The Special Relationship begins with Tony Blair’s arrival in the US in 1992, where he attends a seminar on how politicians publicise themselves in the US.

4 years later, as the new leader of the Labour party, he is taking a leaf out of their book. He attends a press conference with Jacques Chiraq, where he makes a press pleasing speech.

Soon after his return to London, he receives an invitation to visit President Clinton at the White House. This is an honour, as invitations are not usually extended to leaders of the opposition, so as not to offend the current Prime Minister.

Upon his arrival at the White House, he is accorded all the respect usually reserved for heads of state. He is granted an audience with Clinton, and they talk about the fact that Clinton has been watching his career with interest.

2 years later, Clinton gains a second term, and Blair’s New Labour wins the General Election. Upon his arrival at no 10 Downing Street, he greets all his new staff, then receives a notice that Jacque Chiraq is on the phone. The French President is cut off however, when Blair receives a call from Clinton. After congratulating him, Clinton invites himself over for a state visit.

Once again, Clinton is very ready with the advice for the new Prime Minister, and Blair is willing to listen. They agree, along with other things, to keep the peace process in Northern Ireland moving forward. The next scene shows Tony in the bath, talking to his wife Cherie about the Clintons as they get ready for dinner. Bill and Hilary are doing exactly the same in their room discussing the Blairs.

At dinner, they all discuss their relative predecessors. Hilary also brings up the subject of legacy, and that Blair should decide what legacy he wants to leave and work towards that, rather than leaving it to the press and public to make that decision for him.

After talks disintegrate in Northern Ireland, and violence breaks out again, Blair turns to his friend Clinton for advice. Clinton advises him how to handle Jerry Adams, the leader of the Sinn Féin and agrees to say a few words publically against the terrorists. The result is Adams agrees to meet with Blair, and the peace process is back on track . Blair phones Clinton to express his gratitude for his assistance, but Clinton is distracted and ends the call abruptly.

Blair soon discovers, when it is announced on tv, that Clinton is being accused of having sex with an intern, Monica Lewinski. Despite Clinton’s categorical denial on to his wife, and the American public on tv, the scandal shows no sign of slowing down. Hilary faces a difficult tv interview, and tries to deflect attention and defends this as a political attack on her husband’s administration rather than their marriage.

The Blair’s and their advisors are on their way to Washington. Tony’s people suggest that perhaps he should be seen to step back, distance himself from Clinton. Both Tony and Cherie agree that public people are entitled to a private life, and that this incident does not affect his ability to govern.

Tony and Bill appear at a Whitehouse press conference. The press question whether Tony considers standing by Bill during the scandal was a good strategy or not. Tony answers with an anecdote from the time of Winston Churchill, that demonstrates the history and strength behind the ‘special relationship’ between the US and UK. It leaves the press in no doubt that Blair will continue to stand by his friend and colleague. In the car coming back from the White House, Cherie asks Tony “I hope you know what you want in return”. She acknowledges that his speech today saved Clinton, and that he now he owes Tony a favour.

Blair’s attention turns towards the escalating troubles in Yugoslavia and the Serbian leader Slobodan Milošević and his campaign of inciting Serbian nationalism and racial hatred. Both Blair and Clinton agree that something has to be done. Desparate not to make the same mistake his predecessor Major did by delaying any action, Tony is keen to force the UN to intercede. They agree to start with economic sanctions while they work to convince NATO to consider military solutions.

Meanwhile, Clinton continues to struggle with the allegations of having sex with Lewinski. New evidence has come to light, plus Lewinski gives more information which results in Clinton agreeing to testify, but under his own condition. Bill reveals that he did in fact have an ‘inappropriate relationship with Monica Lewinski. Back in Britain, Tony is feeling embarrassed and unsure how to face the press after his previous public display of support of Bill.

In a meeting of the UN, Blair continues his campaign to to coax military action from NATO to prevent further Serbian atrocities in Kosavo. Under threat of NATO retribution, an envoy from Clinton manages to secure a cease fire from Milošević. Blair insists however, that it is not enough to prevent Milošević from starting up again. Clinton is reluctant to commit ground troops unless the Serbian leader makes a move. Blair’s fears prove to be founded when Serbian paramilitary commit a massacre that shocks the world. Clinton agrees to join NATO in air strikes.

The air strikes are ineffective, being too sparse. All they succeed in doing is rallying the Serbians. Blair travels to US to plea with Clinton to offer ground troops, but is turned down. Blair is furious, and decides to guilt Clinton into helping. He gives an impassioned speech in Chicago, begging the American people for thier help. The US media claim Blair a hero, and when the UN convenes Clinton agrees to step up the bombing campaign, and if necessary, send in ground troops. Reluctantly, Milošević agrees to a Russian ultimatum and agrees to remove all Serbian troops out of Kosavo. Blair is considered a hero.

In 2001, Hilary Clinton becomes Senator of New York, and Bill faces the end of his Presidency. Bill and Hilary meet the Blairs at Checkers. After dinner, Bill and Tony have a heart to heart and Tony apologises for his behaviour over Kosovo. Bill laughs it off and admits that the Americans would vote for Tony as their President if they could. As the two of them watch the outcome of the US election, Bill asks Tony what he will do about Bush. Despite Bill’s advice to the contrary Blair sticks by his opinion that he wants to maintain his close relationship with the US Presidency, regardless of who is in office. Bill warns him that Bush will not play fair and that allying himself with that administration will be dangerous.

The film ends with footage of Blair meeting with Bush at Camp David.

• CutPrintReview – “Sheen eloquently imitates Blair in both expression and voice”
• Sydney Morning Herald – “Sheen is brilliant, as we have come to expect”
• The Hollywood Reporter – “Blair, is again smartly portrayed by Michael Sheen”

• 2010 Primetime Emmy – Outstanding Lead Actor in Miniseries or Movie (Michael Sheen) nominated

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