23/12/2022
And there are exquisite, understated moments of joy and sadness. Watch the scene in the second season in which Terry's wife Sheila (Sophie Thompson) – a woman with a very literal interpretation of the adage that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade – is sympathising with Lance over his difficulties with his daughter. Thompson's brilliant performance makes plain that Sheila has known devastating loss, although it is never specifically mentioned and we never know what it is. "It is my favourite scene in all that I've done," says Crook. The fact that Sheila is usually such a comedic character makes it all the more poignant and piercing.
There, in the background of another scene – blink and you'll miss it – is Varde on one knee, proposing to Louise with a ring she's just found. You can actually buy Louise and Varde tote bags, T-shirts, duvet covers. You can buy DMDC (Danebury Metal Detecting Club) T-shirts, T-shirts bearing a Detectorists' guide to ring-pulls. There is even a fanzine Waiting For You, named after a lyric from the haunting theme song by Johnny Flynn. There have been three issues so far and a fourth is due.