Mackenzie Crook’s new sitcom Small Prophets explores humanity with gentle comedy
The newest sitcom from Mackenzie Crook, Small Prophets, weaves a tale about the human experience and the quest for understanding, reports BritPanorama. The series follows Michael (Pearce Quigley), a man in Manchester whose life has been stuck in limbo since his girlfriend Clea vanished seven years ago. After an enlightening conversation with his father, played by the notable Michael Palin, Michael embarks on a peculiar journey, attempting alchemy to create ‘homunculi’—small, god-like beings capable of revealing truths. His ultimate questions revolve around Clea: will she return, and did she ever truly love him?
Nearly 25 years after the release of The Office, Crook’s narrative continues the legacy of exploring the depths of human emotion. In Small Prophets, there is a richness in character, reflecting compassion for every individual, even those who may seem flawed or caricatured. Michael is portrayed as a multifaceted figure, not simply a tragic outcast, but someone full of dignity, care, and concern for the world around him. The supporting characters, including an overbearing boss and a nosy neighbour, also exhibit moments of vulnerability.
While the series unfolds at a deliberate pace, it gradually reveals profound insights about everyday life, dismissing typical comedic tropes in favour of an emotional truth. Crook has expressed a desire to avoid instructing viewers on how to feel, although the sincerity of his storytelling inevitably elicits laughter and poignancy. The essence of the show lies in its belief that there is beauty and humanity in every person, regardless of their apparent oddity.
Crook’s prior work, including the comedy Detectorists, has similarly found depth in the mundane, making ordinary lives resonate with universal themes. He has intentionally steered away from the typical ‘cringe comedy’ that defined earlier British sitcoms, opting instead for what he describes as ‘gentle comedy.’ This approach contrasts sharply with the more mean-spirited style epitomized by his former collaborator, Ricky Gervais, who has gained notoriety for highlighting human folly rather than human kindness.
In a world where comedians often provoke divisiveness, Crook remains committed to an ethos that seeks to humanize rather than ridicule. Small Prophets epitomizes this, exploring life’s complexities through its modest premise and character-driven narrative. This series, rooted in the unassuming intricacies of domestic existence, illustrates the heart and humor inherent in even the most ordinary stories.
