It's been a while since I've reviewed anything even close to a TV comedy, let alone a DVD or CD - so here we go...ladies and gentlemen, the Extras Christmas Special.
First shown on the BBC at Xmas 2007, it was the final episode in the Extras series - the second brainchild of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant after the phenomenally successful "The Office". On first impressions of the first series, it was good but not as good as it's predecessor, but the second series of Extras stepped up to the plate and was a fantastic piece of sitcom writing. So, at the public's request, here came the Xmas Special to wrap up all the loose ends.
Set when Gervais' character; Andy Millman, has become a relative success due to his high rating sitcom "When The Whistle Blows", he is now looking to become a Hollywood star, partly due to the success of his friend-cum-rival Greg. When a flash new agent comes along, Millman decides this is his big chance...but things are never going to be as easy as that...
He pulls the plug on his sitcom and starts to turn down roles in TV dramas because he believes he's 'above them', and beggars can be choosers it seems. By alienating himself from his friends and those who supported him through his progression to relative fame and fortune, he becomes an 'evil shadow' of his former self...resulting in his appearance in a rather well-known reality TV show in a desperate bid to keep up his figure in the public eye.
His best friend, played by the excellent Ashley Jensen, is still struggling as an extra, and also feels time has come to pull the plug on her career choice, but unfortunately for her that decision backfires and sees her severely struggling to rub two coins together to get by. His original 'agent', Darren Lamb - played superbly by Merchant - keeps his morale up with his 'sidekick'...also known as Barry from Eastenders! (Shaun Williamson)
In the end, Millman realises that his hunt for fame and fortune and being widely regarded with respect and dignity have been completely blurred in his attempt to be famous just for the sake of it. In one of the most profound speeches you could ever wish to come across, be it in real-life or fictional, he describes the disease that is the 'celebrity' and why the world has become obsessed with it. A fantastic monologue.
Naturally, it's filled with special guest appearances to match the previous two series; this time including George Michael, Gordon Ramsey, Clive Owen...and Lionel Blair and Hale and Pace!
In essence, it's Gervais and Merchant at their best. There are some brilliant one-liners and heart-warming relationships, and an excellent narrative that keeps you interested until the very last minute. As I hope you've noticed, this is just a review of the show, rather than the DVD - but you can of course buy it from all good retailers - £7.58 on Amazon as I type!
So for anyone who's a fan of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, be it in the previous series of Extras, The Office, or their renowned podcast, then this show is a must-see. As it's one off episode, everything is tied up nicely...what they do next though, is anyone's guess, but I for one can't wait.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Tony Dow - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: John Challis, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Tessa Peake-Jones, Gwyneth Strong
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Aug 7th, 2009
exceptional by (4%):
very helpful by (89%):
helpful by (7%):
