Apple TV releases 'Small Prophets' with six half-hour episodes
The series stars Pearce Quigley as a man who brews tiny, truth-telling creatures to find his missing partner, while writer-director Mackenzie Crook returns to the screen.
By Bianca Herrera ·
The six-episode series 'Small Prophets' is now available to stream on Apple TV. The show originated as a hit on the BBC in the United Kingdom. It consists of half-hour episodes that blend comedy, fantasy, and social observation.
Pearce Quigley stars as Michael Sleep, a man in his fifties with long hair and a white beard. Michael lives in a suburban house where he has lived since his partner, Clea, disappeared seven years ago. He works at a hardware store called the Tool Box and visits his father, Brian, at a retirement home. Brian is played by Michael Palin.
Brian tells Michael about a friend in Egypt who could summon homunculi. These are miniature humanoid beings that answer questions and always speak the truth. Brian gives Michael a recipe for creating them in glass jars. Michael attempts the process, which requires old coins and a truckload of manure.
Other characters enter Michael's life during this period. Roy, played by Paul Kaye, is Clea's brother who arrives broke to claim the house. Next-door neighbors Clive and Bev, played by comically hectoring actors, become obsessed with Michael. Clive is upset by the messy yard, while his wife Bev finds Michael different.
Michael also forms a friendship with Kacey, a young coworker played by Lauren Patel. They bond over their dislike of their boss, Gordon. Gordon is an officious manager with a greasy ponytail. He is played by Mackenzie Crook, who wrote and directed 'Small Prophets.' Crook previously created the comedy series 'Detectorists.'
The show focuses on loners, oddballs, and people in unsatisfying jobs. It portrays characters with sympathy, highlighting their hidden vulnerabilities. The narrative includes poetic elements such as a falling star and an oil spill shaped like a rabbit. When the homunculi finally appear, they are depicted as fragile creatures trapped in bottles.
The creatures mirror the solitude of the human characters. Their faces show pain and isolation. Michael remains open to the wonder of life despite his circumstances. He is portrayed as caring, loyal, and accepting of differences.
The series avoids heavy melodrama. It includes jokes, such as Michael interacting with customers at the store. The tone remains gentle throughout the six episodes. The show presents a positive view of its characters without being cynical.
