Mr. Wakefield’s Crusade: Episode 1 (1992)

 

And here’s the start of what I imagine will be the final Capaldi Fall entry before Who starts up again – at least, I assume another rare Peter Capaldi project won’t surface on the interwebs before next Saturday.  I’m certainly glad this one did, though.  Not only is it a starring role, it’s a highly entertaining one that, if I didn’t know the miniseries was based on a book, I’d suspect of being tailor-made for PC.  A third of the way through the series, and I’m having a bang-up time.

 

Luke Wakefield is a lonely, awkward man whose life is changed at the post office.  When a fellow mailer drops unexpectedly dead, Luke pilfers the letter the man had been planning to send.  One steamed envelope later, and he has a mystery on his hands:  the late Sebastian was writing to his wife Marion at their shared address.  Initial inquiries reveal the more disquieting fact that Marion died six months before her husband, evidently at his hand.  Luke takes it upon himself to pinch the couple’s complete correspondence and discover the full truth.

 

If episode 1 is anything to go by, Luke is one of PC’s most substantial roles not written by himself.  He’s the undisputed lead (just in case the title didn’t tip you off,) and in addition to appearing in every scene and playing opposite all the other characters, he has long stretches where he’s alone onscreen, talking to himself or monologuing via voiceover. 

 

Beyond that, Luke is a dynamite role right up PC’s alley.  He’s a potent combination of deeply awkward and starved for company, resulting in plenty of priceless exchanges with complete strangers.  He’s also sensitive, a bit full of himself, slightly fussy, obsessive, and, on balance, more than a little “off” – prone to flying off the handle at inopportune moments.  He’s a character that lets PC play all over the place, both large and small, and allows his eyebrows to operate on their own agenda.  I get a huge kick out of Luke and can’t wait to see more of him.

 

As for the miniseries itself, I love the premise, and I’m fond of the cheeky storytelling and filmmaking.  In particular, hard cuts are used to great effect.  For instance, after some fiddling with the stolen letter, Luke resolutely shuts it in a drawer.  Followed instantly, of course, by a shot of him steaming the envelope open.  Clever, fast, funny, and off the wall – loving it.

 

Accent Watch

 

A crisp, almost prissy RP.

 

Recommend?

 

In General – So far, a definite yes.  I’m having a great time.

 

PC-wise – Undoubtedly.  Massive amounts of screentime, comedy, drama, and everything in between, and a bit bonkers.  What more do you want?

 

Warnings

 

Sexual references, implied nudity, lots of drinking, and references to violence.