A Very English Scandal tells the story of the Thorpe affair, which revolved around the clandestine homosexual relationship between Liberal MP and later Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe and stable boy Norman Scott.
The affair took place at a time when sodomy was still illegal in Britain, adding a layer of secrecy and danger to their relationship.
In 1979, Jeremy Thorpe was put on trial for conspiracy and incitement to murder, as he attempted to have Norman Scott killed in order to rid him from his life and further his political ambitions of becoming British Prime Minister.
The imbalance between Jeremy and Norman is highlighted throughout the story, with Jeremy coming from a proper English background and being part of the establishment, while Norman is from a disadvantaged class and suffers from clinical psychological issues.
Norman's struggle for a replacement National Insurance card becomes a central point in the story, as he tries to navigate a system that is not designed to support someone like him.
The series explores themes of power, ambition, and the lengths people will go to in order to protect their reputations and further their own interests.