Each episode of Derek has underlying mini-themes within the broader story and this week we were treated to Derek’s discovery of an ailing bird before calling an ambulance as he couldn’t get hold of Bill Oddie or Rolf. And just when Derek was about to tell the truth to the paramedics – that he called them out for a baby bird - one of the residents pipes up that the ambulance was for him, much to Derek’s surprise and happiness.
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A resident helps Derek escape 'jail' |
Gervais performed his character marvellously last night
with many touching moments, especially after Marge’s passing when Derek says: “I’d
rather be sad than anyone else.” With Derek’s tear-filled eyes and croaky voice,
Gervais showed his acting prowess. With Brent, Millman and now with Derek under
his belt, Ricky keeps challenging himself as an actor, and each time it’s proving
to be a success.
The show also
focussed in on Hannah’s relationship with a clearly frustrated Tom. With her
busy, overworked life as the manager of the care home taking its toll, she
cancels on Tom and then cancels again.
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Stood up again |
The second time she is all dolled up and
ready to go but Marge needs her. She makes the right decision and stays with the
dying resident who she’s cared for but just when we thought Hannah and Tom were
over, he sweetly turns up with a McDonalds.
“I can smell
McDonalds,” says Derek – hilariously changing the tone of the moment, but that’s
what Derek does so well.
The fine blend
of humour and warmth worked a treat in episode 3, but it can only work if the
acting is up to scratch. Thankfully it is. Kerry Godliman’s portrayal of Hannah
was top notch once again – believable, sweet and caring as ever, drawing you
into the character’s emotional state. David Earl did another fine job with Kev
with a number of comedy gold moments to note – hand pump after hand pump after
hand pump, as well as the 8oz of pure blood sausage we’ve been teased with all
week!
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"8oz of pure blood sausage" |
But I did feel a little sorry for Kev at the end when he admits he can’t
get a ‘normal woman’ – was I meant to?
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Tom told Kev a few home truths |
But who stole
the show? It was of course Karl Pilkington’s Dougie. From being irate at Derek
for buying back the pottery frog, to the perfectly scripted “Waddya tell 'im t'
lick a toad for, y' dick?” line to Kev – Pilkington was on top form.
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Kev tricks Derek into licking a toad |
Telling
Derek ‘not to ask any questions’ about
Kev’s sexual intercourse and walking around the care home showing us all the
shit that was lying around – these comic gems – is why Pilkington is proving to
be the star of the show. “Are they really going to miss that?" asked
Dougie as he holds up a plastic Prince Charles.
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Shit everywhere |
If you saw
the show, we all know the best in-story – Dougie and Shelley – Marge’s despicable
daughter who couldn’t wait for her mam to die so she could get her hands on
that ring.
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The despicable Shelley and husband |
Dougie is a sweetheart as he tells the camera: "I want to tell
Marge, ‘Go to bingo, buy gin, piss it up the wall, anything just so Shelley
can't have it.’” Inevitably, Marge does die and when Shelley starts questioning
Hannah about the ring, and then why somebody such as Derek is allowed to work
in the care home, the super hero egg with sideburns steps in to save the day in
one of the most honest, angry performances I’ve seen on screen.
“You’re like a fucking magpie coming
in here getting anything that’s shiny. You didn’t give a shit about your mam; it’s
been Hannah who’s been looking after all this time.”
“I’ve been very busy actually.”
“Oh you’ve been busy? Well is doesn’t matter
anymore does it, your mam’s dead. Well you’ve got the ring haven’t you? Have
you got the ring? Does it fit alright? Does it fit? Well you’ve got the ring so
fuck off then. Fuck off!”
“Fucking hell as if she needs
jewellery… Mr fucking T!”
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Look at the intensity on Karl's face! |
So how did an
untrained actor play such a particular scene so well? As Ricky pointed out on
Twitter this morning, ‘Karl claims he wasn’t acting – he was actually angry.’
That I can believe! We all love Karl. Every week he has great lines and he is consistently delivering them so well – proving himself as an effective actor with real screen presence. His mannerisms and facial expressions are also telling the story.
As the series
continues, the characters are all getting their moment in the spotlight. No one
character seems to be taking the lead like Brent did in The Office but that’s
the beauty of the show as we all wait to see how it comes together for the
series climax. Episode 3 was a triumph – hats off to Ricky and all the cast,
but a special well done to Karl – you’re a star!
On point review!
ReplyDeleteThis show just gets better and better!
ReplyDeleteI cannot get enough of this show!! All I do is scan the internet & youtube for any little snippet about the show that I might not have seen yet. The characters are awesome, the writing is A1, the humor is top notch, & Ricky doesn't overdo the tearjerker stuff. I have never laughed & cried so many times in any episode of any show, ever. When it seems like everything is about computer graphics, Ricky proves the best stories are about interesting characters & good writing. I wish I could thank him personally for reviving my faith in humanity!
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