One of the finest television comedies ever crafted enjoyed its poignant farewell last Christmas in the form of a feature-length reunion special, and now, the entire series can be enjoyed time and time again in Acorn Media’s Complete Collection DVD release.
I’ve seen Detectorists described before as being “about nothing, and yet everything”, and I couldn’t put it any better myself. Here’s a series that appears on the surface to be understated to the point of being without substance, and yet it is probably one of the most richly-layered and insightful studies of life, love, and everything in between that you’ll ever see.
Andy and Lance are friends who share a passion for metal detecting. Although they act like an old married couple — griping at each other — there is a true bond between the two, and they have a common dream: finding a priceless collection of items that would cement their place in detecting history. Greed, betrayal and redemption are among the emotions experienced as Andy and Lance, along with their eccentric friends in the Danebury Metal Detecting Club, go in search of the big find that has eluded them to this point.
Across three seasons and the aforementioned feature-length finale special, Detectorists deals with all aspects of life through the prism of metal detecting in rural Britain, and I think you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t found guidance and wisdom in the quiet conversations of Andy (Mackenzie Crook, who also writes and directs) and Lance (Toby Jones). And on top of that, the show is gut-bustingly hilarious with some of the funniest dialogue ever written.
Detectorists is one of those rare shows that I recommend to absolutely everyone and anyone, regardless of what genres they usually watch or their taste. There truly is something for everyone in Detectorists, and the complete collection is an essential part of anyone’s home collection. It should be a legal requirement.