'Extras - Christmas Special' Review

Basq

On a visit to RickyGervais.com to check on the status on the Christmas Special, i noticed this:



The reason I was checking on RickyGervais.com is that i read that the Christmas Special is airing on HBO in the States this coming Sunday night (16th) which i thought was odd as i assume it's not airing on BBC til Christmas Eve / Day.

Anyways, enjoy!

Basq

It isn't airing on BBC til Thursday 27th December.. so good news for anyone in the US or with access to US TV broadcasts!

Basq

OK so my review of the finale..

I was a huge fan of the series overall and was glad they were ending it after a Christmas Special simply due to the fact that the 2 seasons and special worked so well for 'The Office'.

But the finale for 'Extras' was very very different.. it was a much more dramatic affair in parts. It still had plenty of humour but it's tone and general theme throughout was something more in-depth.

It started off quite poorly to be honest, and had a dramatic change in tone in the middle act and the last half (

with Andy on 'Big Brother' and Darren, Barry and Dean Gaffney in Carphone Warehouse

) had probably the funniest bits in it.

The standout performance in the episode was Ashley Jensen who i never really gave much credit in the show.. but

her deterioration in this episode as she slowly loses everything was really something.

Most people really dislike her in the show but i think this performance could change their minds. Not a fan of 'Ugly Betty' but they've got a keeper in Ashley Jensen anyways.

The one thing i'll remember from this episode

(along with Darren, Barry and Dean dancing alongside each other in Carphone Warehouse - hilarious!) is Andy's breakdown in the house. The moment where he just loses it and apologies to Maggie and basically says exactly what we (as the public) think of these "celebrities" who aren't famous for anything credible is truly a testament to Gervais and Merchant's writing, and Gervais' fantastic performance.

Certainly pulled out all the stops for cameos too:

Clive Owen, George Michael, David Tennent, Gordon Ramsey, Hale & Pace, Vernon Kaye, Chico, Lisa Scott Lee, June Sarpong and Dean Gaffney (he was excellent.. took the piss out of himself at every chance!).

And how could i forgot? A cameo from the legend that is KARL PILKINGTON!

All-in-all, it wasn't an amazing finale. Not as good as 'The Office' finale by any means but it was a worthwhile end to the show and i'll be sad not to see it back to be honest. As this episode especially showed me how great Jensen and Gervais can be together.

Cannot wait to see what Gervais and Merchant have up their sleeves next however!

mike65

I'll pass on the preview and your spoilered review (no I did'nt peek) and enjoy it fresh.

Mike.

rikerdonegal

I loved it.

I thought parts of it were rather bleak, and very sad, but it worked on all levels.

Sad to see it go, but - in another way - it is time to pull the pin on it. How many times can we watch Andy tell lies and get caught out in an embarrasing way? Althougth I laughed/cringed during the whole bit with the phone a part of me was thinking "We've seen this bit before".

A great series. A great finale. And the perfect time to end it.

Tusky

I love Extras but was a little disappointed that, as you said, the Christmas special was more dramatic than comedic. I even found it to be depressing at times.

Good acting performances from Ricky & Ashley though and some great jokes in the carphone warehouse and Clive Owens scene with the prostitutes.

Driver 8

I really liked it. Great work from Ashley Jensen, and a fine way to finish what was a quality show. Not a fan of Gervais' stand up, but the man can write a show.

s8n

huge Gervais fan, but this left me disappointed. Cant help but think there is a lot of him in Andy Millman and he has a lot to say about celebrity, but it didn't quite work over the 80 mins. We still have the 2 x excellent series though. Looking forward to the next Gervais / Merchant creation.

BaZmO*

Watched it last Friday when I had indulged in a bit too much of Christmas cheer so couldn't remember too much about it other than it had a very sombre tone. I watched it again tonight and was surprised at how many funny bits there were in it.

The first half is definitely paced with more jokes and it does turn more dramatic in the second half but overall I really really enjoyed. As ever, the bits with Stephen Merchant and Barry are the funniest. Some nice cameos too.

ixoy

Well I enjoyed it and only felt that it dragged a little in the middle when they heaped on the drama elements a bit too heavily.
The cameos were good - particularly liked Clive Owen acting the complete dick with his onscreen whores and Ashley Jensen's reactions.
Highlight of the piece was Andy's rant in the Big Brother house - so very true and brilliantly delivered and, just like those final moments in 'The Office' Christmas special (when Dawn unwrapped her gift in the taxi) I managed to find some dirt in my eye.
Nice wrap up the show - it mightn't have said much more than was said by the S2 finale but as a final return it satisfied.

Cina

That was quite brilliant. Gervais and Merchant really are geniuses. I don't know many other shows that can make me both laugh and entwine me like that episode did, and Extras has in general. I'll miss the show.

Chong

Cina wrote: »

That was quite brilliant. Gervais and Merchant really are geniuses. I don't know many other shows that can make me both laugh and entwine me like that episode did, and Extras has in general. I'll miss the show.

Agreed , I thought it was excellent.

BaZmO*

If only there was another thread to discuss it.......

Timans

BaZmO* wrote: »

If only there was another thread to discuss it.......

If only there was a forum to discuss it.. *click the sig*

That was actually beyond fantastic. Sad, funny and interesting. I think Ricky showed his acting prowess there as well as him and Merchants comedic genius.

Truly awesome. We can only hope Gervais/Merchant will work on something else.

mike65

Superb, as I just posted elsewhere, it makes up for the Diana Concert. It was that good.

I loved Clive Owens explosion of disgust "Fvck that, I'm Clive Owen", Ashley Jensen was wonderful, I'd give her a hug any time.

Mike.

GhostInTheRuins

I thought it was brilliant but I missed the first half hour! :mad:

Anyone know if it'll be repeated anytime soon?

Timans

D.T. Jesus wrote: »

I thought it was brilliant but I missed the first half hour! :mad:

Anyone know if it'll be repeated anytime soon?

Probably tomorrow knowing the BBC'c Christmas schedule.

Jello

Yeah I hope it's repeated, I completely forgot about it! :mad:

lostexpectation

so so

Drag00n79

D.T. Jesus wrote: »

I thought it was brilliant but I missed the first half hour! :mad:

Anyone know if it'll be repeated anytime soon?

SITCOM: Extras Christmas Special
On: BBC 1 Northern Ireland (141)
Date: Saturday 29th December 2007
Time: 03:00 to 04:20

AND

SITCOM: Extras Christmas Special
On: BBC 2 Northern Ireland (Digital) (142)
Date: Sunday 30th December 2007
Time: 21:00 to 22:25

GhostInTheRuins

Excellent! I was just going to the bbc website but it looks like I won't have to. BBC2 sunday it will be. Thanks!

Timans

Timans wrote: »

Probably tomorrow knowing the BBC'c Christmas schedule.

Wasn't too far off then.

BaZmO*

Timans wrote: »

If only there was a forum to discuss it.. *click the sig*

Best of luck with that although I think a dedicated forum might be overkill. I was just referencing a thread that was already created a couple of days ago although I'm sure they'll both be merged soon enough.

Rjd2

Truly awful, even worse than usual, and christ the nerve of the man to use Kate Bush's music as well! I am going to get drunk now and post a more detailed post of my hatred of this dross tomorrow!

Heisenberg.

This post has been deleted.

mike65

The George Michael moment was neat!

Mike.

Utopia Parkway

Twas very good although I thought they dragged the Big Brother thing at the end on for too long.

Probably could have done with being a bit shorter all round but enjoyable all the same.

enner43

D.T. Jesus wrote: »

Excellent! I was just going to the bbc website but it looks like I won't have to. BBC2 sunday it will be. Thanks!

Thank god for that. I completely forgot about it tonight!

DundalkDuffman

Enjoyed it thoroughly but it could have been an hour instead. The celebs in it were very self deprecating too which was nice.

flogen

I thought it was largely terrible.

The episode felt confused and rushed at parts and I think Gervais was trying to have his cake and eat it by slagging Lowest Common Denominator TV whilst engaging in the same at many times in his show (And in this episode in particular). The jokes were telegraphed, the plot was obvious and the characters were soul-less (And I didn't think they were in S1 - mainly in this episode).

The ending wasn't bad but I didn't care enough to actually feel moved about it in the way that was intended.

The first series of Extras was pretty good - the second was very hit and miss. This finale was rubbish.

mike65

Down with flogen!

Mike.

johnny_ultimate

Not a bad little finale I must say. Again, probably worked better as a drama than a comedy, which is quite odd. But most of it was handled well, although some of the editing was extremely awkward (e.g. Ashley's montage which cut off as she was opening the door?). Overall, a sad but ultimately fitting conclusion, with a smattering of great gags.

Basq

Merged with existing thread..

eamon234

Absolute genius I was worried about how they'd play it after the series 2 finale but it was fantastic. The Carphone Warehouse bits were priceless!
I was hoping he'd get one up on Greg at some stage though but otherwise a fitting finish to a great show.

Ray777

I thought it had its moments (the Carphone Warehouse stuff with Stephen Merchant and the two ex-EastEnders guys would make a great sitcom in its own right), but wasn't really that impressed. It was nothing special (which is a shame when you consider that it was a 'Christmas Special') and could probably have been half an hour shorter.

I didn't think it was horrendously bad, but it did nothing to quash my belief that Gervais is nothing more than a one-trick-pony.

eth0_

I hate Ricky Gervais and think he isn't nearly as good as everyone tells him he is. HOWEVER - last nights Extras was brilliant, especially the last 15 minutes when he hit rock bottom and went on celeb big brother.

I was laughing at the irony at some of the has-beens who were on 'big brother' with him, having agreed to go on Extras to be portrayed as desperate has-beens who'll check their dignity at the door and go on Gervais' show just to keep their profile up!

Timans

"Hang on Ricky, that was amazing, I'm coming with you.."

"Alright then, let's go"

"Give me 5 minutes, there's paparazzi out there, I'll put on a bikini"

ciaran76

I enjoyed the show last night mainly for the Gordon Ramsey rant and the BB bit at the end.

His speech about the media was quite good and also the carphone warehouse bits were funny too.

I knew this episode was going to be an "emotional" type .I would have classed it more a drama last night then a comedy.

besty

I really enjoyed it.

The skill involved in writing something that can have you in stitches and completely engrossed in drama is brilliant. I loved the Carphone Warehouse stuff, the Clive Owen bits, the return of Bunny (favourite TV character ever) and the counterbalance of his breakdown in the BB house. His acting skills caught me off guard and I think his next project could be something genuinely dramatic (Hope not). Finally, I was sure during his apology to Maggie he would say he loved her and they would hook up when he came out of the house. Not sure how that would have concluded things but I was sure it would happen - maybe I'm just a sentimentalist.

Finally, probably my favourite part was when he was saying in the house how you have to check your dignity at the door when you enter, someone says "No you don't" then the Birdie Song comes on and they all jump up doing the dance passing the large ball around.

Akrasia

eth0_ wrote: »

I hate Ricky Gervais and think he isn't nearly as good as everyone tells him he is. HOWEVER - last nights Extras was brilliant, especially the last 15 minutes when he hit rock bottom and went on celeb big brother.

I was laughing at the irony at some of the has-beens who were on 'big brother' with him, having agreed to go on Extras to be portrayed as desperate has-beens who'll check their dignity at the door and go on Gervais' show just to keep their profile up!

Were they actually real big brother contestants?

WindSock

Missed it are there any repeaters on?

phasers

SITCOM: Extras Christmas Special
On: BBC 1 Northern Ireland (141)
Date: Saturday 29th December 2007
Time: 03:00 to 04:20

AND

SITCOM: Extras Christmas Special
On: BBC 2 Northern Ireland (Digital) (142)
Date: Sunday 30th December 2007
Time: 21:00 to 22:25

Snake Plisken

Well I thought it was excellent, right from the start, loved the Jade Goody Doll the George Micheal cameo was excellent, Fly tipping , as mentioned the 3 lads in the carphone warehouse, the breakdown of Maggie was well acted and the choice of "This Womans Work" by Kate Bush was spot on soundtrack for her, also the Smiths track "Please Please Please Let me get what I want" also well used in the emotional bits, I have to say a fitting farewell to an excellent show. Just wondering what the two boys will come up with next???

eth0_

Akrasia wrote: »

Were they actually real big brother contestants?

No, one was a girl who was in 'Steps', another was June Sarpong who used to present an early morning music video show on Channel4, and the other I remember was Lionel Blair who actually has talent, he's an actor/dancer.

Yakuza

I enjoyed it quite a lot, I found it touching in parts; the breakdown on the BB couch, and Maggie's disintegration while doing her cleaning job (and that Kate Bush song was perfect), and it was funny from a quiet chuckle (George Michael being done for fly tipping) to laugh out loud (when the corset snapped during the play reading ).

I look forward to whatever Gervais and Merchant pen next, for sure

Andrewf20

Wow. I absolutely loved the intro with Andy in the Big B house. I was in bits with laugher over the Jade Goody doll at the start.

Other best bits:

- When tummy strapped goes undone in audition
- Andys face when he sees George Michael
- Interview with journalist in his humble abode
- Birdie song + loss of dignity bit at the end in the Big B house.

Was nearly in tears at the end just before he left Big B house!

Its great that he didnt go down the cliched road with everything falling into place. Great end to a series I loved. 9/10.

Rowley Birkin QC

Its on now on BBC1, bloody insomnia.

BaZmO*

I've watched it quite a few times now and the 'Tragedy' bit at the end cracks me up every time!

Pigman II

mike65 wrote: »

Ashley Jensen was wonderful, I'd give her a hug any time.

I'd do more than that! Maggie is the perfect woman imho. Pity she doesn't exist.

Anyway highlights of the special were:
- carphone warehouse
- Big Brother
- Fight with Gordon Ramsay (you failed footballer fúck).

There was definetly good moments in the special but I don't think it really held together as a story. Making a good comedy storyline last for more than 20minutes is probably one of the hardest things you can do in writing and this show failed for the most part.

They seemed to copy the 2x Office special method of straight out comedy in the first half then drama for the 2nd half. Problem is it didn't really have enough laughs to keep me interested until the moralising second half popped up. The second 'ep' was definetly the better of the two anyway.

As an aside, the problem I had with the BB section (while I enjoyed it) is that it's preaching to the converted. The people who watch Extras generally find celebrity to be ridiculous and most wouldn't watch BB or if they do they already realise full on that it is a stage-managed sham colluded to by both producers and contestants. Millman isn't going to topple the great satan anytime soon I'm afraid.

I guess I feel having Millman snub hero Robert DeNiro for his friend Maggie was the perfect way to end this show. All this special ep did was take 80mins to repeat themes that had already been established in 2x06 and throughout series 2 generally.

Venom

This special just went on way to long imho and felt to much like a rehash of the final Office special with the main character seeing the light at the end and doing the right thing.

While some bits were funny most of it was just the same old crap happening to Andy as in the tv series.

GhostInTheRuins

Missed the first 30mins again :mad: