“The Thick of It” — Elixir for BBC4

After writing my first paper on the threat of elimination of BBC4, I was extremely intrigued to watch “The Thick of It.” The program, created by comedic genius Armando Iannucci, was one of a few programs I came across in my research that truly highlighted the strengths of BBC4 — and in some cases, turned weaknesses into strengths. Iannucci mentioned in an interview with a British newspaper the budget for his show was small, but that did not deter the cast and crew. In fact, the creative forces behind the show wore it as a badge of pride that they went out each day of filming to produce this high-quality show on such a low budget. We as viewers may complain about the shaky camera or, in my opinion, the difficult-to-hear speech at times, but all things considered, this is nitpicking – the show is very, very good. In fact, if I had not been told it was a BBC4 show, I never would have guessed. In my mind, BBC4 is stately, stodgy, and prim and proper – quite unlike this antics-laden show moving so fast if you blink, you are sure to miss a joke.

Having viewed this episode less than two hours after handing in my paper, I could not help but think of the show as more than a comedy – to me, “The Thick of It” represents exactly what BBC4 needs to be doing in order to survive. Its intelligent, quirky sense of humor lends me to believe the show may not be a ratings-smash, but I would bet it had a very loyal following during its run. More importantly, programming like “The Thick of It” is network-defining stuff. Lately, BBC4 has been known for several things – budget cutbacks and the threat of elimination, documentary programming, and imported foreign dramas such as Denmark’s “The Killing.” The first, obviously, is a serious problem. The second two are certainly major parts of what the network does, but my paper led me to believe BBC4 wants to be “distinct” and “innovative.” Television documentary, no matter how well produced, is never going to make BBC4 “distinct” nor “innovative.” Additionally, while ordering “The Killing” was a strong programming move for BBC4 that may have saved the network for the time being, it nevertheless is an imported show – and BBC4, as part of the BBC, is a British institution by nature. “The Thick of It,” on the other hand, continues in the vein of a storied history of British comedy. Additionally, it is innovative while still being cheap to produce – a necessity for BBC4. Running programming like “The Thick of It” not only defines BBC4 as culturally relevant, but it also gives the network an identity.

Luckily for BBC4, it appears an eight-episode fourth series begins filming this month, according to Iannucci. Hopefully, the network will be able to land the programming – BBC2 aired the third series. For BBC4 to survive, it can’t just schedule documentary programming and foreign drama. Rather, it needs to highlight the patented British wit that is a cultural hallmark and longstanding source of pride of the nation.