Mackenzie Crook's journey from his breakthrough role as Gareth in The Office to creating a new, surreal comedy series, Small Prophets, has been marked by a quest for authenticity. In the latter show, he plays Gordon, a manager at a massive DIY store, but it's Michael, played by Pearce Quigley, who takes center stage - a 50-year-old man trying to navigate middle age and come to terms with his past.
For Crook, writing Small Prophets was an opportunity to explore themes of loneliness, human connection, and the complexities of adult relationships. He wanted to write something that wasn't cruel humor or forced comedy, opting instead for a more understated, character-driven approach. This is evident in the show's unique blend of magic realism, surreal elements, and subtle emotional depth.
Crook has spoken about his own struggles with anxiety and depression, which he believes have informed his writing style. He also drew inspiration from his childhood fascination with the supernatural and unexplained phenomena, as well as his love for classic sci-fi and fantasy stories like James and the Giant Peach.
In contrast to The Office, which was known for its cringe-worthy humor, Small Prophets is a more nuanced exploration of human vulnerability. Michael's story is one of quiet desperation, with no clear resolution or dramatic turning point - it's a show that invites the viewer to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.
Crook has stated that he aimed to create a world where people feel comfortable being vulnerable and open about their feelings. "I don't want to flag up anything," he says, when discussing his approach to comedy. "I like downplaying stuff." This philosophy is reflected in the show's understated tone and lack of overt sentimentality.
Despite its unique tone and style, Small Prophets has attracted a devoted fan base - fans who appreciate its offbeat humor, quirky characters, and nuanced exploration of human emotions. For Crook, this response is a testament to his ability to create a world that resonates with audiences on a deeper level.
In the end, Small Prophets is a show about the complexities of adult life, the power of human connection, and the enduring allure of the supernatural - all told through Crook's distinctive voice and vision. As he puts it, "it's probably more complicated than I know."
For Crook, writing Small Prophets was an opportunity to explore themes of loneliness, human connection, and the complexities of adult relationships. He wanted to write something that wasn't cruel humor or forced comedy, opting instead for a more understated, character-driven approach. This is evident in the show's unique blend of magic realism, surreal elements, and subtle emotional depth.
Crook has spoken about his own struggles with anxiety and depression, which he believes have informed his writing style. He also drew inspiration from his childhood fascination with the supernatural and unexplained phenomena, as well as his love for classic sci-fi and fantasy stories like James and the Giant Peach.
In contrast to The Office, which was known for its cringe-worthy humor, Small Prophets is a more nuanced exploration of human vulnerability. Michael's story is one of quiet desperation, with no clear resolution or dramatic turning point - it's a show that invites the viewer to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.
Crook has stated that he aimed to create a world where people feel comfortable being vulnerable and open about their feelings. "I don't want to flag up anything," he says, when discussing his approach to comedy. "I like downplaying stuff." This philosophy is reflected in the show's understated tone and lack of overt sentimentality.
Despite its unique tone and style, Small Prophets has attracted a devoted fan base - fans who appreciate its offbeat humor, quirky characters, and nuanced exploration of human emotions. For Crook, this response is a testament to his ability to create a world that resonates with audiences on a deeper level.
In the end, Small Prophets is a show about the complexities of adult life, the power of human connection, and the enduring allure of the supernatural - all told through Crook's distinctive voice and vision. As he puts it, "it's probably more complicated than I know."
I'm literally SO done with the whole cringe humor thing from The Office but Small Prophets is like a breath of fresh air!!! 
Mackenzie Crook has finally found his voice and it's like, SO authentic and emotional 
I can already tell he's pouring his heart out into this show. The way he's exploring themes of loneliness and human connection is like, SO relatable 
And that surreal magic realism stuff? 
it's like nothing I've ever seen before! 
it's like, this guy just wants to be comfortable with himself but society keeps pushing him to be this perfect adult 
and it's like, NO THANKS!!! 
This show is literally giving me all the feels 
I need to rewatch it ASAP! 
The characters are all so quirky and lovable, especially Michael played by Pearce Quigley. He's just so relatable and vulnerable, you can't help but root for him.
. And I'm a fan of the weird and wonderful surreal elements - it keeps things interesting! The way Crook writes characters that are both flawed and lovable is super relatable, you know? It's like he's talking directly to us through the TV 
. And what's up with the lack of a clear resolution? Just leaves you feeling unsatisfied and wondering if it was all worth watching... 
. I mean, I've seen more satisfying character studies in a single episode of Schitt's Creek. The whole 'understated tone' thing just sounds like an excuse for laziness to me 
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. As a parent, I appreciate how the show invites viewers to reflect on their own emotions and experiences, rather than trying to tell them what to feel 
. I love how it's not just a comedy, but a way to explore the human condition and all its complexities 
. The magic realism and surreal elements add this extra layer of depth that keeps you hooked 
. Can't wait to see what he comes up with next! 
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. It's like he's taking these everyday feelings and experiences and turning them into something almost dreamlike or fantastical. It's really beautiful to watch, and it feels super in tune with our times.
. Have you seen it? What do you think?
. It's like, we're all trying to figure out who we are and where we fit in, right? And Mackenzie Crook is like, "Hey, let's make a show about it." But what I love most is that he's not afraid to get real about the struggles of growing up and being an adult. It's like, no one's got all the answers, you know? 
And that's what makes this show so special - it's not some cheesy comedy or formulaic drama, it's just... life. 