Ricky Gervais

As Ricky Gervais quite rightly commented at last week's Comedy Awards, it is both a travesty and a debacle that Peep Show (Friday, Channel 4) didn't win anything. Persistently the best thing on television at the moment -- a winning blend of clever, stupid and dark -- Peep Show, starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb, has also managed the achievement of being a British sitcom that stayed hot even in its third series, which puts it in very select company indeed (Blackadder, Rising Damp, Yes Minister, Dad's Army).

Gervais has made actorly claims that Millman is different kettle of fish to David Brent - more reactive - but Millman is, in fact, just a slightly less cocky version of Brent. Along with Gervais being less cocky, there is also the question of the cast also being considerably less. Whereas The Office was an ensemble piece, in Extras Gervais is practically alone save for his buffoonish, shag-hungry fellow-extra, Maggie Jacobs (Ashley Jensen).

It may seem a little early to predict Extras will become a success, after only one episode, but it certainly demonstrated a lot of potential. If the difficult third album theory has to be applied here, then let's think of the disappointing US remake of The Office as that dodgy LP, and consider Extras the magnificent comeback record.

As such, The Office has redefined the standard for effective comedy that actually has something to say. It's shown the competition just how to mix drama, comedy, characterisation and poignancy without becoming too cynical, or mawkish.

Unfortunately it would appear that the team behind The Office have forgotten much of what made the first show such a success and managed to dismiss the formula that lead to that BAFTA, the possession of which has been trumpeted from the rooftops.

The Office (BBC2) is a very funny spoof documentary series, though more "Ouch!" than "Ha, ha!" It turns on a fine performance from Ricky Gervais as Dave, the egregious manager of an office in Slough that is under threat of closure ("Did I not want to hear that, Jenny!") Dave swings from cliché to catchphrase with the grace of an orangutan.

Finally, a quick but enthusiastic nod in the direction of The Office (BBC2) - it might be another spoof documentary series, but it's a spoof documentary series distinguished by superb performances and regular belly-laughs, and is not to be missed.