The pen of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant has provided two of the funniest comedies of the past decade. Pearse Connery takes a look back at the Office and Extras and explores why they are typically ‘Noughties’.
The Office and Extras are quintessential products of the Noughties. The Office, in particular, revolutionised comedy, making the mockumentary with a dash of dry wit a popular recipe. Several television shows that came after The Office, most notably the Inbetweeners, follow this comedic method.
Most Gervais fans would probably rate The Office the best work of the Reading-born comedian. His other show, Extras, is definitely on par with the Office, but given that it had a lot to live up to, it isn’t held in such high regard.
David Brent, the boss of ‘The Office’ is a sexist, racist, big headed representation of middle England. Trying lamentably hard to be funny and loved, he ends up merely being pitied. The supporting cast is superb: Gareth creates some comedy gems with his complete lack of social awareness, and Tim, a tragic tale of a man who could have done so much with his life but is working in an office in depressing Slough; a situation replicated in offices all over country. Many people knew ‘a Brent’ in their workplace, and, as such, The Office became one of the most iconic sitcoms of the decade. Brent’s dance in the Comic Relief episode is now widely known and regarded as one of the funniest television moments of the past ten years, if not all time.
Andy Millman, the main character in Extras, is worlds away from Brent. The show recounts Millman’s trials and tribulations as an extra, through to the filming of his own sitcom – during which he sells himself short to appease the public. Unlike Brent, who has a high opinion of himself, Millman is much more socially conscious and modest, and his relationship with his agent Darren, played by his real-life writing partner Stephen Merchant, makes for hilarious viewing. Extras satirises the personalities of the rich and famous through cameos by various celebrities, each with their traits turned on their head: such as Daniel Radcliffe as a chain-smoking womaniser and Orlando Bloom’s confession that he despises Johnny Depp.
With these two shows, comedy has changed massively inasmuch as they are based around the quotidian: mundane people doing mundane things. Millman and Brent are stuck in ruts with little chance of escape. The Office is bleakly amusing, set in a dour paper merchant in deepest Berkshire, and, like Extras, allows glimpses into the lives of people with potential failing to realise their goals. This is the stark reality of life for most people of this era, and that is probably why people relate to both shows and enjoy them so much.
Greatest Moments:
The Office: The best moment, of many, is probably where Brent tells Chris Finch, a supposed friend who treats Brent like dirt to ‘F**k off’ after Finch offended the woman he brought to the Christmas party. The audience had been waiting for Brent to stand up for himself throughout the two series and finally he had done it.
Extras: Keith Chegwin’s performance is one of many notable celebrity appearances. Whilst ‘Cheggers’ is regarded by most as a fun loving, bubbly character to the public, he plays a racist, homophobic bigot which although quite controversial is absolute comedy gold. Millman’s disbelief is mirrored by the audience’s when Chegwin asks him “So the BBC, still run by your Jews and your queers?” and is a real laugh out loud moment.
Pearse Connery
Tags: bbc, extras, office, ricky gervais, tv
