Netflix's latest original series-- 'Derek'

Cafe Society
21

Oh my God. I am really out of the SDMB zeitgeist, because I think this is mawkishly embarrassing. Derek isn’t kind–he’s a pastiche of kindness. And what does he even do that’s genuinely kind? He even gets pissed off when one of the [del]pieces of background furniture[/del]old folks dares to get a little camera time. And this show about treating old people with dignity treats them like nothing more than set dressing. Who cares about them? How many of their names do we know? Where are their storylines? The end montages are revoltingly saccharine, and the music in general… Jesus. I was watching this with a hand massaging my eye, trying to figure out, “What the fuck am I watching? Is this parody? Are we supposed to give a shit about this unlikeable, poorly-acted guy who we keep being told is the kindest most gentlest guy who ever didn’t kill a bunny rabbit with his bare hands, but never actually displays much goodness himself besides spouting oh-so-innocent Hallmark card lines?”

I swear Gervais is taking the piss out of everyone. He has to be. He’s Andy Kaufmaning it, that’s the only answer that matches his real life personality of mocking “mong faces” and considering stuffing little people in garbage cans as “humor.”

I mean, this–and crap like “Life’s Too Short”–is what’s remaining after producing/starring in the brillliant The Office? It’s a shame. Either that or Stephen Merchant was way more important in this pairing than the P.R. would indicate.

But hey I’m glad others enjoy it. More power to you! Luckily there’s something for everyone on Netflix.

22

Apart from caring for them, talking to them, listening to them, entertaining them, taking them places, treating them like humans and trying to save their care home ? No…he doesn’t show any kindness at all. They aren’t the main focus of the show but they are certainly far from “pieces of furniture”

Look, I’m as cynical as the next person but your reading of this just seems way, way off. You can dislike Ricky Gervais as much as you want to, no problem. But you seem to be ascribing far too much cynicism and exploitation and I don’t know where that is coming from.
It is certainly never backed up by anyone who works with him. All I’ve read suggests he is genuine in his intentions and a delight to work for.

23

Sucks that you don’t like it. Interesting perspective on the show. How many episodes did you get in before you gave up on it?

24

The bit with the ceramic frog is hilarious.

25

Does Karl Pilkington’s performance in this establish that his “dumb persona” is just an act as well?

26

Not really, Ricky wrote the part for Karl so that he wouldn’t have to act at all. It is basically him.

27

He works there, that’s what he’s supposed to do. I’m not applauding him just because he’s also “special” while doing it. And please name three of the seniors whom he cares for, these wonderful old angelic souls who are totally not anonymous extras used to prop up the leads?

Oh hey, thank you! :slight_smile: Actually I loved him until Life’s Too Short, which showed his meanspirited, exploitative side, and this show just cemented that distate; he’s a hypocrite who wants it both ways. He wants to be “edgy” and still get applause for being the brilliant artist of a sad clown painting. What really killed the love was following him on Twitter. Now I see him as a bullying twat and a coward who sets his millions of vicious fans on people who just express mild dislike. All while hypocritically posting: “Kindness is magic!”

Follow his twitter. Of course you have to be careful because he promptly deletes all his revolting attempts at intimidating critics by encouraging his mob of fanboys to sic 'em, starting a wave of hate-filled abuse by his followers. Fortunately there are people keep track of these things so he’s not able to hide completely.

The sad thing is that I agree with him on so many points, socially/politically speaking, but he’s one of those people who’s on my side yet I dearly wish would shut up, because he makes the rest of us look bad and is an easy target for those opposing our viewpoint to point to and say “Look! Look what assholes they are!” Ah well.

And MyFootsZZZ, I watched all of the episodes, God help me, actually back when they aired in the UK rather than Netflix. (I try to keep current with UK TV when possible, and fortunately there are… ways. No, torrents are not involved.) Hmmm, maybe Netflix has a different cut that removes the saptastic music montages and creeps crawling into bed with seniors to have sex with 'em while adding extended storylines for the seniors that actually gives them all names and, like, personalities.

I kept waiting for there to be a Big Reveal that Derek was just faking all along, or that it was a satire, or… really, anything. I almost think Gervais intended it as a satire and then people took it seriously and he decided to keep going, playing the long con. If not, well, more power to those who enjoy its sentimentality. I just… I dunno. I’m with the Times and AV Club.

Anyway I have no doubt there’s stuff I watch some folks would find utterly sucky. I’ll leave, I don’t want to ruin the thread. Usually it’s more fun when most agree in threads and can enjoy the stuff together, so I’m sorry for casting a down note.

28

choie, what difference does an official contract make? Are there not jobs that you consider thankless and unheralded? Jobs that you’d never do but other will? Does their payment for that job diminish what they do?

I think not, and I know Gervais thinks the same. Many of his family work in the care industry and that is what inspired him for this programme. The whole point of which is to show that a bunch of misfits are doing an underpaid, thankless, invisible task and treating vulnerable people with immense kindness.

Thankfully I’ve avoided ever coming into contact with twitter and have no intention of doing so and so won’t be following anyone but if he is a “bullying twat and a coward” then I’ve never heard of it and, as I say, I don’t see people that work with him lining up to trash him.

And finally, please don’t snip my comments to make seem like I was making a patronising comment. Smiley or no smiley it is rather bad form.

29

I can see this. I loved Life’s Too Short, but I can see where you get this.

Wait, what? I follow him on Twitter and missed all this. What are you talking about? Are you religious? He’s a pretty aggressive atheist, but I’ve never seen him encouraging his “mob of fanboys”.

I didn’t care much for Derek. Tried really hard for pathos; success was negligible. Had its moments, but was too glurge-y.

30

I just watched the series and I have very mixed feelings. There are definitely some good moments and performances, but by the time I finished watching Episode 7, I felt like I was being emotionally manipulated in a very cheap way. I also had this weird feeling that Gervais was giving me some kind of lesson on what it means to be a good person. I found it vaguely insulting.

Maybe Netflix was involved in the funding, so that’s why they are claiming credit.

31

It came back on last night for series 2.

It hits Netflix in about a month or so.