Lockwood & Co, a new 8 episode tv series on Netflix based on the novels by Jonathan Stroud, appears at first glance like it could be a clone of many YA mystery series over the years. It’s not as CW as Riverdale and not as large scale and retro facing as Stranger Things. That’s perfectly fine though for what Lockwood does it does incredibly well and that’s highlight three compelling characters in a world that just invites you to live in it.
The premise of Lockwood & Co. is that after an event, known as the Problem, angry ghosts began to appear throughout the world, causing mayhem and death. Fortunately, the Department of Psychical Research and Control (DPRC) was setup to deal with these new haunting horrors. Not all agencies or agents are alike though and after a tragedy on a case one of our protagonists Lucy leaves to seek out other employment. She happens upon the equally young Lockwood, who though youthful has created his own independent agency, with his flat mate George. At first there’s reticence and secrets on all sides, but as the gang fights off more ghosts and solves more mysteries they bond together.
Right off I loved the premise and the world that’s established in the show. Shows like Stranger Things, especially in the earlier seasons, are a bit narrow focused with the horrors descending on Hawkins alone. Even the most app comparison, Dresden Files, wouldn’t match 100% because Dresden knows what’s going on in the world while the average citizens don’t. Unlike Dresden’s Chicago, Lockwood & Co. takes place in a London that, like the rest of the world, has been fully changed by the Problem. I’d go so far as to say the makeup of human society has been upended by the Problem, creating many new jobs to combat, or profit, on the new phenomena.
What I also loved is that many of the details about the event, much of which is even a mystery to the world, are doled out not in exposition dumps but through genuine character moments. This fills out the characters further, so they don’t fall as hard into YA tropes. Likewise this shows a trust of the audience that’s appreciated. Perhaps it’s because it’s an adaptation of a series they’re pulling this off, but whatever the reason it’s great.
I found Lockwood, Lucy, and George to be all engaging as characters, and though some of the dynamics are a bit easy to predict at the jump, that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable to watch them work together and watch them in their solo moments or engaging with other characters in the world.
Speaking of even the side characters get their moments of growth; however, with only 8 episodes it feels many of the characters are more setup for larger stories in later seasons should Lockwood & Co. be renewed for Season 2.
My only complaint really was the pacing itself. The series adapts two of the novels in these 8 episodes, and though there’s a delineation between the two plots, it feels like there’s some moments that go slower than needed. This did not stop me from bingeing all 8 episodes over a weekend though, so the pacing to me is a more minor hurdle than a complete stop to my love of this show.
Ultimately Lockwood & Co., started as a show that I might like according to Netflix, and became a show that I quickly loved, to the point where I want to read the books now. If you’re looking for a new mystery series, love YA and books like the Dresden Files, then look no further than Lockwood & Co. for your latest binge.
