BBC - Extras (Christmas Special)

I missed this last night so I was grateful at the availability of it on BBCs iPlayer service which allowed me to watch it this afternoon.

Now, as a lover of ALL of Ricky Gervais' (& Stephen Merchant's) work, I was always going to enjoy this. I expected it to pursue a similar format to The Office series - and so it came to pass. The episode wasn't littered with jokes but instead used an age old Gervais technique of making policitical, social, religious or racial points with 'celebrities' paddling tentatively in pseudo-ironic waters. The 'humour' [not jokes! see above*] was plentiful and sat comfortably with the story's progression. This alone, would've provided 82 minutes satisfactory entertainment.

However, the shining light came from Ricky's (as Andy Millman) quite remarkable performance at the end when the realisation of fame as a self-fulfilling, egotistic bubble detached from reality and true friends manifested itself in a very accomplished and [for me] very moving performance. It turned a satisfactory piece into a masterpiece.

Fantastic stuff.

Xmas, New Year & Suffering

First and foremost - let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a belated Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year for next week.
My Christmas day was hectic but enjoyable and, as always, I was unnecessarily showered with an inordinate number of gifts from friends and family.
I've had an otherwise relaxing few days - enjoying a wine and cheese party last night with a collection of family and friends. Favourite cheeses were Black bomber, Vignotte and Cheurier. Merlot was my 'top tipple' (as it has always been).

Suffered with an enigmatic affliction more than usual this morning. Fingers crossed things will sort themselves out soon - stupid body!