Recommended viewing: 'Inside The Commons', BBC2

The concept of a BBC film crew being given unprecedented access to film in the House of Commons for a year is a concerning one: for the first time, the public gets to see what MPs are really like (to an extent). On the one hand, this could be very positive: we see that MPs are human, and just like us. On the other hand, it exposes suspicions about absurd traditions and a lack of true representative democracy. It's ultimately up to you as to whether you see this programme as encouraging or not, but it is doubtlessly fascinating.

Clerk of the Commons Sir Robert Rogers
telegraph.co.uk

Personally, I found Inside The Commons one of the most interesting, funniest and most entertaining programmes I've seen so far this year. Narrated by Michael Cockerell, Inside The Commons gives us the reality of the House of Commons, without hiding its flaws - and there are certainly plenty of flaws.

itv.com
Charlotte Leslie MP is a member of the Commons focused on
by the programme

The first person from an ethnic minority we see is Gladys, the lady in charge of the Tea Room - only 4% of MPs are from an ethnic minority. The Tea Room itself is laughably traditional, maintaining the feel of an exclusive gentlemen's club. There is an unspoken etiquette here, where certain members of certain parties sit in certain places and it is a faux pas to make a mistake with this.

dailymail.co.uk
Interior of The Tea Room at the House of Commons, albeit
set up for a formal function.

The process of Prime Minister's Questions is a depressingly staged one, not that this was really a huge secret. The Prime Minister's PPS sends an email to all Conservative MPs with a set of 'suggested' topics: effectively, giving them a question to ask along the lines of 'Does the Prime Minister think we're doing a great job?', to which he will of course reply in the affirmative. The system of asking questions at PMQs is also a stiff one - those MPs lucky enough to be selected via a computerised ballot can ask a prepared question, while the others must 'bob', in the vain hope of catching the Speaker's eye.

guardian.co.uk
Sarah Champion MP is another of the relatively young MPs
the programme focuses on

I'm afraid that some of the footage of John Bercow as the Speaker of the House of Commons cemented my feelings of disdain towards him: I find him patronising and irritating. The procession for the Speaker is incredibly antequated: a man calls 'Spea-ker!' in a sing-song voice, while a procession glinting with gold comes down to the House. As they pass, the command 'hats off, strangers!' is called: we see a group of schoolchildren dutifully remove their caps as Bercow comes striding along, waving and nodding condescendingly. Clearly, Bercow has no real control over the nature of the procession, but I found his manner somewhat abrasive.

bbc.co.uk
John Bercow MP as the Speaker of the Commons

Personally, I found Inside The Commons one of the funniest programmes I've seen so far this year. Besides the fact I find it difficult not to laugh as soon as Ed Miliband opens his mouth, there really were some gems. David Cameron remarked that the Palace of Westminster looks a bit like a school; George Osborne looked mechanical and shifty as ever; Jacob Rees-Mogg felt applause was 'unparliamentary'; Sir Robert Rogers snorted snuff and remarked that it is 'quite invigorating'.

But I also found it depressing to a degree - it reminded me why people dislike politicians. The braying, baying and 'whay'-ing of the Commons makes me groan inwardly - it's obnoxious and rude. I'm all for passion in politics but when whoever is speaking cannot be heard, there's clearly something wrong. The traditions make the whole system feel out of touch and distant - the exact opposite of what a representative body should be. 

youtube.com
Backbench MPs are as rowdy as ever 

I'm desperately hoping that the next three episodes of Inside The Commons will be equally as engaging and insightful, but will hopefully enthuse people about politics, rather than confirm their concerns.

Whether you're looking for entertainment, humour or food for thought, Inside The Commons is certainly worth a watch.

Episode One of 'Inside The Commons' is available on BBC iPlayer now.
Episode Two 'Inside The Commons' will be broadcast on BBC Two on Tuesday 10th February at 21:00.