Homunculi

I've just finished watching Mackenzie Crook's fabulous new TV drama Small Prophets. It'll come as no surprise that the man who brought you Detectorists has written and producd smething so magical (literally) and so endearing that you know people will still be talking about the show in 10, 20, 50 years time - and beyond. It's up on the iPlayer now; you really should give it a spin. You'll kick yourself if you don't. Pearce Quigley & Michael Palin will probably kick you as well; their performances are both off the charts.

Small Prophets (BBC) - official trailer (2026)

 

I've got a feeling you're gonna like the soundtrack too. The main theme is by Cinder Well - 'The Wiseman's Song' will probably become a heartbreaking classic (not my words, but those of Mackenzie Crook). And with his current run of form I certainly wouldn't bet against him.

January. Sick and Tired, You've Been Hanging on Me

Pilate

The January Man, if we're to believe the song, 'walks abroad in woolen coat and boots of leather'. I'm not sure about that; but what has been a horrible month (God, I hate January) is, thankfully, nearly at an end.

I can almost see the distant uplands of spring - if not around the next corner, then maybe the one after that. I live in hope, as Barrington Womble once said.

And what better Long Song for the last Monday of this unfeasibly long month. Well, the clue is in today's title. That's right, Pilot.

Grandaddy - He's Simple, He's Dumb, He's the Pilot (2000)