Quote: AJGO @ November 11 2011, 2:32 PM GMTHow sad that trying to give something a chance is seen as being simple-minded. I don't love it, because I've only seen one episode, so I'm merely surprised by the amount of venom on the same basis.
This is the internet, 60% Porn, 38% venom, 2% Other.
Which is why I would like to set fire to a nude photograph of Stott and suck on a chickenpox lollipop
If The Office and Extras had never existed and we were watching this as their first foray into sitcom we would be singing its praises, hailing them as comedy geniuses.
The Office and Extras do exist though and this, sadly, was just a mutation of the two with a dwarf David Brent. I still enjoyed it and laughed more at this than anything since Psychoville/IT Crowd, but we have come to expect too much of G&M.
It was OK, Liam Neeson definitely lifted the show a few notches.
I totally agree with you, AJGO.
But every thread about Gervais that has ever existed on this board attracts an of out of proportion level of venom, so it's come to be expected. 
Here's an example of something I did a while ago that proves I'm ahead of my time... 
Even as a not-particular Gervais & Merchant fan (although I have warmed to them immeasurably in recent years), that was disappointing. Quite apart from only providing the first real laugh literally half way through with the appearance of Shaun Williamson, it was dull. I did enjoy Ebony & Ivory, and there were some good laughs in the Neeson scene, but either side of it only a handful of chuckles.
In comedy you can get away for a surprisingly long time without being overtly funny, but to be so boring as well, is little short of perplexing.
I argued at the time of Extras' premiere that it was little more than a re-hash of The Office with superficial adjustments to characters and dynamics, and judging by the first episode Life's Too Short just appears to be more of the same from a one-trick-pony team.
Frankly, the type of documentary they spoof was outdated by the time The Office ended, and it is certainly not back in fashion now. There were arguments at the Beeb in 2001 that people would think The Office was serious rather than a scripted comedy - no chance of that here.
Having said all of that, I agree with Matthew Stott's analysis that there was a fair amount of the 'world' to set-up in the first episode, so I'm not going to condemn the series beyond redemption just yet. Warwick's secretary seemed potentially rather interesting so I hope she features more heavily later in the run. However, the omens are certainly not looking good: based on that episode alone, I can honestly say I'd rather they'd spent the licence fee on giving Big Top a second chance.
To be honest I'm pleased that it's similar to The Office or Extras, I really enjoyed those shows & I enjoyed this. I like their style of humour & they can churn as much as they want my way.
Quote: Tom G @ November 11 2011, 3:16 PM GMTThe Office and Extras do exist though and this, sadly, was just a mutation of the two with a dwarf David Brent. .
That line perfectly sums up what I made of it, Tom.
Just watched this. Warwick's clearly a very talented comedy actor so I'm not sure why he's doing the David Brent impression. I can't see him being directed to do that, maybe he just studied a lot of Gervais's stuff and came up with that style for the role, I don't know. Personally I think it was a mistake but who am I?
Other than that, the premise was nicely set up and there were some very funny moments, some subtle, some not (Warwick falling out of the car was great!)
I don't think Gervais should be even in it. He should've stayed behind the camera on this one. Mainly because Ricky's presence only serves to reinforce Davis's similarities. I've just done a quick Google search and it appears a lot of people are saying the same thing - complaining about the David Brent impression. However, that is going to be an integral part of the show and if I can't get past it I'm not going to enjoy it, so I'm going to watch the rest of the series for what it is; an interesting, low-key Gervais comedy with a great performance from Warwick Davis.
I think there are a lot more laughs to come so I'm giving it every chance
But Warwick Davies is not being David Brent is he?
He's just doing the material in a Gervais/Merchant style.
I think we all noticed the similarities, but I think a lot of it was due to the way the lines were written, and how they were meant to be performed.
If Gervais & Merchant weren't involved would people have made the same comparisons?
Possibly, probably but I'm not 100% convinced.
When they did the pilot of PhoneShop, & we were aware that Ricky Gervais had been the script editor I did find myself looking for DavidBrenterisms & found them.
If you told me that Stephen Mangan's next thing, whatever it is, was written by Gervais, I'd probably find similarities real or imagined.
I think we're all a bit obsessed with Ricky Gervais if the truth be told.
Dunno, it was all too obvious
I can imagine Ricky directing Warwick more and more into the role with Steve saying, 'No it's too Brent' and Ricky replying with 'they won't remember'
Quote: random @ November 11 2011, 11:51 PM GMTDunno, it was all too obvious
I can imagine Ricky directing Warwick more and more into the role with Steve saying, 'No it's too Brent' and Ricky replying with 'they won't remember'
I wouldn't be surprised.
Quote: Steve Sunshine @ November 11 2011, 11:52 PM GMT
I wouldn't be surprised.
Come on Mr Nil Putters
What did you think???
Quote: Steve Sunshine @ November 11 2011, 11:44 PM GMTWhen they did the pilot of PhoneShop, & we were aware that Ricky Gervais had been the script editor I did find myself looking for DavidBrenterisms & found them.
I'm assuming you didn't have to look too far... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PVbMBMiDKU
