The first two episodes of ABC-TV’s The Killing Season have seen past and present federal Labor MPs lining up to offer their recollections of the Rudd-Gillard years. It is a tale of political intrigue and bastardry – regardless of whichversion of events you choose to believe.

Most remarkable, though, is the fact so many prominent political figures have agreed to take part in the documentary so soon after the events. Indeed, some of the players have even taken part in re-enactments to add to the production values of the show.

What could they have been thinking?

How can they believe the series will do anything other than further undermine the Labor brand and damage the current opposition?

It’s hard to escape the conclusion that these past and present pollies are more concerned with having history remember them favourably than looking after the party that gave them a career. Not to mention the voters who gave them a job.

Most baffling is the co-operation of senior ministers Chris Bowen and Anthony Albanese who have found themselves contributing to a show that on Tuesday night aired Labor figures warning Julia Gillard back in 2010 that she could not trust Bill Shorten as her supporters gathered the numbers needed to topple Kevin Rudd.

History shows that Mr Shorten was later instrumental in dumping Ms Gillard – before becoming leader of the party himself.

He can’t have enjoyed seeing that whole sorry mess being reheated for a national audience.

Australia’s keenest political observers have long argued that factions within the Labor Party hate each other more than they could ever hate the Coalition.

And if ever confirmation was needed, The Killing Season provides it in spades.