For those seeking a recount of England’s famed 18th-century highwayman, Dick Turpin, this isn’t the place. Apple TV+’s uproarious comedy series, “The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin,” is exactly as advertised: a whimsical fabrication. Comedian Noel Fielding dons the flamboyant persona of Turpin, albeit with embellishments like the iconic purple shoes, a historical inaccuracy for sure, but who’s counting?
In a gleefully revisionist take, the show blends Monty Python’s irreverence with the swashbuckling flair of “Our Flag Means Death,” infused with the surreal energy reminiscent of “The Mighty Boosh.” Set in 1735 England, each of the six episodes spins a yarn akin to tales shared over pints in a dimly lit tavern. Chronicling Turpin’s escapades is Eliza Bean (played by Dolly Wells), a true crime writer aiming to embellish the legend and cash in on the gang’s notoriety.
While Turpin met his end at the gallows in 1739 for horse theft, the show focuses on the last years of his life, weaving in his contemporary celebrity and romanticized legacy. With Turpin leading the ragtag Essex Gang, including characters like sharpshooter Nell Brazier (Ellie White) and empathetic tracker Honesty Courage (Duayne Boachie), the series unfolds in the forests of Essex, where they attempt to establish their criminal enterprise with comical ineptitude.
Similar to “Our Flag Means Death,” the show subverts traditional masculinity tropes, infusing modern language and emphasizing camaraderie over aggression. Despite some dated jokes, the script delivers genuine laughs, with Fielding’s Turpin portrayed more as a merry bard than a ruthless outlaw, preferring charm over violence and often bungling his criminal endeavors.
Fielding’s portrayal channels his signature whimsy, seamlessly blending with the ensemble cast, which includes familiar faces from his past collaborations like Rich Fulcher and Simon Farnaby. Guest appearances by Joe Wilkinson, Asim Chaudhry, and Tamsin Greig add further depth to the comedic ensemble, with standout performances from Hugh Bonneville and Connor Swindells.
With its stacked lineup of British comedians and a surreal, history-adjacent premise, “The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin” offers a gratifying romp for those seeking an offbeat comedy adventure, albeit one with a generous dose of artistic license.
