The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin [Review]
Apple TV+ series Dick Turpin is a gleeful romp through 18th century England.
Image credit: Apple TV+
Dick Turpin was a real highwayman in England in the 1700s. After his execution by hanging, his fame grew as people published stories of his exploits that became more exaggerated over time, turning him into a legendary romantic figure. Six episode Apple TV+ series The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is just that—completely made up. It tells Turpin’s story as a goofy, hilarious comedy.
Noel Fielding (The Mighty Boosh, The Great British Baking Show) stars as the famous British highwayman. He’s supported by a band of misfits, his famous Essex Gang, made up of Marc Wootton as Moose, Ellie White as Nell, and Duayne Boachie as Honesty.
The Essex Gang. Duayne Boachie, Marc Wootton, Ellie White, and Noel Fielding. Image credit: Apple TV+
In the show, Dick lives with his father (Mark Heap), a butcher who intends to leave his business to his son. Unfortunately, Dick is a creative dreamer who loves to sew and knit, and a vegan to boot, so he decides to strike out on his own. He meets the Essex Gang with their infamous leader Tom King (David Threlfall). Through a series of funny circumstances Dick ends up shooting Tom in the face and is adopted by the gang as their new leader. Now Dick, a well-meaning idiot, needs to figure this whole highway robbery thing out, and does it with panache.
Dick Turpin builds a vivid storybook world with its main cast and the various recurring characters surrounding them. Highlights include: Dick’s cousin Benny (Michael Fielding), who immediately takes Dick’s spot at the butcher shot; semi-competent warlock Craig (Asmin Chaudhry); corrupt Earl Jonathan Wilde (Hugh Bonneville), who always brings his son Christopher (Samuel Leakey) around because he doesn’t have childcare; and hapless, uninterested Geoffrey the Gaoler (Joe Wilkinson).
Wilde and Turpin in disguise as a peasant and a matador nun. Hugh Bonneville and Noel Fielding. Image credit: Apple TV+
It took me an episode to get warmed up to the show and then I was hooked. The show’s modern take on a period setting really works. The characters are endearing, the gags are silly, and there are plenty of laughs. Some of the jokes don’t hit, but there are plenty of really clever bits, some outright inspired. The show’s visual gags are fun as well.
The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is made up of six episodes running about 30 minutes each, making for a breezy watch. Episode 4 was released today; expect new episodes on Fridays.
