Mackenzie Crook's latest comedy, Small Prophets, is a masterclass in gentle storytelling, full of gorgeous surprises that will leave you beaming with delight. The show follows the life of Michael (Pearce Quigley), a lanky, long-bearded gent who lives alone in an overgrown semi-detached at the end of a south Manchester cul-de-sac. His daily routine is as dull as it sounds: waking up from a strange dream about birds, trudging to his job on the shop floor, and then returning home to repeat the cycle.
One would expect a show like this to be bleak and sad, but Crook deftly subverts expectations by introducing a cast of lovable eccentrics who inhabit Michael's world. There's Brian (Michael Palin), Michael's dad, who may not remember Clea, his missing girlfriend, but has a knack for constructing intricate Rube Goldberg-style marble runs that defy logic.
At the heart of the show is Michael's unlikely friendship with Kacey (Lauren Patel), a young woman from his past who's now working at his job. Their relationship is a beautiful, platonic take on Harold and Maude, full of wit and warmth.
The cast of supporting characters is equally impressive, including Jon Pointing as Clive, the curtain-twitching neighbour who keeps getting outsmarted by Michael; Crook himself as Gordon, Michael's officious but ineffectual boss; and a sullen teenager (whose storyline we won't spoil here) who cycles around the close in a mesmerizing dance of frustration.
What sets Small Prophets apart is its ingenious storytelling, which balances absurdity with moving emotional depth. A mugging scene that's both laugh-out-loud funny and heartbreakingly poignant is just one example of Crook's skillful hand.
Ultimately, Small Prophets is a show about the power of imagination in a world that can sometimes seem bleak. It proves that British telly still has it in its heart to create magical, impossible marvels like this. With its talented cast and ingenious storytelling, it's an absolute must-watch for anyone looking for a reason to keep believing in magic.
One would expect a show like this to be bleak and sad, but Crook deftly subverts expectations by introducing a cast of lovable eccentrics who inhabit Michael's world. There's Brian (Michael Palin), Michael's dad, who may not remember Clea, his missing girlfriend, but has a knack for constructing intricate Rube Goldberg-style marble runs that defy logic.
At the heart of the show is Michael's unlikely friendship with Kacey (Lauren Patel), a young woman from his past who's now working at his job. Their relationship is a beautiful, platonic take on Harold and Maude, full of wit and warmth.
The cast of supporting characters is equally impressive, including Jon Pointing as Clive, the curtain-twitching neighbour who keeps getting outsmarted by Michael; Crook himself as Gordon, Michael's officious but ineffectual boss; and a sullen teenager (whose storyline we won't spoil here) who cycles around the close in a mesmerizing dance of frustration.
What sets Small Prophets apart is its ingenious storytelling, which balances absurdity with moving emotional depth. A mugging scene that's both laugh-out-loud funny and heartbreakingly poignant is just one example of Crook's skillful hand.
Ultimately, Small Prophets is a show about the power of imagination in a world that can sometimes seem bleak. It proves that British telly still has it in its heart to create magical, impossible marvels like this. With its talented cast and ingenious storytelling, it's an absolute must-watch for anyone looking for a reason to keep believing in magic.
. The way Mackenzie Crook weaves these quirky characters together is pure genius 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a show about a guy like Michael, just trying to make it through the day? But the cast is just so lovable and weird in their own ways, you can't help but be drawn in 
. And that supporting cast, oh man... Brian's marble runs are literally my favorite thing I've ever seen 
. It's like Crook has this whole other world of humor and heart just waiting to be discovered. Small Prophets is definitely one of those shows that will leave you smiling long after the credits roll 
. The writing is so clever and the acting is top-notch, too. I love how it balances humor and heartbreak, it's like a big warm hug on a cold day 
. Can't wait to see what happens next! 
The cast is amazing too, from Brian (Michael Palin) to Clive (Jon Pointing), they're all so quirky and lovable. And I love how the show balances humor with heartwarming moments - like that mugging scene! It's just a great feel-good show, you know? But what I think sets it apart is the way it shows us that even in a world that can seem dark sometimes, our imaginations can still take us on amazing adventures. 
, i loved how he turned what sounds like a super boring premise into something that's actually hilarious and touching. and that cast? game-changer 
. pearce quigley shines as michael, but the supporting characters are where it's at for me. brian (michael palin) had me giggling every time on screen 
. can't wait to see what crook comes up with next 
Anyways, Small Prophets has definitely won me over, and if you haven't checked it out yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! 
I'm not saying Small Prophets is bad or anything, but have you noticed how the show's creators are always talking about the power of imagination and creativity... it sounds like a clever way to promote their own agenda. 
Can we get more shows like this on TV? It's just what British telly needs to bring back that magic 
.
.