Extras Christmas Special

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419Eater Admin Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Posts: 7469

I just watched the Xmas Special of Extras and have to say I was a little disappointed Sad

The ending was a bit of a hit & miss affair and I reckon 20+ minutes of this 90 minute special could have been chopped.

I was surprised a few months ago when RG announced that there would be no new series after series 2, but going by this latest outing it looks like he's run out of ideas for this show, which is a shame as I thought the format had loads of potential. Not much good telly to look forward to now!

Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:56 am

I never got on with Extras at all. Seemed like everyone was always holding their breath waiting for Gervais to transform into Brent. The Office, I loved.

Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:41 am

It's a bit of a victim of it's own success. Some things are best left.

Dare I say, I found most of the 'Fools and Horses' Christmas specials so-so at best.

Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:03 am

When was it on Shiv? I've only gone and missed it. Crying or Very sad

I wasn't really a fan until I'd watched it a good few times. It certainly grows on you.

Some of Steven Merchants lines have been hilarious.
I nearly wet myself when he was dinner dating Maggie and the loo won't flush.... "Oh for f*cks sake! That's just mashing it up!"
And when he's been caught masturbating over Barry's sexy pen: Barry: "Were you having a wank?"
Darren: "I was trying to have a quick one yes, but it's like Piccadilly bloody circus in here!"

Laughing

Like all good things though, 2 series is probably enough.

Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 11:44 am

It's being shown in Oz so of course I'll watch it but I'm afraid that Ricky IS David Brent no matter what he does next. I worked in an office on Slough Trading Estate EXACTLY like The Office and most of the characters bring back memories too, especially Keith the Accountant. And The Office Christmas special was perfect IMO but then again I'm a romantic old fool.

419Eater Admin Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Posts: 7469

@Mugatu: It was on the US HBO channel. It hasn't been aired in the UK yet so you haven't missed it here Smile

Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:27 pm

WTF?!?!?!? How did I miss that? I can't believe it. Hopefully, given HBOs habbit of re-running the same stuff over and over, I can catch it again. That makes me sick that they are ending this show. That is truly disappointing. I absolutely love Extras. Nothing beats the episode with Sir Ian McKellen, in my opinion. That was about the most brilliant comedy I have ever seen.

EDIT: Ahhhhh. Just found out it comes on tomorrow night.

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 3:44 pm

Well, I just watched it this weekend. I must say, it was not as funny as the other episodes. In fact, it was a bit depressing. I did quite enjoy it though. I really hate to see the show go off of the air though. I thought that show was wonderful. But, at least they went out with class. I used to be a huge Simpsons fan, but their newer seasons are just bad. The new seasons are really ruining the series. I admire Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant for calling it quits before they ruin they show.

Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 10:30 pm

Sorry shiver, got to disagree with you. I just watched on BBC, and I thought it was fantastic. I don't think I've ever cried then laughed in such quick succession as the lament at the end of the celebrity big brother bit, followed by the bit in carphone warehouse. I agree there were some "dry" bits, but I wouldn't call it filler, more build up. The ending wouldn't have worked as well if it hadn't spent so much time showing Andy being a dick to Maggie.

jojo, I don't think the intention was to make it as funny as the other episodes. Ricky and Steve have been talking about moving from comedy to something more serious for a while, and it appears that this is their first real stab at it. It's also nice to hear someone who shares my opinion on The Simpsons

419Eater Admin Joined: 30 Sep 2003 Posts: 7469

I watched the UK version this evening and noticed about four slightly different scenes from the US one, obviously to cater for the slight cultural differences. I still think it was too long and a little weak on material though.

Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 1:48 pm

Ivor Grimey Colon wrote:

jojo, I don't think the intention was to make it as funny as the other episodes. Ricky and Steve have been talking about moving from comedy to something more serious for a while, and it appears that this is their first real stab at it. It's also nice to hear someone who shares my opinion on The Simpsons

I agree with you. It was quite clear that this was a more serious show than the other ones. I don't think it suffered for that. I really enjoyed the show, actually. I was glued to my set for the 90 minutes that it was on. I think Ricky and Steven are the king of awkward moments- and this episode had its share. There were parts of that episode where I just felt sick at what was going on. I will admit I did get choked up a few times during that show. Specifically, that Big Brother part at the end.