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Amazon.co.uk Review
Attracting yet more star names, while wisely moving the narrative on, the second series of Extras really finds the show maturing nicely, and unsurprisingly, cleaned up more awards in the process.
That said, it remains a far more divisive programme than its forerunner, The Office. Written by, directed and featuring Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais, its appeal is more concentrated and less broad, following Andy Millman on his progression from background artist to his own TV show. At times, for a programme frequently billed as a comedy, there’s a melancholy tone, although that’s not to say it doesn’t deliver its fair share of laughs in the process.
Many of those laughs are oiled by the seemingly never-ending conveyor belt of big names who take part in the show. Extras’s first season attracted the likes of Kate Winslet and Samuel L Jackson, but this time, the likes of Daniel Radcliffe, Sir Ian McKellen and David Bowie are quick to join in. There’s, er, Barry from EastEnders, too, who adds to the fun.
And fun is, ultimately, what Extras serves up, albeit laced with a depth and occasional bout on introspectiveness. As with the first season, it’s Ashley Jensen who steals the show from underneath Extras’ cavalcade of star names, with a terrific portrayal of Maggie Jacobs.
Yet this second series feels and is superior to the first, and already, its creators have announced that they’re putting the brakes on the show, save for one final special to sign off with. And it’ll be sad when it all ends. For while Extras takes a little time to get to love, it’s likely to be held in similar regard to the aforementioned The Office in the years to come. --Jon Foster
Synopsis
Series two of Extras finds former television and film extra Andy Millman (Ricky Gervais) commissioned by the BBC to create and star in the sitcom ‘When The Whistle Blows’. However, Andy’s initial happiness with his achievement is soon quelled when he finds he has to make a lowest common denominator show in order to appeal to the broadest possible audience. Andy’s sitcom has been transformed from a show that was in many ways like Gervais’ groundbreaking previous show The Office into a catchphrase-driven show that’s filmed in front of a studio audience. Additionally, he has been told that he has to wear large glasses and a curly perm wig. The second series of Extras sees Millman attempting to adjust to fame and life in the public eye and the compromises that come with. Guest stars include Robert De Niro, Orlando Bloom, David Bowie, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Jonathan Ross, Sir Ian McKellen, and Daniel Radcliffe.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
As good as the first series was this is even better. Andy Millman finally gets his dream of becoming an actor although the harsh realities of fame and fortune seem come to haunt this character. His truly awful catchphrased show is actually so bad its good.
Ricky and Steve give "Barry" a bigger part which is genius and he steps up to the mark beautifully. Whole host of great cameo's and my favourite is Keith Chegwin who is amazing!!
Deniro stars in the final episode now and does realy well at subtley playing his part of big time holywood actor.
The only downside is that this was the final series, you feel sad at the end and it doesn't seem they will go back to this character again. As a body of work its beautiful and will stand the test of time a wonderful, clever, witty show that everyone just simply must watch.
Ricky and Steve give "Barry" a bigger part which is genius and he steps up to the mark beautifully. Whole host of great cameo's and my favourite is Keith Chegwin who is amazing!!
Deniro stars in the final episode now and does realy well at subtley playing his part of big time holywood actor.
The only downside is that this was the final series, you feel sad at the end and it doesn't seem they will go back to this character again. As a body of work its beautiful and will stand the test of time a wonderful, clever, witty show that everyone just simply must watch.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Superb series - right from the first episode to the end of the Christmas Special, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have done a remarkable job of exposing many various nuances of the human condition. Its something we can all relate to - from individual characters to the various arcs and overall themes of fear of not achieving, accepting circumstances etc.
I will add though that a tiny bit of one of the extras left me disturbed. I think the humiliation that Gervais piles upon his editor Nigel certainly glamourises bullying, and anyone who laughs along thinking its ok most likely has similar tendancies to be a complete bully were the context to allow for it. The most disturbing moment though was Jonathon Ross, who visiting Ricky suggested that they hold Nigels arms back and punch him in the stomach. This was disgusting - Ross was actually wanting to hurt Nigel rather than just be silly with tape etc, and I now find him even more repulsive as a person than I did before.
I will add though that a tiny bit of one of the extras left me disturbed. I think the humiliation that Gervais piles upon his editor Nigel certainly glamourises bullying, and anyone who laughs along thinking its ok most likely has similar tendancies to be a complete bully were the context to allow for it. The most disturbing moment though was Jonathon Ross, who visiting Ricky suggested that they hold Nigels arms back and punch him in the stomach. This was disgusting - Ross was actually wanting to hurt Nigel rather than just be silly with tape etc, and I now find him even more repulsive as a person than I did before.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Love this dvd
This is nearly, if not better than The Office. It is funny throughout. I would highly recommend this to anyone who liked the office or even just to watch for a laugh.
Published 1 month ago by R. Mellish
love it
A great comedy for the whole family! Gervais and Merchant are geniuses. I recommened this dvd 100%, you will love it.
Published 6 months ago by vicky123
Worth a watch
I loved the first series of extras and only caught some of the second series when it was on TV so bought the DVD. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Dean Wilko
Great Stuff
A good DVD well worth watching.
Would watch again
If you like the office, this is for you
Would watch again
If you like the office, this is for you
Published 15 months ago by wizboycop
cosistantly funny
Really liked this series. Generally I found the first series more cosistantly funny but there are some parts of the second series that had me doubling over with laughter. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Rebecca
Comedy gold
This is fantastic and great to watch again and again. Highlights for me are David Bowie's song, Ian Mckellen's explanation of how to be an actor and the lad from Harry Potter... Read more
Published on 27 Mar 2010 by Mr. DJ Jackson
are you having a laugh???
are you having a laugh??? i know i was when watching this dvd. if you like ricky gervais try curb your enthusiasm, its even better!!! Even Ricky would agree.
Published on 14 Aug 2009 by David Dolphin
Quality!
Unlike O Khan, I totally get this and it's quality entertainment. Keep 'em coming Ricky.
Published on 25 Jan 2008 by G. Evans
Great!
The second series of Extras is brilliant, playing on embarrassing situations very well. The only bad side is that you do see that Ricky Gervais has only one trick up his sleeve. Read more
Published on 17 Jan 2008 by G. L. Williams
Ricky And Stephen Strike Gold Again
I am a huge fan of Ricky Gervais's work including the Office, his live shows and of course the Extras. Read more
Published on 5 Jan 2008 by Mr. C. J. Kirby
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