Truth Seekers (2020)

“How can I put a Smyle on your face?”

With the one-two comedic punch of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost at the helm, 2020’s Truth Seekers combines supernatural horror, science fiction, and comedy in order to create a really enjoyable series. Written by Pegg, Frost, James Serafinowicz, and Nat Saunders, the series follows the adventures of Gus Roberts (Frost), the number one broadband installer for the Smyle communications company, who moonlights as a paranormal investigator and host of the fledgling YouTube series Truth Seekers. Along for the ride are Elton John (Samson Kayo), the newest Smyle hire, and Astrid (Emma D’Arcy), a mysterious young woman who is haunted by multiple malevolent spirits. The series also features Malcolm McDowell and Susie Wokoma in major supporting roles as Gus’ father-in-law, Richard, and Elton’s agoraphobic sister, Helen.

In the series, Gus, Elton, and Astrid investigate haunted locations that, with each episode, prove to be tied together in some way. Elton and Astrid have their own issues to deal with as well. A number of potential villains and allies arise over the course of the show, and the series comes to a close with an open ending that begs for a second season. Sadly, that second season will not become a reality according to Nick Frost.

Each episode follows a basic outline: 1) Open with a flashback that ultimately ties into the situation in the present, 2) Gus’ boss, David (Pegg), gives him and Elton their assignment, 3) Gus and Elton find a solution to their problem, and, finally, 4) A new problem is introduced. From spirits trapped in WWII radio equipment to a vengeful spirit that possesses a doll, Gus, Elton, and Astrid deal with a number of supernatural events, some loaded with humorous moments and others taking on a more sinister feel. All of the events in the show culminate in a showdown with the primary villain in the eighth and final episode.

The show features a number of genuinely creepy moments. I was especially creeped out by the encounters with the ghosts that haunt Astrid. Fans of Pegg and Frost may find the show somewhat lacking in laughs compared to their other work, but the series is interesting enough that the absence of humor at times is not missed. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of humorous moments in the series, just not as many as Pegg/Frost fans would expect in one of their productions.

The biggest strengths of the series are its writing and ridiculously likeable cast. Pegg, Frost, Serafinowicz, and Suanders terrify, tickle, and tear jerk the audience in every episode with their story. Frost, Kayo, and D’Arcy are easy to watch on the screen and their characters make you laugh and pull at your heartstrings as well. McDowell and Wokoma steal every scene. McDowell provides many of the laughs in the series and Wokoma makes you laugh and cry at the same time. The rest of the cast, including Mike Beckingham, Kelly Macdonald, Morgana Robinson, Taj Atwal, and Julian Barrett, are superb as well. Their performances are brilliant.

A lot happens over the series’ short eight episodes, and I hate to see that there will not be a second season. That said, I’m glad that I was able to find this hidden gem on Amazon Prime. If you haven’t watched it yet and love horror and comedy, give it a look!

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