97 reviews
Pure Comedic Gold from Ricky Gervaise
Every so often, England hits the comedic mark and creates a benchmark to which all else must aspire; Monthy Python, Dad's Army, Fawlty Towers, Only Fools and Horses and, of course, the simply faultless "The Office". The writing team of Gervais and Merchant crafted in that series some of the most achingly funny and desperately well observed depictions of the human condition ever committed to film. "The Office" struck a particular chord with me because I have spent most of my adult life in sales and they nailed the highs and lows of that career brilliantly.
Moving on then to their new offering; "Extras", I am happy to report that the observational skills have not deserted them. This time the central character (Andy Millman) is again played by Ricky Gervais, only, unlike his David Brent character, Millman is astute, caring and worth the time of day. Unforutnately, like Brent, he is also trapped in a spiral of underachievement.
Andy Millman is an film extra, a background artiste, who aspires to a real acting role and the central theme of each episode is his quest for a "line" in each film in which he appears in the background. Along side him is his (seemingly) only friend, a frustrated thirty something woman, Maggie Jacobs (superbly played by Ashley Jensen), whose sole aim seems to be to find a husband / longterm partner. Add into this mix a chronically crap agent (Merchant himself), a nemesis in the shape of another extra who seems to be getting lines and a liberal sprinkling of cameoing "A" list guest stars and you have a wonderful platform on which to build a spankingly funny series.
And wow... do they hit a home run! Every second of each episode is deliciously funny and acutely observed. Highlights to look out for are the Ben Stiller/Dodgeball opening weekend grosses scene - the Golly scene in Maggie's apartment - the "Are you really a Catholic scene" and, above anything you will have ever seen in a TV comedy, the entire Les Dennis episode.
Les Dennis will be lost on Americans but for those of us who have followed his plunging career, you can only weep for this superbly written and judged performance. Pathos doesn't even begin to cover it.
Also, anyone who can look at Kate Winslet again without thinking of that "phone sex" scene is a better man than me.
Please, please, watch "Extras". It may, for some, be an acquired taste but once you have that taste, its like a piece of Swiss chocolate - exquisite.
And no laugh track either - yay England.
Moving on then to their new offering; "Extras", I am happy to report that the observational skills have not deserted them. This time the central character (Andy Millman) is again played by Ricky Gervais, only, unlike his David Brent character, Millman is astute, caring and worth the time of day. Unforutnately, like Brent, he is also trapped in a spiral of underachievement.
Andy Millman is an film extra, a background artiste, who aspires to a real acting role and the central theme of each episode is his quest for a "line" in each film in which he appears in the background. Along side him is his (seemingly) only friend, a frustrated thirty something woman, Maggie Jacobs (superbly played by Ashley Jensen), whose sole aim seems to be to find a husband / longterm partner. Add into this mix a chronically crap agent (Merchant himself), a nemesis in the shape of another extra who seems to be getting lines and a liberal sprinkling of cameoing "A" list guest stars and you have a wonderful platform on which to build a spankingly funny series.
And wow... do they hit a home run! Every second of each episode is deliciously funny and acutely observed. Highlights to look out for are the Ben Stiller/Dodgeball opening weekend grosses scene - the Golly scene in Maggie's apartment - the "Are you really a Catholic scene" and, above anything you will have ever seen in a TV comedy, the entire Les Dennis episode.
Les Dennis will be lost on Americans but for those of us who have followed his plunging career, you can only weep for this superbly written and judged performance. Pathos doesn't even begin to cover it.
Also, anyone who can look at Kate Winslet again without thinking of that "phone sex" scene is a better man than me.
Please, please, watch "Extras". It may, for some, be an acquired taste but once you have that taste, its like a piece of Swiss chocolate - exquisite.
And no laugh track either - yay England.
- marcusedenellis
- Aug 27, 2005
- Permalink
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant do it again
"Extras" is another comedic highlight from the men who thought up "The Office". One might think that the success of their previous show put too much pressure on them to come up with a new project as brilliant and hilarious, but they pulled it off. "Extras" is every bit as funny "The Office". The humour is actually very similar with people talking themselves into uncomfortable situations all the time. I think that it's the new setting that turned off a lot of people who have written negative reviews. "The Office" gave us regular guys and something to identify with. A dead end job in a dead end town, gray routine and idiotic colleagues. To laugh about this all too realistic situation had a curative effect on audiences all around the world. With "Extras" it's different. I'm sure that this show is close to reality, too, but only the fewest people have ever worked as extras and can put themselves into the shoes of struggling actors Andy Millman and Maggie Jacobs. If you just accept that this show isn't "The Office" anymore and that there's no Gareth, Tim or Dawn, you'll find out that "Extras" has a lot to offer, too.
Every episode starts with a dramatic scene in Hollywood-style that's dismantled after a moment with someone yelling "cut" or Andy Millman's face popping up in the picture. Each episode also has a different guest star. With the success of "The Office" Gervais and Merchant (who plays a regular part in this series as well) managed to gather some big names for this project. Ben Stiller, Kate Winslet and Patrick Stewart all make very amusing cameos, but it's the British local heroes who really steal the show.
With only 6 episodes (so far) the first season ended way too quickly and I already long for the second series. This show still has lots of different ways to go. Hopefully Gervais and Merchant will explore the private lives of Maggie and Andy more as they did with the characters of "The Office" in the second series. Right now it seems as if everything those two brilliant guys touch turns to gold and I hope this streak of luck continues for a while.
Every episode starts with a dramatic scene in Hollywood-style that's dismantled after a moment with someone yelling "cut" or Andy Millman's face popping up in the picture. Each episode also has a different guest star. With the success of "The Office" Gervais and Merchant (who plays a regular part in this series as well) managed to gather some big names for this project. Ben Stiller, Kate Winslet and Patrick Stewart all make very amusing cameos, but it's the British local heroes who really steal the show.
With only 6 episodes (so far) the first season ended way too quickly and I already long for the second series. This show still has lots of different ways to go. Hopefully Gervais and Merchant will explore the private lives of Maggie and Andy more as they did with the characters of "The Office" in the second series. Right now it seems as if everything those two brilliant guys touch turns to gold and I hope this streak of luck continues for a while.
- Superunknovvn
- Mar 17, 2006
- Permalink
The British are lucky! The y have funny and witty comedians!
- alexandermangoldt
- Jan 5, 2008
- Permalink
First episode is highly promising
Gervais had a big task on his hands with this project- The Office has now entered into comedy history, and people had very high hopes for his follow-up. The documentary style has been ditched, and Gervais has given his character just a little more dignity than he gave David Brent, so the comedy is a little less squeamish. The changes in direction and style are daring and pay off- the show doesn't feel like a desperate follow up or imitation of The Office. In fact, it's highly original.
It's a pitch black satire, which follows the efforts of Gervais's character as he attempts to progress from being an extra to actually getting a real acting job, or at least a line. The shows also charts his female friend's unsuccessful love-life, his deadpan agent and parodies a celebrity every week. This week it was the turn of Ben Stiller, who was mocked as an evil dictator of a man, who constantly reminds those around him of the box office of his movies and insists that kissing Cameron Diaz "still counts", even though it was for a movie. Stiller is a good sport for joining in, and has fun messing with his image.
Overall the show is gently paced, well written and shows extremely high potential for character study. Definitely one to watch.
STILLER: DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM!? GERVAIS: Starsky or Hutch- I can never remember. STILLER: Was that supposed to be funny? GERVAIS: You were in it- you tell me.
It's a pitch black satire, which follows the efforts of Gervais's character as he attempts to progress from being an extra to actually getting a real acting job, or at least a line. The shows also charts his female friend's unsuccessful love-life, his deadpan agent and parodies a celebrity every week. This week it was the turn of Ben Stiller, who was mocked as an evil dictator of a man, who constantly reminds those around him of the box office of his movies and insists that kissing Cameron Diaz "still counts", even though it was for a movie. Stiller is a good sport for joining in, and has fun messing with his image.
Overall the show is gently paced, well written and shows extremely high potential for character study. Definitely one to watch.
STILLER: DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM!? GERVAIS: Starsky or Hutch- I can never remember. STILLER: Was that supposed to be funny? GERVAIS: You were in it- you tell me.
- Super_Fu_Manchu
- Jul 20, 2005
- Permalink
A testament to one of the world's most brilliant comic minds
What is it about irony that tickles us so? In some ways it reminds me of films that I find delightful in their atrocity: "Doom", "DOA", "Snakes on a Plane" are some recent prime examples of Goodness By Antithesis; films that are so brazenly and proudly bad that you have to like them. Irony, as we like to see it, is similar in that it is Humor By Antithesis: situations and events that are so mundanely tragic, so cringe-making and excruciating that we just have to laugh. It is a bizarre logic, it's a twisted logic, but it's also worth noting that it's a line so fine that only the cleverest and subtlest of writers can really make it work. America's Larry David is one. England's Ricky Gervais is the other.
In creating a follow-up series to "The Office", Gervais risked destroying a damn-near flawless career. It's hard to imagine there wasn't a niggling in his ear telling him to quit while he was ahead. What would really be the harm in letting the world remember him as David Brent? Apart from the nature of the character, the real harm in this would have been that to deny us Andy Millman would be to deny himself status as one of the world's most brilliant comic minds. "Extras" doesn't just further establish Gervais' incredible comedy prowess, it deepens it.
On the surface, the series patiently shows us the mundane and rather fruitless life of a working film Extra, Millman (Gervais), who fancies himself a "real actor" but has never gotten any real acting work. He bitches about this to his friend, confidant and fellow Extra Maggie (Ashley Jensen), who also shares her problems with him. Deep down, however, "Extras" is a deliciously satirical look at the ambitions of the human heart, the ironic overthrow of those ambitions and the emotional chaos of breaking the unspoken rules of society (such as 'Don't Lie To A Catholic Priest About Your Nonexistent Catholicism', and 'Don't Tell Your Best Friend's Colleague That Your Best Friend Said He Was "Too Gay"').
Other reviews have called "Extras" a watered down "Office", and I think this is a fair observation, but not at all a bad thing. After all, despite sequential order "Seinfeld" is much more diluted than "Curb Your Enthusiasm", but the former is still a far superior show. Not that any inferiority between Gervais' shows is being inferred, of course. Where "Extras" is softer than "The Office" is not in humor, or intelligence, merely in character. Andy is really quite a nice guy; insensitive at times, but only in a mild, charming kind of way. Your pity for him is genuine, and not the result of a deeper emotion such as bewilderment or frustration.
The David Brents of "Extras" are not Gervais at all but the transient side characters, and often (brilliantly, fantastically) the celebrity cameos. In short, and this is said with no inflation whatsoever, Celebrity Cameos as a film/television device has its worth made and sold in "Extras". We thought we'd seen self-parody work before. We were wrong. The sheer reckless abandon with which Gervais and the gallant celebrity meat send themselves up (and up and up) practically creates fireworks. Ben Stiller, Kate Winslet and Patrick Stewart are not only the draw cards but the dazzling high lights. They are forever heroes in my eyes.
Maybe it's this ultimate irony that galvanizes "Extras"' brilliance: the celebrity personalities who live the life Andy dreams of reveal themselves exclusively to him as being petty, irresponsible, greedy, insensitive, sexually perverted megalomaniacs, while he, the nobody Extra, cops all sorts of cosmic flack for, mostly, trying to do the right thing. Naturally, this kind of thing borders on cruel, but just before we begin to feel bad for laughing at his hopeless misfortune he lets us know it's alright by cracking a smile himself, telling a joke to Maggie and shaking it off. Then Cat Stevens washes us clean with "Tea for the Tillerman". Yes sir, Ricky Gervais knows how to make it work.
In creating a follow-up series to "The Office", Gervais risked destroying a damn-near flawless career. It's hard to imagine there wasn't a niggling in his ear telling him to quit while he was ahead. What would really be the harm in letting the world remember him as David Brent? Apart from the nature of the character, the real harm in this would have been that to deny us Andy Millman would be to deny himself status as one of the world's most brilliant comic minds. "Extras" doesn't just further establish Gervais' incredible comedy prowess, it deepens it.
On the surface, the series patiently shows us the mundane and rather fruitless life of a working film Extra, Millman (Gervais), who fancies himself a "real actor" but has never gotten any real acting work. He bitches about this to his friend, confidant and fellow Extra Maggie (Ashley Jensen), who also shares her problems with him. Deep down, however, "Extras" is a deliciously satirical look at the ambitions of the human heart, the ironic overthrow of those ambitions and the emotional chaos of breaking the unspoken rules of society (such as 'Don't Lie To A Catholic Priest About Your Nonexistent Catholicism', and 'Don't Tell Your Best Friend's Colleague That Your Best Friend Said He Was "Too Gay"').
Other reviews have called "Extras" a watered down "Office", and I think this is a fair observation, but not at all a bad thing. After all, despite sequential order "Seinfeld" is much more diluted than "Curb Your Enthusiasm", but the former is still a far superior show. Not that any inferiority between Gervais' shows is being inferred, of course. Where "Extras" is softer than "The Office" is not in humor, or intelligence, merely in character. Andy is really quite a nice guy; insensitive at times, but only in a mild, charming kind of way. Your pity for him is genuine, and not the result of a deeper emotion such as bewilderment or frustration.
The David Brents of "Extras" are not Gervais at all but the transient side characters, and often (brilliantly, fantastically) the celebrity cameos. In short, and this is said with no inflation whatsoever, Celebrity Cameos as a film/television device has its worth made and sold in "Extras". We thought we'd seen self-parody work before. We were wrong. The sheer reckless abandon with which Gervais and the gallant celebrity meat send themselves up (and up and up) practically creates fireworks. Ben Stiller, Kate Winslet and Patrick Stewart are not only the draw cards but the dazzling high lights. They are forever heroes in my eyes.
Maybe it's this ultimate irony that galvanizes "Extras"' brilliance: the celebrity personalities who live the life Andy dreams of reveal themselves exclusively to him as being petty, irresponsible, greedy, insensitive, sexually perverted megalomaniacs, while he, the nobody Extra, cops all sorts of cosmic flack for, mostly, trying to do the right thing. Naturally, this kind of thing borders on cruel, but just before we begin to feel bad for laughing at his hopeless misfortune he lets us know it's alright by cracking a smile himself, telling a joke to Maggie and shaking it off. Then Cat Stevens washes us clean with "Tea for the Tillerman". Yes sir, Ricky Gervais knows how to make it work.
Comical drama
I think the genre of the movie is not clear to all... This is FAR from your normal comedy. It's borderline dramatic. You'll get to gigel and even laugh yourself to tears but the genius of the show doesn't lie here. It's the awkward moments and the depressing ones that make this show like no other.
I find myself sometimes wishing that Andy would find a new best friend, a new agent or at least a small break but the awkward comedy that follows always leaves me wanting for more, wanting to see how much he can take before he breaks.
The sadness that sometimes appears in Andy's eyes reminds us of all the unfortunes we had to go through in our lives. But he stands strong and so do we, just waiting to "have a laugh".
The ending fits perfectly with the theme of the show. "Tea for the Tillerman" offers a strangely thin comfort until the next time it will play, maybe under somewhat better circumstances (witch never really happens). I really think there is no better show to watch after a hard day at work. It always leaves you satisfied. So chin up Andy and do the magic that you do and maybe one day it will all be worth it!
I find myself sometimes wishing that Andy would find a new best friend, a new agent or at least a small break but the awkward comedy that follows always leaves me wanting for more, wanting to see how much he can take before he breaks.
The sadness that sometimes appears in Andy's eyes reminds us of all the unfortunes we had to go through in our lives. But he stands strong and so do we, just waiting to "have a laugh".
The ending fits perfectly with the theme of the show. "Tea for the Tillerman" offers a strangely thin comfort until the next time it will play, maybe under somewhat better circumstances (witch never really happens). I really think there is no better show to watch after a hard day at work. It always leaves you satisfied. So chin up Andy and do the magic that you do and maybe one day it will all be worth it!
Oh So Brilliant!
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant is the peerless comedy-duo whose brilliant eye for comedy and drama surprised and shocked the world a few years ago with the Award-winning The Office, who later transformed itself into one of TV-comedy-history's most memorable and successful series. This is their Difficult Second Album, and its such a fantastic volume two of their already stunning career. Gervais takes the role as Andy Millman, a pretty straight-forward everyday man whose situation finds him seeking for more to life as he and his friend Maggie (Ashley Jensen) both work as extras, or supporting artists if you like, and Merchant takes a supporting character as Darren Lamb, his literally useless agent.
Extras is such a fantastic show in every aspect, and the transaction between comedy and drama is purely class, the way you'll find the celebrity-parts (oh, it's just Patrick Stewart, Kate Winslet, Samuel L. Jackson, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, David Bowie and Robert De Niro to mention some) egoism and embarrassing self-awareness adds realism to it, and it's sort of every fan's nightmare to see their favorite actor/actress act themselves into embarrassing situations. 'Extras' is something very few artists can pull off, it's a follow-up that adds depth to something already brilliant by not only making the funny bits even more subtle and the gags even more layered, but adding emotional resonance with outstanding pace. 'Extras' can't really be compared with the Office, it's worth more in its own right and it's downright one of the most incredible shows of all time.
Extras is such a fantastic show in every aspect, and the transaction between comedy and drama is purely class, the way you'll find the celebrity-parts (oh, it's just Patrick Stewart, Kate Winslet, Samuel L. Jackson, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, David Bowie and Robert De Niro to mention some) egoism and embarrassing self-awareness adds realism to it, and it's sort of every fan's nightmare to see their favorite actor/actress act themselves into embarrassing situations. 'Extras' is something very few artists can pull off, it's a follow-up that adds depth to something already brilliant by not only making the funny bits even more subtle and the gags even more layered, but adding emotional resonance with outstanding pace. 'Extras' can't really be compared with the Office, it's worth more in its own right and it's downright one of the most incredible shows of all time.
- EijnarAmadeus
- Aug 26, 2008
- Permalink
The Humor of Mean Hitting its Stride
The absolute hilarious look at show business as seen through the eyes of a couple of Waiting for Godot type scene extras. With each episode, Extras has gained momentum like a cartoon snowball.
You can call me crazy, but Ricky Gervais has merely channeled Carroll O'Connor's ghost, and made it his very own. The Gervais Merchant brand of humor likewise is more Norm Lear than anything else. We get the laughs from racial, ethnic, etc. punch-lined jokes because we are really laughing at the ignorance, insensitivity and gross stupidity of the joke teller, who is in the end, the ultimate joke. Every sacred cow topic or taboo joke in the book is conjured triumphantly on this show, and I sit and laugh I mean really laugh, right along with everyone else out there. Borat utilized the same principle. Unlike Borat however, Gervais and Merchant don't go overboard and falsely portray positive stereotypes. That lack of hypocrisy is what makes this show and The Office before it, far superior to Ali G, Borat and company. Make The Office and Extras a top priority in your viewing.
You can call me crazy, but Ricky Gervais has merely channeled Carroll O'Connor's ghost, and made it his very own. The Gervais Merchant brand of humor likewise is more Norm Lear than anything else. We get the laughs from racial, ethnic, etc. punch-lined jokes because we are really laughing at the ignorance, insensitivity and gross stupidity of the joke teller, who is in the end, the ultimate joke. Every sacred cow topic or taboo joke in the book is conjured triumphantly on this show, and I sit and laugh I mean really laugh, right along with everyone else out there. Borat utilized the same principle. Unlike Borat however, Gervais and Merchant don't go overboard and falsely portray positive stereotypes. That lack of hypocrisy is what makes this show and The Office before it, far superior to Ali G, Borat and company. Make The Office and Extras a top priority in your viewing.
Ashley Jensen
In love with Maggie. I wanted to bash anyone who hurt her feelings. Jensen plays this character with such vulnerability and respect.
- WilliamofTexas
- Dec 23, 2018
- Permalink
Brilliant, barbed, and a bit depressing
"Extras" is a low-key hilarious spoof of the universe as seen through the eyes of a miserable & failed actor who is equally miserable & failed at the role of being a human. The main draw of this clever comedy is the cameo appearance by a famous moviestar in each episode (Ben Stiller, Kate Winslet, Patrick Stewart, David Bowie, etc), and in each case the celebrity moviestar plays an outrageous parody of himself or herself which is totally at odds with their true personality.
For example in Episode 1, "Ben Stiller", Ben plays a totally unhinged, arrogantly-insecure movie director who boasts about slapping Jennifer Anniston's ass ("in a movie though." "THAT COUNTS!") or in Episode 6, "Patrick Stewart", the Shakespearean goliath himself Patrick Stuart plays a vapid, emotionally-stunted, nudity-obsessed adolescent who makes you realize how Beavis & Butthead might be after they grew up. Also definitely stick around for Episode 8, "David Bowie" where bowie thrills a party with his impromptu song "Chubby Little Loser" with which he serenades Ricky Gervais.
All of this is played with a totally straight-faced, deadpan, witty & distinctively British sense of humour (spelled with an 'our') that should thrill all English speaking audiences.
But it gets better. Or worse, depending on how you feel about this. The stories aren't pure absurdist comedy like the examples I mentioned. Each episode carries an undercurrent of some serious social problem, usually regarding prejudice & insensitivity, that is brilliantly and hilariously--and slightly depressingly--woven into the story. I'll give you an example:
In Episode 3, "Kate Winslet", Kate plays an obnoxious, Oscar-award-obsessed parody of herself, taking on roles in powerful dramas about things like the Holocaust, pretending to care about the issues, just because she knows those roles win the awards. In a parallel story, Ricky ("Adam") begins flirting with a girl he meets who is Catholic, so he pretends he too is Catholic, with hilariously disastrous results when he meets an actual priest. And at the same time he is forcing a show of empathy for the girl's sister who has cerebral palsy (excellently played by comedienne & real-life cerebral palsy afflicted Francesca Martinez, whom you gotta check out on youtube after the show). Like Kate, Ricky is merely putting on a front to mask his selfish agenda, only we see the duality of Kate's success vs. Ricky's utter failure, and that's the "a bit depressing" part I mentioned in my title.
It's not played off as schlocky or silly or with a big drumshot punchline. Instead we get just enough sobering reality to affect us on a serious level while on the surface we are mirthfully awaiting the next gag. Sometimes, masterfully, the next gag doesn't come and we are left with the sobering reality. This might be disorienting to audiences who are just expecting a zany comedy, but to me it's what elevates this production from zany comedy to masterpiece material. Without losing its comedic rhythm, "Extras" gives us some powerful thoughts to ponder, but ultimately leaves us laughing.
Ricky Gervais would continue to refine this storytelling technique, perhaps even recycle some of these powerful thoughts in later productions (such as his 2009 film "The Invention of Lying" which uses a powerful bit from the "Kate Winslet" episode regarding faith and the afterlife), and Ricky would eventually arrive at what is to me is best work so far, the currently running "After Life". If you enjoy "Extras" then definitely check out "After Life" where Ricky turns up the volume on the depressing aspects while keeping in line with the witty, sarcastic humour that keeps us coming back for more.
This sort of societally-self-deprecating comedy is a rare occurrence (and by 'societally-self-deprecating' I'm talking about comedies that shed light on society's flaws by unapologetically parading these flaws in our faces). But if you enjoyed "The Sarah Silverman Show" (where she herself plays a cluelessly selfish, borderline racist, privileged white girl) then you might know what to expect. But in Sarah Silverman, the comedy does come across as campy and silly so it's not quite as powerful and quietly sobering as what we get here. But in both cases, it's a novel way of looking at our crazy, conflicted society through the veil of laughs. Definitely check this series out if you have the chance.
For example in Episode 1, "Ben Stiller", Ben plays a totally unhinged, arrogantly-insecure movie director who boasts about slapping Jennifer Anniston's ass ("in a movie though." "THAT COUNTS!") or in Episode 6, "Patrick Stewart", the Shakespearean goliath himself Patrick Stuart plays a vapid, emotionally-stunted, nudity-obsessed adolescent who makes you realize how Beavis & Butthead might be after they grew up. Also definitely stick around for Episode 8, "David Bowie" where bowie thrills a party with his impromptu song "Chubby Little Loser" with which he serenades Ricky Gervais.
All of this is played with a totally straight-faced, deadpan, witty & distinctively British sense of humour (spelled with an 'our') that should thrill all English speaking audiences.
But it gets better. Or worse, depending on how you feel about this. The stories aren't pure absurdist comedy like the examples I mentioned. Each episode carries an undercurrent of some serious social problem, usually regarding prejudice & insensitivity, that is brilliantly and hilariously--and slightly depressingly--woven into the story. I'll give you an example:
In Episode 3, "Kate Winslet", Kate plays an obnoxious, Oscar-award-obsessed parody of herself, taking on roles in powerful dramas about things like the Holocaust, pretending to care about the issues, just because she knows those roles win the awards. In a parallel story, Ricky ("Adam") begins flirting with a girl he meets who is Catholic, so he pretends he too is Catholic, with hilariously disastrous results when he meets an actual priest. And at the same time he is forcing a show of empathy for the girl's sister who has cerebral palsy (excellently played by comedienne & real-life cerebral palsy afflicted Francesca Martinez, whom you gotta check out on youtube after the show). Like Kate, Ricky is merely putting on a front to mask his selfish agenda, only we see the duality of Kate's success vs. Ricky's utter failure, and that's the "a bit depressing" part I mentioned in my title.
It's not played off as schlocky or silly or with a big drumshot punchline. Instead we get just enough sobering reality to affect us on a serious level while on the surface we are mirthfully awaiting the next gag. Sometimes, masterfully, the next gag doesn't come and we are left with the sobering reality. This might be disorienting to audiences who are just expecting a zany comedy, but to me it's what elevates this production from zany comedy to masterpiece material. Without losing its comedic rhythm, "Extras" gives us some powerful thoughts to ponder, but ultimately leaves us laughing.
Ricky Gervais would continue to refine this storytelling technique, perhaps even recycle some of these powerful thoughts in later productions (such as his 2009 film "The Invention of Lying" which uses a powerful bit from the "Kate Winslet" episode regarding faith and the afterlife), and Ricky would eventually arrive at what is to me is best work so far, the currently running "After Life". If you enjoy "Extras" then definitely check out "After Life" where Ricky turns up the volume on the depressing aspects while keeping in line with the witty, sarcastic humour that keeps us coming back for more.
This sort of societally-self-deprecating comedy is a rare occurrence (and by 'societally-self-deprecating' I'm talking about comedies that shed light on society's flaws by unapologetically parading these flaws in our faces). But if you enjoyed "The Sarah Silverman Show" (where she herself plays a cluelessly selfish, borderline racist, privileged white girl) then you might know what to expect. But in Sarah Silverman, the comedy does come across as campy and silly so it's not quite as powerful and quietly sobering as what we get here. But in both cases, it's a novel way of looking at our crazy, conflicted society through the veil of laughs. Definitely check this series out if you have the chance.
Sitcom with a brain - and sometimes a heart
- gridoon2024
- Dec 12, 2017
- Permalink
Outstanding Series That Will Withstand The Test Of Time,
Extras is a truly terrific comedy television series,the show is full of laughs in every single episode,and I really don't see anything not to like about this series.The cast is pitch perfect,and the writing from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant is terrific,which is no surprise from these two.If your a fan of The Office,I would strongly recommend Extras.I would be happy if the show went on longer,but it still is a clever move from Gervais and Merchant to quite while their ahead instead of going till they run out of ideas.Every episode has a very big celebrity in it,they've had unexpectedly huge names on this show,to name a few,Ben Stiller,Kate Winslet,Samuel L Jackson,Orlando Bloom,Robert De Niro,this list goes on and they all play themselves brilliantly.The show myth only have thirteen episodes,but no bad episodes,and the finale is about eighty minutes long,I will admit I found it to be a bit of a disappointing final episode,but its still a funny,and surprisingly emotional,end to the series.
Andy Millman (Ricky Gervais) works as an extra on many big budget movies with his friend Maggie (Ashley Jensen),because Andy doesn't have any a great agent in Darren Lamb (Stephen Merchant) to help him get to the top.
Andy Millman (Ricky Gervais) works as an extra on many big budget movies with his friend Maggie (Ashley Jensen),because Andy doesn't have any a great agent in Darren Lamb (Stephen Merchant) to help him get to the top.
- lesleyharris30
- Apr 4, 2013
- Permalink
Read all about it...
Over the last few weeks I've been working my way through the two-box DVD set of Series 1 & 2 of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's much anticipated follow-up to "The Office", of which I was a big fan. This inside-exposure of a bit-actor's life in "luvvy-dom" is similar but different and requires a bigger leap of faith from its audience in expecting it to relate to this pretend-world of TV & cinema rather than the everyday familiarity of an office environment. The writing artfully weaves stories around drop-in cameo appearances of big-name UK & US stars, never mind pop-stars of the stature of Gervais' hero David Bowie and new-best-mate Chris Martin of Coldplay (I noticed Gervais in the crowd at Coldplay's free live preview of their new album outside BBC Broadcasting House in the summer) but principally focuses on Gervais' own Andy Millman character and his little band of fellow-nobodies, genuine find (although I'm always biased towards a good natural Scottish accent!) Ashley Jensen as man-mad, but dim "not my girlfriend" Maggie, Merchant himself as the completely inept agent and Shaun Williamson as Merchant's sidekick, down-on-his-luck "Barry from Eastenders". I'd go as far as rating Williamson's acting as "best-in-show", his role requires self-humiliation to the nth. degree and he carries it off with clear-eyed pathos as indeed do almost-has-been UK TV celebrities Les Dennis & Keith Chegwin in their guest spots. Williamson's "Barry" in fact is about the only cast member to elicit any real feelings of sympathy or empathy from the audience even if this veers often to downright pity for his pathetic "how the mighty have fallen" plight. But therein lies the problem for me, as the humour is occasionally spoiled by the sheer unlike-ability and unreality of Gervais and his gang of "house-characters". In addition, at least three episodes demonstrate a crassness towards the sick or the disabled, while another belittles a Polish war-refugee and yet another a slow-witted simpleton. Gays get bashed into stereotypical archetypes too, although I'm sure the writers would say I'm missing the irony somewhere. The star cameos do come off well however for the most part, Kate Winslet giving tips on phone-sex dressed in a nun's habit, Patrick Stewart as an old lech, Ben Stiller as a megalomaniac director and Robert De Niro as, well, Robert De Niro and there are numerous hilarious set-piece moments, including Andy's exposure as a non-Catholic dressed as John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever", the "BAFTA Awards Night" fiasco, David Bowie's "spontaneous" song, while the send-up of old-school British comedy antiquities in "When the Whistle Blows", if a few rungs below Victoria Woods' spot-on "Acorn Antiques" still made me think ruefully of the hours I wasted growing up watching dated, stereotypical Brit-coms like "Love Thy Neighbour" or "Hi-De-Hi" topped with an "Only Fools and Horses" - type theme-tune. Like some of the best TV sitcoms, it plays effectively without a laugh-track (c.f. "M.A.S.H.", "Ripping Yarns", "Larry Sanders") but isn't quite in their class. For me then, a bit of a mixed bag if still streets ahead of most contemporary comedies, a less engaging, but if I was being truthful, scarcely less funny successor to its ground-breaking predecessor. And it got me re-acquainted with my moldering Cat Stevens collection too!
Wait a minute, did you actually pay attention in Series 2?
Sometimes laugh-out-loud funny
- peter-1515
- Dec 10, 2005
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probably the most impressive aspect is the fact that movie stars are willing to portray themselves negatively
Following up from "The Office", Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have created another great show. "Extras" casts Gervais as Andy Millman, a supporting actor always having to be in the presence of temperamental movie stars (who play themselves). Eventually, Andy gets a role on a TV show as a dorky boss with a catchphrase.
The setup is much the same as "The Office": it's made to look cinema verite, while the characters get into embarrassing situations with each other. Granted, Andy Millman is a little different from David Brent: David had nothing to do and so he deliberately made inappropriate comments; Andy hopes to make it big, and often claims that he already has.
Probably the show's most impressive aspect is how the movie stars playing themselves portray themselves as pathetic individuals. For example, Kate Winslet stars in a movie about the Holocaust because she knows that people who star in movies about the Holocaust always win Oscars; Daniel Radcliffe, meanwhile, will do anything to get laid. Ben Stiller, Ian McKellen and Orlando Bloom also appear. Seriously, how many people would be willing to depict themselves on screen as worthless human beings? All in all, this is a great show. I hope that Ricky Gervais continues with this sort of work. A true masterpiece.
The setup is much the same as "The Office": it's made to look cinema verite, while the characters get into embarrassing situations with each other. Granted, Andy Millman is a little different from David Brent: David had nothing to do and so he deliberately made inappropriate comments; Andy hopes to make it big, and often claims that he already has.
Probably the show's most impressive aspect is how the movie stars playing themselves portray themselves as pathetic individuals. For example, Kate Winslet stars in a movie about the Holocaust because she knows that people who star in movies about the Holocaust always win Oscars; Daniel Radcliffe, meanwhile, will do anything to get laid. Ben Stiller, Ian McKellen and Orlando Bloom also appear. Seriously, how many people would be willing to depict themselves on screen as worthless human beings? All in all, this is a great show. I hope that Ricky Gervais continues with this sort of work. A true masterpiece.
- lee_eisenberg
- Jun 27, 2008
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You having a Laugh?
'Extras' is an amazing stand out comedy from the the genius brain of Gervais and Merchant. 'Extras' focuses on the life of a movie extra and his best mate, Maggie who constantly have interactions with famous people. The cameos of the series are extremely funny, especially that of Daniel Radcliffe, David Bowie and Robert DeNiro. I enjoyed this show, I bought it online, the best way to watch them over and over (which I do and you will). The story lines are fresh and there is never a moment when I was wishing that it would end already.
The brilliance behind this show is the writing. The fact that the writers have dealt with the industry that they are making fun of makes the scenes sweeter. The Kate Winslet, which is one of the first episodes, is so spot on that I could not believe that anyone ever thought that ending this show was a good idea. The jokes that even the start (cameos) deliver makes me believe that Gervais and Merchant can get an way with anything.
The unique thing that makes Gervais and Merchant so popular is that they see the funny things in life and make them even more disastrous. I love how they can point out the insanity of the movie industry, while making a point to remind the viewer, that it is because of the public movie stars behave the way they do and get away with it. The transformation from movie extra to big star to fallen star is one that is the main storyline, but I laughed the whole way through...either I missed the point of the series, or I fully get it.
If you want to laugh-
The brilliance behind this show is the writing. The fact that the writers have dealt with the industry that they are making fun of makes the scenes sweeter. The Kate Winslet, which is one of the first episodes, is so spot on that I could not believe that anyone ever thought that ending this show was a good idea. The jokes that even the start (cameos) deliver makes me believe that Gervais and Merchant can get an way with anything.
The unique thing that makes Gervais and Merchant so popular is that they see the funny things in life and make them even more disastrous. I love how they can point out the insanity of the movie industry, while making a point to remind the viewer, that it is because of the public movie stars behave the way they do and get away with it. The transformation from movie extra to big star to fallen star is one that is the main storyline, but I laughed the whole way through...either I missed the point of the series, or I fully get it.
If you want to laugh-
- MadameGeorge
- Mar 29, 2011
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Gervais Delivers Again
Excellent. Just excellent. Had me howling with laughter throughout the whole series, and that Christmas special, WOW. Would definitely recommend to anyone, an honest 10/10.
- johnryanbragg
- Dec 31, 2018
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Merchant & Gervais still have it
- truehammer
- Mar 4, 2010
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American View of a Very Funny Britcom
"Extras" is a British situation comedy created by Ricky Gervais, famous for creating "The Office", a British production that the American "Office" is based on.
Now showing on HBO, "Extras" tells the story of an actor who has been relegated to playing as an extra, typically with no speaking parts, and his struggle to make it in the rough and tumble world of BBC television.
In the first season, we are treated to Gervais' character arguing with other extras as to whether or not they had ever actually said a line during a show. The holy grail for these marginal actors is to get a speaking part--any extra who gets it is sure to lord it over the other extras.
Ultimately, Gervais character writes a thick-headed sitcom full of low humor and catchphrases, and the BBC buys it and casts Gervais as the lead character, complete with stupid catch phrase, fright wig and owl-eye glasses-because the producers insist they make him "funnier".
The hallmark of this show is feature appearances by famous celebrities, who unfailingly act like complete idiots--Orlando Bloom is obsessed with being hotter than Johnny Depp; Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) is an oversexed teen hitting on all females in range; Ian McKellan (Gandalf from LOTR) explains his acting method in a bit that is reminiscent of the "this amplifier goes up to 11" bit in Spinal Tap. One of the funniest appearances is by Patrick Stewart, who makes Star Trek references to Brits unfamiliar with the show, and whose pet project has himself playing a man endowed with superpowers that allow him to make women's clothes fall off.
Many of the actors are also British TV actors who Americans may or may not be familiar with, but they all parody themselves mercilessly.
Surrounding Gervais is a supporting cast that includes a very clueless platonic girlfriend, an astoundingly inept agent, and various other extras who are hugely jealous of Gervais (albeit sellout) success.
Definitely worth a watch, and if you have HBO on demand you can look up old episodes to catch up.
Now showing on HBO, "Extras" tells the story of an actor who has been relegated to playing as an extra, typically with no speaking parts, and his struggle to make it in the rough and tumble world of BBC television.
In the first season, we are treated to Gervais' character arguing with other extras as to whether or not they had ever actually said a line during a show. The holy grail for these marginal actors is to get a speaking part--any extra who gets it is sure to lord it over the other extras.
Ultimately, Gervais character writes a thick-headed sitcom full of low humor and catchphrases, and the BBC buys it and casts Gervais as the lead character, complete with stupid catch phrase, fright wig and owl-eye glasses-because the producers insist they make him "funnier".
The hallmark of this show is feature appearances by famous celebrities, who unfailingly act like complete idiots--Orlando Bloom is obsessed with being hotter than Johnny Depp; Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) is an oversexed teen hitting on all females in range; Ian McKellan (Gandalf from LOTR) explains his acting method in a bit that is reminiscent of the "this amplifier goes up to 11" bit in Spinal Tap. One of the funniest appearances is by Patrick Stewart, who makes Star Trek references to Brits unfamiliar with the show, and whose pet project has himself playing a man endowed with superpowers that allow him to make women's clothes fall off.
Many of the actors are also British TV actors who Americans may or may not be familiar with, but they all parody themselves mercilessly.
Surrounding Gervais is a supporting cast that includes a very clueless platonic girlfriend, an astoundingly inept agent, and various other extras who are hugely jealous of Gervais (albeit sellout) success.
Definitely worth a watch, and if you have HBO on demand you can look up old episodes to catch up.
- mcgriswald
- Feb 9, 2007
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This and After Life are awesome
Check out both series. Both are awesome. Great writing and wit and heart touching moments. I didn't know Ricky Gervais was so talented.
- nowackiandrew
- Aug 5, 2020
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Melancholy cameo comedy
- smellthecult-com-1
- Jan 23, 2010
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Simply brilliant - actually rivals The Office in terms of laughs!!!
Ricky Gervais strikes gold again, with "Extras", which is just as funny as "The Office". Gervais portrays the lives of extras on a film set and how they are often treated like dirt, but it is about so much more than that!!!! It is in the brilliant discourses between the characters that this show shines, because in their inane, irreverent discussions do we see an honest insight into what really matters. Because that is what this show is - the lead character, Andy, is by no means perfect - he's selfish, self centred and overly judgemental - but that just makes him more human because he is not one of those cardboard cutout pretty boys in so many other shows. After seeing the first series, where he interacts with real stars in the hope of getting noticed, you will want to see more! The Samuel L. Jackson episode is simply comic gold!
Extras
- jboothmillard
- Jun 17, 2017
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Hardly even funny.
- ghost_phantom
- Oct 16, 2007
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