Ricky Gervais is firmly established as a multi-talented entertainer, and has created and started in some of British comedy’s finest works since the turn of the century.
However, his Netflix show here is different. It’s funny, of course it is, but not in a laugh out loud and joke filled way, more on a human, every day level. This show is more focused on the drama.
It isn’t ‘soap style’ drama for dramas sake, it is very centred on a man who has lost the love of his life and has no idea of his purpose in the world anymore, and of the eccentric group of strangers in his life who help him find that.
Season 2 is very similar to Season 1, in both tone and quality. The cast is great but it is Gervais who shines, getting to show off some impressive dramatic acting and very strong writing.
This season features a lot of Gervais speaking about how he is feeling, musing in life, and much more. Depending on your view, you will either find this enlightening or grating.
However, this show can all be watched in 3 hours and it goes by very quick, and it is an amusing, heartbreaking, and heartwarming piece of TV.
It is a big hit so I’m sure we will get a season 3, and I can’t wait to see it.
Rating = 4/5
Howe's World of Film and TV 