There is a rare kind of magic in Detectorists, a show that invites us to slow down and appreciate the world in all its quiet wonder. On the surface, it is a series about two men wandering fields with metal detectors, but beneath that lies a profound meditation on time, memory, and the delicate balance between progress and preservation. With its gentle humour and understated storytelling, the show offers a glimpse into the beauty of history and nature and serves as a reminder of what we stand to lose if we are not careful.
It is, in my opinion, a masterclass in subtle storytelling that delivers a significant emotional and environmental message without ever feeling preachy.
Set in the fictional town of Danebury, Detectorists follows Andy (Mackenzie Crook) and Lance (Toby Jones), two likeable but directionless hobbyists who share an obsession with uncovering historical treasures. Their metal detecting club is filled with eccentric yet loveable characters, each with their own quirks and small-town dramas. And what a motley bloody crew and I loved them all.
What sets Detectorists apart is its warmth and sense of being REAL. The series finds beauty in the boring...long walks in the countryside, pub conversations, and the thrill of discovering something as minor as an old coin or button. These small moments become something really moving, as the show gently explores friendship, ambition, and the human desire to leave a mark on history. In fact, the show ambles along at a pace that even the older participants in modern life like me can keep up with. No fast actioned hero Hollywood blockbuster adrenalin pumping special effects fueled stuff here. No, it just quietly chugs along. All the while, I watched with a smile on my face and a sense of calm. And I laughed. A lot.
Lance and Andy bumbling through life, the rolling fields, the quiet hum of nostalgia with Simon & Garfunkel woven in...it’s like a warm hug from a simpler time. Crook’s touch is genius; he lulls you into loving this idyllic world, those wide shots of the Essex countryside practically glowing, and then - bam - he hits you with that gut-punch.
One of the show’s most consistently funny bits is the presence of the rival detectorist duo, nicknamed “Simon and Garfunkel” by Andy and Lance. These two, played with a perfectly smug and deadpan delivery, was a treat. Their ability to always be one step ahead of Andy and Lance... whether by securing permission to search better land or uncovering something just slightly more significant. As for the bats? Well, you will have to watch for yourself to understand.
