In the Loop 2009 Watch Online

In the Loop Watch Online: A Satirical Take on Political Maneuvering

In the midst of rising tensions between the United Kingdom and the United States regarding military intervention in the Middle East, a series of miscommunications and political blunders unfold. The UK Minister for International Development, Simon Foster, inadvertently declares during a BBC Radio 4 interview that war in the region is “unforeseeable.” This statement draws the ire of the Prime Minister’s Director of Communications, Malcolm Tucker, who insists that Simon must adhere to the party line.

Political Intrigue and Personal Relationships

Simon’s new special advisor, Toby Wright, is romantically involved with Suzy, a Foreign Office employee. Toby takes credit for getting Simon into a crucial Foreign Office meeting, showcasing the intertwining of personal and political agendas. Meanwhile, US Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomacy, Karen Clark, expresses her opposition to military intervention. During the meeting, she presents a report titled “Post-War Planning: Parameters, Implications, and Possibilities” (PWPPIP), which highlights the numerous drawbacks of intervention.

After the meeting, Simon finds himself ambushed by reporters, where he awkwardly states that the government must be ready to “climb the mountain of conflict.” This further aggravates Malcolm, but the Prime Minister decides to send Simon to the US to gather intelligence on potential issues that could arise for the UK if war breaks out.

Unraveling Secrets and Leaks

In Washington, DC, Linton Barwick, the hawkish US Assistant Secretary of State for Policy, inadvertently mentions a secret war committee during the Foreign Office meeting. Karen and her aide, Liza Weld, deduce that this committee is called the Future Planning Committee. Karen, who is against the war due to troop shortages, collaborates with Lieutenant General George Miller and invites Simon to the committee meeting to “internationalize the dissent.”

However, Toby carelessly leaks the existence of the Future Planning Committee to a friend at CNN. Later, he meets Liza at a bar, and they end up spending the night together, complicating the already tangled web of relationships.

Media Scrutiny and Political Pressure

As a result of Toby’s leak, the Future Planning Committee meeting is inundated with reporters. Both Karen and Linton look to Simon for support in their respective causes, but he struggles to articulate a meaningful stance. Malcolm confronts Linton about sending him to a diversionary briefing at the White House, while Linton pressures Malcolm to provide British intelligence that would justify military intervention.

Back in Simon’s Northampton constituency, a local resident, Paul Michaelson, pleads with him to address the dangerous condition of his constituency office wall. Feeling ignored, Paul contacts the media, leading to mounting criticism of Simon’s inaction. Meanwhile, Suzy discovers Toby’s one-night stand with Liza and breaks up with him. In a last-ditch effort, Toby leaves Suzy a copy of PWPPIP, urging her to leak it, but she chastises him for not taking action himself.

The UN Security Council Vote: A Turning Point

The day of the UN Security Council vote on military intervention arrives, and tensions run high. Simon instructs his Director of Communications, Judy Molloy, to suggest that he will resign if the resolution passes. Malcolm learns that PWPPIP has been leaked to the BBC, prompting him to convince the British Ambassador to the UN, Sir Jonathan Tutt, to expedite the vote before the report airs.

However, Linton insists that the vote cannot proceed until he receives the British intelligence. In a desperate move, Malcolm persuades Tutt to delay the vote again. With the help of Jamie McDonald, a senior press officer, Malcolm fabricates intelligence by coercing the Director of Diplomacy at the Foreign Office, Michael Rodgers, to create a doctored version of PWPPIP that omits its arguments against war.

The Aftermath of Intervention

The Security Council ultimately approves military intervention in the Middle East. George informs Karen that, as a soldier, he cannot follow through with their plan to resign in protest now that the country is at war. Simon’s intention to make a statement by resigning is thwarted when Malcolm fires him over the collapsing wall issue.

With a new Minister for International Development appointed, complete with her own special advisor, Simon is left to face the consequences of his political missteps and address the concerns of his constituents in Northampton.

Conclusion: Watch “In the Loop” Online

In the Loop offers a sharp and humorous critique of the political landscape, showcasing the absurdities of government decision-making during times of crisis. If you’re intrigued by the intertwining of personal relationships and political