TV Review: Derek (2013) Episode Six [4oD]

'Derek' Series 1, Episode 6 (UK Airdate: 6 March '13) // Words: Saam Das

And so endeth the latest series from Ricky Gervais. A rather curious ending in fact, as this was by far the weakest episode of the series - overly ponderous and resembling an elongated advert for Coldplay. But it proved a fairly neat conclusion regardless, and with 'Derek' set to return for a second series - a good foundation to continue from.

TV Review: Derek (2013) Episode Five [4oD]

'Derek' Series 1, Episode 5 (UK Airdate: 27 Feb '13) // Words: Saam Das

As much as I have really enjoyed the first series of 'Derek', each episode's opening scene has been considerably painful to get through. Mainly because of David Earls' grotesque character Kev, who's at it again here. His usual patter of sexually disorientating chat is superceded by casual racism in this cabaret themed episode, featuring a quite dire Duran Duran musical and a similarly terrible ventriloquism act.

TV Review: Derek (2013) Episode Four [4oD]

'Derek' Series 1, Episode 4 (UK Airdate: 20 Feb '13) // Words: Saam Das

I'm starting to think that Ricky Gervais has adopted a sneakily brilliant formula for his episodes - open in the dodgiest manner possible, introduce a despicable character, give said character their just desserts, and finish by basking in heartfelt triumph. This week's episode began with a dreadful autograph selling scene, followed up by wrestling. Thankfully, things soon improved. Especially when 'Steal My Sunshine' came on.

TV Review: Derek (2013) Episode Three [4oD]

'Derek' Series 1, Episode 3 (UK Airdate: 13 Feb '13) // Words: Saam Das

Opening with genuinely the worst two minutes of television I've seen this year, Episode 3 of 'Derek' started off in a most dubious fashion. A brutal combination of Kev's sexploits and Derek licking a toad was particularly crass but thankfully, things eventually picked up.

TV Review: Derek (2013) Episode Two [4oD]

'Derek' Series 1, Episode 2 (UK Airdate: 6 Feb '13) // Words: Saam Das

The reception to the opening episode of Ricky Gervais' latest project 'Derek' proved fairly mixed, albeit falling on the positive side. The lack of humour concerned me but I felt some of the dramatic moments were particularly well played and again, it's more of the same in Episode Two. Except with more actual jokes! Spoilers follow.