History Literature / LockwoodAndCo

On October 26, 2022, Netflix released an [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_3rsK1YyPo official teaser]] for the series. The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-iYxGLpQzo full trailer]] was released on January 12, and the first season was released on Netflix on January 27, 2023.

On October 26, 2022, Netflix released an [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_3rsK1YyPo official teaser]] for the series, with an announced release date of January 27, 2023. The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-iYxGLpQzo full trailer]] was released on January 12.

In the fourth book, ''The Creeping Shadow'', Lucy is [[spoiler:freelancing following her departure from Lockwood & Co. at the end of the previous installment. She and the team are reunited when Lockwood seeks her out to enlist her services for a tough case, but there are shady, manipulative forces at work...]]

The fifth book, ''The Empty Grave'', was released on September 12, 2017. Following a dramatic revelation at the end of ''The Creeping Shadow'', this fifth title sees Lockwood & Co. [[spoiler:"on a perilous night mission: they have broken into the booby-trapped Fittes Mausoleum, where the body of the legendary psychic heroine Marissa Fittes lies. Or does it?"]]

* AdultsAreUseless: Only children and teenagers are able to see ghosts, so [[ChildSoldiers adults must rely on them and their senses in order to deal with hauntings.]] While it's stated in the ending Glossary that some adults retain their talents past puberty, we don't see any other than [[spoiler: Penelope/Marissa Fittes]], who is useless for other reasons. It's implied that Lucy and possibly Lockwood are strong enough to be among those who keep their powers when they grow up, but the series doesn't last long enough for us to know for sure.

On October 26, 2022, Netflix released an [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_3rsK1YyPo official teaser]] for the series, with an announced release date of January 27, 2023.

* YouAreFat: The Skull in the Jar is the first known example of a Type III ghost, one that can communicate with the living. However, it speaks only with Lucy, leaving her to share its insights with Lockwood and George, which at least at first, turn out to be searing, but not exactly insightful when it comes to the mysteries of the dead. As Lucy explains to George...

In September 2017, it was [[http://deadline.com/2017/09/lockwood-co-big-talk-television-series-jonathan-stroud-1202172862/ announced]] that Big Talk Productions had acquired the rights to adapt the series for television, with the company heads stating the series would be "a highly original, distinctively authored, ghost-detective show to enthrall audiences of all ages." In 2020, however, it was [[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-announces-7-new-u-k-originals-from-rowan-atkinson-joe-cornish-sam-mendes-and-more announced]] that the show would be a Creator/{{Netflix}} series by Complete Fiction, a production company created by two former members of Big Talk Productions. As of late 2002, the TV series is planned for a 2023 release for a total of eight episodes, all written and directed by [[Creator/AdamAndJoe Joe Cornish]]. More [[https://www.empireonline.com/tv/news/joe-cornishs-spooky-netflix-series-lockwood-co-is-a-new-kind-of-ghost-story-exclusive-image/ here]].

In September 2017, it was [[http://deadline.com/2017/09/lockwood-co-big-talk-television-series-jonathan-stroud-1202172862/ announced]] that Big Talk Productions had acquired the rights to adapt the series for television, with the company heads stating the series would be "a highly original, distinctively authored, ghost-detective show to enthrall audiences of all ages." In 2020, however, it was [[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-announces-7-new-u-k-originals-from-rowan-atkinson-joe-cornish-sam-mendes-and-more announced]] that the show would be a Creator/{{Netflix}} series by Complete Fiction, a production company created by two former members of Big Talk Productions. As of late 2002, the TV series is planned for a 2023 for a total of eight episodes, all written and directed by [[Creator/AdamAndJoe Joe Cornish]]. More [[https://www.empireonline.com/tv/news/joe-cornishs-spooky-netflix-series-lockwood-co-is-a-new-kind-of-ghost-story-exclusive-image/ here]].

In September 2017, it was [[http://deadline.com/2017/09/lockwood-co-big-talk-television-series-jonathan-stroud-1202172862/ announced]] that Big Talk Productions had acquired the rights to adapt the series for television, with the company heads stating the series would be "a highly original, distinctively authored, ghost-detective show to enthrall audiences of all ages." In 2020, however, it was [[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-announces-7-new-u-k-originals-from-rowan-atkinson-joe-cornish-sam-mendes-and-more announced]] that the show would be a Creator/{{Netflix}} series by Complete Fiction, a production company created by two former members of Big Talk Productions. As of late 2002, the TV series is planned for a 2023 for a total of eight episodes, all written directed by [[Creator/AdamAndJoe Joe Cornish]]. More [[https://www.empireonline.com/tv/news/joe-cornishs-spooky-netflix-series-lockwood-co-is-a-new-kind-of-ghost-story-exclusive-image/ here]].

In September 2017, it was [[http://deadline.com/2017/09/lockwood-co-big-talk-television-series-jonathan-stroud-1202172862/ announced]] that Big Talk Productions had acquired the rights to adapt the series for television, with the company heads stating the series would be "a highly original, distinctively authored, ghost-detective show to enthrall audiences of all ages." In 2020, however, it was [[https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/netflix-announces-7-new-u-k-originals-from-rowan-atkinson-joe-cornish-sam-mendes-and-more announced]] that the show would be a Creator/{{Netflix}} series by Complete Fiction, a production company created by two former members of Big Talk Productions.

* AristocratsAreEvil: Sir Rupert Gale.
* AwesomeMcCoolname: Lockwood's old mentor, "Gravedigger" Sykes. [[spoiler:His real first name was Nigel.]]

* BigEater: George.
* BigBad: [[spoiler: Marissa Fittes, who is responsible for the problem in the first place, along with her [[TheDragon Dragon]] Ezekiel.]]

* GilliganCut

* MyGrandsonMyself: [[spoiler: Turns out Marissa Fittes did a GrandTheftMe on her granddaughter, Penelope, and has been living her life ever since.]]

* ObfuscatingStupidity: Lucy and Lockwood’s strategy for infiltrating Winkman's shop in ‘The Whispering Skull’, complete with tacky tourist disguises. It works—until their calloused hands from years of swordplay give them away as agents.

* OffingTheOffspring: [[spoiler: Marissa to both her granddaughter Penelope and presumably her daughter Margaret.]]

* AbsoluteCleavage: At the dinner party, Lucy mentions that revealing necklines became extremely popular with the emergence of the Problem. They also make George clean his glasses quite carefully, apparently.

* [[ActuallyNotAVampire Actually Not a Ghost]]: [[spoiler: The Creeping Shadow. A towering, half-transparent shadowy form which raises souls from their graves… and is actually a living man in a protective suit.]]

* HauntedHouseHistorian: The caretaker of Combe Carey Hall, Bert Starkins, a particularly grumpy old man. PlayedForLaughs when he takes the trio on a tour of the property and it seems like [[UpToEleven every single feature of the place]] has some gruesome story.

* SpotOfTea: Naturally, given the setting. Lockwood & Co. have tea before and even during investigations.
-->'''Lucy:''' Making tea is a ritual that stops the world from falling in on you.

* [[SkirtOverSlacks Skirt Over Leggings]]: Lucy's usual choice of wear.

* NarrativeProfanityFilter: The characters (especially the Skull) swear frequently, but the narration always just describes it as "[character] swore" or, often, notes that she's learned some new terms.

** [[spoiler: Marissa Fittes]] to Lucy. [[spoiler: Marissa]] tries to [[NotSoDifferent invoke it]], to Lucy's displeasure.

* BadassLongcoat: Lockwood tends to wear long coats, one of which you can see on the cover. Of course, RealityEnsues where his coat ends up getting caught in things.

* InfantImmortality: Horribly averted. Only children and teenagers can see ghosts, and so they're sent ahead of their adult supervisors and into the most danger when investigating haunted areas. Child ghosts are also rather common.

** Including the skull in a jar. Perhaps ''especially'' the skull in the jar, as he is, in fact, seriously dead, and manages to make his snark known even though no one can actually hear him [[spoiler: except Lucy]].

* RansackedRoom: In ''The Creeping Shadow'', thieves ransack Lucy's one-room apartment, leaving a terrible mess. They get what they came for, the skull in the jar, but don't realize its true value as a Type 3 ghost. They just want powerful sources to use to create a gateway to the other side.

* KickedUpstairs: After working with Lockwood and Co. on the Chelsea outbreak case in ''The Hollow Boy'', Quill Kipps is promoted to division head within the Fittes Agency in ''The Creeping Shadow''. Lockwood and Co. assume this is the first step in his moving on to greater things, but it turns out that afterwards he's being given a lot of bad assignments and is generally on the outs. It turns out that they thought he showed a bit too much independence for their liking during the Chelsea affair, so they kicked him upstairs. He finally has enough and ends up quitting.

* LastNameBasis: Lockwood. The only person who does call him by his first name--as "Tony"--is Kipps. Later, Penelope Fittes also starts addressing him as "Anthony".

* MyGreatestFailure: Lockwood's is [[spoiler:the death-by-ghost of his sister Jessica]], which he feels he could have prevented if he'd been nearer when the incident happened. This is a major drive in both his hatred for ghosts and his extreme protectiveness towards his team.

* ObsessedWithFood: George, which goes with being a BigEater.

* ParentalAbandonment: Lucy's mother signs her up to train as a ghost inspector at the earliest possible date. Implied to be pretty standard, as child labor is ubiquitous in this world. While Lucy actually does live with her until she runs off to London, you get the distinct impression that she didn't bother to do much to raise or parent Lucy - her only concern about Lucy is as a source of income (she gets Lucy's wages).

* TheRival: Quill Kipps, who belongs to the Fittes agency. He knows both George and Lockwood and isn't on very good terms with both of them. [[spoiler:Officially put to rest in the fourth book. Kipps resigns from Fittes and by the end of the book it's heavily implied he will be joining Lockwood and Co. at least semi-permanently.]]

* TheSmartGuy: George, of near InsufferableGenius levels.

* SugarAndIcePersonality: Lockwood used to be like this due to his traumatic past. Masking his feelings, keeping secrets, and not responding well to emotions, he would keep his team at an arm’s length to [[SafetyInIndifference remain detached.]] Even when showing his warm and loving side, he'd withdraw and turn aloof just as quickly, often with a "Let's get on with it!" attitude. This frustrates Lucy to no end. [[CharacterDevelopment He opens up considerably throughout the series.]]

* TerritorialSmurfette: Lucy does ''not'' take kindly to the beautiful Holly Munro joining the company. [[spoiler: She eventually eases up a bit on her jealousy and distaste for other women.]]

* TookALevelInBadass: Holly is stated to be much more confident as a field agent by the fourth book, and [[spoiler: when Lockwood and Lucy return from the Other Side to find their teammates battling the Rotwell scientists she's [[GirlyBruiser a force to be reckoned with.]]]] BewareTheNiceOnes, indeed.

* ActionGirl: Lucy, as well as all the other female agents.

* AmbiguouslyBrown: Holly Munro is described as having [[StarbucksSkinScale coffee-colored skin]]. Her ethnicity is never mentioned.

* BlindWithoutEm: George is extremely short-sighted. [[spoiler:This saves his life when presented with the ArtifactOfDoom in the second book.]]

* BookDumb: Lucy isn't a huge fan of reading and sometimes has trouble with "big" words. Given that she is of working class background and has been working as a full-time agent since she was eight, she didn't have much time for formal schooling.

* TheCharmer: Lockwood, which is why George and Lucy somehow find themselves still sticking with him, even if they give their boss a lot of flak.

* CrazyPrepared: George keeps a complete set of ghost-hunting supplies in his bedroom and generally insists more on extremely thorough preparation than the rest of the team.

* DeathSeeker: Lockwood shows symptoms of this by the fourth book, ''The Creeping Shadow''. While always a bit rash, he seems to have become extremely reckless about his own safety after [[spoiler: Lucy's departure]]. In the final book, ''The Empty Grave'', Lucy herself begins to suspect as much, but is nevertheless annoyed when the skull in the jar outright confirms it in his usual snide fashion, stating that the signs are and have been obvious for anyone that cares to see them.

* DesperatelyCravesAffection: One of Lucy's deepest insecurities. This gets her in trouble with La Belle Dame Sans Merci, a theatre ghost that preys on the lovesick, anxious and vulnerable.
* DirtyCoward: Subverted and discussed with Quill Kipps. Lucy thinks so after he bolts and abandons his team in the middle of a particularly nasty haunting; later, and after she witnesses him risk his life for a fellow agent, Kipps explains his actions in a way that makes them at least understandable (his PsychicPowers faded when he reached maturity. Walking into haunted zones over and over again without being able to really see the ghosts or protect himself causes him to reach breaking point from time to time). [[spoiler: Once he can see ghosts again, he immediately becomes borderline-{{Blood Knight}}.]]

* TheEmpath: Lucy has a variety of this which only applies to ghosts.
* EatingTheEyeCandy: Lucy has a habit of ogling Lockwood, devoting whole paragraphs to describing his good looks. Notable examples include her staring while he practices fencing (to the point where George asks her to tear herself away so they can have breakfast) and watching him lounge half-dressed on the couch. She doesn’t seem to realize or put much thought to [[LongingLook why she does this.]]

* TheFace: Lockwood, the [[TheCharmer socially savvy and incredibly charismatic]] leader of the agency.
* FaceDeathWithDignity: [[spoiler: Kipps, upon realizing he is probably not going to survive exiting the Other Side. Subverted when he does make it after all, albeit in need of urgent medical care.]]

* HatesBeingNicknamed: Lockwood doesn't strictly mind being called by his first name, Anthony, but ''forget'' about calling him Tony. Naturally, Kipps calls him this to annoy him.

* HeroicBSOD: Happens to Lucy in ''The Hollow Boy'' when faced with a ghost [[spoiler:posing as Lockwood.]] Thinking he’s dead, she falls to her knees and wails with grief, leaving herself vulnerable to the ghost—until [[spoiler: the real Lockwood]] shows up and destroys it.

* JerkWithAHeartOfGold:
** George isn't nearly as charming as Lockwood, and he has his own set of bad habits, but he does care for both Lockwood and Lucy.
** Quill Kipps turns out to have many more noble qualities than initially given credit for. [[spoiler:He helps Lockwood and Co. of his own accord in book three and leaves his position as supervisor at the Fittes Agency in book four because he can't bear sending others to fight for him.]]

* TheLeader: Lockwood, of the charismatic variety.

* MagicalSeventhSon: Lucy mentions offhandedly that she has six older sisters, which goes well with her unusually strong PsychicPowers.

* AbsoluteCleavage: At the dinner party, Lucy mentions that revealing necklines became extremely popular with the emergence of the Problem. [[GettingCrapPastTheRadar They also make George clean his glasses quite carefully, apparently.]]

* GettingCrapPastTheRadar:
** Lockwood offering to "show [Lucy] through the positions..." (of a complicated rapier maneuver) followed by Lucy getting a "fluttery feeling" in her stomach. ''Uh-huh.''
** Mr. Saunders explaining his work in Book Two and Lockwood's reaction. AR's stands for Active Remains... of course.
-->'''Saunders:''' Cemetery clearance. Part of the new government policy of eradicating AR's.
-->'''Lockwood:''' Eradicating what? Sorry, I must have misheard you there.
** Flo tells Lucy that she's too young to know what Jack Carver's "remarkable tattoos" are of. When Lucy protests, Flo tells her that if she can't guess, she's ''definitely'' too young.
** Lockwood takes Lucy for an evening walk, and when the skull teasingly asks her how things are going between them, Lucy claims they were simply on a case. The entire exchange is loaded with innuendo.
--> '''Skull:''' In my experience, graveyards can be used for ''lots'' of activities, not just ghost-hunting. [...] And don't try to tell me you were scrapping with ghosts. You didn't take any equipment.
-->'''Lucy:''' We had our rapiers!
-->'''Skull:''' I can tell when there's ectoplasm on a blade and when there isn't. No, you and Lockwood went for a cosy chat, didn't you? And came back with brambles in your hair.
--> '''Lucy:''' Well, it was very overgrown.
--> '''Skull:''' I bet it was.
** When the gang meets [[spoiler:the ghost of the skull on the Other Side, Lockwood has his first ever direct exchange with it.]] The skull is about as wholesome as you'd expect.
--> '''Lockwood:''' He... He looks different.
--> '''Skull:''' Yeah? You look just the same. I was banking on frostbite taking a few of your fingers, or even your nose. Here's hoping something else has dropped off that I don't know about. If not, I'll be sorely disappointed.
--> '''Lockwood ''(to Lucy)'':''' Is he always like this?