On January 27th of this year, Netflix released eight episodes of a new show based on the book series Lockwood and Co by British author Jonathan Stroud. It rose quickly in popularity, hitting the #1 most-streamed show on Netflix UK. Long time fans of the books, many of whom felt like the books should have been more popular, were delighted to finally get to see their favorite characters portrayed on the screen.
The show follows three young agents, Lucy Carlyle, Anthony Lockwood and George Karim, as they fight to rid London of an epidemic of ghostly hauntings cropping up everywhere. This dangerous reality is referred to as the “Problem.” Only children see ghosts, but adult supervisors often get in the way of their attempts to dispel the hauntings. Lockwood and Co is the only agency in London to rely solely on teenage agents. The story begins with Lucy Carlyle, a feisty but anxious girl who joins Lockwood and Co and is eager to show off her talent for Listening to the spectral sounds of ghosts. Anthony Lockwood is the charismatic leader and is skilled in rapier swordplay. His childhood, however, is shrouded in mystery and tragedy. George Karim is the often underappreciated, yet vital team researcher. Before the trio embark on a case, he is the one to research the site so that they know what kind of ghost with which they’re dealing.Lockwood, Lucy, and George become close friends as they both live and work together. Their nights of perilous expeditions are contrasted with cozy scenes of domesticity; the tea kettle on and a delicious spread of food laid out in the kitchen.Â
It is commonly known that Netflix has a Young Adult problem. Many teenagers and young adults remark that the dialogue of the teenaged characters in their show feel cheesy and unrealistic, as well as their habit of casting people in their late 20s to play high schoolers. Sometimes, it feels like Netflix is seeking to be relatable, but falls short of reaching their intended audience. However, the Lockwood & Co universe is markedly different. It seems to exist in a world that is timeless, with some modern technology being represented and others left out. George Karim does his research at libraries, and there is no mention of computers. Anthony Lockwood answers client calls on a landline phone. The fashion is modern, but there are almost no references to pop culture. This allows viewers to be present and immerse themselves in their specific universe, instead of comparing it to ours. Additionally, Lockwood & Co is effective and timely because it follows the events of the world’s lockdown during the months of 2020. Our “Problem” was very different from the ghosts that stalk the streets of London at night, but we can draw parallels between the pervasive culture of fear spread around in each universe. In the height of the pandemic, influencers and rich people threw parties with many attendees, violating the social distancing regulations in many places. In the universe of Lockwood & Co, some of the richest people are the ones that benefit from the Problem. They run agencies, supply defenses, and put on lavish balls and galas for the London elite, despite not being able to see ghosts. Their actions reflect a disconnect between them and how the majority of the population lives their lives. Many working-class people also felt this way during the pandemic. This allows the audience to feel more connected with the show, as it validates us about our pandemic anxieties, but in a completely different universe that we can get lost in. If you’re looking for a new show to start, put Lockwood & Co on your list. It’s hilarious, action-packed, relevant, and just might restore your faith in the future of Netflix.