Small Prophets: Pearce Quigley Shines in Apple TV+ Comedy

The Hollywood Reporter has reviewed "Small Prophets," the BBC Two comedy now streaming on Apple TV+, and the verdict is glowing. According to the trade publication, the series marks Apple TV+'s first magical realist triumph, breaking a string of less successful attempts in that vein.

The show is written, directed and co-starred by Mackenzie Crook, best known for his work on "Detectorists." THR says "Small Prophets" shares that show's droll, grounded sensibility, but adds a whimsical, sad streak. The real standout, per the review, is Pearce Quigley's lead performance as Michael Sleep. THR calls it one of the year's best, describing Quigley's portrayal of a sarcastic, melancholic man stuck in grief as beautifully economical. He plays a character who has all his patience reserved for his father (Michael Palin) and none left for anyone else.

The premise: Seven years after his girlfriend Clea vanished on Christmas Eve, Michael still lives in her house, surrounded by boxes. His father, slipping into dementia, suggests he raise homunculi — tiny humanoid creatures in jars that can answer any question. Michael reluctantly begins the process with help from a co-worker (Lauren Patel). The review notes the show is filled with odd characters — a neighbor poisoning imaginary pests, a giggling co-worker, a cycling teen — but Crook's restrained direction keeps it from tipping into silliness.

THR praises the ensemble, including Patel as a convincing foil and Palin's matter-of-fact strangeness. The series runs six half-hour episodes, with a second season already ordered. The review says the show builds to well-earned chaos.

If you liked "Detectorists," this sounds like an easy recommendation. Apple TV+ has found its best show of the year, according to at least one critic, and it's a small, humane comedy with a big heart.

• Apple TV
• BBC Two
• Mackenzie Crook
• Pearce Quigley
• Small Prophets
• TV Review