Ricky Gervais: Science - DVD Review

Laura Adshead reviews 'Science', the fourth live stand-up show DVD from Ricky Gervais...

Right, let's get this out of the way first - if you really hate Ricky Gervais, I doubt this DVD will change your mind - he's hardly a style you could 'warm to' if other attempts have failed. If you want to berate him, go and troll on a website with like-minded others, don't spend your money for the sake of having a whine.

The 4th stand-up offering from Ricky Gervais, is entitled Science. Why this is, I'm still not entirely sure; there's little to make the connection, or really justify the rather ostentatious and somewhat unnecessary set.

The show works through many of Gervais's favourite subject matters, erring occasionally on the side of familiarity; there's talk of the morbidly obese, homosexuality and of course, plenty of material about God. Whilst on the whole, the material will make you laugh, you can't help the niggling feeling that if you re-watch a couple of his older stand-up shows, you'd see very similar material phrased in a slightly different manner.

This didn't seem to faze the audience however, the majority laughing throughout the show, and providing the perfect audience. Which seems to be what Gervais thrives and in some ways, relies upon; his fans remain adamant fans, and will welcome his material unequivocally, whilst those who dislike him will forever dislike him. His style and delivery remain the same - sarcastic and somehow weary of the fame that has brought him here, yet all too aware that it's the cost of his job.

There's often the danger of his subject matter alienating the audience; how many people have flown first class or been barraged by autograph hunters? Whilst he has the ability to relay the stories, it loses the effect it could have with common grounding. There are also a few gags in here which, for someone of Gervais's talent and ability, seem cheap - an easy reference to Michael Jackson leaving the O2 free (over a year on? Really?), some jibes about Susan Boyle and some all too familiar material about air travel. Not the sort of thing you'd expect, and frankly, these fall a bit flat.

I've never been a Gervais hater, yet the previous show (Fame) was something of a self-satisfied let down for me. With Science he is harking back to his prior, more genial offerings in Animals and Politics. Once you've passed the well trodden material mentioned earlier, there is some excellent stuff about spiders (they are always ready), a nice look at the trend of buying a goat for an African family and a brilliant impersonation of Ken Dodd. Having said that, there's also his observation of the correlation between size of person and tightness of trouser, which frankly, is inspired (someone finally mentioned it), and brought a tear of mirth to my eye.

If you're a fan of his, and were disappointed with Fame, you don't need to hold the same reservations about Science. The self-satisfied aura has been toned down, and whilst you may think you've heard it before, there are some genuine gems throughout the hour. It's just as easy for a Gervais newcomer to enjoy this show too; my companion had barely any familiarity with him prior to seeing the show, and had 'a really good time'. And, like I said, if you hate him, don't watch it. Simple as that. I'd definitely see it again.

'Ricky Gervais Live IV: Science' is released on DVD, Blu-Ray and iTunes on Monday 22nd November 2010. As well as the show, the DVD also features an exclusive extras package. Pre-order from Amazon

(Note: all four of Ricky Gervais' stand-up DVDs are available in one boxset for £30. Pre-Order)