Derek (Ricky Gervais show on Channel 4)

soapy_jones · February 2013

Hmmm, I just enjoy the truisms. The daughter waiting for mum to die so she can get her greedy selfish hands on the antique ring. The women with the 5 bed house, lives on her own but stuffs her old mum in a home, so far up her own arse it was painful. The good people who no one apreciates except those who are recipients of their unselfish giving. Good stuff that.

Bedsaddick · February 2013

I still hate it and the c**t scene was completely wrong. Jervais should never have played the lead role because it does not feel comfortable . He's not convincing in the role at all.
I loved The Office , Extras and a life too short but this is just not funny. Having said that the scenes in the autograph shop was the first time I laughed in the entire series . Uncle Ben & Mr Sheen.

lordromford · February 2013

Croydon said:

lordromford said:

North Lower Neil said:
Agree, Lord Romford - though two are fantastic. Gervais should have got someone else to play Derek, though, he's made him a caricature in my opinion.
I think you're right there. I can't help thinking Derek should be a peripheral character, but with Gervais taking the role himself, this has become impossible. Dougie is far more interesting to me. I'd like to know more about him.
Croydon said:
I hate it personally. IMO Gervais is just using a dodgy jaw and voice as a way of spouting his beliefs with awful child-like soliloquies. Unfortunately though, I think it's made in such a way that you feel if you slag off Derek you're slagging off people with disabilities,which obviously isn't the case.
I know what you mean Croydon, but disagree. I agree that Gervais' portrayal is not brilliant, but I think the ideas (beliefs?) that are put forward are simple and fundamentally right (look after your elderly relatives, back up your friends, don't be self centred etc). As for slagging of Derek=slagging of disabled people, I think the comedy is about misunderstanding, innocence, injustice and tolerance of others, that's all. I think there will be many that don't like the show because they don't think it's funny, and that's fine. If you feel it's pitched so that you feel uncomfortable criticising it, that's an issue for you, not the show.
I was referring more to his stance on religion and politics as opposed to how he feels about caring for the elderly. His "why can't we all just get along" speech in the an episode I saw just seemed so OTT to me knowing what his views on those particular issues are. I get the basic premise of highlighting the issues that are present amongst the elderly community,especially those in care,but I would give him a lot more respect for highlighting them if he actually gave these people some proper lines in his script. As someone said on this thread before,it's a show made to split opinions and it's obviously very popular so fair play to him.

Fair enough. :-)

charlton_hero · February 2013

The return of David Brent: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-21613233

Draizetrain · February 2013

I think it's the best thing on TV atm and wouldn't be surprised if KP picks up an award or two for his supporting role.

Gervais himself is quoted as saying that, in his opinion, the last episode of this first series (E06, next weeks) is the best thing he's ever written. We shall see.

soapy_jones · February 2013

Agree. Just watched last nights again on 4i player, some real quality bits in there. Can see how people can dislike Gervais but this is good imo.

Clem_Snide · February 2013

"I'm Duran Duran"

Mortimerician · February 2013

Thought with Lifes Too Short he was in danger of just constantly retreading old ground. Idiot abroad depicts him as a complete tool, but honestly think that Derek is a masterstroke. Casting the ever-brilliant Kerry Godliman was a very smart move, too.

bolloxbolder · February 2013

Last night's was the first time in years that I genuinely had LOL moments watching tv.

Miserableoldgit · March 2013

Sorry, as usual I'm slow, so will watch it now.

Will give my report in 30 minutes.

Miserableoldgit · March 2013

"Rubbing the word "Twat" off a crab"
"Have you got any biscuits ?"
"...Every minute is important"
"..the caretaker with the round head"

"No, you're brilliant Bruv".

Geniune tears of laughter & sadness.

Here endeth MoG's report.