Episode #1.3 

Tony hires a sex worker - but it's not what you think. A trip to the comedy club turns awkward. The nurse gives Tony a piece of her mind.

Director:

Ricky Gervais

Writer:

Ricky Gervais

Stars:

Ricky Gervais, Tom Basden, Tony Way

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Ricky Gervais	...	Tony
Tom Basden	...	Matt
Tony Way	...	Lenny
Diane Morgan	...	Kath
Mandeep Dhillon	...	Sandy
David Bradley	...	Tony's Dad
Ashley Jensen	...	Nurse
Penelope Wilton	...	Anne
Kerry Godliman	...	Lisa
Paul Kaye	...	Psychiatrist
Tim Plester	...	Julian
Roisin Conaty	...	Roxy
David Earl	...	Brian
Michelle Greenidge	...	Receptionist
Alexander Kirk	...	Stain Man

Storyline

Tony hires a sex worker - but it's not what you think. A trip to the comedy club turns awkward. The nurse gives Tony a piece of her mind.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

TV-MA

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 March 2019 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Oundle, Peterborough, UK

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

Tony: You never know what's around the corner. One minute you're happy and safe and smug about it, the next minute, everything's taken away from you.

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Connections

References Pretty Woman (1990)

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Soundtracks

Into My Arms
Written by Nick Cave (uncredited)
Performed by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Played at the end when Tony get high on drugs

User Reviews

don't rob me..

After Life

Gervais is on it, again. This time he is angry or you'd think before beaming onto his world. Once again, a concept so vivid and illuminating that it not only shines as a thought provoking drama but also a whole new dimension on Ricky Gervais- the actor. First of all, one may need to get things straight, straight ahead, this is not a comedy, it is a gritty dark drama that breathes- or exhales- as much mourning sensations in your head as the character Tony played by Gervais himself does. Gervais has always had his selective audience but this might even narrow down that crowd. It is not people pleasing or has some make-believe attitude to any context here, Gervais speaks honestly, nay, blatantly to a degree that you will leave the room with utmost respect for him as he pulls out this unanticipated avant-garde cat out of the bag.

What works primarily is how much aware Gervais is, of how his product comes off. If you think you have caught him making a mistake, look again, and he will fool you. And as the series explores this pathos world of Tony, Gervais is smartly criticizing and questioning his own premise, a brilliant move. The negative points are not to be lopped off, this is where the series loses the unfiltered touch. As much as innovative the writing is, the writing itself aggravates the content. Since, the series explores the lifestyle of Tony, the narration has to have multiple elements to jump on, now this is where the series feels short handed as the conversations at times grow chalky and cheesy.

Another major itching crisis is how loud the series grows, since Gervais has mostly written with a mockumentary format, he can always express the thoughts verbally, but now, it is a single camera drama series, and he feels obliged or necessary to speak out that current moment verbally in order to be expressive. Also, at times the vision grows into more of a "preaching" that can undermine the quality easily. As a performer, Gervais is still not a match, primarily because this time he is playing not-so-likable guy. His body language is all lazy and his posture oozing depression around him, from his exhales to constant winging, he somehow gets into your head and melts you down within a snap. There is no unnecessary big emotional drama weaved out to manipulate the viewers (something that at times, Derek leaned towards), it keeps it short with light humor- or so to speak- and more importantly pragmatic. The other supporting cast too has done a good work, where Ashley Jensen as the nurse in her overprotective cloak and Tony Way as Lenny supporting Tony (Gervais) unbiasedly and innocently swallowing all the mockery, stands out easily.

Season 01

Initiating from a higher point, almost fictional are these characters and real they come alive as the season ages on screen, Gervais wittily counter argues to all your accusations and you are left with a bit disappointed on the toppings and amazed with the trajectory he has chosen. The elements are not big enough to rely upon as antics of the episode, yet with a scuffed up attitude Gervais convinces you to get on the boat.

Episode #1.3

The first half fumbles brutally with loud notions and annoyed exhaustion that may be done with conviction but hits like a rock in the face. He is personifying the elements that we all can see easily and can even predict the trajectory but he surprises you through how he speaks honestly by the pick, the choice, since among these many characters, he chooses and resonates, as he says so regretfully, with a junkie.