Arnold
CibbuanoExtras, Last episode
October 22nd 2006 08:28
Watch it here - BBC website
Well, Series 2 of Extras has now come to an end in England. Gervais and Merchant have said that they won't be doing any more series after this one, so - with the possible exception of a Christmas special or two (ala 'The Office') - this is the end!
This episode starts off with Millman getting interviewed by Jonathon Ross, which goes really well. Afterwards, winding down with the show's other guests, he is roped into visiting a sick boy in hospital. Amazingly, this isn't as awkward as it might have been and Millman actually manages not to completely destroy his career this episode.
There's a fair bit going on in this episode, but it's all very understated and muted... Millman becomes best mates with Jonathon Ross and has less time for Maggie. In fact, it's becoming clear that Millman is in the final stages of his transition from everyday-bloke to celebrity, and his priorities leave very little room for Maggie. Also, he gives his appallingly bad agent an ultimatum - set up a meeting with Robert De Niro (who is in town filming a movie) or get fired.
Let's face it, the last two or three episodes of 'Extras' have been getting more and more dismal and detached from the general idea that a sitcom should be entertaining. I was hoping this episode would redeem the entire series... that sense would be made of what Gervais and Merchant have been trying to do. But alas, any hidden themes I had been trying to guess at were not addressed in any way whatsoever (that Andy is hopelessly in love with Maggie... or that Andy is secretly gay... that Andy would ditch his show in a last minute grab for credibility... I dunno - ANYTHING that would excuse all that has been going on in the last few episodes). I just don't get it. I don't understand what has been going on and I don't understand why this second series of Extras is so bad compared to the last.
The big guest to end all guests in this episode is Robert De Niro. His appearance consists of one fairly short scene and a few lines over the phone, and is marginally amusing. I just - argh! This episode doesn't redeem the second series and I'm very disappointed on the whole. I'll reserve full judgement on the off chance that a christmas special will wrap everything up properly, but if such a special doesn't come then I'd have to say that Extras Series 2 jumps the shark big time. Such a shame.
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