Lee Henman
Thursday 12th April 2012 11:13pm
5,183 posts
I want to see a series. I think they did an admirable job in this one-off with the limited time they had, but the impact of Joan dying and Derek's love for the nurse was lessened by the lack of backstory. If those relationships had been given time to grow over a few episodes, the pathos would've been far more intense.
As it was though, I really liked it. For all Karl Pilkington's meant to be a complete idiot with a head like a f**king orange, he's very natural and funny in front of the camera, even if in this case he's just playing Karl Pilkington in a wig.
And I didn't feel uncomfortable with Ricky's portrayal of Derek at all. Yes he gurns and mugs but then so did Ian McKellen in Walter. So did Daniel Day Lewis in My Left Foot. I don't really see why comedy actors can't play characters with learning disabilities too, as long as it's done sensitively. And Ricky ALMOST pulled it off I think, although I could've done without the slapstick. I'm not averse to physical gags at all but the sitting in the pudding and falling in the pond bits were a bit too telegraphed.
Anyway, I thought it was good. I think it'll get flack because it's assumed that Ricky's taking the piss but I didn't feel that at all. Derek is the hero. He's nice, he's kind, he's in tune with his emotions, he puts everyone else before himself and he's brave as well. How is that taking the piss?