"A look back at Hugh Laurie's portrayal of Peter Laurence in the David Hare political thriller Roadkill."
Roadkill arrived as a sharp, cynical dissection of the modern political machine, anchored by Hugh Laurie’s magnetic performance as Peter Laurence. While its run was brief, the series left a distinct mark by examining the resilience of populist figures who remain unburdened by shame. Writer David Hare avoided traditional moralizing, instead presenting a world where scandals act as fuel rather than friction. Its legacy lies in how it anticipated the shift toward personality-driven governance, portraying a Britain where truth is secondary to narrative. Although Laurence’s ascent concluded, the show’s exploration of power remains deeply relevant in our current political climate. Set a reminder for your digital calendar; in an era of unexpected reboots, news of a revival or thematic successor could surface when least expected.
| # | Air Date | Episode Name | Watched? |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Oct 18, 2020 | Episode 1 | |
| E2 | Oct 25, 2020 | Episode 2 | |
| E3 | Nov 01, 2020 | Episode 3 | |
| E4 | Nov 08, 2020 | Episode 4 |
Production Type: limited series
Roadkill (2020) is a standalone limited series that concluded its 4-episode run in November 2020. The production was a high-profile collaboration between the BBC and PBS Masterpiece, anchored by a screenplay from acclaimed playwright David Hare. It focused on the rapid rise and potential fall of Peter Laurence, a charismatic Conservative politician navigating a series of personal and professional scandals. The series was meticulously crafted to function as a self-contained narrative arc, utilizing its short runtime to maintain a brisk pace that mirrors the volatility of modern political life.
The decision to keep the series to a single season was driven by the creative intent to provide a focused character study rather than an ongoing procedural. By concluding the story after four episodes, the production team ensured that the central themes of ambition and moral compromise were fully explored without the need for subsequent filler or forced expansion. This definitive ending allowed the show to leave a lasting impression as a complete cinematic experience, wrapping up the primary political intrigues while leaving the protagonist's ultimate legacy to the viewer's interpretation.
Both shows feature ruthless, calculating politicians navigating treacherous webs of power and deceit.
If you enjoyed *Roadkill’s* sharp political critique, *Collateral* offers a similarly gripping, high-stakes institutional drama.
Both shows masterfully explore the dark, ruthless intersection of political power and media manipulation.
Both shows masterfully weave high-stakes political conspiracy with gripping, tension-filled investigative drama.
Both series deliver gripping, high-stakes political intrigue fueled by dangerous secrets and personal betrayal.
Both shows deliver gripping, high-stakes political thrillers centered on ruthless figures climbing the power ladder.
Both series masterfully explore high-stakes institutional corruption through intense, character-driven psychological tension.