'At the end of the day' I don't really give a shit so long as it makes me laugh. I preferred the first series but I know a lot of people who preferred the second; however of those people none thought the special was that great, and it didn't make me laugh very much. Still good and still the best thing on telly for me, but I also think it failed because it just didn't make me laugh enough, ultimately.
Quote: Godot Taxis @ January 9, 2008, 2:55 PMAnybody keen to distinguish between gervais' views and those of his Millman persona might like to consider the way 'Extras' went from being about an actor trying to get a line in a show (ie, nothing like Gervais) to being about a sitcom writer frustrated by the incompetence and low standards of those around him (very like Gervais).
I'm not sure that is very like Gervais. Sure he criticises some other shows but he doesn't criticise those around him. He's worked with some great people on The Office, Extras and his movies and has praised them a lot.
Thought the xmas show was awful, the office will go down in comedy history, extras should have been put down!
Gervais , who, in 2 years!
Merchant is destined to go on alone , methimks.
Yes. That will happen.
Is this a preview for the 2008 Special?
Quote: Godot Taxis @ January 8, 2008, 1:14 AMYou're just describing the plot. That isn't what the show is 'about'.
I disagree. The things I describe here were parts of the plot that were integral to the show's message, my interpretation being that relentless pursuit of fame and celebrity can be at the expense of what some might consider the more important things in life, the key here being friendship. Gervais himself said that Extras was never really about the guest stars and the celebrities, it was about friendship.
Quote: James Williams @ January 9, 2008, 4:01 PM'At the end of the day' I don't really give a shit so long as it makes me laugh. I preferred the first series but I know a lot of people who preferred the second; however of those people none thought the special was that great, and it didn't make me laugh very much. Still good and still the best thing on telly for me, but I also think it failed because it just didn't make me laugh enough, ultimately.
I think you make a good point, James. It depends what you expected from it. If you wanted laugh-a-minute, I'm sure you'd be disappointed. For me, I don't mind if a sitcom isn't that funny (when it's not trying) because the classification of programme type doesn't influence me when deciding whether I enjoyed it or not. I thought the special was fantastic - not because I was constantly laughing throughout (although I did laugh a lot) - but because it entertained me throughout and I enjoyed it. And that is what I class as a good television programme, whether you call it a sitcom, a drama, whatever, if it entertains me then it is good.
The special was done as a comedy drama like a lot of specials. There was a lot more drama than usual, it was longer and its not like you could say it was two sitcom episodes bolted together.
It's weird because although admittedly it wasn't very funny I still felt it was a really good episode. I have enjoyed pretty much everything Gervais has produced from The Office through to his Stand- up.
However I agree that Merchant seems the funnier one and on the XFM shows and the podcast this becomes very obvious as he comes out with a lot of funny witty one liners.
The only thing I dont like is his unwavering belief in anything American being better that England. It's gotten to the point where he is actually very insulting to anything British in the media, such as slagging off pretty much every British show or film.
He seems to be changing his mind in that regard. I think he said recently he's going to give America a bit of a rest and stop working over there/doing Hollywood movies.
Maybe he's realised there's exactly the same ratio of gold
hit over there as there is here.
I wouldnt mind him carrying on doing loads of American film and telly work really as long as he stopped slagging off Britain but if he does change his tune in that regard then i will take back what I said.
That's big of you.
Jesus that was quick.
Quote: Spagett @ January 10, 2008, 8:53 PMThe only thing I dont like is his unwavering belief in anything American being better that England. It's gotten to the point where he is actually very insulting to anything British in the media, such as slagging off pretty much every British show or film.
Makes a nice change from a Brit slagging off everything American.
Quote: Eat_My_Shirts @ January 10, 2008, 9:05 PMMakes a nice change from a Brit slagging off everything American.
Such as?
Plus the correct comparison would be an American comedian slagging off America wouldnt it?
