Yes, Minister, Series Three (1982)

Sir Arnold:
So, will our next Prime Minister be our eminent Chancellor or our distinguished Foreign Secretary?

Sir Humphrey:
That's what I wanted to ask you, which do you think it should be?

Sir Arnold:
Hmmm. Difficult, like asking which lunatic should run the asylum.

Sir Arnold:
Have we any allies?

Sir Humphrey:
Oh, quite a few yes; the Chief Whip, particularly. But he's worried that whichever gets the job will antagonise the other's supporters and split the party.

Sir Arnold:
So we're looking for a compromise candidate.

Sir Humphrey:
Hmm. Malleable.

Sir Arnold:
Flexible.

Sir Humphrey:
Likeable.

Sir Arnold:
No firm opinions.

Sir Humphrey:
No bright ideas.

Sir Arnold:
Not intellectually committed.

Sir Humphrey:
Without the strength of purpose to change anything.

Sir Arnold:
Someone who you know can be manipula— professionally guided.

Sir Humphrey:
And leave the business of government in the hands of the experts.

[Long beat as Sir Arnold and Sir Humphrey slowly realise Hacker is the perfect candidate. They catch each other's eye and burst into uproarious laughter.]