The Embracing Charm of Small Prophets

Michael, portrayed by Pearce Quigley, endures seven long years longing for the return of his girlfriend Clea, who mysteriously vanished on Christmas Eve. This period of waiting defines much of his existence in Small Prophets, a captivating series available on Apple TV.

Television often overloads viewers with familiar tropes, from repeated crime-solving narratives to prolonged storytelling spread over numerous episodes. Many shows follow formulas that quickly grow tiresome, but Small Prophets breaks away from such traditions, offering original content through six half-hour episodes. The series gracefully balances deadpan humor, fantasy elements, social commentary, and a hint of melancholy.

Pearce Quigley’s character, Michael Sleep, comes to life as a good-hearted man in his fifties. His distinctive appearance, reminiscent of both an aged hippie and Father Time, complements his suburban lifestyle. Michael’s partner Clea vanished seven years ago, but he maintains their house unchanged, even the overgrown lawn. He fills his days with work at a hardware store, akin to Home Depot, and visits to his father Brian, portrayed by Michael Palin, who resides in a retirement home.

Brian regales Michael with stories from Egypt about homunculi, tiny beings that can answer any question truthfully. He provides a recipe for these creatures, sparking Michael’s curiosity about Clea’s fate. Despite doubts, Michael embarks on the peculiar process, using old coins and a truckload of manure.

As Michael’s life unfolds, new individuals enter, including Clea’s brother, Roy, played by Paul Kaye. Roy, in financial distress, aims to claim Michael’s house. The neighbors also become part of his story — the prying Clive and his wife Bev, captivated by Michael’s distinct persona. Additionally, Michael forms an unexpected bond with Kacey, a disenchanted young coworker portrayed by Lauren Patel. Her disdain for their boss, Gordon, creates common ground, forging a unique connection.

In the shadows of Michael’s shed, the homunculi awaken, mirroring the solitude and struggles of the human characters. They symbolize the sincere vulnerability often present in Crook’s work. Known for his offbeat storytelling, Mackenzie Crook crafts series that find humor and heart in unconventional characters and settings, as seen in his cult hit Detectorists.

Crook masterfully highlights the quirks and inner lives of his characters, from Michael’s dream of reuniting with Clea to Kacey’s grand aspirations. Each character, even those appearing foolish, is painted with empathy, revealing hidden depths.

Despite its introspective nature, Small Prophets is not somber. It delivers humor, particularly through Michael’s antics at the store. The series weaves poetry into everyday life through enchanting scenes like falling stars and whimsical shapes in oil spills.

Ultimately, when the homunculi appear, their ethereal presence underscores the show’s themes. Fragile and perceptive, these small prophets reflect the isolation felt by the human characters. Michael, central to the narrative, captures the show’s essence with his droll demeanor and open-hearted approach to life’s wonders. Through him, Small Prophets champions a positive, uncynical perspective, celebrating human differences and resilience.