Cinematic Point Of View

Do you like Stephen King? Do you like formulaic 80’s doctor or cop action television? Do you like sexism, egoism, and low production values? Do you like blood? Blood, blood, blood. (There’s actually not much blood) Then you’ll love the 2004 horror comedy series ‘Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace.’ This show is a pitch perfect parody of 80s horror entertainment and it feels exactly like the kind of “quality television” I grew up on.

Created by Richard Ayoade and Matthew Holness, this fake docu series focuses on a fictional horror author named Garth Marenghi (Matthew Holness) and his publisher Dean Learner (Richard Ayoade). They unearth a canceled TV series, starring Garth and based upon his horror novels and bring it to you under the guise of a documentary special. Everything that happens, is somehow connected to the great and perfect Garth Marenghi. The lines between his fictional character’s greatness and the real Garth are blurred….at least for Garth.

And are you a Matt Berry fan? The man is a certified comedy genius. Nobody does bad line delivery and deadpan like Matt.

Is this the most important television series ever created? It is for Garth Marenghi.

In each episode the and hospital and it’s staff come under constant deadly contact with supernatural or horrific elements by which Garth is forced to save the day. He is such a dry, smooth, self-absorbed, self-promoting bastard. So good at some many things and forced to put aside his personal safety for the greater good. The unsung hero, perfect in his own mind.

I can’t explain how much I love this show. It’s simple a humorous look at the male ego in many ways. How we grow up wanting to be the hero, get the girl, save the day, play the saxophone…well some of those things anyway.

I get a big grin on my face just from thinking about the opening montage. If you haven’t seen it, just go watch it. All episodes are available on YouTube. Episode 1 is embeded up top here.

I would love to hear what you think after you watch it. Hope you enjoy!