In advance of the show’s Oct. 22 debut, BBC America has released new footage of its new series, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, helmed by Max Landis (Chronicle, American Ultra). The show stars Elijah Wood as Todd Brotzman and Samuel Barnett as Dirk Gently.
The series is based on beloved sci-fi writer Douglas Adams’ Dirk Gently novels, which follow the exploits of an eccentric, time-traveling “holistic detective” and his unenthusiastic sidekick. In part, Adams drew inspiration for the story from his writing for Doctor Who in the late 1970s.
Set in Seattle (instead of London, like the novels), the premiere finds Todd stumbling upon a gruesome crime scene at work, then meeting the irrepressible Dirk (Barnett), who’s utterly convinced they’re destined to solve the mystery behind the crime together.
BBC America aired the episode in full to those attending New York Comic Con 2016. The scene below isn’t taken from the episode’s opening moments, but from about 20 minutes into the hour, as Todd arrives home after a terrible, no-good, very bad day. Check out the clip:
The first episode was bursting with oddball charm and nimbly laid the groundwork for an intricate storyline, establishing an impressive number of endearing and memorable characters in a short span. A fuller account of iDigitalTimes’ impressions of Dirk Gently is forthcoming, but suffice to say the show is well worth checking out, particularly for fans of Adams’ writing and/or science fiction with a comedic twist.
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency premieres Oct. 22 at 9 p.m. EDT on BBC America.
