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Tony Blair Faces Trial in British TV Drama
The British TV channel behind "Death of a President" - a drama in which U.S. President George W. Bush was assassinated - is throwing a similar fictional spotlight on its own leader, Tony Blair: After retiring, the prime minister faces a possible war-crimes trial.
"The Trial of Tony Blair," which airs on Jan. 15, takes place in 2010: Hillary Clinton is the new U.S. president, and Gordon Brown, Blair's finance minister, has taken over as prime minister. Blair, haunted by the continuing carnage in Iraq, is tormented by an obsession with his legacy that blinds him to the looming threat of an indictment by the International Criminal Court.
Blair is played by respected British actor Robert Lindsay.
Channel 4, the broadcaster that operates the digital channel More4, said the show was a "comedy-drama," which would have some light moments. But the message was meant to be taken seriously, spokesman Gavin Dawson said.
"You want people to be provoked into thinking about the world around them," he said.
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Dawson said the show had been in the works before "Death of a President" generated enormous controversy - and buzz - for the station in Britain and abroad.
The drama does not feature the actual trial, concluding with Blair flying off to defend himself at The Hague.
Alistair Beaton, who wrote the show, said he was not convinced his scenario was unrealistic.
"I gather Mr. Blair is very concerned about his place in history. This film is my idea of where that place might be," Beaton said. "Whether it's fiction or prediction remains to be seen." Blair's 10 Downing St. office had no comment. "We don't publicize other people's television programs," said a spokeswoman, on condition of anonymity in keeping with the government's policy.
© 2007 Associated Press.
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