Hunderby

Hunderby is a British dark comedy television series created by Julia Davis. It aired on Sky Atlantic in 2012. The series is a gothic period drama parody set in the early 19th century in a remote Yorkshire village.

Synopsis:

The plot revolves around Helene, a shipwreck survivor with a mysterious past, who is rescued by the reclusive widowed pastor, Edmund. She arrives in Hunderby and becomes embroiled in the strange and often depraved lives of the local villagers. The series satirizes religious hypocrisy, repressed sexuality, and the social conventions of the era through its eccentric characters and unsettling humor.

Characters:

The series features a cast of exaggerated and grotesque characters, each contributing to the show's unique comedic style. Notable characters include:

• Helene: The enigmatic protagonist with a hidden history.
• Edmund: The repressed and morally conflicted pastor of Hunderby.
• Dorothy: Edmund's manipulative and sexually frustrated housekeeper.
• Dr. Foggarty: The village doctor with unconventional and often disturbing medical practices.
• Brother Joseph: A lascivious monk with a secret agenda.

Themes:

• Religious Hypocrisy: The series satirizes the hypocrisy often found within religious institutions and the misuse of faith for personal gain.
• Repressed Sexuality: The show explores the societal constraints placed on sexuality in the 19th century and the resulting perversions and anxieties.
• Gothic Horror Parody: Hunderby utilizes the tropes of gothic literature, such as remote locations, dark secrets, and grotesque characters, for comedic effect.
• Social Satire: The series satirizes the social conventions and class divisions of the early 19th century.

Reception:

Hunderby received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its dark humor, unique style, and strong performances. It was nominated for a BAFTA Television Award for Best Situation Comedy in 2013.