Detectorists

First look at Mackenzie Crook in Worzel Gummidge adaptation

~ Michael Stevenson ~ Leave a comment

The Detectorists actor will star as the scarecrow formerly portrayed by Doctor Who’s Jon Pertwee

Mackenzie Crook is a turnip-headed scarecrow in a first look at his new BBC1 adaptation of the classic children’s Worzel Gummidge books.

The Detectorists star has written two hour-long films based around the talking scarecrow, who was originally portrayed by Doctor Who actor Jon Pertwee in an ITV series that aired between 1979-81 (and was later revived for a New Zealand spin-off in 1987-89).

Source: First look at Mackenzie Crook in Worzel Gummidge adaptation

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The Beautiful Simplicity of Detectorists

~ Michael Stevenson ~ Leave a comment

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Towards the end of Detectorists, the president of the Danebury Metal Detecting Club (DMDC) digs up a small artifact. He waves to his wife who is sitting and reading nearby, and calls out proudly that it is a button from the Welsh guard. Though it is a small find, he tears up a little, perhaps both from happiness (he is a button collector), but also out of a grateful acknowledgement towards his understanding wife. That balance of sweetness and sly humor is what makes the quiet loveliness of Detectorists such a Peak TV treasure.

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Busy Johnny Flynn performs “Detectorists” theme

~ Michael Stevenson ~ Leave a comment

Hobbledehoy perennial favorite Johnny Flynn has been a very busy man over these past several months, starring in his popular Netflix comedy series Lovesick as well as in critically-acclaimed film Beast (recently released in the US.) Johnny also found time to perform on the Broadway stage in Martin McDonaugh’s latest play The Hangman.

As for his music, Johnny and his band The Sussex Wit are to be performing at Barclaycard British Summer Time 2018 in London, UK. (opening for and then supporting headliner Paul Simon on July 15th).

So – what have you been doing lately?

Here’s our Johnny singing the theme song of the wonderful Brit tv series Detectorists.

Detectorists series 3 finale review: “one of the most satisfying conclusions ever”

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Mark Braxton pays tribute to a departing sitcom that is simply outstanding in its field

There is so much love for Detectorists. On any day of the week, just type in its hashtag and you’ll find posts like “one of the finest shows ever written”, “the antidote to Trump, Brexit and reality TV” and “please don’t let it be the last series”. Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington is among its famous fans, calling it “glorious television comedy at its best”.

 In three short seasons plus a Christmas special, Mackenzie Crook’s sylvan sitcom has created a buzz among viewers wanting a remedy to hateful times. Ostensibly it’s about two nerdy, 40-something men indulging their metal-detecting hobby while real life is passing them by.

And yes, this Poundland Time Team is searching for gold, but dig below the surface and it’s about so much more: history, conservation, love, family, friendship, the quiet achievements of ordinary people… these are the treasures of life, not material things

It’s a breath of invigorating, unpolluted air and one that makes a sunny virtue of its rural settings (Framlingham in Suffolk masquerading as the fields of Essex). It’s naturalistic, quirkily funny and sometimes memorably sad. Continue reading →