‘An alien liaison officer’… BBC’s Happy Valley shows its satirical side and pokes fun at silly role of police
Normally known for its dark but compelling plots, the BBC crime drama Happy Valley showed an unusual satirical side last week.
In a scene that appears to mock the creation of meaningless awakening roles in the public sector, the main character, Catherine Cawood, told her police colleagues that public officials had insisted that her station have a “liaison officer dedicated extraterrestrial life form”.
The sergeant, played by Sarah Lancashire, tells the officers that the insane edict comes in the wake of increased UFO reports.
She says: “In light of the recent incidents, sightings and developments in the Yorkshire and Humberside area, the Home Office has found it necessary to appoint in each division one agent as a dedicated liaison officer for extraterrestrial life forms.”
Catherine Cawood, played by Sarah Lancashire, tells the officers that the insane edict comes in the wake of increased UFO reports.
When asked if he was serious, Cawood repeats, deadpan: “A liaison officer with an extraterrestrial life form.”
When asked if he was serious, Cawood repeats, deadpan: “A liaison officer with an extraterrestrial life form.”
Asked again: ‘Is that a joke?’ she says, ‘Do I look like a comedian? To be clear, I think they are kidding when we are so short-staffed, but who am I to question the wisdom of the Home Secretary?
The comment did not go unnoticed by viewers. One tweeted: “The genius of Sally Wainwright’s writing is that she slips into hilarious asides without undermining the terrifying narrative of the main story.” I hope the alien life-form liaison officer becomes a joke.
In 2021, it was revealed that West Midlands Police were recruiting for a number of wake-up positions, including a £73,340-a-year ‘assistant director of talent and organizational effectiveness’, a ‘assistant director of equity and belonging’ at over £74,000, and an ‘engagement and consultation officer’ for £28,725.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police spend more than £1m a year on 23 diversity roles. The revelation prompted Home Secretary Suella Braverman to tell forces to stop making “gestures” and focus on crime.
Happy Valley continues on BBC1 at 9pm tonight. Last week, viewers were left with the suspense of whether pharmacist Faisal had killed troubled mother of two, Joanna Hepworth.