Re: Detectorists 2 | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Detectorists 2

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moss Dec 5, 2015 09:42:45

Replying to spencer

spencer wrote:

I must confess to have watched with increased ambivalence. My personal view about metal detectors, as opposed to some who wield them, is that they should be an essential bit of kit when conducting a professional or supervised archaeological investigation. Yes, the two series throughout have centred on a club, where all finds are displayed at meetings, archaeological merit being not a factor. That this s h o u l d be the way to go for any puchaser and user has been implicit. However, I would have preferred that the programme gone further, by the additional showing at the end of each episode an advisory regarding club membership, perhaps the address of the national body, should one exist - I know not - finds reporting and trespass. There will inevitably be, among those fresh purchasers or who will recieve gifts this Christmas as a consequence of viewing, some who will ignore even this, let alone the series' implicit message. I have not forgotten in years gone by seeing figures in the gloaming on the Chiltern gap near Princes Risborough and doubting their intent, and having now found a site which, from study of aerial imagery seems to be of some size, and which, following advice from a senior archaeolgical figure I contacted, I will be alerting RCAHMS to, I am personally increasingly concerned by the activities of the unscrupulous. As for the series on an overall 'production' level, I think I preferred the sparser feel of series one. Throwing money at something does not always improve it. Yes, still enjoyed, but primarily for watching the performances of the central characters. That popularity seems to have merited a Christmas special, hmmm. I really hope that that and any future series at least has an advisory as per above. It must also be remembered that this series, contrary to my original view, may well be sold to and seen overseas, where the users of detectors may have even freer rein and fewer clubs. Sorry to be a perhaps unexpected killjoy, but this is now my measured view of Detectorists, and I'm sticking to it. I will continue to watch should there be more, but always with a degree of unease.

Hi Spenser, thanks for a tolerant viewpoint, next time remind me to stay my hands from the keyboard when I have enjoyed something! We all have different viewpoints. The Detectorists series is after all a story, written with wit and compassion, that it has to be the vehicle of a 'morality vendetta' surprises me.
Peace to everyone who has taken up the cudgels. X

Lubin Dec 5, 2015 10:09:04

Replying to moss

Well said Moss , these are my thoughts on this as well. It is an entertainment / comedy programme that has been put on television for enjoyment , not to be watch with a critical eye constantly thinking, "that's wrong". And as for the comment in a previous thread and on HA about people rushing out to buy detectors on the back of the programme , I wouldn't think so. The programme was on BBC4 how many viewers do you think it got that would do that sort of thing.

spencer Dec 5, 2015 14:14:19

Replying to moss

Peace to you too, Moss. No 'morality vendetta' from me. 'Twas I that started the Detectorists 2 topic here and at the Pump...was pleased to see there'd be more, having enjoyed the first series muchly. I cannot fault Mackenzie Crook's script. One very thoughtful guy, who, if archaeology is not a hobby - though I strongly suspect it is - has really done his homework, including detecting and its do's and don'ts. All there in the episodes, for those that want to, or are capable of, seeing and understanding. What I, along with others here, was not anticipating regardless of the aforementioned, was the degree of series evident success: box set, Christmas Special (!!!!!). I thought the thing would be a 'niche'. My view of detectors is the same as a rant from my days of yore about Volkswagen Golfs: great pieces of kit, sometimes in the wrong hands. The more hands, the greater the potential for misuse. That is what I now fear. As you may have read above, I have seen the unscupulous in action myself....the torches, the scant regard for crops... Yes, my concern has increased following my own site discoveries - I only went for a bit of a potter, but sometimes the unlikely does happen. Life's like that. That some so and so may get in there before professional archaeologists troubles me, though they'd have to escape the eye of the landowner, thankfully in this case extremely difficult. These people are, though, out there, some will have watched, some will join their ranks, some will stop at nothing. Two examples found purely coincidentally when entering the Lincoln mesolithic find earlier on TMA news, previous news items for the county: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/6289762.stm http://www.lindumheritage.co.uk/dig-duary-2007.htm I am pleased to see that budding detectorists have filled the ranks of a club to bursting point, via Nigel's link...sadly I am unable to read the piece due to the limited tech at my disposal. I wish them fun, friends and many ringpulls and the very rare find, promptly reported, that makes it all worthwhile. Sadly, though, there is a but.. aerial imagery and publicly available lidar make 21stC discoveries that much easier. There is growing financial hardship, and inevitably greater temptation, and, as said before, the greater the viewing numbers the greater the number of the unprincipled, whatever. As an aside, the present definition of 'trove' is too narrow, as borne out by the discovery of that remarkable Roman bronze mask which went for auction, thence overseas, for a huge sum. Anyway, to repeat, I will continue to watch, do enjoy, well done Mr Crook, do appreciate the levity - I hope some of my posts elsewhere bear this out (sorry!) - but, having had a good think, yes, there is a twinge. I have not read the lengthy toing and froing above. It is not my thing. This is my own personal view, I've said or written all that I want and need, and I respect yours if different. We will not fall out over it. This topic ends here for me. Have an X in return.

tjj Dec 5, 2015 15:46:11

Replying to moss

moss wrote:

... next time remind me to stay my hands from the keyboard when I have enjoyed something! We all have different viewpoints. The Detectorists series is after all a story, written with wit and compassion, that it has to be the vehicle of a 'morality vendetta' surprises me.
Peace to everyone who has taken up the cudgels. X

Moss, when you posted the following comment ..
And ended on a perfect note.. Lovely subtle play of characters, summer scenery and a 'find' at the end. Hopefully we will have more.
Yes, I disagreed on the point about the actual ending, though not the series in general (which I also enjoyed) and did so in a perfectly courteous manner. I didn't think I was starting a 'morality vendetta' and still don't. A certain other person came in doing his level best to undermine the point I had made - when really it was just an alternative view. Today, when he came back, it did feel like baiting and now I've been called paranoid for saying as much. I know, generally speaking, you are diplomatic, I'm afraid I am not and don't really give a flying fuck about being called names for expressing a valid, alternative view point.