Detectorists

Yes, OFAH maybe should have resisted going back to the well. Some of that post-ending era was pretty ropey. Though two moments almost justifiy it: 1. Trigger's dancing 2. John Challis' perfect delivery of  'Do sell-by dates mean nothing to the Trotters?' when he's doing his midnight raid on the fridge.  

Yeah true, they messed up the characters just for some cheap laughs. But that's what happens in most comedies, they can't leave it with a happy ending. It like only fools and horses. The supposed final episode tied up all the loose ends and then they make loads of specials ruining the original series. 

Shardovan said:

Anyway, I know that MC's writing is leagues above that, much more nuanced and gentle. So even that little moment of 'ah, that's lazy, shame he did that'

I don't know why he did that. It seems like he had complete creative control so it wasn't someone else's idea or he had to compromise. 

It can sometimes get even more problematic too. Very different type of show I know, but when the first Inbetweeners movie came out, they introduced tentative love interests with well rounded and sympathetic female characters, presumably intending that to be a final button on things - bit of emotional maturity at the end of the run that such partners would require of them. 

Then they made another film, and - in order to contrive a plot that requires them to all be free agents again- they turn at least one of those very same female characters into a shrewish cipher, pretty much a misogynistic stereotype, acting totally at odds to how she was first time around. No reason given, just 'cos. It really did the whole thing no favours at all. I'm surprised the actress agreed to come back and do it actually. 

Anyway, I know that MC's writing is leagues above that, much more nuanced and gentle. So even that little moment of 'ah, that's lazy, shame he did that' didn't impact on the heart of the show staying true to itself more generally.    

You have lots of episodes to watch of your favourite show, you're lucky. Everything I like seems to only go on for a few series. I don't know if that makes something more special or not. 

Shardovan said:

I just have a thing about some characters getting turned back into 2d charicatures when we'd already moved past that into something more poignant. 

Yes, I know what you mean. 

Such a good show. Unique and enjoyable, good humour which for once I'm able to understand and enjoy. It's my favourite second show, sitting behind Doctor Who which is naturally my favourite.

Love this show too. It's so gentle, and the music and scenery are good for the soul. Lovely character dynamics. And being grounded in a 'special interest' is likely to speak to the autistic soul more than any. 

I love how there are no real villains, and nobody is beyond redemption or making low-key, understated amends. The way they ended the third series with an ep in which even Art and Paul call a truce and become friends with everyone really touched me.

Which brings me to the one time the show's ever disappointed me: that last special revealing that those two went back to being adversarial and mercenary. That's just plot mechanics and seemed to betray the spirit of that first end to their arc. But,... other parts of that special were beautiful and transporting and moving in exactly the way thee series always was. I just have a thing about some characters getting turned back into 2d charicatures when we'd already moved past that into something more poignant. 

Now I picture you as Larry, Roy!  You be Larry and I'll be Delilah from Jam and Jerusalem. 

How old are the old folks if she's 76? 

Johnny Flynn is beautiful. There's a program on BBC Sounds called Edward Thomas and the Song of the Path where he walks with Robert MacFarlane in the footsteps of Thomas. If you haven't heard it you should check it out.

That's true about male friendships. Mackenzie Crook is a gentle soul. Ever since I saw that he befriended a robin I've wanted to make my own bird friend. 

Do you think there would be? I guess the Christmas special left it open to the possibility of more. 

I love watching Detecorists, the quirky relationship is brilliant. If I make it to old age, I’m sure I will end up as Larry the farmer. The Simon & Garfunkel characters are cringey but funny. My mother is off to the W.I today, she said yesterday that she will be having lunch with all the old folks, she is 76! They have people come in to do talks, I’m sure I would find the history of anything interesting, mother doesn’t see it that way. Nothing wrong with a bit of Jam and Jerusalem, I found the film Calendar Girls very sad and funny.

I love that show too! I think the theme song/sound track by Johnny Flynn is beautiful too. 

I think it's a nice look at male friendships that you don't usually see. A very gentle show, nothing controversial or high energy. 

I love this show too, it's so different from everything else on the TV these days. All the actors are brilliant. I would really like there to be a new series of this.