In the Loop

During a BBC Radio 4 interview, Simon Foster accidentally declares that a military intervention in the Middle East is 'unforeseeable.' This unexpected statement incites anger within the government, particularly from Malcolm Tucker, who demands strict adherence to the official stance.

Malcolm Tucker, the Prime Minister's Director of Communications, confronts Simon after his blunder during the interview. He delivers a harsh reprimand, insisting that Simon must follow the party line and avoiding any further public missteps.

In a bid to assist Simon, Judy Molloy steps in as his buffer against Tucker's anger. However, she too falls victim to Tucker's wrath as he storms out of the office, illustrating the high-stakes pressures faced by government officials.

Simon, under the guidance of his aide Toby Wright, attends a critical Foreign Office meeting. The meeting, chaired by Michael Rodgers, features discussions led by Karen Clark, who firmly opposes military intervention and presents a strong case against it.

During the meeting, Karen raises red flags regarding a report by her assistant Liza Weld, cautioning that war should not proceed based on flimsy intelligence from an informant known as 'Iceman.' This revelation contributes to the growing tension among the officials.

Amid increasing pressure from reporters, Simon attempts to clarify the government's position but ends up contradicting himself. He mentions the need to 'climb the mountain of conflict,' further inciting Tucker's anger and complicating Simon's standing.

In the US, the plot thickens as Karen and Liza suspect Linton Barwick is leading a secret committee to plot military action. The clandestine operations create a backdrop of intrigue and manipulation, raising tensions between UK and US officials.

In a strategic move, Tucker orders Simon to the US for fact-finding, a decision that leads him to dismiss Judy from his team. This trip is intended to assert Simon's influence in the ongoing discussions on military action.

At a networking event, Karen connects with Lieutenant General George Miller, who shares her anti-war sentiments. They strategize on how Simon's participation in conflict discussions might foster dissent against military intervention.

Toby inadvertently leaks information about a Future Planning committee meeting, causing a stir and complicating Simon's intentions. This misstep attracts media attention and places pressure on all involved parties.

As a result of Toby's leak, the Future Planning committee faces intense media scrutiny. Despite this, neither Karen nor George can gather relevant information about the impending war, putting Simon in a challenging position.

Back in Northampton, Simon's constituent Paul Michaelson confronts him over a crumbling office wall threatening his mother's garden. This incident results in unfavorable press coverage, contributing to Simon's declining public image.

Amidst the political chaos, Karen demands to identify a scapegoat for the leak regarding the war committee. Simon suspects Judy could be the source of the leak, leading to increased tensions and paranoia within the ranks.

In a final attempt to influence the military intervention decision, Simon instructs Judy to announce his resignation plans if a pro-war vote occurs. The meeting at the UN becomes a pivotal moment for Simon and the future of military action.

As the dust settles, Simon confronts the reality of his impending resignation from the cabinet. However, Tucker, seizing control, preemptively dismisses Simon, marking a dramatic end to his tumultuous journey in the government.