In 1988 Robert Altman and Doonesbury cartoonist Garry Trudeau combined forces for this ground-breaking satire. The 11-part series follows fictional Democratic presidential candidate Jack Tanner on the real-life campaign trail, mixing politicians and celebrities with the fictional characters.
This is a rare chance to watch this addictive TV landmark, showing over the course of one week, with each episode preceded by a new introduction as the characters look back on the campaign.
1. The Dark Horse
Saturday 23 October 11pm-midnight
On the weekend before the make-or-break New Hampshire primary, Representative Jack Tanner (D-MI) and his opinionated daughter visit with potential voters, while a videotape of his first campaign commercial is evaluated by a focus group.
2. For Real
Sunday 24 October 11pm-11.35pm
Tanner's television commercial showing that his passion is "For Real" generates new press interest in his campaign as he heads for Nashville. He also has an apparent attempt on his life, which gains him more publicity and qualifies him for secret service protection, even though it was just a big misunderstanding.
3. The Night of the Twinkies
Sunday 24 October 11.35pm-12.05am
In an attempt to garner the black vote, Jack heads to Nashville to seek the advice of an old friend, now a black-rights activist. Meanwhile, one of Tanner's staff is attacked at a campaign event.
4. Moonwalker and Bookbag
Monday 25 October 11pm-11.35pm
After Tanner offends a Baptist minister, resulting in more attention towards the campaign, he and his daughter must learn to cope with the constant protective presence of secret service agents. Also, a reporter uncovers some unusual family dynamics when interviewing Tanner's father.
5. Bagels with Bruce
Monday 25 October 11.35pm-12.05am
Tanner meets with fellow candidate Bruce Babbitt, who just dropped out. Meanwhile, Stringer makes a startling discovery when he is tempted to join the Dukakis campaign.
6. Child's Play
Tuesday 26 October 11pm-11.35pm
Tanner attends a whirlwind of campaign events, ranging from a pool party in Hollywood to a meeting with children at a day-care centre.
7. The Great Escape
Tuesday 26 October 11.35pm-12.05am
Tanner delves into the issue of drug policy in a debate with Jesse Jackson. Trying to escape from a persistent reporter asking about his relationship with Joanna, Tanner later ends up in a dangerous situation.
8. The Girlfriend Factor
Wednesday 27 October 11pm-11.35pm
Tanner has to decide what to do about his secret girlfriend, Joanna Buckley, who just so happens to work for his main competitor, Michael Dukakis. Meanwhile, the Tanner campaign heads to a rough Detroit neighbourhood.
9. Something Borrowed, Something New
Wednesday 27 October 11.35pm-12.05am
The primaries are over, so Tanner heads to his aunt's house in suburban Michigan to marry Joanna. But his announcement that he's getting married causes varied reactions from his relatives.
10. The Boiler Room
Thursday 28 October 11pm-11.35pm
Having reached the Democratic Convention and decided that he has no hope of overcoming Dukakis's lead on his own, Tanner considers forging an alliance with Jesse Jackson. Meanwhile, TJ calls in sugar-fuelled coordinator Billy Ridenour to work his backroom magic.
11. The Reality Check
Thursday 11.35pm-12.05am
Having failed to secure the Democratic nomination, Tanner considers running a third-party campaign.
