Join DEREK and Friends Again

Article originally published as TV Review: 'Derek' - Season Two Premiere on Blogcritics.

Netflix’s Derek is back for a second season beginning this Friday, May 30. The sweet tale of the odd nursing home caretaker, Derek (series creator Ricky Gervais), is set some months after the finale, but for the most part, everything remains the same. The setting, the characters, and the situations all feel familiar, which is a good thing for a show that is both unique and thought-provoking. There will be some new developments, of course, but for now, it’s status quo.

The character of Derek is not easily pigeon-holed. Some have wondered if he has some sort of disability, but whether he does or not is beside the point. This is a guy who would be looked down upon by much of society, writing him off for a lack of intelligence and weird mannerisms. Yet, for those who spend time around him and the viewers who observe Derek, he’s also one of the best people to ever walk the earth, generous and caring, positive and supportive of others.

Derek is genuine and honest. He certainly does what he does because he loves the residents, not because he wants anything from them, and he considers himself lucky to do so, believing he has a pretty good life. In the premiere, he watches a DVD highlighting one those that passed away last season, and it’s impossible not to be moved by the emotion in Derek’s eyes. These are his family, those he most values, and its admirable that he’s so good to them.

I think Gervais created Derek (and this is my personal opinion here) to make us reconsider our preconceived notions. After all, just because racism and homophobia is slowly fading doesn’t mean that we don’t make judgments about other types of people based on a number of factors. It’s not a good thing to admit about oneself, but everyone has their hang ups and assumptions. Derek turns some of those on their heads, not only commenting on society, but also prompting introspection, which will hopefully make those who watch better people overall. Derek considers himself lucky, what right do we have to say any different?

The setting of the nursing home can parallel many of the same things I’ve said about Derek himself. It’s a place most people avoid if they can, and certainly not one anyone would consider fun. But watching the interactions of those who live there and the dedication that the employees, such as Hannah (Kerry Godliman), Dougie (Karl Pilkington), and Vicky (Holli Dempsey), exhibit, presents a whole different view. This is a home, and like your own home, it’s meant to be a place of warmth and love. Derek and his friends do their best to make the residents feel comfortable and happy, and this is an admirable spirit, perhaps one that may even infect a few of those who pay attention.

To make the building feel even more like a family place, Derek’s father, Anthony (Tony Rohr, Les Miserables), moves in during the premiere. Anthony did not raise Derek, and it shows because they are two completely different people. However, it will be very interesting to see if Derek can help Anthony turn over a new leaf at this late stage in life, or if Anthony will be the one person that finally shakes Derek and makes him show a part of himself that isn’t so light.

There is one thing that happens in the first episode back that is more of a threat to the tranquility and smooth operation of the place than Anthony’s arrival. I won’t spoil what it is, but I am quite disappointed and hope it doesn’t stick. It’s not that the development is unrealistic or unwarranted, it does make sense for the story, but it is regrettable.

Derek‘s second season premiere is a great return of a terrific series. While I have only watched the first episode thus far, I certainly look forward to binge-watching the rest this weekend. The entire season will be available streaming to Netflix subscribers this Friday.

Meet DEREK

Article first published as DEREK Review on Seat42F.

Ricky Gervais has made a number of incredibly funny comedy series, from The Office and An Idiot Abroad, to The Ricky Gervais Show, Life’s Too Short, and Extras. Now, he has set aside all of those shows to focus on a single project, which aired in Britain last spring, and is currently available on Netflix in the U.S.: DEREK.

DEREK is somewhat like Gervais’ other works. It’s a mockumentary about misfits who don’t gel well with the rest of society. Yet, they don’t care, living their lives in their own way, happy with who they are.

DEREK is also completely different than those others works. It’s not funny, and I’m not sure why it’s labeled a comedy, because it doesn’t appear meant to be so. The lead character is earnest and nice to a fault, a departure from some of the mean-spirited roles introduced earlier. And it’s incredibly sad, set in a nursing home, a place that lends itself to death and grief.

None of these things are complaints. It’s a brilliant, original work, unlike anything I’ve seen before, and definitely worth watching.

The titular character is played Gervais himself, laying to rest any doubts one may think of his acting chops. At first glance, Derek is not someone you may want to hang around. He’s awkward, unattractive, and intellectually stunted. He hunches over, makes weird faces, and often doesn’t understand what is going on. Some have called the character autistic, including in the show itself, though Gervais has stated that Derek is not disabled, just different.

By the end of the first half hour, though, Derek will have won over the vast majority of viewers. Those who would dismiss him because of physical appearance or lack of conversational skills only need to watch him interact with the residents of the home for a bit to understand Derek’s gift. He is generous and kind, really caring about those he serves. He is earnest and determined and comfortable with who he is. In short, he’s someone we should all aspire to be.

The genius of Gervais is forcing a new perspective. He really makes the audience examine judgments and preconceived notions, turning them on their heads. DEREK promotes social acceptance and understanding of others, and does so without being preachy, on its surface just telling one specific story of an unexpectedly noble man.

Derek is surrounded by others like himself. His best mate is Dougie (Karl Pilkington), and his other friend is Kev (David Earl). Kev is creepy and hangs around the home just to argue with Dougie, as he doesn’t work there. It’s sort of a Spock/McCoy relationship, where the men enjoy their discussions, even if the casual observer would not think so. Dougie is the jack-of-all-trades at the home, who hates being annoyed, but finds pleasure in fixing things, and liked because of what he does, not how he acts.

DEREK leads one to believe that Pilkington is not an actor. While featured in Gervais’ podcasts and reality fare, this is really Karl’s acting debut. However, his limited skills are fine for the part, which Gervais has crafted very close to the real man, thus making Karl feel like he fits in the show as much as anyone else.

Rounding out the cast is Kerry Goldiman as Hannah, the manager of the home. Derek likes her a lot, and she likes him, but in a platonic way. Hannah is just as good a person as Derek, working tirelessly and far more hours than she is paid for to make the resident comfortable and happy. In this, they are kindred spirits, even if they are not a romantic pairing. If DEREK were any other series, Hannah and Derek would grow closer over time, eventually leading to a relationship, but I don’t think this show will go down that predictable path.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into DEREK, and to be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to it much, despite loving Gervais’ other work, based on small glimpses of the lead. However, having watched two episodes, I am starting to think this is the best thing he has done to date, certainly a touch deeper and more sophisticated than his other shows, and I greatly look forward to viewing the rest of the series.

If you live in the United States, check out DEREK on Netflix now.

DVD Review: An Idiot Abroad 2

Karl Pilkington is back for a second trip 'round the world in An Idiot Abroad 2. As in the first season, Karl hates just about every minute of his journey; he doesn't enjoy traveling or experiencing cultures that stretch him outside of his comfort zone. And also, like in the first bout, the results are hilarious for the television viewer who delights in watching the poor man suffer.

Series one has Karl visiting the Seven Wonders of the World. In series two, Karl demands that he get to pick the adventures, choosing from among some of the most popular Bucket List items, based on broad surveys. One might think that since Karl has greater control now, he will enjoy it more.

Not so. While Karl does set the basic agenda, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, comfortably ensconced back in the U.K., plan many a detour and activity that go against Karl's wishes. Sometimes, Karl refuses to do whatever it is they want him to do, like jumping from a tower. But most of the time, no matter how much he might protest, Karl fulfills the requirements of his contract.

Excursions accomplished in these eight hours include a night spent on a deserted island, a ride on the Trans-Siberian Express, swimming with sharks, a reduced-gravity flight, wrestling with Mongolians, visiting a village of dwarfs in China, a makeover by Taiwanese ladyboys, getting a massage from an inmate, dog sledding, whale watching, deep sea fishing, a visit with a family who keep a hippo as a pet, a New Age cuddle party, a Smart Car ride down Route 66, a flight on top of a plane, a climb up Mount Fuji, and sumo wrestler training. Karl then returns home in the final episode to talk about his experience, and get a prostate exam on-air.

If that sounds like a lot, it is. Each installment is crammed with several experiences, Karl bounces from one place to the next, making side trips on Gervais and Merchant's whims, keeping the pace charging ahead. He gripes and complains, but does what he's told, for the most part.

Why is watching a man be miserable so entertaining? I don't know, exactly. It has to have something to do with personality of Pilkington himself, an odd man who views the world from a totally unique perspective. The enjoyment doesn't come so much from watching him grumble, but from the words that come out of his mouth. He doesn't see things the same way most people do, and the insights he provides, as well at crazy theories he espouses, make for some great programming.

It's interesting that An Idiot Abroad 2 goes to destinations that would be a dream vacation for a great many people, but for Karl, it's a nightmare. Admittedly, Karl doesn't get the perfect experience, seeing his accommodations downgraded, and forced to mix with the locals, rather than stay on the travelers' path.

What that means, though, is this is also a wonderful travel documentary, going further off the beaten path than most people would on their holiday. Maybe some viewers will want to try some of the things that Pilkington does, or maybe it will serve as a lesson as to what should be avoided. Either way, there is valuable knowledge mixed in what is basically a show done for fun.

The DVD is two discs, and has a few special features. These include deleted scenes, Pilko's Pump Pants Featurette, and Ain't No Pleasing You. These are pretty standard fare, nothing really surprising, but a decent enough mix for a short series.

What I would like to see, that is not included, is audio commentary by Pilkington on all of the episodes. While he does do the final overview episode, and speaks to the camera throughout, I feel like a whole other, meta experience could be had sitting through these episodes with Karl again.

In all, this is a good DVD set that should provide at least eight hours of enjoyable entertainment. An Idiot Abroad 2 is on sale now.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first published as DVD Review: An Idiot Abroad 2 on Blogcritics.

The Ricky Gervais show ends "The Year" and the series

HBO's The Ricky Gervais Show brought its run to a close last night with "The Year." This season three finale will also serve as the series finale, as Gervais stops all current projects to concentrate on new ones. Among the topics of the final installment? Insects getting smarter, a trimmed mattress, cutting avocados, and the negatives of dating twins.

Dating twins, you say? Yes, Karl (Karl Pilkington) thinks it would be terrible to date twins, no matter how attractive they might be. He is of the opinion that if a bloke is lucky enough to get two of something, he is going to want two different versions, not two of the same. He compares them to cars.

Yes, that is absolutely ludicrous, and not something any normal person would ever think about. But then, Karl is far from a normal person, as fans of the podcast and animated series have come to learn. Karl is the type of guy who won't eat avocados not because he doesn't like them, but because they are too difficult to cut up. He just doesn't look at the world the same way as the rest of us.

This may be most evident in "The Year" when Karl speaks of insects. He noticed a grub eat a crumb of his biscuit, and has decided that modern bugs have gotten a taste for modern food. Somehow, he doesn't even consider that these are simple creatures acting on instinct. He assumes they must think like us, and enjoy a certain taste. Ricky (Ricky Gervais) and Stephen (Stephen Merchant) are completely flabbergasted at this, knowing just how obviously wrong Karl is, but also realizing they will never convince him of that.

That is the beauty of Karl Pilkington. He is one of the few truly unique individuals out there, and he has thoughts most of us will never have. That is why it has been such a pleasure to watch him these past few years.

There is little wonder where Karl gets it from after hearing that his father trimmed down a mattress to fit between two cabinets. He actually took a saw and cut several inches of the bed off, repairing it with staples and tape. Who would do such a thing? Ruin a perfectly good sleeping surface? Well, the Pilkingtons, apparently.

At the end of "The Year," the guys talk about having these same type of discussions as old geezers in a retirement home. They probably will. Sadly, The Ricky Gervais Show has been brought to an end though, neglecting to finish animating the other recorded podcasts, let alone any future conversations. There's something to be said about going out on top, while a series is still relevant. But sometimes it must be wondered if Gervais doesn't pull the plugs on projects before they should be, as one could easily imagine several more entertaining years of this program.

Alas, as this will not be the case, all we can do is thank the gentlemen for their time and insights. And buy the DVDs so the existing episodes, thirty-nine in number, can be enjoyed over and over again.

Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com. If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Article first published as Ricky Gervais show ends "The Year" and the series on TheTVKing.com

The Ricky Gervais Show shows something new

HBO's The Ricky Gervais Show presents "Armed Forces" this week. Karl Pilkington talks of wanting to be a soldier when he was little. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant certainly don't see Karl as the right type of guy to handle such a life. Karl defends his position by talking of his older brother, Karl's perfectly made bed, and how he bravely saved a pie once from robbers, who weren't really interested in his pie anyway.

The Ricky Gervais Show is often very, very funny. As many have said before, Karl has a mind that works like no other. To take his tales, musings, and ideas and animate them really brings to life what he's talking about. Not to mention, cartoons are a great medium for the outlandish places his stories go. In this, "Armed Forces" is just like any other episode of the series.

However, HBO's series takes its audio from a podcast of the same name, and so many viewers will have already heard all of the dialogue before watching, albeit on a radio or iPod, without illustration. Even if one has heard the particular podcast being used each week, it does not lessen the enjoyment of The Ricky Gervais Show. But in this, "Armed Forces" is unique, because it comes from a special podcast done solely for service members, and never before released to the public at large.

Because of why "Armed Forces" was recorded in the first place, the topic is kind of already set. Of course Karl is going to speak somehow about soldiers, and his experience with them. This is a group of people who deserve respect, and the central trio are not going to go into territory where they make fun of the men and women serving. Which is probably why "Armed Forces" doesn't get as zany or outrageous as many other episodes of The Ricky Gervais Show. It's still a good episode, but not one of the greats.

At the end of the day, though, the chance to hear some fresh material, when many fans of The Ricky Gervais Show are most often experiencing the spoken words for a second time, makes this week special and worth watching. Also, the spirit of charity behind recording this episode in the first place enhances the respect for it.

Did Ricky Gervais make a mistake by taking this exclusive story and spreading it out for everyone now? No, not really. It was exclusive for a long time, and at this point, the troops probably won't mind sharing the comedy. He did something special for them, yes, but enough time has passed that the public at large can hear it without taking away from the special-ness of it being a present to the troops.

Next week, The Ricky Gervais Show will probably be back to normal. Which means some very, very funny entertainment. Tune in Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Please click here to buy The Ricky Gervais Show and other Gervais projects on DVD and streaming video.

An Idiot Abroad can be brought home tomorrow

     Coming to DVD this Tuesday, January 10th from the BBC is An Idiot Abroad. Though the DVD cover doesn't list this as The First Season, that's what it is. An Idiot Abroad contains all eight episodes of the initial run, wherein Karl Pilkington (The Ricky Gervais Show) visits the Seven Wonders of the World, and in the eighth hour, returns home to debrief. The instigators of the journey are Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant (The Office, Extras), who delight in just how miserable it makes Karl to experience other cultures. A second season will premiere later this month in the U.S.

     For those already familiar with the podcast or animated version of The Ricky Gervais Show, Karl Pilkington is a familiar face. He is an odd duck, and anyone who has listened to him will not be surprised that Karl is reluctant to take his free trip around the world. He'd rather read about the Wonders on the internet, and would likely believe everything that he reads. Thus, every episode is a fish out of water tale, as Karl tries, though not very hard, to cope with the new cultures around him.

     Karl's brain does not work like anyone else's. The biggest reason he doesn't want to visit China? He might eat toad there and like it, thus having something to miss when he goes home. It's an alien concept to most people, many of whom would find this a weak reason not to travel. To Karl, who fears upsetting his carefully balanced existence, it makes perfect sense. And actually, Karl adapts quite well, though never seems comfortable, gamely going along with most of what is planned for him, albeit with some complaint.

     He is not easily impressed either, so the trip may not end up being worth it to him. Karl likes weird things, but when the weird thing seems normal to others around him, he doesn't find it that weird. Plus, Karl is more into freaks of nature than anything having to do with human beings' creations, so seeing the Wonders is not on his list of goals for his life.

     The Wonders of the World, though setting the destinations for each of Karl's visits, are not the main point of An Idiot Abroad. Karl does see them, even being forced to travel the entire Great Wall of China, in order to get the full experience. But the real draw is the people around the Wonder, and that's what Karl spends most of every episode dealing with. He has to take in new customs, and taste new foods. Generally, this does not go all that well, much to the enjoyment of viewers.

     It is a little bit odd that Karl goes the journey alone, with Ricky and Stephen only checking in via phone. However, that also makes Karl less likely to deal with the situation well, not even having his friends to turn to. The other two are a presence on the series, but the focus is Karl's interactions with locals, with makes for a very entertaining time.

     The special features on An Idiot Abroad are almost nonexistent. The Preview Show that aired on television is included, as are deleted scenes and a photo gallery. And that's it. Considering the final episode of the season mainly consists of Stephen and Ricky speaking to Karl about the whole experiment, a making of documentary would seem unnecessary. And it's hard to think of any specific bonus that should have been included. But it's still a little disappointing there isn't a little bit extra for the fans who really enjoy the TV series.

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     Click here to read all of my An Idiot Abroad reviews.

Article first published as DVD Review: An Idiot Abroad on Blogcritics.

The Ricky Gervais Show finishes second season with "Munchies"

     HBO's The Ricky Gervais Show finished its second season this past Friday night with "Munchies". Season two lived up to the high comedy expectations set by season one, and one can only hope the series will continue for some time to come. In the finale, Karl is asked if he would live a perfectly happy life in a virtual world. He agrees, but imagines a life pretty much the same as his is now. The only two things he is really concerned about is how much time his girlfriend, Suzanne, will have off work, and if Munchies will still taste as good. He must have the Munchies, but he's not sure he'd like Suzanne to have too much free time at home with him.

     Which is how Karl Pilkington's brain works. That's what the whole show is about, and any reviews written about it will cover the same. He doesn't think like a normal person, and approaches existence from an entirely different perspective. That's why the show works so well. Karl isn't a character that must be consistently written funny. He is a unique individual who provides intense fascination for Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, as well as viewers at home.

     After discussing the virtual world, Karl goes off on problems. He tells the guys his theory of a 'problem hole'. He says everyone has a problem hole, and they are all the same size, but the problems going into them are not. Ricky keeps wanting to interrupt, but in a rare display of take charge-ness, Stephen repeatedly orders Ricky to shut up so that they can explore the hole theory. It's great, because Stephen is just so curious about what nonsense Karl has made up, which admittedly is a full explanation, not just a tiny tidbit idea, like Karl usually spouts. In the animated version, Stephen is even shown to draw a diagram to illustrate Karl's words.

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     Finally, at the end of the episode, for the first time in the series, Ricky makes Karl laugh. Karl rarely seems to be offended by the guys, who often pick on him. But he is genuinely amused by something someone else says. This is such an unusual occurence, there is nothing to do but end the show when it happens. It's hard to say how a real life Karl would look laughing, but for the cartoon representation, it is odd.

     Next week, Ricky will do a special sitting down with other comedians, so a Ricky Gervais drought will be brief. Hopefully, so will Karl's absence from screen.

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Karl, An Idiot Abroad, Finally Comes Home

     Eight weeks after it started, the Science Channel's An Idiot Abroad has come to an end. Karl Pilkington has come home, and in the final episode, he sits down with his chums and the show's producers, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, to discuss his travels and what, if anything, he learned.

     I think I like this episode at least as much, if not better than, the seven where Karl is shown traveling the world. I am a big fan of The Ricky Gervais Show on HBO, based on their podcasts, and I enjoy the three men sitting in a room and having a chat. In the final episode, we see some new footage of Karl, not too many clips already seen before, and mainly lots of talk between the guys. It may sound boring on paper, but it is actually where the three of them are strongest.

     I think my favorite bit of new footage from when Karl was abroad is when Ricky breaks it to Karl that the show will be titled An Idiot Abroad. The announcement comes as Karl is approaching the Seventh Wonder, tired and cranky from his journeys. Up until now Karl has labored under the impression that the series would be called Karl Pilkington's Seven Wonders. I have a sneaking suspicion this was never the intention, but used simply to help sell Karl on the idea. He does not react well, as you might expect, but obviously he was later overruled. A good business choice, if nothing else.

     We also saw Karl briefly visit his old vacation spot in Wales during the finale. He comments that perhaps he is ruined, now looking for a native tribe, rather than just a pool, when he takes a holiday. I find this statement a bit odd, considering just how miserable Karl appeared for most of his visits. Perhaps, it retrospect, he realizes just what a valuable experience he has had.

     Can we look forward to a second season? If Ricky gets his way, then yes. The theme of the first season is Karl visiting the Seven Wonders of the World. But he usually spends a small portion of the episode at the Wonder, and the rest of the hour he is getting culturally immersed. This can be done anywhere. I don't even think a theme is needed. Just pick seven more countries and send Karl. He says during his final trip that he will refuse a second season, but his comments in Wales leave open a possibility of one.

     Karl is a generally good sport. Ricky and Steve mention that they have been accused of bullying him, but Karl just shrugs it off. Sure, he gets frustrated after the horrid conditions he is repeatedly put in, but he does the entire show. I can see him doing more, if the trips are more spaced out. Also, it might help if he goes into things knowing the score, whereas in this first season, it seems like a lot of what Karl experiences was sprung on him as a surprise.

     Whether the show continues or not, they have delivered eight very entertaining hours. If you missed it, look for the reruns on the Science Channel. Well worth a watch.

Article first published as TV Review: An Idiot Abroad - "Karl Comes Home" on Blogcritics.

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The Ricky Gervais Show goes to a "Night Club"

     Every episode of HBO's The Ricky Gervais Show is hilarious. I have yet to see a half hour where I didn't laugh out loud at least a few times. However, this week's outing struck me as particularly good for a number of elements. Time to discuss.

     First, Karl Pilkington somehow dances around a delicate subject without really being insulting. Stephen Merchant mentions that Karl should meet Warwick Davis, and Karl goes on a little tangent about short people. But while I kept expecting him to say something completely awkward, which he almost does when admitting how odd he would feel around 'Warren' at first, Karl is simply admitting what would be anyone's first impression. His naivete is what allows Karl to get away with it, while most people can't. That, and Karl follows up his remarks by justifying why he would much rather be really short than really tall.

     Karl also makes me feel sorry for slugs. Who but him would complain about the natural favoritism humans give to furry animals over others? While Karl does not sway me into changing my personal feelings on the slimy creatures, he does raise an interesting truism that, while obvious, is rarely mentioned. My best guess is that because mankind used to be more furry, we still have quite a bit of hair, we identify with small, furry creates as we would our own young. Karl doesn't offer this explanation, but complains about the treatment of slugs. Although, he also thinks slugs are insects, so I can't give him too much credit.

     Also worth noting is Karl's poem, where he begins by mentioning a Chinese guy, then later corrects himself that the man is Japanese. Ricky calls him on it, pointing out that most people would just go back and fix the mistake. Not Karl. That's not how he works. He probably didn't even consider doing such a thing. Which is his charm.

     My favorite part, though, is that Stephen actually tells a story about something that has happened to him. Generally, Stephen is the quiet one of the group, commenting, but not offering his own experiences. He is an excellent moderator, but rarely strays into full-blown character. That changes, as Stephen tells of his embarrassing experience outside of a night club. A bouncer recognizes him, but will not let him in.

     Which made me realize something. While the main draw of this series is Karl's, um, unique perspective on things, Stephen is the glue that holds it all together. Ricky is often aggressively on the offensive, probing Karl to discover what makes him tick, and calling him on anything he believes less than honest. Stephen sometimes does that, too, but mostly he reserves judgment. He is comparatively quiet with his opinions, though he does talk plenty, and seems like a genuinely nice guy. I have always respect Merchant, but I think that last night, I became a fan.

     Watch The Ricky Gervais Show Friday nights at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

Article first published as TV Review: The Ricky Gervais Show - "Night Club" on Blogcritics.

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An Idiot Abroad: Karl Pilkington and the All Right Wall of China

     Is half an hour a week of Karl Pilkington not enough for you? I love him on HBO's The Ricky Gervais Show, but I am always left wanting more. Luckily, the Science Channel is giving us just that beginning last night, and every Saturday for the next eight weeks. The premise? Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant send Karl around the world to visit the Seven Wonders and the culture that surrounds them.

     Karl, of course, is reluctant to go. He likes to stay safely in his comfort zone, and just read about exotic places on the internet. His first stop is China to see The Great Wall. His biggest reason he wouldn't want to make the trip? He might eat toad and like it, then miss it when he returns home. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Karl's brain does not work like everyone else's on the planet. Who else would possibly have thought of that?

     I did find it a bit odd, at first, to not have Ricky and Stephen along for the ride. I'm so used to them picking at Karl continuously, and now here is a look at him by himself. Ricky and Stephen did check in by phone frequently, so they're still a presence on the show. Even better, though, was Karl's mingling with the locals. Although there was a serious language barrier, Karl seems more at home that I would be in his situation. For someone who is perpetually out of place, he was remarkably well adjusted to the situation. Well, except when getting a fire massage or eating local cuisine. But with the people, he was fine. He can really roll with the punches. Which he did, while learning Kung Fu.

     I think one thing that impresses me about Karl is that he is not easy to impress. He takes everything in stride, so getting a strong reaction out of him is rare. His visit to The Great Wall was rather dissatisfying to him, and I actually understood some of his points of view, though not all. Hilariously, Stephen called to insist Karl see ALL of The Great Wall, so the episode is not hard up for shots of it. Karl spends days traveling its length. You think he might be impressed then, after really experiencing its size, but no such luck.

     I was thoroughly entertained the entire hour of the China episode, and look forward to the rest of the series. Karl is scheduled to head to China, India, Jordan, Mexico, Egypt, Brazil, and Peru, before spending the eighth full episode back home, discussing the experience. Sounds exciting!

     Be sure to watch An Idiot Abroad Saturdays at 10 p.m. on the Science Channel.

Article first published as TV Preview: An Idiot Abroad: Karl Pilkington and The All Right Wall of China on Blogcritics.


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The Ricky Gervais Show - "Clive Warren"

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     This past Friday, season two of The Ricky Gervais Show premiered on HBO. Like each episode of season one, it was the wandering musings of three mean recorded for a podcast, and then animated. However, this episode had a more centralized conversation than most. The topic? A movie Karl Pilkington thought up.

     If you've never seen the show (or heard the podcast), you may not know who Karl Pilkington is. If this is the case, it is a very sad state you're in, that should be corrected immediately. Karl Pilkington is a man who does not think like you or I or most people. A truly unique individual, he seems to reside in a world all of his own.

     This week, Karl recounted how studio execs asked him for a movie idea. He said he came up with one off the top of his head, as your brain works best if you just start talking and see what comes out. His 'brilliant' pitch would star Clive Warren. Never heard of him? That's because he doesn't exist. Karl meant Clive Owen. The plot involved Clive dying, and then having half of his brain put into his wife's head, because 'that's what doctors are doin' nowadays'.

     Insane? Possibly. Genius? Equally likely. Not the movie idea, of course, but the comedy of it all. I doubt more than a handful of writers in the world could write this funny. Karl read something on the internet about brain transplants, which, of course, he assumed was fact, and ran with it. Also, the first thing he decided on for the movie was not the story, but the actors who would star. Of course, duh! That's how you sell movies any more, right?

     Karl's thoughts may be the musings of an unstable individual, but he doesn't seem dangerous. Just naive and amusing. You'll find yourself laughing out loud at the show. Luckily, Karl never seems offended when his co-hosts, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, do just that. They're not cruel; just fascinated with the man. And now I am, too.

     The first season of The Ricky Gervais Show is now available on DVD, and new episodes air Friday nights on HBO.

Article first published as DVD Review: The Ricky Gervais Show: The Complete First Season on Blogcritics.

The Ricky Gervais Show: The Complete First Season

     Last year, HBO's The Ricky Gervais Show was probably one my favorite series to watch on TV. Every week I looked forward to another half hour of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant making fun of Karl Pilkington's perfectly round head. What's more, they examined what thoughts were thought up in Karl's perfectly round head, and it made for great entertainment.

     Although the humor seems to be at Karl's expense, somehow Ricky and Stephen do not come across as cruel. Having seen, heard, and read interviews with Gervais on the subject of Karl, he simply seems fascinated by the man. I share his wonder. Karl Pilkington is one of the most unique individuals on the planet. He clearly does not think the way most of us do. For instance, when Karl told Ricky about a watch you could wear that counts down until your death, and Ricky asked how such a watch would work, Karl responded by saying (I'm paraphrasing here), 'well, you just put it on your wrist...'

     The laughs do not stop for each of the thirteen episodes in the first season. Karl talks about his theories on all sorts of topics, from giving goats to poor Africans, to aging backwards, to animals. A recurring bit is Monkey News, where Karl discusses some piece of 'news' he read involving a monkey. Please keep in mind that for Karl, everything you read on the internet is fact.

     Karl isn't dumb, though. He is not traditionally educated all the far, but he has an intense curiosity and childlike wonderment. Part of the reason Karl can talk for so long on any given topic is because he frequently self-educates, though his sources aren't always the most reliable. It doesn't matter. You can't keep a good man down, and Karl is a good man. He never takes the smirks to heart, and genuinely tries to fully participate in the conversation. The show should really be called The Karl Pilkington Show, as he is certainly the main focus.

     The episodes are animated versions of Ricky Gervais's podcast from a few years ago. The main set is the three men in a studio, but there are frequent sequences bringing to life their ideas and musings. If you have heard those podcasts, than you already know everything contained in the series. However, the animation is cute, fun, and lively. As much as I enjoy listening to the trio on my iPod, I find it even better to watch the cartoon versions of them and see what they are talking about.

     Sadly, the DVD is very weak on extras. Episode three (the reverse aging one) is presented in full in storyboard format, but it's more fun to watch the finished animation. There is also a minute and a half new animation for a charity event. It could have easily fit into any episode, but is just a short. And that's it.

     To buy this DVD, which I highly recommend because of the episodes, despite the scarce features, please check out your favorite store, or visit the official site. Visit the Warner Bros. official site to get the inside scoop on all Warner movie and DVD releases.

     And after you watch the DVD, fear not! More content is on the way. The Ricky Gervais Show Season Two premieres Friday January 14th on HBO, and the premiere episode will be available for free all this week on HBO.com. Beginning January 22nd, Ricky Gervais presents An Idiot Abroad on the Science Channel, a series following Karl as he (reluctantly) visits the Seven Wonders of the World. This winter and spring will be rich with Karl Pilkington.

Article first published as DVD Review: The Ricky Gervais Show: The Complete First Season on Blogcritics.

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The Ricky Gervais, er, Karl Pilkington Show

    HBO's The Ricky Gervais Show just completed it's first season.  Although the title has to be just to make marketing easier, I have no complaints about the rest of it.  It's one of the funniest things I've experienced, with or without the visual (it was originally released as audio only, but HBO added animation before they aired it).  Three men sit in a room and talk.  Well, Karl Pilkington talks.  Stephen Merchant, Gervais's long-time partner, laughs at Karl, and Ricky himself seems to frequently get quite angry.

     The topic for the season finale was "Freaks".  Basically, Karl talked about his favorite freaks, and eventually made a top five list.  One freak that was mentioned was a man whose head was on backwards.  To give you some idea of how things go, Karl brought up the man and described him, and then Stephen asks a reasonable question, in this case, if you were the man, would you rather walk forwards, and just try to turn your head, or walk backwards, where your head can see fine, but the rest of you would be messed up.  Karl answers with something totally unexpected and idiotic at whole new levels.  Karl's answer to the backwards head was that he would walk sideways, so no one would know.  At this point Ricky laughs derisively and calls him on the stupidity.

     It's hard to decide if Karl is for real or not, but after an entire season, I'm leaning towards Karl being genuine.  If not, he's a comic genius.  Now Gervais and Merchant, the brains behind the British The Office and Extras could conceivably come up with and write for such a ridiculous character, but it just doesn't feel like they are.  It feels like they've found this totally unique man and they just get off on talking to him.  Karl himself never gets angry or upset, he takes their comments and laughs with good humor.  He even allows his diary to be read on the show, which is perhaps the funniest segment.

     Also in this past episode, Karl was asked what he'd like God to say to him once he got to heaven.  After the necessary qualifying questions, of which Karl has plenty, his answer was about the same as you'd expect for anyone wanting a tour guide and an understanding of the place.  No deep understanding, new meaning, anything like that.  Karl just wants to know that basics.  He's a simple man, but the humor coming out of this show is anything but.  It's comic genius.

The Ricky Gervais Show podcast cartoon

     The Ricky Gervais Show premiered last night on HBO.  Essentially, it is bits of a podcast set to Flintstone-esque animation.  Mostly, it shows three guys sitting around the table with microphones, and then there are little flashes to illustrated whatever one of them has said.  The series stars the British The Office and Extras cohorts Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, along with the real star of the show, a producer named Karl Pilkington.
     Listening to it, one is immediately struck with the idea that Karl is such an idiot that he can't possibly be for real.  He says the most inane random tidbits, and Merchant and Gervais have a ball laughing at him.  No one can possibly be as stupid as Karl comes off as being.  However, both of his co-stars insist that it's all real, and that's really how Karl acts in real life.  It's why they added him to the show.  Gervais even insists the show is being done to make Karl a star, though other articles have speculated it's because Gervais was complaining about giving away this brilliant podcast for free.
     I can't decide if I should give the show a good review or not, and so I won't give it a star rating.  It's laugh out loud funny.  Hilarious in many sections.  The thing is, though, this is a podcast, and the animation is not why it's funny.  I would be just as amused listening to it on my iPod as I was watching the cartoon version.  What is enjoyable is Karl's assertions and Merchant and Gervais tearing him apart, and that would still be as jovial in any fashion that it is presented.
      That being said, it should be apparent that the title of the show is merely to attract attention and play off Gervais's fame.  More accurately, it would be called The Karl Pilkington Show, and in fact, Merchant and Gervais would be interchangeable with practically any two men on the planet.  They really don't add a thing to the project, despite the fact that both have proven themselves brilliant in their own right.
     Tune in to HBO Friday nights at 9pm and see for yourself.