‘Small Prophets’: Star Pearce Quigley Explains Michael & Kacey’s Unlikely Friendship

In Episode 3 of Small Prophets, “Should I Be Scared?,” Michael’s (Pearce Quigley) homunculi are beginning to come to life, with three of the jars turning black and revealing strange creatures known as the King, the Queen, and the Seraph. Meanwhile, his increasingly suspicious neighbor Bev (Sophie Willan) begins spying on him. Warning: Spoilers ahead for Episode 3 of Small Prophets.

At work, Kacey (Lauren Patel) has an emotional breakdown following an encounter with newswoman Kaitlin Thorncroft, prompting Michael to cheer her up by promising to help fulfill her dream: Appearing on the Australian soap opera Neighbours, despite it being canceled for a long, long while.

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Despite this small hurdle, Michael supports Kacey’s dream of being on the Aussie soap. In return, Kacey convinces Michael to let her see his mysterious creations, despite his insistence that she keep them secret.

Michael and Kacey’s unlikely friendship is one of the key elements that makes Small Prophets work. Speaking with TV Insider, actor Pearce Quigley explains what brings the two together and why, after so many years alone, Michael finally lets someone into his weird little world.

“I don’t suppose anybody else has ever really tried. I think they find each other fascinating, and they clearly both have the same sense of humour,” says Quigley. “We do meet a couple of Michael’s colleagues, but they’re just not on the same wavelength. And initially, we’re not sure that Michael and Katie are on the same wavelength, but it quickly becomes obvious that they share a rather wicked sense of humour.”

“But yeah, I think that’s what brings them together initially: Their shared boredom at their situation in this place. You know, she’s asking him, ‘How long have you worked here?’ She’s only just embarking on her hellish journey within the organization, and he’s been there forever. But it’s wonderful. I love it,” Quigley explains.

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Meanwhile, Michael visits his father Brian (Michael Palin) after he suffers a fall, and the two discuss the strange nature of the homunculi, which apparently exist outside the normal laws of nature. Elsewhere, brother-in-law Roy (Paul Kaye) encounters the mysterious Bea (Kathryn Drysdale), who seems to know more about him and his sister than she should. Suspicious of her intentions, Roy tests her by giving Michael the fake name Hamish.

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When Kacey finally visits Michael’s home to see the homunculi growing in jars. Michael explains that once they reach a certain size, they can answer questions and will always tell the truth. He hopes to discover whether his missing partner Clea will ever return and, if not, whether she ever truly loved him.

However, Kacey’s first encounter with one of the creatures leaves her screaming in terror, attracting Bev’s attention. The episode ends with Bev catching a glimpse of the bizarre figure inside one of Michael’s jars. Will his secret be exposed?

Small Prophets, Wednesdays, Apple TV