Extras: The Complete Series (Includes Series Finale)

 

 

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A few years back, Ricky Gervais created "The Office," a Dilberty satire on office work. Now, he's created "Extras," a wickedly funny satire on showbiz and acting, both seasons of which are contained here. And the fact that prominent actors appear in it -- as warped versions of themselves -- is just the icing on the comedy cake.

Andy Millman (Gervais) and Maggie Jacobs (Ashley Jenson) are film extras -- Andy is embittered by his lack of success and his inept agent (Stephen Merchant, Gervais' work partner), while well-meaning Maggie merely pursues a series of crew members on the films they work in.

The first episode features the two working in a biopic directed by a brusque Ben Stiller ("Would you stop going on about your f**king dead wife?"), and Andy gets himself kicked off the set. Their blunders continue with other stars: Kate Winslet in a nun costume, who teaches Maggie how to talk dirty to her new boyfriend ("I'd love it if you stuck your Willy Wonka in between my Oompa-Loompas!"); Samuel L. Jackson, and Patrick Stewart, who is writing a movie about psychkinesis and naked women.

And in the second season, Andy gets his Big Break -- BBC2 is producing his sitcom "When the Whistle Blows," but they dumb it down until it's popular but critically lambasted. Meanwhile, he and Maggie tangle with a bunch of new celebs -- the arrogant woman-chasing Daniel Radcliffe and Orlando Bloom, self-promoting Chris Martin, a hostile David Bowie, and Andy even stars in a play of Ian McKellen's about gay love (much to his discomfort).

Finally, the Christmas special takes us forward -- Andy has fame and fortune from his sitcom, and Maggie is still struggling at the lowest rungs. When Andy blows up and destroys his own fame, he is forced to confront the fact that he cannot be both an "artiste" and rich'n'famous.... and also who his true friends will always be.

It's a bit depressing compared to the past two seasons, especially when Andy has turned into a big stupid sitcom diva. But it is funny in an understated way, and Gervais' televised monologue is an absolute, heartbreaking gem.

Part of the genius of "Extras" is that it isn't much like any other showbiz parodies -- the lead characters are on the lowest rung of acting, and the big egos are real stars making fun of themselves. Sometimes they play really nasty versions of themselves, such as Winslet saying that she's only making a Holocaust film so she can FINALLY nab an Oscar.

The other half of the comic genius is Gervais' direction, with most of the jokes based on socially awkward situations. It's all about cringing and giggling at once, such as when Andy's pals see him pantsless in Ian McKellen's dressing room. Those hideously embarrassing situations -- usually with some hilarious dialogue involving the star guests (Bowie's "little fat man/nobody's laughing" song is a gutsplitter) are what it's all about.

Gervais underplays a sort of befuddled, cynical extra, but you can really connect with his struggles, even when he gets his own sitcom. No matter what, Andy can always be depended on to jam foot in mouth, and occasionally to attack Warwick Davis. And Jensen is clumsily charming as Maggie, who tries to be nice to everyone but says all the wrong things at the wrong time, when she's not being pursued by Orlando Bloom or offending Samuel Jackson.

From start to finish, "Extras" is an uproariously funny, barbed looks at the strange world of showbiz, with the self-parodying actors as the final perfect touch.

I had no background to Extras having bought the set on the strength of The Office and thankfully I was rewarded. Ricky Gervais plays Andy Millman and Ashley Jenson plays Maggie Jacobs both struggling film extras. The format is entirely different than his other wildly successful series. It is like three plots in one: the life of an extra (which is fascinating), the brilliant fumbling relationships we expect from Gervais (and Stephen Merchant), and the hope of something better from ordinary people struggling with the day-to-day.

One convention that works in Extras is the guest stars that range from a direct Kate Winslet, an underutilized Samuel L. Jackson, a fantasticly self-deprecating Patrick Stewart, a good sport in Daniel Radcliffe, an awesome Ian McKellan, and other cameo appearances from Chris Martin and David Bowie, amongst others. A great twist is the pursuit of Andy's sitcom "When the Whistle Blows," and how he is intellectually and creatively compromised once it goes to air. One must think this is what threatened The Office and served as a source of inspiration. The usual kudos go to Gervais but his long-time partner Merchant and Jenson are equally terrific.

For those of you who are Ricky Gervais fans Extras is yet another comedic must see. It is funny yet real in terms of onscreen character relationships and storyline. If you like the original "The Office", Extras is a great follow-up in true Ricky Gervais style. In addition the DVD extras are hilarious, especially the Outakes.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Comedy
I bought this completely blind. I was a Ricky Gervais fan, but had never watched the show before. I watched the entire series in 3 sittings. Absolutely hilarious.

Published 4 months ago by Jason

4.0 out of 5 stars A clever reality-based parody
This tongue-in-cheek concept was quite well done and one could tell that it was reality-based, probably from Rick Gervais' own experiences. Read more

Published 21 months ago by Gabriele LeClaire

4.0 out of 5 stars Great show
I am a big fan of Gervais, and british comedy in general, so i really enjoyed this show.

Published on Jan 18 2010 by N. Neirinck

5.0 out of 5 stars I love Ricky Gervais
I caught this show once on TV and had to buy the DVD's. They are absolutely hilarious. Great cast and great cameos by Kate Winslet, Daniel Radcliffe, David Bowie, Ben Stiller and... Read more

Published on May 8 2009 by Winterfairy

5.0 out of 5 stars Extras is Hilarious!!!
If you seek clever comedy, then Extras is a prudent choice particularly if you enjoy British vehicles. Disregard the "Disappointing" review by David Land. Read more

Published on Jun 29 2008 by SuperGas

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing
Sadly, I must say I found the "Extras" seasons 1,2 and finale very disappointing. Let me say that I am a huge fan of "The Office" and was looking forward to this new creation to... Read more

Published on Mar 17 2008 by David Land

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