the detectorists

and other shout-outs

Today is the first real break from the heatwave that blanketed New England all last week. Very much like the effect of pushing off a heavy blanket, the cooler temps and lighter air brings an immediate sense of  relief.

In the midst of the heatwave, I switched from my usual British murder mystery/detective shows routine, to rewatch all three (short) seasons of The Detectorists. (Where I do not need to be mentally alert to clues.)

The root “detect” found in both detective and detectorist suggests I didn’t wander all that far from my usual terrain - I suppose they both share a similar theme in a broad way - though they are still quite different.  

I find the series comforting and reassuring. Particularly in light of the last couple years and the disorienting attack humans have been under. Balm for the soul they way chicken soup soothes the body.

As with many compelling series, the characters are a mix of endearing and odd. They navigate, sometimes, fumble their way through life, hiding bits n pieces of themselves from themselves, that nonetheless remain glaringly obvious to everyone else. 

The pathos of the human condition is front and center, though so lightly handled it feels as background as the fields themselves the metal-detectorists walk, in search of treasure. 

Given the theme, many of the scenes takes place outside, where the comfort and changing display of nature has as central a role as the two main characters, Andy and Lance.

The show has an almost miraculously-real feel to it: just humans in their natural habitat (pubs as well as fields). It is a lovely thing to watch. 

The writer, director and star of the series, McKenzie Crook, (plays Andy) has a graciously soft touch, as well as an excellent and subtle sense of humor. He is highly insightful to the human condition while simultaneously generous in his view. 

Here’s the trailer.

Human flaws and charms unfold within the stories though neither are treated as more or less worthy, nor are they tethered to an agenda. Some scenes can be moving and (depending on the viewer) emotional yet there is no whiff of manipulation by the director to provoke the response. In fact in some instances when happiness or triumph shows up, he pulls the camera way back as to include the elements of nature, reminding us perhaps that we are not the center of things, and even our significant personal experiences still happen in connection to the larger world, where they are immediately held and subsumed.  

As conversations between Andy and Lance slowly reveal details of their lives, and build the bonds of their deepening relationship, the backdrop scenes this happens in - a setting sun, an insect on a flower, wavy grass - are weaved together with such ease and grace, that as a watcher, you don’t actually care what the story is. You just want to be there with them. 

Somehow, even if Andy and Lance - likely sitting under a large tree sipping a beverage - are feeling a bit bored with their own lives, we are not, while watching them.

Nothing is going on except everything is going on and it’s all just normal life. 

Obviously I recommend. 

Speaking of which, a few shout-outs. These too would nicely fall within the “detect” category, as they are also piecing things together and benefiting the rest of us in the process.. All have very different approaches, unique voices and and all are very worthy your time. (There’s no way to be complete in below blurbs, so apologies in advance for all the attributes the below authors offer, that go unmentioned.)

Margaret Anna Alice (the Great) Through the Looking Glass- who I know needs no introduction -  but I wanted to say a big Thank You to for the recent references to my stack, which resulted in a bunch o’ new subscribers. I’m both humbled and grateful. As we know MAA blends the best qualities of intelligence and heart; her posts feel like gifts that keep on giving, given the links and videos that come with. Passion, check, compassion, yes, fierce smarts, uh-huh, comprehensive well-informed research, of course, humor and inventiveness, affirmative and (when appropriate) a sharp sting. That’s Margaret Anna. Never miss one of her stacks.

Here’s a recent one:

Letter to Alex Berenson on World Ivermectin Day

Visceral Adventure - Not your standard fare - super cool and creative without sacrificing intelligence, humor or depth. Just reading/listening to her makes you a little more cool yourself. Audio feel like performance art. It’s a gem.

The Plight of the Aphids

Fractal Sovereignty - Well-written and thoughtful essays about the mystical that runs through life. Here you will learn things, (I always do) pick up some wisdom and overall spend time in a bigger perspective that takes you into the mystery (and even direct contact with mystics) while simultaneously staying grounded. A definite, yes. 

Metaphysical Musings #9

The Mariachi Years, Monica Hughes PhD - Fresh, funny, insightful, snarky, impatient, reflective, real, heart-felt and surprising are just some of the adjectives I would use to describe this stack which covers lots of subjects. You’ll want to check it out and then you’ll want to keep reading. Trust me.

He'd Only Have Seen the Ceiling

Past Present and Future Newsletter - David Huber writes this and includes in the natural surroundings of his life on Reunion Island, often with pics that capture ocean life as well as the Island’s plants. Sprinkled in are stories of his life experiences in the military, along with religious and mystical reflections. There are many different angles to David’s mind and its always fascinating, no matter which one he pursues.

following the Cosmic trail, where will it lead us? (some ramblings)

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