Flying Fish

I just got done watching the Extras Series Finale and though I'd only seen parts of the show during its run, it was easy to follow and hit all the right marks. They Mary Lou Retton'd that dismount, man. Gervais and Merchant were able to deftly infuse warmth and joy into some heavy social commentary with a fairly light touch. I've always admired Gervais as a comedian..the finale gave a glimpse of his dramatic skills, as well.

The central theme is the lengths people will go to for fame. Sure its all been said before.. but the scenes where Gervais' character Andy is part of a 'Big Brother' reality show are biting, funny and ring true. You get the feeling that a lot of it comes from Gervais own dissection of the world in which he now lives.

Also, on a purely simple brain level of entertainment, I love when Stephen Merchant dances. A tall gangly person dancing is just funny, dude. Or any of the conversations between Stephen Merchant and his doofus friend, really. G & M are equally comfortable writing for pricks or morons. Brilliant.

The finale also made fitting and economic use of the music of three of my favorite singers, yay!: