Drop The Dead Donkey

A brave new world beckons for the staff at Globelink News when the station is taken over by media mogul Sir Roysten Merchant. As the team grapples with the complexities of covering Northern Ireland and the machinations of the new regime, panic and paranoia jump to danger levels.

In an effort to boost ratings, Gus presents Henry with a new partner: Sally Smedley, who arrives in a blaze of self-publicity. Henry nurtures plans for their partnership to extend into his bedroom...

George has to decide whether to run a negative story about Sir Roysten. Sally is unhappy about the effects of doom and gloom stories on her personal popularity. Henry's life flashes before his eyes.

Alex has to decide where her loyalties lie when her ex-husband is implicated in a scandal. And Henry and Sally aren't happy about receiving extra coaching as part of Gus's quest for higher standards.

Henry's well-rehearsed interview technique fails to work its magic on a particular government minister. To make matters worse, his nephew, a media studies student, upstages him in more ways than one.

Henry's well-rehearsed interview technique fails to work its magic on a particular government minister. To make matters worse, his nephew, a media studies student, upstages him in more ways than one.

George asks important questions like 'Can news broadcasting be truly unbiased?', 'Is it right to ignore Government pressure?', and 'Where the hell are my ulcer pills?'

Gus attempts to introduce an austerity drive at the station, which could have a disastrous effect on Damien's bribing techniques, while Dave is obsessed with his own lack of solvency

An execution proves less telegenic than Damien had hoped. Closer to home, his coverage of an animal liberation raid lacks glamour until he takes charge and turns it into a dog's dinner - literally!

Gus is delighted when the station lands a key interview with the Prime Minister but who will carry out the interrogation?