Imagine you’re a sci-fi fan in the early 1980s. The British are crafting a comedy called "Kinvig," surrounded by a sea of earnest, space-exploring adventures on TV like Doctor Who. Created by Nigel Kneale, a writer whose other works like Quatermass left indelible marks on the landscape of science fiction, "Kinvig" stands out not because it follows the same cosmic pathways, but because it audaciously mixes the mundane with the fantastic. Here's why "Kinvig," which aired in 1981, deserves a second look.
A Hero Defined by Mundanity: Des Kinvig, the titular hero, belongs to the everyman archetype. He runs a tiny electrical repair shop, not exactly the stuff of legends like Luke Skywalker or Captain Kirk. This character grounds the show with an intentional mediocrity and serves as a hilarious antithesis to the typical sci-fi hero.
Small Town, Big Adventures: The show is set in the fictional town of Bingleton. This setting serves as a subtle commentary on the escapism of the genre, forcing larger-than-life sci-fi questions such as “Are we alone in the universe?” into a zone that’s smaller than your neighborhood pub. Kinvig, without skyrocketing budgets, reminds us that the true backdrop of sci-fi is the mind, not necessarily the cosmos.
Tropes with a Twist: From aliens to spaceships, "Kinvig" engages with classic sci-fi tropes but turns them on their head. The protagonist’s encounters with aliens are through the lens of his less-than-impressive lifestyle. Through these low-key engagements, the show points out the sometimes trivialized nature of humanity-beyond-earth stories.
Mystery and Ambiguity: The writing genius of Nigel Kneale ensures that "Kinvig" maintains a sustained veil of mystery. We question whether these galactic escapades are real or figments of Des Kinvig’s robust imagination. This creates a speculative charm that keeps audiences engaged.
Comedic Touch: Unlike its contemporaries, "Kinvig" brings humor to the forefront. The show laughs at its own genre, balancing its speculative questions with down-to-earth silliness. It’s a reminder that even Shakespeare peppered comedy into his darkest works because good stories, like life, need lightness.
Surreal Takes on Reality: The series regularly blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, which not only questions the perceptions of the protagonist but also challenges the viewer’s understanding of what's truly possible. This layered presentation makes it more than a mere comedy; it's a study of human belief systems and maybe, just maybe, a nod to political theatre masquerading as entertainment.
Cultural Curiosity: "Kinvig" reflects the period’s sociopolitical climate, gently poking at the notion of who society chooses to regard as ‘heroes,’ which can feel, dare I say, more 'real' than flights of fancy in other shows. It highlights a sense of British identity, an appeal to audiences weary of American pop-culture dominance even back in the 80s.
Smart Subversion: The show is unabashed in its critique of both human nature and the often unchallenged savior narratives found in typical sci-fi. Kinvig doesn't save the universe, and that’s kind of the point. Des is like the rest of us, triumphs over alien threats are in petty victories of an average day.
Broadcast Underappreciation: Despite its bold premise, "Kinvig" wasn’t met with widespread fanfare and disappeared quickly after its initial airing. This is a testament to its unique voice—something that often happens when a trailblazer goes against the grain. But the very fact that it wasn’t a staple of TV should make it more intriguing to those of us who enjoy the unbeaten path.
Timeless Appeal: The humor and pivotal themes could engage audiences even today. The series embodies the essence of quirky British humor and revels in a formula that mixes the normal and the abnormal effortlessly—something modern productions occasionally forget. It’s like Nigel Kneale handed us a time capsule to the past that's loaded with cultural insights we missed and ironies we are still living today.
"Kinvig" might not aim to deconstruct society as some titles do, but it certainly takes a swing at deconstructing the assumptions and hubris in the average man’s brush with the extraordinary. Perhaps that's where its hidden genius lies. Conservatives might argue that the protagonist's ordinary excellence aligns with maintaining steady values amidst chaotic and lawless sidelines posed by larger-than-life fantasies. And while it might surprise some, there's absolutely nothing wrong with celebrating a narrative that finds magic in normalcy rather than the manic.