FilmFanInTheHouse Extras – The Special (2007, Dir. Ricky Garvais & Stephen Merchant) Andy Millman (Gervais) is finally no longer an extra and has his own sitcom, but still, Andy is not happy with everything. Whilst his long-term friend, Maggie (Jensen) struggles to earn a living from any job she can get, Andy still wants to be famous amongst the A-List stars, even if it means cutting back on a few things, including close friends.Whilst the jokes may not be up to par as the series, the final 'Extras' is a worthy finale which has not only some well written comedy but a wonderful and emotional end to Andy's and Maggie's long road. Andy's final speech is rightly deserved.I saw you was in Doctor Who as a slug. Very convincing. - Greg Lindley Jones (Shaun Pye)

bob the moo When the Whistle Blows is still drawing in millions on BBC1 but Andy is closer and closer to breaking point. Seeing his rival successful in Hollywood, Andy drops his useless agent and takes up with Tre Cooper, looking for more. Dropping out of his sitcom to pursue more worthy material however may not be the best move and soon Andy is faced with hard decisions about his goals. Meanwhile, with no work as an extra after a run-in with Clive Owen, Maggie settles into menial work and basic living.Deconstructing Harry. If you're a Woody Allen fan and you've seen it then you'll know why I am referring to it here. In that film I was not only laughing but actively shocked at how personal and aggressive Allen seemed to be towards himself and the theme of the film appeared to be self-loathing. With the last ever episode of Extras, Gervais and Merchant appear to be going for the same thing, using their character to attack the celebrity culture in the UK but also managing to deal with the fact that Andy is wanting the fame just as much as he hates what he has to do to get it. At its best it is a searing watching and quite thrilling with it. Those expecting a lot of laughs will be disappointed though because the special produces sporadic laughs rather than anything consistent. I wasn't overly bothered by this though because to me the focus was rightly on the "message".I want to say "point" but sadly the main weakness of the special is that it is occasionally does get preachy and surprisingly obvious. For example look at the rather clumsy use of music while the characters struggle with their thoughts or situations in a series of clever shots. It will work if you are totally into the moment but for me it just seemed uninspired and flat where so much of it was sharp and insightful. It is the smart writing that keeps the majority from being preachy and it should be commended for this, even if it is still prone to lapses. The cast is starry but Gervais is the star. He shows he is able to do drama as well as comedy and he is genuinely touching at times and credit to him for allowing the writing to damn him and not leave him to one side. Merchant is left to one side although he is funny and entertaining in his sections, working well with the two Eastenders stars. Talking of them actually I was again surprised by how willing everyone was to send themselves up. George Michael and Clive Owen in particular but more cutting were the Big Brother housemates and Hale & pace. Gordon Ramsey was good value too.Overall then an impacting conclusion to the series that goes out on a very sharp and engaging high. It isn't hilarious and here and there it gets a bit too obvious and preachy for its own good (particularly coming from a man who is looking down at the problem rather than up at it) but mostly it is cutting and intelligent and a fitting end to the series.

jdhardmann I absolutely adored this special. I found it funny, tragic and amazing. So many details I could reveal, but I think it would be best if I just said that you must see this if you are a fan. I wanted to address some commentary about this special other users have made in terms of it not being too funny, or that people in England really don't talk like Andy and that there were no jokes, et al. I strongly disagree. This special is where Darren and Barry nearly upstage Andy, making me think they should have their own show. I live in Los Angeles-and people actually are this mean and embarrassing and weird when they speak to each other, so maybe this is a case of the Brits not understanding their own comedy and us Americans getting it fully. I do know that Ricky Gervais is a huge Garry Shandling fan, which could be why his humor may be leaning towards us getting his more embarrassing, nastier moments. Almost every word he utters in this special I've heard out of the mouths of actors, producers, directors and retail people here in Hollywood, no doubt. The whole incident with the publicist is not only painful, but very very correct in showing you how actors behave around media. Truly. What I thought was really excellent was how he brings the series full circle, focusing on something far more important than fame or money.And so what if Ricky Gervais is the person he is making fun of. If you are at all miffed by the contradictions between an actor/writer and his creation, may i suggest sticking to documentaries and fairy tales. What ever Ricky's life is outside the show, what is on the screen is funny and poignant, true and stinging- truth be damned.I love this special. Love it.

peer2005 80 Minutes Special (contains general overview and basic commentary): Andy Millman (Ricky Gervais) in the Series Special is at a crossroads in his life and career. The former movie extra turned successful, albeit self-deprecating, TV actor must decide whether to further compromise his artistic integrity and continue shooting his unsophisticated, obnoxious, and lame-demographic television series. The special literally chronicles the ardent behavior that comes with fame, how one becomes affected, and how one can see past fame by putting oneself outside the joke. The most intriguing moments in the episode's entirety are when Ricky Gervais ponders the general state of being in society, in what is as close to an effective "I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore"-moment as you're likely ever to get on television. Maggie is as unsinkable as ever and at her best as Millman's closest friend. Written and directed by Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the Special manages to touch on issues of philosophy, fame, sexuality, and societal behavior in its story's subtext while not detracting from its impressively diverse story arc. For a show that restores one's faith that modern media can produce original, prodding, yet hilarious material, "Extras" at its end is unwittingly at its best (except maybe for Kate Winslet's performance).