The story of a man with small parts. The second series sees Andy (Gervais) experience the highs he has longed for with his newly written sitcom 'When The Whistle Blows'. However while the show achieves high ratings Andy's creative integrity is under threat from the catchphrase-riddled mainstream appeal of it all. The answer; artistic credibility and celebrity friends which leaves poor Maggie out in the cold now working as a background artist on Andy's breakthrough venture. As before a slew of high-profile celebrities pop up for some hilarious cameos including... Sir Ian McKellen Robert De Niro and Orlando Bloom amongst others all willing and able to humiliate themselves! [show more]
Whilst not in the same classic league as Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's previous endeavour, 'The Office', 'Extras' is still streets ahead of most 'Comedy' offerings of late.
Following the trials of hapless 'Extra' and wannabee actor, Andy Millman (Gervais), his dense yet charming sidekick, Maggie, (Ashley Jensen) and the beyond moronic agent, Darren, (Merchant), each episode features one or more 'superstars' who are game for a send-up.
In series one, the highlights included an excellent episode featuring Les Dennis who showed a depth and pathos few knew he had, a 'Tourette-like' Kate Winslet and a 'Cowardly Lion-esque' Ross Kemp. Another highlight was an underused Samuel L Jackson, (obviously under time constraints), uttering the memorable line, "Tell them Uncle Sam's in Town!". A low point was David Bowie's unfunny cameo, stretching belief by singing a 'Little Fat man' derogatory song about Andy with everyone joining in, magically knowing all the words.
Series one ends with Andy getting his sitcom, 'When the Whistle Blows' (or 'When the Wind Blows' according to Darren), commissioned by the BBC.
However in Series 2, Andy has had to sell-out and don a silly wig and glasses as the main star of his now, broad sitcom which is, suprisingly, a hit. There are more 'A' listers than before now Series 1 was a hit, all eager to join the Midas-like Gervais, including an excellent Daniel Radcliffe (a cocky Adrian Mole), an enigmatic De Niro (again blink, and you miss him) and a 'Whizz-loving' wee Ronnie Corbett.
One of the highlights of series 2 is the BAFTA episode where Andy's night of triumph turns into a farcical nightmare as well as Darren's 'date from hell' with a confused Maggie. My only criticisms are that Maggie's 'stupidity' sometimes stretches beyond credulity and why doesn't Andy sack Darren, who is so inept, it's untrue!
Over-all an entertaining series, well worth adding to the collection.
Outstanding series! If you liked the first series, then you will LOVE this series. With the characters being well established it is even funnier and the cameo roles are excellent. Stephen Merchant and 'Barry' appear a lot more and really make this series.
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Complete second series of the BBC comedy from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, following the humiliations of professional film extra Andy Millman (Gervais) and his eccentric friend Maggie (Ashley Jensen) as they try - and fail - to gain significant lines or parts in various productions. Episodes comprise: 'Orlando Bloom', 'David Bowie', 'Daniel Radcliffe', 'Chris Martin', 'Sir Ian McKellen' and 'Jonathan Ross'.
Please note this is a region 2 DVD and will require a region 2 (Europe) or region Free DVD Player in order to play. Series two of EXTRAS finds former television and film extra Andy Millman commissioned by the BBC to create and star in the sitcom 'When The Whistle Blows'. Age Rating 15
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