesn't get any better.
Sir Humphrey was never an adversary to Hacker. His goal was always to carry out government policy and to promote stability. It is from this position he advised the PM
All religion was about power for the elites. It was usually the younger sons of the elite that became the vicars and so the elites had another way to control the masses when their laws didn't.
The Church of England was set up to allow the English some outlet for their religious feelings without challenging or threatening the political status quo. Nobody in power had to think too hard about religion or morality because it had all been hived off into an arm of the State and therefore put beyond politics. Anyone who didn't accept that was either Catholic, Jewish or Puritan and could therefore be sidelined. Of course, at that point, John Wesley showed up, as did millions of Irish Catholic industrial workers.
anonUK rubbish. The C of E was set up so Henry Viii could divorce his missus, which theCatholic Church would not allow. Henry set up his own church, with his rules and with him as it’s head just so he could do what he wanted!!!
@@jeffking6286 That's what Henry VIII wanted- to get to marry Anne Boleyn and be head of a church. What his ministers who actually set up the Church of England, and those who followed them, was to have a church which could be put to the use of the English State without involving any Popes or foreign bishops.
@@anonUK That sounds like the sort of politics pictured here has been part of the Church of England from the start. Of course Henry VIII had a much stiffer spine not to mention a much sharper ax than this buffoon of a PM.
AnonUK - I don’t know where you draw your information from but Henry VIII set up the Church of England when the Pope would not agree to grant him a divorce from Catherine of Aragon so he could marry Anne Boleyn. Thank you for your note though.
The most hilarious series ever, in my opinion! Oh, and I was raised as a non-practicing Anglican in Australia. So non-practicing I became an atheist as a 10 year old after my only 3 church services I only went to because of a Christian youth club I briefly joined. 🤣
Reality is stranger than fiction, in light of the latest revelation that the disgraced Post Office boss Paula Vennells was on a 3-person shortlist to become Bishop of London. Revd Vennells was a village vicar in name, because she had to wear many hats - Post Office CEO, C of E Ethical Investments Committee Chair, Torturer of postmasters, etc.
Well, Google says that there was a group protest organized there in the 80s, primarily by women; to protest the storage of nuclear weapons in the area en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenham_Common_Women's_Peace_Camp
The women of Greenham Common were female protesters in the 1980:s, who basically protested for nuclear disarmament. (Greenham Common was where the US had a military base for the Polaris missile, I believe) They were the prototype feminsts and activists. Precursers to the left-wing activist groups we see today, protesting: enviromentalists/anarchists/Black Lives Matter/multiculturalists etc. By and large, good hearted people ("liberals" mainly), but used as pawns and "useful idiots" by big league power brokers in geo-politics (globalists"/ideological marxists) for the purpose of "divide and conquer".
Absolutely brilliant - it has lost nothing of its currency since the time of filming. Although 'raves in the naves' of the cathedrals stolen from Rome after Henry VIII's apostasy were considered impossible when this episode of Yes PM was written and recorded. So if one does a 'fast forward' from there, then the state of the CofE is utterly dire now in direct comparison. 'Collapse' and 'Oblivion' are now the words to describe the process and outcome of the CofE. Once a formidable, even if heretical and protestant denomination, the CofE is finished - apart from in the Global South which will last a little longer, but where the end is assured. Ave Virgo Sanctissima! Exterminatrix of Heresies!
Well, it must be said that modern science and religion do mix. If it wasn't for the studies in DNA they may never have caught a certain number of catholic preists
Although this has amusing aspects I wonder if it’s appropriate to use humorous vilification of a subject which is vital to the eternal welfare of those who live in UK?
"Theology is a device for enabling atheists to stay within the Church" 🤣 hilarious of course, but the same for all religions...except Christian theology stands up to scrutiny for those who care.
@mandellorian presumably you have scrutinised all the arguments e.g. the case for the resurrection of Jesus before you make such comments. What do you think is the strongest counterargument and why? I.e. If Jesus didn't rise from the dead, then what happened?
As a believer, you learn in theology how to ignore or reinterpretate those parts which don't account for your worldview. Especially in theology taught by church organisations
Buddhist and Hindu theology aren't bad either, actually. It's pretty impressive that the Hindus aren't even Christian, but they still have developed a better understanding of the Holy Trinity than the Mormons and Oneness Pentecostals, and probably even the Catholic layperson. Zoroastrian theology is pretty logical, although some of its implications are absolutely awful and are arguably destroying the faith.
"I think that he [God] is what's called an optional extra." Brilliant, one of the best lines ever and wonderfully delivered.
This show stands alone. It's the best comedy ever written as far as I'm concerned. So insightful, almost prophetic.
The absolute gold-standard of comedy.
Agreed. The final series of Blackadder is up there too but for me it's Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister all the way. You can watch them over and again and not get bored.
Yep. Top actors, top scripts, top all round..
The laugh track is unbearable. It spoils the give-and-take. Too bad.
Prophetic? Nearly everything this TV series has discussed is happening now apparently. This show is a comedy, a comedic documentary.
That really is apt considering the Church of England that we have now!
When Gus O'Donnell was Cabinet Secretary he used to sign documents with his initials: GOD.
Greatest documentary ever made.
Just fabulous! They don’t make em like this anymore. Clever whit and clean humor. Takes great skill.
Where was Sir Humphrey when the Queen wanted to get a divorce for princess Margret approved by the Bishops? I am sure he would have taken great delight in informing them that the whole reason for the Church of England was so that Henry the 8th could get a divorce.
Why would she need the approval of the Bishops? She’s the head of the church!
@@terence_k It is just a matter of protocol. However do not be fooled, Her Majesty maybe titled "Supreme Governor of the Church of England" but there is very little real power in that title anymore. That power went to the Archbishop of Canterbury by the time of King George I.
@@johnking5174 yes, being a Hanoverian, non-English speaker made certain things difficult for poor old George I.
@@timothyhallett3724 yeah things would be different without gorges I and III
@@johnking5174 Which is how the US allowed the Anglican Church back in to the country for Cornish silver miners in Colorado. LOL!
I love a 3 minute reminder of just how good this series was, so relevant even today, thanks.
Significant religious events like the Royal Garden Party 🤣
Yes, as the supreme governor of the Church of England (The Queen) would be present, that is the joke.
In a show filled with great moments this is one of my favourite bits.Such is the quality of acting throughout that I can watch episodes again and again and again. Canon Stanford’s wife is eminently suitable, not because she does good works et cetera but because she is the daughter of the Earl of Chichester!
A superb documentary.
more current than ever
Our local (ancient) parish church has been redesigned to provide space for all sorts of social activities - yoga, Pilates, choir, toddler group, messy church, public library, lunch, but happily has preserved the area for Holy Communion.
Do they give you orange juice as well?
Yes, most religions have forgotten that the church building is the place to teach and preach God's truth, for giving discipline when necessary. It is not the place for secular activities.
TheRivrPrncess. It’s the place to tell fairy stories to frighten children
Good grief
@@TheRivrPrncess
What kind of discipline?
"BUR-R-R-N THE HERETIC!"
I am a theologian. This scene actually has had significant impact on my thinking on the nature of religion. One often gets more from the media and movies than reading ten books by renowned theologians.
Brave and an honest reply
Modernist?
@Mary C interesting. why not?
Alas that’s the case today. There’s actually only one true religion, Catholicism. Like all Christian religions, it’s been significantly weakened by modernism but even so, only the fullness of the Truth can be found there.
@@mikep9913 Absolutely no corruption in the Catholic Church. It’s filled with true born again believers.
I love this these guys are what we need in Parliament!! Thry know what they are doing.
That look of horror on the prime minister's face at the end is priceless.
Optional extra. Lol
Peter Hitches would agree with this view of the Church of England.
Well spotted!
PH is right about the CofE
P Hitchens is usually on point
😂 yes spot on
Insightful, funny and superb acting skills.
Sir Humphrey explains these things to the PM and somehow, Sir Humphrey seems less of an adversary. And then comes a scene when he tells the PM that in the church God is "optional."
The shock on the face of a non-religious PM is obvious. And yet, this all is exactly how
social, political and religious institutions are: the basic reason for them to exist is lost in the
day-to-day operation of them.
This show is, at once, painfully cynical, correct, and hilarious. It doesn't get any better.
Sir Humphrey was never an adversary to Hacker. His goal was always to carry out government policy and to promote stability. It is from this position he advised the PM
All religion was about power for the elites. It was usually the younger sons of the elite that became the vicars and so the elites had another way to control the masses when their laws didn't.
@@AbAb-th5qe And of course to discourage the PM from getting any silly ideas...
And, of course, by God, Sir Humphrey meant Sir Arnold.
Absolutely timeless
The World is the same today as then except now it has gone in to overdrive.
...and people are less honest.
@@alexanderfretheim5720
There are still too many religious people in the world, of course dishonesty high.
This is almost too brilliant.
There is so much wonderful stuff in this short bit
The Church of England was set up to allow the English some outlet for their religious feelings without challenging or threatening the political status quo. Nobody in power had to think too hard about religion or morality because it had all been hived off into an arm of the State and therefore put beyond politics. Anyone who didn't accept that was either Catholic, Jewish or Puritan and could therefore be sidelined.
Of course, at that point, John Wesley showed up, as did millions of Irish Catholic industrial workers.
anonUK rubbish. The C of E was set up so Henry Viii could divorce his missus, which theCatholic Church would not allow. Henry set up his own church, with his rules and with him as it’s head just so he could do what he wanted!!!
@@jeffking6286
That's what Henry VIII wanted- to get to marry Anne Boleyn and be head of a church. What his ministers who actually set up the Church of England, and those who followed them, was to have a church which could be put to the use of the English State without involving any Popes or foreign bishops.
@@anonUK That sounds like the sort of politics pictured here has been part of the Church of England from the start. Of course Henry VIII had a much stiffer spine not to mention a much sharper ax than this buffoon of a PM.
@@ianchapman6254 If there were Prime Ministers in the Middle Ages they weren't like they are now.
AnonUK - I don’t know where you draw your information from but Henry VIII set up the Church of England when the Pope would not agree to grant him a divorce from Catherine of Aragon so he could marry Anne Boleyn. Thank you for your note though.
Thank you.
Just brilliant 👌
I really must re-watch the whole series.
The most hilarious series ever, in my opinion!
Oh, and I was raised as a non-practicing Anglican in Australia. So non-practicing I became an atheist as a 10 year old after my only 3 church services I only went to because of a Christian youth club I briefly joined. 🤣
Just how did Jay and Lynn predict the irresistible rise of Arturo Welby?? Sheer prophetic genius.
Watching this & they're all passed now...😢 Brilliant series. Could it be made today..?
Reality is stranger than fiction, in light of the latest revelation that the disgraced Post Office boss Paula Vennells was on a 3-person shortlist to become Bishop of London. Revd Vennells was a village vicar in name, because she had to wear many hats - Post Office CEO, C of E Ethical Investments Committee Chair, Torturer of postmasters, etc.
0:26 Yep even more so now than in the show's time.
Sad but true
Brilliant comedy series
I thought being an atheist was a prerequisite.
For the Anglicans? YES.
@@alexanderfretheim5720 and Catholics!
@@siredith8846 That's actually not my experience with Catholics at all, at least in the US. I've heard it's like that in Germany though.
@@alexanderfretheim5720 hmm just like paedophillia dosn’t exist in the Catholic church. I’m a Catholic and I hate that this exists!
@@siredith8846in Vatican it is the only way to get into higher echelons
Absolutely hilarious, yet depressingly timeless.
god .. the optional extra 🤣
Relevant to GOD😇😇😂😂😂😂
If only America had this mindset. What a shame
This is religion today
Of course Mr Hawthorne played the Archdeacon in The Barchester Chronicles so should know !
What's the joke about the women of Greenham Common? 1:54 onwards
Well, Google says that there was a group protest organized there in the 80s, primarily by women; to protest the storage of nuclear weapons in the area
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenham_Common_Women's_Peace_Camp
It was an American Cruise Missile base.
The women of Greenham Common were female protesters in the 1980:s, who basically protested for nuclear disarmament. (Greenham Common was where the US had a military base for the Polaris missile, I believe)
They were the prototype feminsts and activists. Precursers to the left-wing activist groups we see today, protesting: enviromentalists/anarchists/Black Lives Matter/multiculturalists etc.
By and large, good hearted people ("liberals" mainly), but used as pawns and "useful idiots" by big league power brokers in geo-politics (globalists"/ideological marxists) for the purpose of "divide and conquer".
@@71poiuytrewq thanks
@@aritragupta4182 You're welcome!
👌😜
As someone who has only observed the Church of England (and its American offshoot) from the outside, it appears that Sir Humphrey may be right...
Absolutely brilliant - it has lost nothing of its currency since the time of filming. Although 'raves in the naves' of the cathedrals stolen from Rome after Henry VIII's apostasy were considered impossible when this episode of Yes PM was written and recorded. So if one does a 'fast forward' from there, then the state of the CofE is utterly dire now in direct comparison. 'Collapse' and 'Oblivion' are now the words to describe the process and outcome of the CofE. Once a formidable, even if heretical and protestant denomination, the CofE is finished - apart from in the Global South which will last a little longer, but where the end is assured. Ave Virgo Sanctissima! Exterminatrix of Heresies!
Did I laugh at this!
Well, it must be said that modern science and religion do mix. If it wasn't for the studies in DNA they may never have caught a certain number of catholic preists
If something is funny, we don't need a laugh track to convince us.
It’s not a laugh track. The show was recorded live in front of a studio audience.
This is what you get for founding a church to get a divorce HAHAHAHAHAHA
Except all religion is a competition of whom has the silliest hat XD.
If only bishops still "talked politics" like this. The Desmond Tutus of the world are sadly too few.
Hilarious. This comedy is a bit too close for comfort. A bit too real. A bit too honest. Sounds like a normal day in Parliament.
Am I the only one who would like this kind of church?
I am a member of the Church of England, and you are most welcome
I don't really like that about the Anglicans, but I do enjoy the choirs and great organs, and some of the ancient churches are quite beautiful.
@@alexanderfretheim5720 What do you not like about Anglicans?
@@alexanderfretheim5720 And Anglicans didn't build those ancient churches, they stole them
@@alexanderfretheim5720what ?
Although this has amusing aspects I wonder if it’s appropriate to use humorous vilification of a subject which is vital to the eternal welfare of those who live in UK?
" I wonder if it’s appropriate"
Oh, in THIS context it's _entirely_ 'appropriate'.
Whether or not it's _proper_ is, of course, a matter of opinion!
This is very funny but sadly it's all true and has gotten worse since this video was recorded
"Theology is a device for enabling atheists to stay within the Church" 🤣 hilarious of course, but the same for all religions...except Christian theology stands up to scrutiny for those who care.
@mandellorian presumably you have scrutinised all the arguments e.g. the case for the resurrection of Jesus before you make such comments. What do you think is the strongest counterargument and why? I.e. If Jesus didn't rise from the dead, then what happened?
As a believer, you learn in theology how to ignore or reinterpretate those parts which don't account for your worldview. Especially in theology taught by church organisations
@@hopseshopsidis are you a non believer? Do you do the same as what you allege I do, or do you have an unbiased approach that results in your faith?
Buddhist and Hindu theology aren't bad either, actually. It's pretty impressive that the Hindus aren't even Christian, but they still have developed a better understanding of the Holy Trinity than the Mormons and Oneness Pentecostals, and probably even the Catholic layperson. Zoroastrian theology is pretty logical, although some of its implications are absolutely awful and are arguably destroying the faith.
@@alexanderfretheim5720only Islamist theology is venomous
Beautiful: close to reality