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Unmissable Television: “Dirk Gently” (2016)

Dirk Gently Season 2 – copyright: BBC America

The latest TV version of “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency“, based on the novel by Douglas Adams, will be airing its second season on BBC America this Saturday, 14 October, and, hopefully, not too long after that on UK Netflix. The first season is available to catch up on at the BBC America website and, for UK viewers, on Netflix.  So why should you be watching it?

The plots are funny, clever and insane. English actor Samuel Barnett stars as Dirk, having previously appeared in the TV and stage versions of gay drama, “The History Boys“. Much of the first season’s focus is on the love/hate friendship between Dirk and Todd, who is played by the wonderful Elijah Wood, who previously found fame in the three “Lord of the Rings” films.  It is their complex relationship and the way it evolves that makes for compelling viewing.

Season 1 Quotes

Todd (to Dirk): I’m not your Watson, asshole!

Dirk Gently Season 1 – copyright: BBC America

Dirk: I don’t have any friends. I am always surrounded by bizarre and frightening states of disaster and I am always alone. Even you keep saying you’re not my friend. But, since you’re the closest thing I’ve had, I’d really appreciate it if you’d stop calling yourself an asshole.
Todd: Okay. You’re right. When we get back in the morning we’ll solve the murder of Patrick Spring, save Lydia and figure out whatever the hell that thing is. And I’ll tell Amanda the truth about everything. And, Dirk, I am your friend.

Actor Quotes

Samuel Barnett: ‘[Dirk] just doesn’t understand social cues. But the universe has told him that Todd is the guy, so he’s just going for Todd. He thinks Todd is his best friend. He really likes Todd and thinks Todd is brilliant … I think Dirk drives Todd absolutely insane. I think if Todd could walk away from Dirk and have nothing to do with him, he would, but the universe keeps leading him back to Dirk.’ – Samuel Barnett interview for “Collider”

Samuel Barnett, re working with Elijah: “I couldn’t have asked for a better acting partner and a better human being to work with. We have to work very closely together, and I felt, in our screen test, that we had really good chemistry, but I wasn’t sure if I was just making that up. Max has written a really finely wrought bromance. I have complete trust in Elijah. To me, he is one of the best actors of my generation. He’s so incredibly present and in the moment, when you’re working with him, and then we just chat away about anything off camera because he’s such a lovely guy.” – Samuel Barnett interview with “Collider”