Derek Series 2

'I'm sorry Ivor I've got the wrong kidneys.'

Derek is a series about a kind hearted but slow man working at an old people’s home. This follow up series leans harder on deeper messages and morals and Ricky Gervais’ Derek has become (in my opinion) his finest achievement. Perhaps the thing that has attracted me to the series is how stripped back Gervais has made it. It’s not heaped with cameos from everyone in Gervais’ phonebook like Extras or Life’s Too Short. Nor is it obvious and revolutionary like The Office. It carries on with Gervais’ trademark mockumentary style and here it feels necessary, adding a solid layer to the comedy.

The comedic dialogue that is written or improvised (who knows anymore) is brilliant, building depth to the characters that I felt were slightly underutilised in the first series. It is however the actors who carry the show with a subtle and thought-out lead performance from Gervais that truly is unlike anything he’s done previous. If he’s ever deserved recognition for his acting this is the performance to showcase it. 

Kerry Godliman as lead carer Hannah delivers a delicate and emotional performance. However I feel that it is David Earl who steals the show as the perverted but golden hearted Kev who lends himself so well to the mockumentary style. In fact a series highlight for me was an episode in which Kev applies for a job at the care home. I did however miss the presence of Karl Pilkington and I hope that should Gervais make a third series he should return.

After the controversy (that seemed to loom over series 1 of Derek like an ugly flanimal) has died down it appears general audiences have been able to simply enjoy the series for what it is: a sweet story with excellent messages that have never been so well delivered.

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