TV Review: Garth Marenghi's Darkplace - Page 2

The real comedic genius of the show is its sheer awfulness. The acting is purposely dreadful, the camera shots often stick from hilariously terrible angles that cut off half of people’s heads, and firearms (including flame-throwers) appear from nowhere to supply needed explosive action. 1980s-style exudes throughout with fuzzy picture, an opening sequence reminiscent of MacGyver and the remake of the Twilight Zone, and a synthesizer-filled soundtrack.

What struck me as most humorous was the scripting, with unrealistic lines, bewildering trades of dialogue, and blatant fodder for Marenghi’s character and his staggering ego. Plotlines are semi-sensical, stemming from interesting ideas such as telekinetic abilities and alien spores descending through clouds, but executed even worse than a Michael Bay movie.

There are six episodes on the DVD, the entirety of the series since the BBC is notorious for producing only a few episodes before moving on. The humor is often subtle, such as fake opening credits (“Music by Stig Baasvik…Based on melodies originally whistled by Garth Marenghi.”) Those who like British humour such as The Office and the Mighty Boosh will love it, despite cringing at the awkwardness and feeling the urge to punch self-obsessed, bad horror writers in the face.

Article Author: Jeff Provine

Jeff Provine is an author, teacher, cartoonist, traveler, and plucky adventurer.

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