The Devil You Know (Yes Minister)
Encyclopedia
"The Devil You Know" is the twelfth episode of the BBC
comedy series Yes Minister
and was first broadcast 23 March 1981. In this episode, the final ' Yes Minister ' is uttered by Sir Humphrey Appleby.
is not best pleased. Each government department was to place its own separate order for word processors, and the Minister
had persuaded all of them to let his Ministry
of Administrative Affairs place a single combined order, thus allowing for British investment in technology. However, an EEC
directive from Brussels
has put a stop to it and invited the Minister to attend a word-processing conference to find a common approach. He bemoans this to Sir Humphrey Appleby
and Bernard
, who are able to offer little except to confirm the state of affairs. Sir Humphrey tells Hacker that such directives are the price the country pays for "trying to pretend" that it is European. The Minister states that he is pro-Europe
but anti-Brussels, and suspects that his Permanent Secretary
is vice versa. Hacker lambasts Sir Humphrey for his view and reminds him that the European ideal is designed to avoid narrow self-interest. However, Sir Humphrey points out that this was precisely the reason that countries joined it. They continue to debate the pros and cons of the EEC, with the Minister deriding the Brussels "gravy train" and the civil servant
defending it. In any case, Sir Humphrey indicates that it was Basil Corbett, one of the British Cabinet
, who alerted Brussels to the Minister's plan. Hacker is frank with his vitriol concerning Corbett and for once, Sir Humphrey is in agreement. The Minister wonders why his colleague took this action, and Bernard hands him a newspaper that provides the answer: there are rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle. This makes Hacker extremely worried and he seeks reassurance from his officials that he has been a good minister. They agree that he has "done alright".
Sir Humphrey meets with the Cabinet Secretary
, Sir Arnold Robinson, to discover the latest news on the reshuffle. Sir Arnold informs him that Brussels' officials have asked if Hacker would be willing to be one of the new EEC Commissioners
. The confidential chat is momentarily interrupted by Bernard, whom Sir Humphrey invites to join them. The two mandarins ask him how he would feel about a new minister, should that be the case. Unfortunately for Bernard, he replies that he would be sorry to see Hacker go. Sir Arnold reminds him that the Minister has just started to get a grip on the job, and was therefore perceived to be a nuisance. As far as he is concerned, a reshuffle is to be greatly desired. Sir Humphrey dismisses Bernard and resumes his discussion. Sir Arnold breaks it to him gently that Basil Corbett would be likely to succeed Hacker, should he take the EEC job.
That evening at home with his wife, Annie, Hacker confesses his doubts and insecurities over the impending reshuffle. She does her best to keep him optimistic. Then he receives a phone call from Brussels, informing him of the job offer. He tells Annie that if he accepted it, his political career in Britain would be a failure. However, the more he expands on the personal benefits that go with the position, the more interested he is in it.
On his way into the Ministry the next morning, Hacker chats with George, his driver. The Whitehall
drivers are usually a reliable source of information but in this instance, George is unable to offer Hacker anything more concrete about his political future, except that, in the drivers' collective opinion, he has "done alright".
Back at the DAA, Hacker asks Bernard for his advice. His Principal Private Secretary
tells him that he has heard "nothing, really", other than the fact that the idea to ask the Minister came from Brussels rather than Number 10
and that the Prime Minister
has allowed Hacker to be approached on the subject and has sounded out one of his Cabinet colleagues on becoming Hacker's successor. Sir Humphrey joins them and Hacker tells him that he will attend the Brussels word-processing conference in order to take a look at the establishment for himself. However, Sir Humphrey — having now been apprised of the probable replacement — is anxious for him to stay. Their original positions are now effectively reversed: the Minister can see the benefits of Brussels, while Sir Humphrey can now suddenly appreciate all the disadvantages.
Sir Humphrey joins Sir Arnold for lunch. The Cabinet Secretary is implored to block Corbett's appointment to the DAA. The only advice he can offer is for Hacker to have some sort of big success in the next few days, which would bolster his usefulness to the PM and perhaps convince the Minister to stay where he is.
Afterwards, Sir Humphrey once again speaks with Hacker and tries to ascertain his likely decision. However, the Minister is conflicted and can't make up his mind. Sir Humphrey is desperate to keep him at the department and tells him of Sir Arnold's suggestion. They decide to defy the EEC directive and go ahead with Hacker's original plan for the word processors: this would be politically popular. But Hacker still wonders, if he had gone to Brussels, who was to replace him. Up until now, Sir Humphrey has managed to keep this from him, but Bernard inadvertently mentions the name.
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
comedy series Yes Minister
Yes Minister
Yes Minister is a satirical British sitcom written by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn that was first transmitted by BBC Television between 1980–1982 and 1984, split over three seven-episode series. The sequel, Yes, Prime Minister, ran from 1986 to 1988. In total there were 38 episodes—of which all but...
and was first broadcast 23 March 1981. In this episode, the final ' Yes Minister ' is uttered by Sir Humphrey Appleby.
Plot
Jim HackerJames Hacker
James George Hacker, Baron Hacker of Islington, KG, PC, B. Sc. , Hon. D. C. L. was a fictional British politician. He was the Minister of the fictional Department of Administrative Affairs, and later the Prime Minister, in the 1980s British sitcom Yes Minister and its sequel, Yes, Prime Minister...
is not best pleased. Each government department was to place its own separate order for word processors, and the Minister
Minister (government)
A minister is a politician who holds significant public office in a national or regional government. Senior ministers are members of the cabinet....
had persuaded all of them to let his Ministry
Ministry (government department)
A ministry is a specialised organisation responsible for a sector of government public administration, sometimes led by a minister or a senior public servant, that can have responsibility for one or more departments, agencies, bureaus, commissions or other smaller executive, advisory, managerial or...
of Administrative Affairs place a single combined order, thus allowing for British investment in technology. However, an EEC
European Economic Community
The European Economic Community The European Economic Community (EEC) The European Economic Community (EEC) (also known as the Common Market in the English-speaking world, renamed the European Community (EC) in 1993The information in this article primarily covers the EEC's time as an independent...
directive from Brussels
Brussels
Brussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
has put a stop to it and invited the Minister to attend a word-processing conference to find a common approach. He bemoans this to Sir Humphrey Appleby
Humphrey Appleby
Sir Humphrey Appleby, GCB, KBE, MVO, MA , is a fictional character from the British television series Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister. He was played by Sir Nigel Hawthorne. In Yes Minister, he is the Permanent Secretary for the Department of Administrative Affairs...
and Bernard
Bernard Woolley
Sir Bernard Woolley GCB is one of the three main fictional characters of the 1980s British sitcom Yes Minister and its sequel, Yes, Prime Minister. He was portrayed by Derek Fowlds.-Character:...
, who are able to offer little except to confirm the state of affairs. Sir Humphrey tells Hacker that such directives are the price the country pays for "trying to pretend" that it is European. The Minister states that he is pro-Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
but anti-Brussels, and suspects that his Permanent Secretary
Permanent Secretary
The Permanent secretary, in most departments officially titled the permanent under-secretary of state , is the most senior civil servant of a British Government ministry, charged with running the department on a day-to-day basis...
is vice versa. Hacker lambasts Sir Humphrey for his view and reminds him that the European ideal is designed to avoid narrow self-interest. However, Sir Humphrey points out that this was precisely the reason that countries joined it. They continue to debate the pros and cons of the EEC, with the Minister deriding the Brussels "gravy train" and the civil servant
British Civil Service
Her Majesty's Home Civil Service, also known as the Home Civil Service, is the permanent bureaucracy of Crown employees that supports Her Majesty's Government - the government of the United Kingdom, composed of a Cabinet of ministers chosen by the prime minister, as well as the devolved...
defending it. In any case, Sir Humphrey indicates that it was Basil Corbett, one of the British Cabinet
Cabinet of the United Kingdom
The Cabinet of the United Kingdom is the collective decision-making body of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom, composed of the Prime Minister and some 22 Cabinet Ministers, the most senior of the government ministers....
, who alerted Brussels to the Minister's plan. Hacker is frank with his vitriol concerning Corbett and for once, Sir Humphrey is in agreement. The Minister wonders why his colleague took this action, and Bernard hands him a newspaper that provides the answer: there are rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle. This makes Hacker extremely worried and he seeks reassurance from his officials that he has been a good minister. They agree that he has "done alright".
Sir Humphrey meets with the Cabinet Secretary
Cabinet Secretary
A Cabinet Secretary is almost always a senior official who provides services and advice to a Cabinet of Ministers. In many countries, the position can have considerably wider functions and powers, including general responsibility for the entire civil service...
, Sir Arnold Robinson, to discover the latest news on the reshuffle. Sir Arnold informs him that Brussels' officials have asked if Hacker would be willing to be one of the new EEC Commissioners
European Commission
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union. The body is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the Union's treaties and the general day-to-day running of the Union....
. The confidential chat is momentarily interrupted by Bernard, whom Sir Humphrey invites to join them. The two mandarins ask him how he would feel about a new minister, should that be the case. Unfortunately for Bernard, he replies that he would be sorry to see Hacker go. Sir Arnold reminds him that the Minister has just started to get a grip on the job, and was therefore perceived to be a nuisance. As far as he is concerned, a reshuffle is to be greatly desired. Sir Humphrey dismisses Bernard and resumes his discussion. Sir Arnold breaks it to him gently that Basil Corbett would be likely to succeed Hacker, should he take the EEC job.
That evening at home with his wife, Annie, Hacker confesses his doubts and insecurities over the impending reshuffle. She does her best to keep him optimistic. Then he receives a phone call from Brussels, informing him of the job offer. He tells Annie that if he accepted it, his political career in Britain would be a failure. However, the more he expands on the personal benefits that go with the position, the more interested he is in it.
On his way into the Ministry the next morning, Hacker chats with George, his driver. The Whitehall
Whitehall
Whitehall is a road in Westminster, in London, England. It is the main artery running north from Parliament Square, towards Charing Cross at the southern end of Trafalgar Square...
drivers are usually a reliable source of information but in this instance, George is unable to offer Hacker anything more concrete about his political future, except that, in the drivers' collective opinion, he has "done alright".
Back at the DAA, Hacker asks Bernard for his advice. His Principal Private Secretary
Principal Private Secretary
In the British Civil Service and Australian Public Service the Principal Private Secretary is the civil servant who runs a cabinet minister's private office...
tells him that he has heard "nothing, really", other than the fact that the idea to ask the Minister came from Brussels rather than Number 10
10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street, colloquially known in the United Kingdom as "Number 10", is the headquarters of Her Majesty's Government and the official residence and office of the First Lord of the Treasury, who is now always the Prime Minister....
and that the Prime Minister
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the Head of Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister and Cabinet are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to the Sovereign, to Parliament, to their political party and...
has allowed Hacker to be approached on the subject and has sounded out one of his Cabinet colleagues on becoming Hacker's successor. Sir Humphrey joins them and Hacker tells him that he will attend the Brussels word-processing conference in order to take a look at the establishment for himself. However, Sir Humphrey — having now been apprised of the probable replacement — is anxious for him to stay. Their original positions are now effectively reversed: the Minister can see the benefits of Brussels, while Sir Humphrey can now suddenly appreciate all the disadvantages.
Sir Humphrey joins Sir Arnold for lunch. The Cabinet Secretary is implored to block Corbett's appointment to the DAA. The only advice he can offer is for Hacker to have some sort of big success in the next few days, which would bolster his usefulness to the PM and perhaps convince the Minister to stay where he is.
Afterwards, Sir Humphrey once again speaks with Hacker and tries to ascertain his likely decision. However, the Minister is conflicted and can't make up his mind. Sir Humphrey is desperate to keep him at the department and tells him of Sir Arnold's suggestion. They decide to defy the EEC directive and go ahead with Hacker's original plan for the word processors: this would be politically popular. But Hacker still wonders, if he had gone to Brussels, who was to replace him. Up until now, Sir Humphrey has managed to keep this from him, but Bernard inadvertently mentions the name.
Episode cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Paul Eddington Paul Eddington Paul Eddington CBE was an English actor best known for his appearances in popular television sitcoms of the 1970s and 80s: The Good Life, Yes Minister and Yes, Prime Minister.-Early life:... |
Jim Hacker |
| Nigel Hawthorne Nigel Hawthorne Sir Nigel Barnard Hawthorne, CBE was an English actor, perhaps best remembered for his role as Sir Humphrey Appleby, the Permanent Secretary in the 1980s sitcom Yes Minister and the Cabinet Secretary in its sequel, Yes, Prime Minister. For this role he won four BAFTA Awards during the 1980s in the... |
Sir Humphrey Appleby |
| Derek Fowlds Derek Fowlds Derek Fowlds is an English actor, known for playing Bernard Woolley in popular British television comedies Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister and Oscar Blaketon in the long-running ITV police drama Heartbeat.... |
Bernard Woolley |
| John Nettleton John Nettleton (actor) John Nettleton is an English actor.One of his most notable roles was that of Sir Arnold Robinson, the Cabinet Secretary in Yes Minister and President of the Campaign for Freedom of Information in the follow-up Yes, Prime Minister... |
Sir Arnold Robinson |
| Diana Hoddinott Diana Hoddinott Diana Hoddinott is an English actress. She was born to Winifred Doris, née Dibble and Alan Hoddinott , who married in 1934 in Langport.... |
Annie Hacker |
| Arthur Cox Arthur Cox Arthur Cox , is a British actor of television and film.His most regular role was as George, the driver of Jim Hacker in the comedy Yes Minister. His other television credits include The Avengers, Terry and June, and Harbour Lights... |
George |