Detectorists, BBC4, review

Metalhead comedy full of tender moments.

Detectorists returns to unearth more comic gold: review

It's almost compulsory in Detectorists reviews to say the show unearthed comic gold. Indeed it did. If you're yet to join the DMDC (Danebury Metal Detecting Club), treat yourself. Treasures await.

Detectorists is an utter joy

Detectorists is an absolute televisual treasure. I'm delighted that Series 3 is here.

Preview: Detectorists series 3

The third series of Detectorists starts Wednesday 8th November on BBC Four. Here are Sophie's thoughts on the opening episode...

Diana Rigg and Ruaraidh Murray on acting & Edinburgh

Diana Rigg - Dame Diana Rigg if you want to stand on ceremony; she doesn't insist on it - is sipping prosecco in the bar of the Groucho Club in Soho. We are discussing issues of contemporary class representation in her chosen profession.

Radio Times review

Harry Hill returns as the multi-spectacled boffin of Norman Hunter's children's books. After Branestawm's TV introduction last Christmas, his cartoonish adventures are once again adapted by in-demand writer Charlie Higson. This time the chocolate-box village of Pagwell is, fortuitously, hosting an invention contest. But has Branestawm met his match in the ingenious Professor Algebrain (Steve Pemberton)?

Among an extraordinary cast giving fruity performances are Diana Rigg, Simon Day, Vicki Pepperdine, Matt Berry and his absurd intonations, Sophie Thompson and David Mitchell. From the clips available to RT, it's wildly eccentric, old-school and very funny - with a barking mad chase sequence.

Radio Times review

If Radio Times had a Scene of the Year competition I'd nominate a two-hander in the finale of this adorable sitcom. It's moving not only for what is said but also for what is not - and the back story suggested by it. In a pub garden, Lance (Toby Jones) nurses a pint, rueful about not hearing from the daughter he's just discovered he has. Smiley Sheila (wonderful Sophie Thompson), whom we thought was naive and a bit simple, consoles him with unexpected wisdom. And behind her careful words lies a world of sadness.

Not far behind are other insightful scenes: Lance and Andy discussing ambition; Andy and his mother-in-law (Diana Rigg) on priorities; and a real beauty between Andy and Becky: both absurd and affecting. But then Detectorists has always championed unfashionable things like kindness and friendship.

It's an episode of decisions, framed with a David Bailey eye and a nuanced script... delivered by actors who know they've made something of lasting value. Perfection.

Star/writer/director Mackenzie Crook told RT the BBC wants more, so we just hope it'll come buzzing back soon.

The original title Apocalypse Slough might have suited this series better, but its transatlantic potential precluded that provincial option. Still, this is a great, mordant end-of-the-world drama, finely led by Mathew Baynton, of Horrible Histories and Yonderland fame. He's joined by big names, such as Rob Lowe and Megan Mullally - and Diana Rigg, who features as shadowy, oxygen-guzzling Sutton. Tonight, Scotty tries to make up for mistakes and Jamie is shaken by a sudden tragedy.

Radio Times review

After tonight's thrilling instalment you may be left wondering which of the major protagonists are NOT actually related to each other. And while the web of coincidences could leave you gasping at times, there seems, with 18 days until the comet lands, a more plausible sense of a world facing imminent destruction than hitherto as we witness greater panic and ennui to go with all the abandoned streets, schools and banks.

And despite being introduced to a fabulously deranged Diana Rigg, this is also perhaps the most emotional and moving episode in a very strong series. Pauline Quirke in particular comes into her own as the wonderful Paula, who defends her son Jamie (Mat Baynton) like a cornered tigress.