Lockwood & Co season 1 — some thoughts

I came to the end of Lockwood & Co pleased I’d spent the time and also hoping for a second (or more) season. It’s early days for renewal watch (not even had one week’s audience figures). Even more than The Irregulars, I do hope we get more, though can always go to the Jonathan Stroud books. If nothing else I intend to read at least the first of Jonathan Stroud’s novels. Until then you’re stuck with reactions to the Netflix show!

Expectations before watching season 1 of Lockwood & Co

With no knowledge of the books, all I had was the odd trailer and a general wariness towards YA supernatural series. For every Irregulars I’ve struggled with many others — Locke & Key made one episode, I didn’t try Fate: The Winx Saga but thoroughly loved Wednesday. I prefer my YA to sit closer to the ‘A’ end of the scale than the ‘Y’.

I imagined Lockwood & Co might feel a little Enola Holmes meets Wednesday. What I didn’t expect was it would feel a little Sapphire and Steel as well. I can’t explain why, but will mull it over.

What I liked

I don’t know how much is novel vs adaptation, but it’s tightly plotted, even if a little predictably (some very obvious twists and layers of conspiracy). Many obvious elements but Lucy Carlyle (Ruby Stokes) is very much the lead — heroic, yet with vulnerability. The whole YA angle is explained within the lore — only children can see ghosts, adults can get killed by them, and while the chronology is a little obscure (to me), Stroud does a good job in building a world set in something similar to today, a recognisable version of London (if you’re familiar with the city) and yet some very Victorian values with regards the use of children is (essentially) second class citizens / resources to be exploited, It’s not a long way from chimney sweeps.

The heroes have power and resources but win with teamwork and the odd dose of recklessness. I also like the signs of a bigger picture and the odd lose end (eg Flo the relic girl).

Casting works well — I’ve mentioned Ruby Stokes, Lockwood is Cameron Chapman and third member of the team (the researcher) George is Ali Hadji-Heshmati. All three leads convince, and the when will they romantic thread between Carlyle and Lockwood is credible as well as not being overdone. Other casting includes a sinister Nigel Planer and a decent part for Louise Brearley.

It also has decent dark moments (Lucy Carlyle’s mother does not come across well for example) and Lockwood has various dark secrets. Horror elements are present but not too heavy, enough CGI to set the scene and good production all round.

What else I thought

Apart from the twists being a little familiar in places (and comfortable plot lines are the backbone of Death in Paradise!) I was interested in who the main characters were, their world and the emerging BIG CONSPIRACY. I also hope it comes back for more, but that’s another conversation…