[divider]Now, I’m not somebody who gets all the comedy of our beloved Britains. Some humor just leaves me scratching my head. Not so, Detectorists, this is one fine show starring MacKenzie Crook as Andy, and Toby Jones as Lance. Its humor is often dry and weird, but very funny, as are the inhabitants of their community: dry and weird. Still, it is a real find.
Kind of like what Detectorists do, and don’t call them anything else, they’ll correct you! They go around with their beloved metal detectors looking for gold in the dirt. Generally, what they find is altogether different. There are a lot of pop tops hidden in the ground, and Lance is the true expert on their history and value (nothing). Occasionally, they find a coin worth a few pence, maybe even a pound. Then, it’s off to the pub to commiserate. Their conversations can be incredibly sad and boring, but are equally very funny. You may have to sit through the first few minutes of the episode wondering, but by the end, I think you’ll know why I love this show. It mirrors the lives of millions who are looking for something to make their lives meaningful. If they can’t find it in their job, or with their family, perhaps it’s hiding in the dirt. Gold, or maybe a brass button or two.
Kudos to Mackenzie Crook who stars, writes and directs this fine show. He has a great understanding of human nature: funny, irritating, and sometimes boring. Currently, there is only one season of Detectorists on Netflix, but there is a second season just waiting to find it’s way to Netflix. I’m going to be smiling when I see that it has returned with more misadventures.
Beyond Crook and Jones, the cast is quite good, and quite ordinary. Rachel Stirling (Becky) and Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Sophie) help us interpret the odd behavior of the metal detecting buddies. But, my favorite is David Sterne as Bishop, the mad as a hat owner of the land. “Help me, find my dogs!” (I would, but I think they are invisible and imaginary). And look for a cameo by Diana Riggs of the 60’s Avengers fame, playing Becky’s mother. And if you get the references to Simon and Garfunkel, good on you.
Finally, although there are only six, 30 minute episodes in season one, I enjoyed them all. The season finale is the gold coin among the rocks. I will give nothing away, but there are surprises in the last few scenes, especially the final, closing scene which begs you to look closely, and laugh loudly!
