The Villainous Appeal of "For He is an Englishman" in Television

In recent television, the song "For He is an Englishman" from Gilbert and Sullivan's *HMS Pinafore* has emerged as a recurring motif among villainous characters. Notably, Kit Harington's character, Henry Muck, in the fourth season of *Industry*, exemplifies this trend. Muck's portrayal as a troubled and self-indulgent figure culminates in a scene where he sings the song in a club, highlighting his descent into chaos. Similarly, Hugh Laurie’s character, Richard Roper, in *The Night Manager*, also performs the song, reinforcing the association between the tune and morally ambiguous characters.

The Guardian

Historically, "For He is an Englishman" has been utilized in various contexts within television, not always linked to villainy. For instance, *The West Wing* features a paraphrase of the song in its title, "And It’s Surely to their Credit," where characters engage in a light-hearted debate about its origins. However, the recent surge in its use among antagonists suggests a shift in cultural perception, reflecting contemporary views of British identity.

The Guardian

The song's most notable television performance remains in *The Simpsons* episode "Cape Feare," where Sideshow Bob's rendition serves as a comedic yet pointed commentary on his character's pretensions. This performance encapsulates the song's essence, blending humor with a critique of British nationalism. Additionally, Hugh Laurie’s dual performances in *House* and *The Night Manager* further illustrate the song's versatility, as he adopts different accents and contexts, showcasing its adaptability across genres.

The Guardian

Despite its popularity, some critiques highlight the superficiality of the song's recent appearances. For example, in *House*, Laurie sings the song merely to cover up a urine sample, lacking thematic depth. Critics argue that many recent renditions fail to convey the song's satirical undertones, reducing it to a mere reference for characters to flaunt their cultural knowledge.

The Guardian

The resurgence of "For He is an Englishman" in 2026 reflects broader societal sentiments regarding the UK's identity. The song's association with characters who embody arrogance and isolation suggests a critique of contemporary British nationalism. As noted in various analyses, the song's use underscores a perception of the UK as "isolated, stuck in the past and out of touch, yet still oddly full of itself."

The Guardian

As television continues to evolve, the future of "For He is an Englishman" in popular media remains uncertain. Observers speculate that the song may continue to serve as a vehicle for exploring themes of identity and morality, particularly in a world grappling with issues of nationalism and cultural pride.

The Guardian

• “But in spite of all temptations to belong to other nations, he remains an Englishman.” — *The Guardian*

The Guardian

• “Obviously the fact that so many baddies are singing the song in 2026 speaks to how the UK is perceived at the moment – isolated, stuck in the past and out of touch, yet still oddly full of itself – but we still have some way to go before we can top The Simpsons.” — *The Guardian*

The Guardian