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In the space of 15 half hour episodes, these two
men had cemented their names in comedic television history, changing
the way we look and film sitcoms of the modern age. But can you ever
hope to achieve success of that magnitude ever again - can lighting
really strike twice?
The show is Extras, a quasi-sitcom about extras, or wannabe actors,
working on film sets and in theatre. Gervais and Merchant, both of whom
also star in the series return to helm the ship, this time opting to
film in a more traditional sitcom style rather than the mockumentary
mode used for The Office. The series premiered in the UK in July
2005 (the DVD was released in Australia 18 months later -
bizarre), and much to the duo's delight, it rated it's pants off.
The show follows Andy Millman (Gervais) and his
friend Maggie Jacobs as they work as lowly extras on film sets across
the UK. Each episode is based around a different film set with Andy and
Maggie playing extras, with Andy spending most of his time looking for
ways to get a speaking role - while Maggie seems to be more content
with looking among the cast and crew for a boyfriend. Merchant, meanwhile, finally
gets promoted to an on screen role this time around as Darren
Lamb, Andy's agent, who fails to procure Andy substantial roles.
So it rates through the roof, there are guest
stars clambering to make an appearance alongside Gervais (Ben Stiller
and Samuel L. Jackson are utter stand outs) and the premise is rife for
laughs. But is it really that good? The simple answer is: I'm not sure.
The Office
was just superb, and it takes a full three episodes to finally get past
the fact that Gervias' new character Andy just isn't David Brent. This
normally wouldn't be a problem, but there are only six episodes on
offer here. So admittedly, I just couldn't get into it first time
around, as hard a I tried - all I wanted to see was the odd reference
to "Sexism" and "Darkies" with that awkward glance to camera. So before
you even attempt to pass judgment on it, give the show a few viewings
(one of the greatest advantages of DVD releases).
First things first, it must be said that Andy Millman is Extras'
straight man. With the comedy coming from the supporting cast (Maggie's
character is essentially a female David Brent), Merchant is a real find
(he's a real life Gareth Keenan) - Gervais has purposely made himself a
tad cooler, and a bit smarter. But it seems to work - sure you have to
watch the series twice - but it does eventually work as a new program.
There is some genuinely inspired humour here as well. Winslett's turn as a phone-sex crazed version of herself is brilliant
- and makes the actress herself much more human and endearing than her
public persona allows. The character development is great, and will no
doubt cement itself throughout the next series (which again did big
business in the UK). It does seem to lack the comedic pace and often
the quirky tangents of The Office,
but it's a much more mature and grounded humour which many comedy lovers
will appreciate, and more importantly, respect as a brave move by
Gervais and Merchant.
Had The Office never been invented this would have been hailed as brilliant. Moreover, had The Office never existed at all, would we even care about Extras
or would it have even been made? It is a clever show, and all hype
aside, it's a entertaining and sometimes endearing British comedy series - and proof that while lighting may never
strike in the same place twice, it can strike pretty bloody close to
it.
EXTRAS
The extras on Extras,
what a lovely mixed bag this is. There is the aptly titled featurette
"The Difficult Second Album - Behind the scenes of Extras", along with
several other documentaries which show Gervais and Merchant in their
off time. There are some fun bloopers on offer, Gervais' laugh is
infectious - while the deleted scenes are a must watch.
Conclusion:
Movie 75% Extras: 60%
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