Fans of the Ricky Gervais sitcom "Extras" will not be "having a laugh" with Andy Millman and his celebrity encounters for much longer. Gervais and partner-in-comedy Stephen Merchant recently announced the show would not be returning for a third season.
On the bright side, according to BBC News, it will have one more episode — a special series finale — although an airdate has yet to be determined.
Sound familiar? It is the exact same route the comedy team took with their smash hit "The Office." Personally, though I am sad about it coming to an end, I commend them. It is bold to end a show before it gets stale or even has the potential to become tiresome.
Some may argue that it is the coward's way out, but I beg to differ, especially in the case of Gervais and Merchant. Consider the end of "The Office." Just because that show ended early didn't mean Gervais and Merchant quit show business. They got right back up on what I consider a bigger and better horse with "Extras." They rode that horse for two seasons and are giving it one final trot before moving on to another faster and hopefully even better horse.
Wait a minute — how did this turn into a discussion about horses?
Anyway, as I insinuated with that stupid horse metaphor, I believe "Extras" is even funnier than "The Office." Keep in mind that I love "The Office," but something about seeing refreshingly down-to-earth celebrities willing to act like arrogant pricks and morons just rubs me the right way.
Kate Winslet giving phone-sex advice, Patrick Stewart describing a movie concept in which he repeatedly uses his "X-Men" powers to undress women, and Robert De Niro gazing with a hint of glee at a pen that removes a woman's clothing when turned upside-down are just a few of my fondest memories of "Extras."
However, my fondest memory of all occurs in the fourth episode of the first season. Andy (Gervais) is cast as the genie in a play based on the story of Aladdin. The best part comes when we get to see him perform on stage in front of an audience for the first time. Every time the genie speaks, he makes a sexually suggestive remark and then mugs to the audience. And this isn't just any mugging; this is a facial expression that looks almost painful, coupled with a sound of exertion just barely escaping his tightly pursed lips.
In the special features of the "Extras" Season One DVD, Gervais explains that the inspiration came from a character he once created that went by the delightfully un-politically correct name Dirty Old Queer. That name, the face and the terrible innuendos — few times in my life have I laughed harder at anything.
Please, I already know it is childish and extremely politically incorrect, so put down the pen and throw away the letter. On second thought, send it. I never get any snail mail anymore.
Right now, I am more excited to see what the two men will come up with next than I am about watching another season of "Extras," and right there is the reason why I respect their decision. Besides, the golden rule of comedy is: "Always leave them wanting more."
I definitely want more, and I have no doubt the duo will get back up on a horse in no time. Gervais and Merchant are a stable team, definitely not a one-trick pony, and I defy you to find many naysayers.
I should have just stopped after, "Always leave them wanting more."
Mike Peters is a senior focusing on communication arts, film and business. Got any good ideas on a replacement ride for the "Extras" horse? E-mail Mike at [email protected].
