One character detail that I really liked was that Lance had already won the lottery. The national lottery that is. He, like all the characters, isn't searching for gold to get rich. They're looking for, like you said, the Ancient, the history. A piece of ancestry. Something that connects them to the earth and all the people that have lived on it - to become a part of English history. Really beautiful storytelling.
I found this show a bit ago by complete random chance. I fell in love with it and binged through it straight away. It's so quiet and full of heart with lots of chuckles. Toby and Mackenzie are so pitch perfect. And all of the characters have their own stories. Even though I am an American, I really related to it.
I loved this show, such a beautiful slice of countryside dwelling, British to a fault hobbyists. The whole show just gives me a warm glow and i could feel the heart and passion of the writers through the screen.
I LOVE LOVE this show for many reasons. In addition to all you said, I love the touch of otherworldly magic (and Sophie Thompson!), the intimation that there is more than our eyes can see (not religious though, thank god!) and all the other clever echo's between actions & people. For example: their names are Andy Stone and (Lance - Lancelot) Stater (latin for stone), the town is DANEbury (Danish/Viking/buried treasure), Lance works at a place that sells root vegetables which are dug up in the same way that treasure is dug up, Andy's job includes cleaning floors (the same motion as metal detecting), There is a character named Bishop...and the list goes on. I also love that an 2015 review of the series in the New York Times got the show SO wrong (typically american?) saying Lance and Andy lead lives of "desperation" and that their friendship is "pathetic". Nothing could be farther from the truth, of course. I have rewatched this show at least a dozen times. It makes me feel HAPPY. - old lady Yank... Washington state.
Discovered Detectorists back in the winter, here on YT. It really is the most perfect television show I've ever watched. I agree about that latest Christmas special; I actually bought the DVD set this past spring just so I could watch it as it's not on YT, I've forgotten why. Anyway, like you I will probably never watch it again because for me, the show's third season ending was just flawless and needed nothing more. By the way, American here, and I think I got almost every single British reference in the show. That may be because I watch so much British television, though, and read so many British books and other publications. If there was something I didn't get, I immediately paused the episode and did some Googling, unable to carry on until I was in the know. But no, you don't need to get it all in order to appreciate the perfection that is Detectorists. (I will say that it does help if you've watched a bit of Time Team! LOL)
Hi Professor, this is such an interesting concept. It just goes to show that when programs are written with integrity and genuine heart, they can be absolute gems. This seems a real 'everyman' series, where not just detectorists, but hobbyists of any persuasion find their ilk and stories are built around simple things that many people can identify with. This looks beautifully shot, well-scripted and superbly acted; I might have to track the dvds down. Thanks for pointing me to a show that looks heartbreakingly meaningful.
Thanks, Len. Yes, I agree. The integrity of the thing is key. It would be a tough concept to pitch to most media producers, and I think the show's success came as a surprise to the BCC but yes, quality will out. I really hope you find and enjoy it.
There are three recent British shows that stand out as having the English Countryside as a 'featured character' - one is "Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing" and the other two are specifically Mackenzie Crook creations: "Detectorists" and "Worzel Gummidge" - Three totally different shows aimed at three different audiencies, but all of them celebrating the beauty of Britain, (and rural England in particular,) and as a collection, providing particularly 'feel-good' television. I'd recommend all three.
I didn't find this show particularly funny....but it quickly became my favourite TV programme of all time, the writing, acting, music, location is done to utter perfection. I want to move to this place, join the D.A.M.C. be friends with these people, even taste that lemonade.. When I saw the So far, I have seen the series three times, everytime I hear that music, I actually get emotional. When I saw the last Christmas special, I got so angry that the cottage had burnt down and Andy and Becky did not have that dream home.....
Right there with you (though I think I find it funnier than int sounds like you do, albeit in a gentle, relatable kind of way rather than laugh out load hysteria). Thanks!
I echo your sentiments. Detectorists quickly became my favourite as well, but please be mindful of spoilers. Many people could be deprived of the enjoyment we have had.
Great video, I could of listened to you talk about Detectorists for hours. The show was recommended to me (Netflix) based on previous shows I had watched. Once I started, I couldn't stop myself from watching the complete series. One of the early words you used to describe the show is "quiet" and it's always the first thing that comes to mind for me. I've rewatched the show a few times and I never get tired of it. I actually get emotional every time I hear the theme song and think about this wonderful show.
Also a huge fan of the show and a detectorist myself. I think you have this review/analysis absolutely spot on. Very deep stuff going on amongst the humour and drama. Without a doubt much more to the show than two guys swinging a metal detector. As I said I am a detectorist myself and I have to say the show nailed it. It is so relatable and just about every aspect of the hobby represented with both respect and great accuracy.
A wonderful description Andrew, and even made me think more about the true meanings in detectorists. However, I do think that the original “Darling buds of may” was THE perfect tv programme. Beautiful in every way, even in the cast ! 😊 Take care. James Doherty 🍺
Great review , mate - v. intelligent - one foible ? The USA is new , sure - but the First Nations go back 50 thousand summers . British history extant , not specifically Anglo - Saxon history , is about 8 000 years old - the English arrived when the Romans left , 420 CE , according to Bede . But cracking review , this is a gem of a show . That their motivation is not moneterised or individualised - it's about the history - that lends their detectorism , idealism - that's the sweet heart of McKenzie Crooks writing , bravo .
Superb, highly intelligent commentary on a small-scale work of genius. You might have specifically mentioned the hawk whistle/ magpie sequence - I thought you would when describing the underlying philosophy of the protagonists. It's a scene that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up (even when just thinking about it).
Just a wonderful review, and insightful commentary. My favorite show, for years. I did have to cut short, due to the unavailability to see the specials yet. I too, have an affinity for Japanese music, and have had, for many years, although not continuously. I still have, my vinyl of The Sadistic Mika Band, which I got in 1975. But some 30 years ago, I discovered, the group Anzenchitai, and it's lead singer Koji Tamaki. It was like waking, from a coma to discover the complete works of The Beatles, or The Eagles, or Bowie. Koji Tamaki, being very much like Bowie, in his changes of looks and style. My first purchase, from E Bay of 'Anzenchitai Super Best ' a multi disc collection of many songs and videos, of their long career, including, a mostly complete concert, live 'One Night Only' being a 'completeist' of course, I collected all of their albums, and videos. If you watch, their first song,first album video, 'Las Vegas Typhoon' they are all dressed in white, and their last song 'Chocolate' on their tenth album 'X' again all in white, it works as bookends of their wonderful career as a group. I also love many other Asian music, like, Jo Sung Mo, (Korean) and in particular, his song, and video of 'As if you were mine' a 9 - 11 story, and the saddest song, I've ever heard, I don't speak any other languages, but feel very satisfied from these songs, and videos, translated or not. Also the Japanese song, from 1985 that launched an entire genre 'City Pop' the song is titled 'Plastic Love' and there are probably 200 covers of this song out there, some of my favorites are by; Friday Night Plans, AGA, Alice, and Hayoung of 'Fromis _9' . I have been a metal detectorist for many years as well, and have several interesting finds. Thank you for your insightful review.
Thank you! I know that Crook has also become a detectorist so I think there's some respect for the hobbyists there which people didn't expect. Thanks also for the notes on Japanese bands, not all of which I know. Will dig...
Thanks for the heads up about the 2022 special .. from what you say i get the impression it was driven by tv people who had no connection to the subject matter .. the last episode of series 3 was the perfect way to tie up the show.
Hi, you said there are not many perfect shows, and this one comes close to being one. Which ones then do you think have been or are perfect, Fawlty Towers I hope?
Yes, I think F T is most likely the pinacle of what a sitcom can be, but we were spoilt for sitcoms around that same time in the mid 70s in the UK.@@AndrewHartley
@@alanhill7965 For me, FT is timeless and each episode will always be a Masterpiece and nothing comes near it in comedy turns, but I do also know ppl who can't stand it, so in the end, it's just about opinions really. No one is right or wrong.
its technically not connected but i love the Netflix movie The Dig and see it almost like a sister movie to Detectorists. It has Johnny Flynn, who did the dedtectorists theme song(his folk music is superb) acting in it and is set nearby being about the true story of the Sutton Who dig just before WW2. which is referenced a few times in detectorists. it has a similar calm and small story energy and has powerful messaging about archeology and death.
Yes, I'm familiar with it. I studied the Sutton Hoo dig back in my undergrad days when I was seriously considering a career in archaeology. Great stuff.
Fair enough. But it's tough to be both natural and compelling when you are playing someone who doesn't speak English as a first language. I'm ok with him.
Are you any relation to J R R Hartley. I agree with you but think the special was deliberately off, so to speak, to end it. By the way you’ll have to be British to get the joke at the beginning.
Ha. No, but I did once sign his book when someone brought it to a signing as a joke (apparently the ads were so popular that they actually released the [previously nonexistent] book to capitalize)!
Totally agree. This was not a TV series, it was a life event. Nothing surpasses it.
One character detail that I really liked was that Lance had already won the lottery. The national lottery that is. He, like all the characters, isn't searching for gold to get rich. They're looking for, like you said, the Ancient, the history. A piece of ancestry. Something that connects them to the earth and all the people that have lived on it - to become a part of English history. Really beautiful storytelling.
Yes! Loved that.
I found this show a bit ago by complete random chance. I fell in love with it and binged through it straight away. It's so quiet and full of heart with lots of chuckles. Toby and Mackenzie are so pitch perfect. And all of the characters have their own stories. Even though I am an American, I really related to it.
Agreed. Thanks!
I loved this show, such a beautiful slice of countryside dwelling, British to a fault hobbyists. The whole show just gives me a warm glow and i could feel the heart and passion of the writers through the screen.
Me too. Thanks!
My favourite TV show.....
Ever. Thanks for your comments
Mine too!
At the 30 minutes mark, you nail this show when you say "A Masterpiece"
Hey, for me, only taking half an hour to get to the point is pretty good ;)
This show is so important to me. Thanks for this inisightful commentary.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Its my favourite show.. Beautifully made with pitch perfect performances..
I LOVE LOVE this show for many reasons. In addition to all you said, I love the touch of otherworldly magic (and Sophie Thompson!), the intimation that there is more than our eyes can see (not religious though, thank god!) and all the other clever echo's between actions & people. For example: their names are Andy Stone and (Lance - Lancelot) Stater (latin for stone), the town is DANEbury (Danish/Viking/buried treasure), Lance works at a place that sells root vegetables which are dug up in the same way that treasure is dug up, Andy's job includes cleaning floors (the same motion as metal detecting), There is a character named Bishop...and the list goes on.
I also love that an 2015 review of the series in the New York Times got the show SO wrong (typically american?) saying Lance and Andy lead lives of "desperation" and that their friendship is "pathetic". Nothing could be farther from the truth, of course. I have rewatched this show at least a dozen times. It makes me feel HAPPY. - old lady Yank... Washington state.
Thanks. Yes, that's a terrible misreading from the NYT. Oddly tone deaf. Appreciate the comment.
Discovered Detectorists back in the winter, here on YT. It really is the most perfect television show I've ever watched. I agree about that latest Christmas special; I actually bought the DVD set this past spring just so I could watch it as it's not on YT, I've forgotten why. Anyway, like you I will probably never watch it again because for me, the show's third season ending was just flawless and needed nothing more.
By the way, American here, and I think I got almost every single British reference in the show. That may be because I watch so much British television, though, and read so many British books and other publications. If there was something I didn't get, I immediately paused the episode and did some Googling, unable to carry on until I was in the know. But no, you don't need to get it all in order to appreciate the perfection that is Detectorists. (I will say that it does help if you've watched a bit of Time Team! LOL)
Thanks! Glad my sense of it chimed with yours. Cheers!
Hi Professor, this is such an interesting concept. It just goes to show that when programs are written with integrity and genuine heart, they can be absolute gems. This seems a real 'everyman' series, where not just detectorists, but hobbyists of any persuasion find their ilk and stories are built around simple things that many people can identify with.
This looks beautifully shot, well-scripted and superbly acted; I might have to track the dvds down. Thanks for pointing me to a show that looks heartbreakingly meaningful.
Thanks, Len. Yes, I agree. The integrity of the thing is key. It would be a tough concept to pitch to most media producers, and I think the show's success came as a surprise to the BCC but yes, quality will out. I really hope you find and enjoy it.
Excellent stuff. I really liked this series and the Christmas special was an unexpected delight. I also like his take on Worzel Gummidge .
Ha! Yes, indeed.
There are three recent British shows that stand out as having the English Countryside as a 'featured character' - one is "Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing" and the other two are specifically Mackenzie Crook creations: "Detectorists" and "Worzel Gummidge" - Three totally different shows aimed at three different audiencies, but all of them celebrating the beauty of Britain, (and rural England in particular,) and as a collection, providing particularly 'feel-good' television.
I'd recommend all three.
@DaveBartlett I would add This Country to that 😊
I didn't find this show particularly funny....but it quickly became my favourite TV programme of all time, the writing, acting, music, location is done to utter perfection. I want to move to this place, join the D.A.M.C. be friends with these people, even taste that lemonade.. When I saw the So far, I have seen the series three times, everytime I hear that music, I actually get emotional. When I saw the last Christmas special, I got so angry that the cottage had burnt down and Andy and Becky did not have that dream home.....
Right there with you (though I think I find it funnier than int sounds like you do, albeit in a gentle, relatable kind of way rather than laugh out load hysteria). Thanks!
The lemonade 😂👌
I echo your sentiments. Detectorists quickly became my favourite as well, but please be mindful of spoilers. Many people could be deprived of the enjoyment we have had.
Great video, I could of listened to you talk about Detectorists for hours. The show was recommended to me (Netflix) based on previous shows I had watched. Once I started, I couldn't stop myself from watching the complete series. One of the early words you used to describe the show is "quiet" and it's always the first thing that comes to mind for me. I've rewatched the show a few times and I never get tired of it. I actually get emotional every time I hear the theme song and think about this wonderful show.
Great stuff! Thanks :)
Also a huge fan of the show and a detectorist myself. I think you have this review/analysis absolutely spot on. Very deep stuff going on amongst the humour and drama. Without a doubt much more to the show than two guys swinging a metal detector.
As I said I am a detectorist myself and I have to say the show nailed it. It is so relatable and just about every aspect of the hobby represented with both respect and great accuracy.
Very cool. Just had someone detect in my yard. Nothing interesting, alas :)
@@AndrewHartley Ahh, perhaps next time. :)
I am a detectorist but you don't have to be in order to like this show. It's a multi-faceted gem in a 24K setting
agreed. nice image :)
A wonderful description Andrew, and even made me think more about the true meanings in detectorists.
However, I do think that the original “Darling buds of may” was THE perfect tv programme.
Beautiful in every way, even in the cast ! 😊
Take care. James Doherty 🍺
Thanks, mate!
Great review , mate - v. intelligent - one foible ?
The USA is new , sure - but the First Nations go back 50 thousand summers .
British history extant , not specifically Anglo - Saxon history , is about 8 000 years old - the English arrived when the Romans left , 420 CE , according to Bede .
But cracking review , this is a gem of a show .
That their motivation is not moneterised or individualised - it's about the history - that lends their detectorism , idealism - that's the sweet heart of McKenzie Crooks writing , bravo .
True. Thanks!
Superb, highly intelligent commentary on a small-scale work of genius.
You might have specifically mentioned the hawk whistle/ magpie sequence - I thought you would when describing the underlying philosophy of the protagonists. It's a scene that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up (even when just thinking about it).
Thanks for that! Much appreciated.
Just a wonderful review, and insightful commentary. My favorite show, for years. I did have to cut short, due to the unavailability to see the specials yet. I too, have an affinity for Japanese music, and have had, for many years, although not continuously. I still have, my vinyl of The Sadistic Mika Band, which I got in 1975. But some 30 years ago, I discovered, the group Anzenchitai, and it's lead singer Koji Tamaki. It was like waking, from a coma to discover the complete works of The Beatles, or The Eagles, or Bowie. Koji Tamaki, being very much like Bowie, in his changes of looks and style. My first purchase, from E Bay of 'Anzenchitai Super Best ' a multi disc collection of many songs and videos, of their long career, including, a mostly complete concert, live 'One Night Only' being a 'completeist' of course, I collected all of their albums, and videos. If you watch, their first song,first album video, 'Las Vegas Typhoon' they are all dressed in white, and their last song 'Chocolate' on their tenth album 'X' again all in white, it works as bookends of their wonderful career as a group. I also love many other Asian music, like, Jo Sung Mo, (Korean) and in particular, his song, and video of 'As if you were mine' a 9 - 11 story, and the saddest song, I've ever heard, I don't speak any other languages, but feel very satisfied from these songs, and videos, translated or not. Also the Japanese song, from 1985 that launched an entire genre 'City Pop' the song is titled 'Plastic Love' and there are probably 200 covers of this song out there, some of my favorites are by; Friday Night Plans, AGA, Alice, and Hayoung of 'Fromis _9' . I have been a metal detectorist for many years as well, and have several interesting finds. Thank you for your insightful review.
Thank you! I know that Crook has also become a detectorist so I think there's some respect for the hobbyists there which people didn't expect. Thanks also for the notes on Japanese bands, not all of which I know. Will dig...
I've watched the series dozens of times, & Becky, Sophie, & the beer always make me laugh. Likewise the running lemonade thing.
Ha! Yep :)
Thanks for the heads up about the 2022 special .. from what you say i get the impression it was driven by tv people who had no connection to the subject matter .. the last episode of series 3 was the perfect way to tie up the show.
I didn't know that. Thanks. But yes, totally agree about the end of season 3.
Love the show!
Hi, you said there are not many perfect shows, and this one comes close to being one. Which ones then do you think have been or are perfect, Fawlty Towers I hope?
Would certainly be a contender.
Yes, I think F T is most likely the pinacle of what a sitcom can be, but we were spoilt for sitcoms around that same time in the mid 70s in the UK.@@AndrewHartley
What a great show I think it will age well unlike some Fawlty Towers doesn’t seem to be as funny all these years later
@@alanhill7965 For me, FT is timeless and each episode will always be a Masterpiece and nothing comes near it in comedy turns, but I do also know ppl who can't stand it, so in the end, it's just about opinions really. No one is right or wrong.
Excellent - thank you.
You are welcome!
its technically not connected but i love the Netflix movie The Dig and see it almost like a sister movie to Detectorists. It has Johnny Flynn, who did the dedtectorists theme song(his folk music is superb) acting in it and is set nearby being about the true story of the Sutton Who dig just before WW2. which is referenced a few times in detectorists. it has a similar calm and small story energy and has powerful messaging about archeology and death.
it also has voldemort and sally sparrow as the main leads
Yes, I'm familiar with it. I studied the Sutton Hoo dig back in my undergrad days when I was seriously considering a career in archaeology. Great stuff.
Linkage with Midnight Diner: simple, compelling opening music themes and human need for connection. Thank you.
Absolutely, yes
@@AndrewHartley what’s your take on Searching for Sugarman, if you’ve seen it?
In case you haven’t ua-cam.com/video/PHfaonlVEfg/v-deo.html
I think the 2022 special is perfect.
Hey, AJ, I just thought I would let you know that BABYMETAL'S newest single "METAL KINGDOM" just released.
Yep. I'm swamped with work right now but will try to make some sort of response when I can.
Because I don’t believe that perfection exists, I’d argue that the actor who played the German student is the only weak link in the cast.
Fair enough. But it's tough to be both natural and compelling when you are playing someone who doesn't speak English as a first language. I'm ok with him.
Are you any relation to J R R Hartley. I agree with you but think the special was deliberately off, so to speak, to end it. By the way you’ll have to be British to get the joke at the beginning.
Ha. No, but I did once sign his book when someone brought it to a signing as a joke (apparently the ads were so popular that they actually released the [previously nonexistent] book to capitalize)!
Are you a Man or Women please . i am struggling to know , we all need proof please
What is that supposed to mean?
#RUDE
W⚓️
@@AM-fs1je hows your mum doing ? still working round the back of Mcdonalds
@@AndrewHartley you look like a women and sound like a man thats why