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Derek - New Gervais Show - 2/4/2012 5:51:01 PM

Castor Troy

Posts: 7057
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Rocky's graveside

Filmed as a pilot, now being promoted as a 'one off comedy drama' this sees Gervais play a care home home worker alongside Karl Pilkington And David Earl (one of the highlights of Cemetry Junction) as his two friends.

Potentially 'controversial' stuff here as Derek is pretty much mentally challenged but early reviews have praised the way he is portrayed, especially when it comes to his relationship with other people. As Gervais puts it, Derek is better than all of us.

There was a short that Gervais made in 2001 but I can't find a link to it now. I really can't wait for this. Although shot in the documentary format, this feels like new ground for Gervais. It's also sees the acting debut of Pilko and its the first TV project that Gervais has done without Merchant.

There are some trailers on rickygervais.com.

Starts 12th April.

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Post #: 1

RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 2/4/2012 10:09:33 PM

Indio

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From: London

I saw it last week at BAFTA, followed by a Q & A with Ricky - I enjoyed it, although I'm not sure how it would cope with being stretched out into a proper series (it's only since it's screening last week that I've started to hear it be called a one off so maybe someone at Channel 4 has had second thoughts about commissioning it as a series). I don't know know if I'd call it that controversial either, it's all pretty good natured stuff, yes Derek is simple but as Ricky said afterwards, he's not as bad as Mr. Bean

- he's more of a Frank Spencer type for the modern age than a full on handicapped character.

Don't want to give too much about the plot away away but I'll just say Ricky does get to do a bit of 'proper acting ' during the second half of this (and by proper acting I don't mean the bare arsed streaking through the old folk's home bit), and while the part he gets too play isn't exactly a stretch, Karl acquits himself well (Ricky and Karl are pretty much the only people in this who you could call 'stars' - Ricky mentioned that they were going to play up the autograph hunting a bit more, even filming a bit with Emma Bunton and Dermot O' Leary that they didn't use, maybe he thought that the use of celebrities in it might make the audience think it was going to be a bit too similar to Extras and Life's Too Short).

Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how this goes down once it gets a proper screening- I'm sure the Daily Mail are already champing at the bit to have their say - although with the amount of projects Ricky said afterwards that he has on the go it might be a while before any proper series is made.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 12/4/2012 5:56:31 PM

Goodfella

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I'm really looking forward to this. I'm a big Gervais/Merchant/Pilkington fan and I've been encouraged by the write-ups on this so far, wasn't it filmed some years ago right as a potential pilot for a TV series?

Does anyone know if there's any plans for a future series and tonight is a test of the water, or is this just going to remain a one-off?

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 12/4/2012 9:37:09 PM

Castor Troy

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It was filmed quite recently as far as I know, as a pilot for a series - possibly even a non broadcast pilot? But I get the feeling Gervais wanted to test the waters with it. I think Gervais has said he's got too much on to do a whole series right away ( Idiot Abroad specials, Afterlife, Life's Too Short series/special) but he wants to do it. I think it's gonna get a really good write up.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 12/4/2012 10:33:02 PM

Lucky Day

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From: Dundee

I was looking forward to this also. It is leaving me feeling a little cold tho. Gervais doesn't have the acting chops to pull this off. I also can't decide if it is beautifully & sympathetically written or just a little patronising? Maybe it will take a couple of viewings.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 12/4/2012 10:45:48 PM

Goodfella

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From: North Devon

That was quite simply brilliant. An absolute bittersweet masterpiece, and I can only hope they at least explore the possibility of making more. Hannah could quite easily have been a true persona, a real careworker torn between the passion and loneliness that her job brings. Karl Pilkington was virtually playing himself and there was a direct reference to fans of the original Ricky Gervais show on XFM with the "who would win out of a suicide bomber and a shark?" line in the bus.

Questions will be raised about how convincing Derek is as a real person, especially given it's Gervais but I think he does it brilliantly and is right in his assessment of who Derek is supposed to be. Anyway thoroughly enjoyed it, well worth a watch if you weren't able to catch it tonight.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 12/4/2012 11:15:53 PM

PB~!

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I really loved that and hope they do make more. I thought it was very tasteful - Derek wasn't played for too many laughs and was actually portrayed in a brilliant light.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 13/4/2012 1:19:48 AM

Musefan

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Have to agree; a lovely little pilot. All the cast were great (every word out of Karl's mouth was hilarious), and the whole thing just worked. Haters gonna hate Gervais, but this really deserves to get a full series made!

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Post #: 8

RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 13/4/2012 7:37:51 AM

DancingClown

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Loved the headbutt.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 13/4/2012 9:22:29 AM

porntrooper

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From: Sheffield

I thought it was pretty terrible and very dissapointing.

Gervais' acting didn't help at all here - he simply couldnt pull of the character without all the gurning and it distracted me big time. When he let that go and actually did some acting, in the last few minutes, it worked a lot better, but he ruined the good work with so much bad. Pilkington was essentially himself, simply asked to repeat some of the moans he's had from the radio shows whilst playing some one else, it worked for him mostly and he was one of the best things in it, but not enough to save it. The comedy was never really funny (even the headbutt failed to raise a smile), and the drama never really engrossing enough, other than, as mentioned before, the last few minutes when Gervais did finally do some decent acting. But then, I know Gervais is a good actor, he really is, which is why I was so dissapointed.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 13/4/2012 9:23:57 AM

Chief

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From: The Kingdom, Scotland

I thought that was pretty good. Not sure what I was expecting but it turned out quite, well, nice I suppose.

Not sure it would work as a series but as a one-off I liked it.

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Post #: 11

RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 13/4/2012 9:32:08 AM

steffols

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From: Jungleland

I thought the supporting cast was brilliant. Karl Pilkington was just playing himself but seeing as every word he utters somehow comes out in a hilarious fashion, it didn't bother me. The female careworker was great and so were the old people extras.

What I didn't like though is that Gervais doesn't seem to grasp his own character. There has been a lot said about him portraying someone with a mental disability but he seemed almost scared to call it that. I understand the backlash would have been insane (especially with the whole 'mong' incident in the not so distant past) but if he is going to do something like this, I think he should stick to his guns and do it. What was actually wrong with Derek? Was there anything wrong with Derek? Was this just a weird old man? Obviously there was something wrong with Derek? It was all too confusing. And the biggest question of the programme was never answered, does Derek have a mental disability or doesn't he? That's what bugged me. Just come out and say it and give the respect to your creative ideas.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 13/4/2012 10:01:45 AM

The REAL Bozz

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Is it repeated?

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Post #: 13

RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 13/4/2012 10:11:21 AM

porntrooper

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quote:

ORIGINAL: The REAL Bozz

Is it repeated?

I suspect it will be available on 4od if you have access via PSN, Sky or Virgin.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 13/4/2012 10:54:40 AM

Beno

Posts: 8078
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From: Sheffield

quote:

ORIGINAL: Goodfella

That was quite simply brilliant. An absolute bittersweet masterpiece, and I can only hope they at least explore the possibility of making more. Hannah could quite easily have been a true persona, a real careworker torn between the passion and loneliness that her job brings. Karl Pilkington was virtually playing himself and there was a direct reference to fans of the original Ricky Gervais show on XFM with the "who would win out of a suicide bomber and a shark?" line in the bus.

Questions will be raised about how convincing Derek is as a real person, especially given it's Gervais but I think he does it brilliantly and is right in his assessment of who Derek is supposed to be. Anyway thoroughly enjoyed it, well worth a watch if you weren't able to catch it tonight.

Its like you took every word out of my mouth Goodfellah. This piece is true TV gold of a special kind. Hannah was the best thing in it, such a rounded real Woman with that life. Pilkington was good enough but is so iconic as 'himself' its hard to move away from that.
Overall the acting and characterisations were spot on for a piece of this kind. Gervais will, of course, be judged most on performance by all the critics but i saw nothing other than perfection in his work here. When he was crying he seemed to drop out of character slightly but that can be excused...... still very touching though.
The show made a few subtle, quite moving points also that may or may not have been deliberate. The way the camera paused over a pile of walking frames just 'dumped' outside Pilkingtons office was an image that resinated in me.
A series would have to be carefully crafted to keep within the confines of what we saw last night. I for one hope we see more of Derek but if not im putting a great big K at the side of this on my Planner.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 13/4/2012 11:13:02 AM

The REAL Bozz

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Sorry I watched that now

. Thought it was fantastic but very sad.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 13/4/2012 11:20:46 AM

Beno

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It was watched by just over 2 Million viewers and about a Million more than Sarah Millican which is excellent for the time slot it was on. C4 were clever putting Peter Kay on just before of course which helped.

Most reviews are quite positive this morning but notable to me is the knob at The Guardian who i like reading but rarely seems to like anything i like

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 13/4/2012 1:06:30 PM

great_badir

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I hate Gervais' stand-up, but I'm a big fan of most of his TV and radio work.

I agree with people on both sides of the fence - it was a very good show (I won't go as far to say it was brilliant) with some excellent acting and some incredibly good writing.

However, there are two problems:
1 - however good Gervais is or isn't at acting, he is not right for the part of Derek. Apart from one or two scenes, he simply does not have the range, the stretch, or the sincerity to play a character of that type.
2 (and this is the main problem) - Gervais has shoe-horned what is essentially a mainstream sit-com character from the 70s and 80s into a comedy drama that is trying to be a hell of a lot more than that. So, natch, he has described Derek (the character) as a modern day Frank Spencer, which is not something that the show wants or needs.

Echoing the point steffols made, Derek (the character) has been applied with broad brush strokes, and no explanation has been given as to the why. Again, that would fit in a mainstream sit-com, but in this it sticks out like a sore thumb.

< Message edited by great_badir -- 13/4/2012 1:42:53 PM >

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 13/4/2012 1:07:58 PM

great_badir

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From: A breaking rope bridge in the middle of the jungle

quote:

ORIGINAL: Beno
about a Million more than Sarah Millican

One thing we can all agree on is that that's the way it should be.

How on earth she and that program ever got the go-ahead, I will never know.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 13/4/2012 4:46:01 PM

Wild about Wilder

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From: Hertfordshire

quote:

ORIGINAL: great_badir

I hate Gervais' stand-up, but I'm a big fan of most of his TV and radio work.

I agree with people on both sides of the fence - it was a very good show (I won't go as far to say it was brilliant) with some excellent acting and some incredibly good writing.

However, there are two problems:
1 - however good Gervais is or isn't at acting, he is not right for the part of Derek. Apart from one or two scenes, he simply does not have the range, the stretch, or the sincerity to play a character of that type.
2 (and this is the main problem) - Gervais has shoe-horned what is essentially a mainstream sit-com character from the 70s and 80s into a comedy drama that is trying to be a hell of a lot more than that. So, natch, he has described Derek (the character) as a modern day Frank Spencer, which is not something that the show wants or needs.

Echoing the point steffols made, Derek (the character) has been applied with broad brush strokes, and no explanation has been given as to the why. Again, that would fit in a mainstream sit-com, but in this it sticks out like a sore thumb.

Have to agree that Ricky probably wasn't right for the role but did enjoy K.P imensly thought though on the whole good was expecting slightly more perhaps a longer run to get to know the characters historys a bit more would help.

< Message edited by Wild about Wilder -- 13/4/2012 4:49:05 PM >

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Post #: 20

RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 17/4/2012 10:40:11 AM

Skiba

Posts: 4176
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From: London

Quite an enjoyable little stand-alone piece...not hugely funny and not exactly dramatic but good none-the-less

I don't really see the criticism he got and is getting for playing a supposedly disabled man...is he? I don't think so. He's just a little strange and I think Gervais' own description of him being "smarter than Dougal from Father Ted and not as weird as Mr Bean" is spot on. Would they be considered disabled? I would go as far to say that he's no more disabled than Joey from friends or Buster in Arrested Development

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 17/4/2012 11:47:27 AM

st3veebee

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Have it recorded, will give it a go tonight. I have such low expectatins that I will probably end up loving it

. This is the same character he was advertising An Idiot Abroad 2 as with S. Merchant? He was sittin in a chair juttin ghis chin out and crossing his eyes....pretending to be the average Sky1 viewer. Classy act he is.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 17/4/2012 12:17:47 PM

Sleazy

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I thought it was terrible.

I am a big fan of Gervais and Pilkington but i just didnt get this.

Nothing to do with any kind of controversy (I for one thought the hoo haa over "mong" was ridiculous) I just didnt find it even slighty funny - its a comedy isnt it? I'm honestly not sure if it was.

Massive miss for me and not a patch on Lifes too short or Extras.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 9/5/2012 1:22:52 PM

emogeek

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18005328

Full series commissioned

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 9/5/2012 4:57:43 PM

st3veebee

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From: 9303 Lyon Drive

I finally did watch it.

It's fine. Gervais isn't awful. He clearly doesn't have much range and another actor in this role could have made this something really special, but he does an alright job. The main woman is quite good but the whole thing never really takes off. Feels quite like a pilot.

Pilkington is rubbish though. Why the hell is he even bothering to try okaying something other than himself.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 30/1/2013 10:56:50 PM

Indio

Posts: 7131
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So the actual series started tonight, and while not as bad as some of the reviews that had popped up online and in the press over the last couple of weeks have made it out to be (which is to be expected with anything Gervais goes anywhere near these days), I found it a bit disappointing, not enough laughs and it'll be hard to see how this is dragged out over 6 episodes, let alone the second series which he is already planning on making (whether Channel 4 want it or not apparently

)

It all seemed a bit of a rehash of what we've already seen in the pilot, I'll probably watch next weeks episode (we're not exactly spoilt for choice on terrestrial TV on a Wednesday night at the moment) - I know we're not going to get a vast leap beyond the old folks home setting but hopefully there'll be a few more laughs. Maybe the fact Gervais is writing this by himself isn't helping, and he needs someone like Stephen Merchant to bounce ideas off.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 30/1/2013 11:29:24 PM

Mister Coe

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Indio

So the actual series started tonight, and while not as bad as some of the reviews that had popped up online and in the press over the last couple of weeks have made it out to be (which is to be expected with anything Gervais goes anywhere near these days), I found it a bit disappointing, not enough laughs and it'll be hard to see how this is dragged out over 6 episodes, let alone the second series which he is already planning on making (whether Channel 4 want it or not apparently )

It all seemed a bit of a rehash of what we've already seen in the pilot, I'll probably watch next weeks episode (we're not exactly spoilt for choice on terrestrial TV on a Wednesday night at the moment) - I know we're not going to get a vast leap beyond the old folks home setting but hopefully there'll be a few more laughs. Maybe the fact Gervais is writing this by himself isn't helping, and he needs someone like Stephen Merchant to bounce ideas off.

I totally agree. Gervais is a decent comedian, but his best stuff is always the stuff he does with Merchant.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 30/1/2013 11:40:39 PM

DancingClown

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I think perhaps people should give it a chance before writing it off completely. It's fairly obvious that it's not meant to be a laugh-out-loud type of sitcom, plus it's obviously more sentimental than anything he's done before.

I liked it, although to be honest I'm not entirely sure I would've watched it had Karl not been in it, in fact I wanted to see more of him on screen. Saying it's recycled from the pilot isn't entirely fair as it did feature a different story-line, plus the pilot was never originally intended for broadcast anyway. The weak link for me is the Kev character, as I find that whole sleazy, sex-deluded schtick rather tedious and I just wanted to punch the twat. But he might grow on me.

I'll keep watching. It's certainly different from Office and Extras (despite the mockumentary format) and I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

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RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 31/1/2013 12:02:36 AM

superdan

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People expecting a laugh-a-minute comedy are guaranteed to be disappointed with Derek, because that's not what it is. It's more of a warm, slightly sentimental drama with moments of subtle comedy rubbed in occasionally. Negative reviews are almost a given considering the premise and because Gervais divides opinion more than almost any other, but I quite liked it. It was sweet and surprisingly pointed at times (Hannah's comments about the cost of care, Dougie sounding off the the pen-pusher). And it made a point about our treatment of the elderly with a careful circumspection.

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Post #: 29

RE: Derek - New Gervais Show - 31/1/2013 9:19:44 AM

Castor Troy

Posts: 7057
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From: Rocky's graveside

Yeah this is blatantly not a sitcom in the traditional sense so those expecting or wanting it to be are going to be disappointed. Most of the laughs come from Kev and Dougie. I love Kev's character, with David Earl channeling his character from Cemetery Junction. And whilst Dougie does provide a lot of laughs, what I love about him is that he very much acts like Pilkington's own Bullshit Man - calling out the bullshit where he sees it without concern for the consequences. His bit at the end with the council worker was awesome.

Gervais also very smartly answered a lot of his previous critics about Derek's possible disability with the scene where the council worker wants Derek tested for autism - "will it change anything?" "It doesn't matter then".

My only problem with it is that these moments that Gervais is so good at writing (also see the headbutt scene in the pilot) are coming think and fast. They worked so well in The Office because you wait a whole series for them (telling Finchy to fuck off) and they're all the more satisfying for it. I just hope we're not seeing them in every episode. This was my main concern from the pilot - it felt like it was a series closer but obviously they were fitting a lot of stuff. This proper episode was a lot more subtle than that. Also, the slow panning shots with soft music are a little too much.

But overall I love it. Can't wait for the rest of the series.

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Post #: 30