End of Extras (Extras Christmas Special)

Member Name: StrongSide

Product:	Extras Christmas Special
Date:	27/10/09 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: I loved the change in atmosphere and depth, great speech and ending

Disadvantages: None

Being a fan of The Office, Extras was an obvious show to watch with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant both creating and starring in it. Admittedly, I prefer The Office as a whole but when it comes down to the Christmas Specials, Extras was the clear winner for me. Although not as humorous as The Office Christmas Specials, it was brilliantly directed and better demonstrated a film of the Extras rather than just an additional longer episode.

Andy has become more self-absorbed than you could possibly imagine, obsessed with his public image and desire for fame and fortune. The result is ignoring Maggie and her overwhelming problems, as well as Darren getting fired for a shallow new agent and a repeating circle of selling out.

There is real sincerity in this Special. It's far more dramatic than the two series and quite emotional at times. The comedy, although still present, is substantially reduced and replaced with more depth. Andy's poignant speech in "Celebrity" Big Brother was, in my opinion, Gervais' best acting performance giving a very moving and profound ending. Even the camera work has had major development. Slow rising shots of Maggie cleaning hallways into depression with a perfect accompanying soundtrack set a very different atmosphere to the previous episodes.

Extras certainly is special and even unexpected, providing a memorable and critically appreciated conclusion to Andy Willman.

Summary: The next Gervais-Merchant project is eagerly awaited