A kind and loyal, but socially inexperienced, care assistant does his best to support the residents in his nursing home. Supported by a roster of quirky coworkers, Derek is the positive, though difficult, figure holding the unconventional family together.
It's a difficult role for Gervais to portray empathetically, as he sheds his usual cynical or harsh characteristics in comedy - passing that mantle onto his co-stars, notably Pilkington, Hoult and Earl - and instead depicts a character with recognisably autistic personality traits. Whether Derek is written with the intention for the lead to have a learning disability or not, he is ultimately a vulnerable character protected by those close to him. Gervais, to his credit, portrays this well and without the cruel or condescending tone that may be feared of based on his previous work. It is a convincing performance, and a very endearing one.
A comedy drama with an emotional punch, the humour comes from Derek's day-to-day misunderstandings and the contrast between him and the other coworkers who struggle to continue their duty of care in a difficult environment. It can be very funny, and is often crossed with intensely sad moments, as is appropriate given the setting.
The cast across the board are commendable, Godliman the relatable, responsible one, displaying the full spectrum of emotions, Earl's character typically unpleasant but allowing for great vulnerability and development, and Pilkington the straight talking figure who puts words to an audiences' most frustrating thoughts. They are surrounded by a great cast, each with their own arcs, no matter how minor, to give the show great depth. Furthermore, they can all produce some greatly funny moments.
It is wonderfully written, manipulative and indulgent at times, but putting the audience through the emotional ringer. Derek marks a turning from Gervais' earlier crass or crude (and hugely successful) comedy series to the more dramatic, vulnerable (and still hugely successful) likes of After Life.
It's a difficult role for Gervais to portray empathetically, as he sheds his usual cynical or harsh characteristics in comedy - passing that mantle onto his co-stars, notably Pilkington, Hoult and Earl - and instead depicts a character with recognisably autistic personality traits. Whether Derek is written with the intention for the lead to have a learning disability or not, he is ultimately a vulnerable character protected by those close to him. Gervais, to his credit, portrays this well and without the cruel or condescending tone that may be feared of based on his previous work. It is a convincing performance, and a very endearing one.
A comedy drama with an emotional punch, the humour comes from Derek's day-to-day misunderstandings and the contrast between him and the other coworkers who struggle to continue their duty of care in a difficult environment. It can be very funny, and is often crossed with intensely sad moments, as is appropriate given the setting.
The cast across the board are commendable, Godliman the relatable, responsible one, displaying the full spectrum of emotions, Earl's character typically unpleasant but allowing for great vulnerability and development, and Pilkington the straight talking figure who puts words to an audiences' most frustrating thoughts. They are surrounded by a great cast, each with their own arcs, no matter how minor, to give the show great depth. Furthermore, they can all produce some greatly funny moments.
It is wonderfully written, manipulative and indulgent at times, but putting the audience through the emotional ringer. Derek marks a turning from Gervais' earlier crass or crude (and hugely successful) comedy series to the more dramatic, vulnerable (and still hugely successful) likes of After Life.