Taking the Flak

2009 - 2009

Bigfooting

Episode 1

A small African war suddenly becomes the centre of global attention when a team of BBC journalists arrives in Karibu, ready to cover the conflict. Local 'stringer' Harry is hanging on to the bottom of the journalist ladder and thinks the story will be his big break. But he finds himself 'bigfooted' when BBC News heavyweights, including senior foreign correspondent David Bradburn, flanked by his production team, and Margaret Hollis from the World Service, arrive in town.

Black Gold

Episode 2

When US network news legend Candida Coulter cascades into Karibu, flanked by her long-suffering cameraman and producer, the American invasion of the conflict-torn African country begins. A turf war for talking heads breaks out between Coulter and her arch-rival, BBC correspondent David Bradburn. However, with bribery, exploding pineapples and power-outages, it is anyone's guess which national news reporter will get to file their story first.

Cursed Is The Country

Episode 3

Harry meets his girlfriend Grace's father for the first time. Meanwhile senior correspondent David and new cameraman Rory clash over the uses of root ginger and producer Jane loses her patience after David's passport comes to a sticky end at the hands of the local militia - who soon want much more than a bribe. There's good news as charity worker Samantha organises a traditional summer fete in aid of boy soldiers, Sons Without Guns. However, after a mix-up involving the Beckhams, will Fiona Bruce witness the BBC's Chief Foreign Editor being terminated, live, on air?

The Past Is A Different Colony

Episode 4

When informed from London that military fashion is "in" this season, the team are sent in search of a story about sniper-chic. Their search takes them to an old colonial house and the formidable Mags O'Mara, where they encounter a night of colonial tales, African magic and Strictly Come Dancing.

Unfriendly Fire

5th August 2009

Episode 5

The team take a trip out to a school. However, things do not go smoothly. The team finds itself caught in the crossfire between government and rebel forces, and thus David is presented with the perfect opportunity to exercise his legendary "Bafta crouch". Meanwhile, a driving lesson ends in a near-death experience as Harry and Grace's relationship goes seriously off-road and she dissects the flaws in the story of the tortoise and the hare.

Big Beasts

12th August 2009

Episode 6

Much to David Bradburn's dismay, Jeremy Morrison the BBC Brussels Correspondent and media darling arrives in Karibu to report on the new ceasefire. As the world changes around him, David fears for his future. Meanwhile, Jane must try to keep both her "big beasts" happy with just one cameraman between them. Elsewhere, Margaret is recording the sound of a zebra's breath, and Harry is teaching local reporter William how to be a famous TV journalist - until a humanitarian crisis brings them all together.

Viva Africa

19th August 2009

Episode 7

A new democratic era dawns for the country as the exiled Lion Queen of Karibu returns to a heroine's welcome, a rally and an election. But what does the end of conflict mean for Harry, Grace, Samantha and the Sons Without Guns? What does the future hold for them, and for the country? There's good news and bad as hopeless Harry finally hits his stride but loses his phone, his friends and maybe his future; while David's lack of action in the sack starts to affect his work ... and his colleagues.

Top Cast

Mackenzie Crook•Doon Mackichan•Lloyd Owen

Director

Adam Miller

Writer

Jon Rolph

Comedy-drama about the lives of journalists in war zones.

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Full Cast

Mackenzie Crook Image

Mackenzie Crook

Doon Mackichan Image

Doon Mackichan

Lloyd Owen Image

Lloyd Owen

Bruce Mackinnon Image

Bruce Mackinnon

Martin Jarvis Image

Martin Jarvis

Harry Lloyd Image

Harry Lloyd

Alexander Taylor-Pierce

Joanna Brookes Image

Joanna Brookes

Full Crew

Paul Kerensa

Writers' Assistant

Jon Rolph

Writer

Sandra Jones

Writer

Tira Shubart

Writer

Adam Miller

Director

Michael Buffong

Director

Jon Rolph

Director

Paul Zanders

Sound Mixer

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