"Garth Marenghi's Darkplace" (2004) TV series

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

29 January 2004 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy | Horror

Tagline:

From the best-selling master of darkness

Plot:

This spoof TV series is an unearthed 80's horror TV show, complete with poor production values, awful dialogue and hilarious violence. The series is set in a Hospital in Romford, which is situated over the gates of Hell.

Plot Keywords:

Hospital | Interview | 1980s | Spoof | Television

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Matthew Holness	...	Dr. Rick Dagless M.D. / ... (6 episodes, 2004)
Matt Berry	...	Dr. Lucien Sanchez / ... (6 episodes, 2004)
Alice Lowe	...	Liz Asher / ... (6 episodes, 2004)
Richard Ayoade	...	Dean Learner / ... (6 episodes, 2004)
Julian Barratt	...	Padre (3 episodes, 2004)
Kim Noble	...	Jim (3 episodes, 2004)

Also Known As:

Darkplace (UK) (short title)

Runtime:

30 min (including commercials)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

UK:15 | Ireland:18

Filming Locations:

Romford, Essex, England, UK

Company:

Avalon Television

Trivia:

The series began in 2004 on the UK's Channel 4 network but after a mere six episodes the network canceled the show due to low ratings. However over the next few years the series gained a considerable cult following via word-of-mouth and the Internet. Renewed interest in the show led to it being released on DVD and subsequent airings in the US on the Sci-Fi and Adult Swim networks. Currently fans are petitioning for a second season of the show.

Quotes:

Dean Learner: She was like a candle in the wind... unreliable.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Man to Man with Dean Learner: Randolph Caer (#1.6)" (2006)

Innovative and refreshing

I watched this show with trepidation expecting it to be another hit and miss, or even plain miss, of a mini-series. I was more then pleasantly suprised when the show proved not only to be hilarious but a much needed break from the vapid 'reality' shows that have come to expunge any palatability from our viewing pleasure. The 'bad acting', or 'showing the truth' as Garth puts it, is amazingly funny. This is especially true in the character of Garth's boss and the chef (The Office's Stephan Merchant). Overall, it can tend to be a bit tedious by the end but at the moment it is hysterical and I can't wait to see where they go from here.