GIFT GUIDE: ‘Detectorists: Complete Collection’
Photo: Detectorists stars, from left, Toby Jones and Mackenzie Crook. Photo courtesy of Acorn TV / Provided by press site with permission.
The joys of the Detectorists: Complete Collection begin with the case that holds the three DVDs. Acorn TV has outdone itself with a slick packaging that unfolds, almost as if the viewer is “detecting” for clues, which perfectly matches the feel and atmosphere of this quaint, enjoyable series.
Toby Jones, of The Hunger Games fame, teams up with Mackenzie Crook, of Pirates of the Caribbean fame, for a duo comedy about two nice-enough gentlemen trying to find historical objects in the fields of England. Jones’ Lance character is fixated on the big payday that might come with a discovery, while Crook’s Andy is more interested in the thrill of the hunt.
As the two set out on their adventures, real life always seems to get in the way. In the pilot episode, audiences meet Lance’s ex-wife and her new boyfriend, plus Andy’s longtime girlfriend, Becky (Rachael Stirling). The cordialities amongst the couples are nice and civil, although there are hints of past hurts and uncertain futures.
Disrupting Lance and Andy’s smooth trajectories is a local college student who takes a liking to the guys and their hobby of detection. Plus, there’s a rival detecting organization that tries to lay a claim to the bountiful lands of Essex. Later in the series, Diana Rigg shows up as Andy’s would-be mother-in-law.
The acting from Jones and Crook is perfectly matched for the series. They are best friends, knowing how to goad each other with funny jokes, and everything else in life seems to take a backseat to their one true love: using metal detectors to piece together the Saxon history around them. Their conversations are easygoing and natural, as if they weren’t reading from a script, but making up the dialogue on the fly.
Kudos to Stirling for some of the funniest line deliveries in the series. She has a perfect way with profanity and everyday back and forth.
Throughout all of the adventuring, nothing is taken too seriously. As soon as a conversation turns dramatic or heartfelt, a little joke lightens the mood and grounds the characters again. This constant push and pull between comedy and pathos is appreciated, mimicking real life and true love. The same rhythm was achieved in another Acorn title: Northern Lights.
Crook should be doubly commended because he not only stars in the series but also wrote and directed each episode. This is obviously a passion project for him, and the results are well appreciated.
Unfortunately the comedy series only ran 18 episodes, with each installment running less than 30 minutes. There seems to be more room for the adventures of Andy and Lance, but the British TV scene is overcrowded with quality titles and talent. Here’s hoping this Complete Collection is not quite complete.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Detectorists, starring Toby Jones, Mackenzie Crook and Rachel Stirling, is now available on DVD from Acorn TV. The Complete Collection includes discs for series 1, 2 and 3, totaling 18 episodes. Bonus features: behind-the-scenes featurettes, a Christmas Special episode, cast interviews and a photo gallery. Click here for more information.
