Week-in, week-out, the commentariat bemoan/relish in the Punch and Judy politics of PMQs. This week was different. Returning from Afghanistan, Ed Miliband wanted to prove to the nation — or at least those watching the Parliament channel — that he was a statesman. A prime minister in waiting. To do this, he wasn't going to heckle David Cameron on cuts or score political points on EMA. No. He was going to discuss the big issues — Egypt, Afghanistan and democracy.

"Everybody has been moved by the images on our screens," Miliband said of Egypt.

"The government takes a very strong view that political reform is what's required," Cameron agreed. The transition is "urgent, credible and starts now".

Democracy is good and important in Egypt, they established.

MPs began to murmur. They were either perplexed or bored by this unusally consensual exchange.

So Miliband moved on to Afghanistan, reminding the chamber that he had been there. That is after all what a statesman does. Could the prime minister provide the House with the latest assessment of the mission in Afghanistan?

David Cameron politely obliged. There is a better balance of troops between the UK and the US and the government now has authority for 12 out of 14 provinces. "That is progress," he said.

Ed Miliband nodded again. It wasn't high drama. It wasn't exciting politics. But it was polite with none of the yah-boo interruptions. The Speaker looked delighted.

Noticing the lack of cheers or jeers, Miliband commented: "I sense that people aren't used to this sort of PMQs."

David Cameron agreed again. Some people want "a bun-fight", he nodded, praising their serious conversation.

I am in two minds as to whether it will translate as well as intended.

It was a deliberate attempt on Miliband's part to seem more prime ministerial — and up his poll ratings as a serious contender in the leadership stakes. But in order to appear prime ministerial or statesmanly he has to say something more nuanced than 'democracy is important'.

And by agreeing with the prime minister on most of this week's issues, he risked making David Cameron seem more prime ministerial.

Well, at least Bercow will be happy with the tone of debate.