I have been a fan of the book since it first come out, having read it well over a dozen times. I was eager to purchase the video adaptation once it came out on DVD. Overall, I was pleased.
The miniseries is a fairly faithful adaptation of the book, with some scenes taken word for word from the printed page. In other cases, changes are made to the storyline -- in some cases to advance the plot quickly, in others for no apparent reason. However, the general plot of the book is retained.
My major quibble with the series is its casting. Jeffery Archer's description of his major characters was detailed, and in most cases the actors do not resemble the characters in the book. This was the major drawback for me, but I doubt it will matter to any but avid fans of the original.
All told, I recommend this miniseries.

I have always been interested in the inner workings of the British form of government. It seems to have many more facets of interaction than the American govermental system. That is why I ordered "First Among Equals" and I was not disappointed with the content. It was great! The only problem I had was trying to understand the accents of a few of the characters. Some meaning in some of the dialogue was obviously meant for people familiar with British History, so that I was not able to appreciate.
Overall, this is a a great series and one I would recommend.

It will take months of watching these Brits (mumbling in upper-class accents) to figure out what they're saying. It's so disappointing to have no subtitle capability. I/we are spoiled enough by this time to presume all movies in the English language, can in fact, be understood, by those of us who speak English (or maybe American?) Have we missed something here?

New Scottish MP, Andrew Fraser, is joined by new MP, mid class lawyer Raymond Gould, on the Labor party side of government. New MPs, wealthy Charles Seymour and his personal rival, Simon Kerslake, both sit on the Tory side. It is British politics as its finest, or worst as the moment dictates. It doesn't take a lot of former knowledge of how the government from the islands works to enjoy this 10-part series.

The story is more about how the 4 new MPs work and connive to further their ambition of becoming Prime Minister. Only one will succeed. Who? How? Well, I'll not tell who, but the how is through 20-plus years of political and personal manipulation of people and events. Each man seems willing to use almost anything and anyone at times to get to the desired office. It's not unlike American politics and the Presidential quest.

There is sex and prostitutes (models they call themselves) willing to bare all (and do onscreen) to help, and also to get what they want. Wives are sacrificed, or used, or replaced, or relied on at times. The debates and bickering that take place on the floor of legislature brings many a chuckle as each attempts to put the opposition in its place--but using the most delicate of language, in the stiff, polite, British fashion.

You'll find yourself booing one man, then applauding the same ambitious fellow in the next segment. One thing for sure, you won't want to pause between the 10 episodes.

Money, sex, power, fighting, killing, mystery, drama, laughs, and London all packaged into this powerful Parliament political package.