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Mackenzie Crook Returns with 'Small Prophets'

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/02 .. mackenzie-crook-returns-with-small-prophets.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 12:44 GMT by Radio Times
      Locales: England, N/A, UNITED KINGDOM

London, UK - February 2nd, 2026 - Mackenzie Crook, celebrated for his BAFTA-winning performance in Detectorists, returns to the screen with a strikingly original and profoundly affecting new series, Small Prophets. Airing on BBC Four, the six-part drama transports viewers to 16th-century England, presenting a darkly comedic and emotionally resonant story centered around Alfie, a man grappling with unimaginable loss and seeking solace in the most unexpected of places - his garden.

The premise is wonderfully bizarre: Alfie, portrayed with characteristic nuance by Crook, begins to perceive miniature prophets manifesting within his surroundings. These aren't grand, biblical figures delivering pronouncements of doom or salvation, but diminutive, often mischievous entities that simultaneously offer comfort and exacerbate Alfie's inner turmoil. Crook himself both wrote and directed the series, imbuing it with his distinctive style - a blend of quirky observation, gentle humour, and a commitment to authenticity.

But why set this tale in the tumultuous era of 16th-century England? Crook explains his fascination with the period stems from its inherent instability and the complex interplay of religious upheaval, superstition, and nascent scientific inquiry. "It was a time of great upheaval, of religious change, of superstition and folk belief," Crook shared with Radio Times. "There was a real sense of wonder and uncertainty about the world." This historical context isn't merely window dressing; it's integral to the thematic heart of Small Prophets. The era's pervasive belief in the supernatural, alongside the deep-seated anxieties of the time, create a fertile ground for Alfie's experiences - blurring the lines between reality, delusion, and spiritual seeking.

Beyond the fantastical elements, Small Prophets delves into universally relatable themes, most prominently the agonizing process of grief. Alfie is a man recently bereaved, having lost both his wife and child. The tiny prophets aren't a solution to his sorrow, but rather a manifestation of his desperate search for meaning and connection. They offer a fleeting respite from the pain, but their ambiguous nature and unpredictable behaviour only deepen his emotional confusion.

Crook is adamant that the series is not intended as a theological treatise or a critique of faith. "It's not about attacking or defending faith," he clarifies. "It's about exploring the human need to believe, to find meaning in a chaotic world." This nuanced approach allows Small Prophets to resonate with viewers of all backgrounds, regardless of their religious beliefs. The series taps into the fundamental human desire for understanding and purpose, particularly in the face of loss.

The show's tone is a delicate balancing act - a poignant exploration of grief interwoven with moments of absurdist humour. Crook consciously sought to find levity within the darkness. "It's important to find the humour in dark subjects," he states. "It helps to lighten the load, to make it more bearable." This isn't about trivializing suffering, but rather about acknowledging the often-bizarre and unexpected ways in which humans cope with adversity.

The production of Small Prophets presented significant logistical challenges. Filming in period costume and on location required meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a sense of historical accuracy and authenticity. But the greatest hurdle, according to Crook, was maintaining the delicate tonal balance - seamlessly blending humour and sadness, magic and realism. He has expressed profound satisfaction with the final product, believing it will connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.

Small Prophets promises to be more than just a historical drama or a quirky comedy. It's a moving and thought-provoking exploration of grief, faith, and the enduring human need for meaning. Viewers can expect a beautifully crafted series that lingers long after the credits roll.

Catch the premiere of Small Prophets on BBC Four on Tuesday, July 2nd, at 9 PM.