Derek: Risky Ricky Gervais's controversial comedy yet to warm the nation's hearts

When comedy meets controversy it's challenging to find Gervais far from the center of it - the writer of the Office on Channel 4 with new show Derek.

Ricky Gervais adorning archetypical dark comedy Derek

Gervais has divide opinion since his eruption into national satire spotlight, mocking everything from religion to the obese. So it's unsurprising that he's back once again with a show set to split waves of opinion better than Moses.

But has the contentious comedian's portrayal of autism and life through the viewing window of a more simple world gone a little too far?

Or, is the 'bittersweet' comedy characteristic Gervais comedy with an meaningful undertone more than just controversy?

Cast your vote at the bottom...

Ricky Gervais as Derek, stars alongside Idiot Abroad 'pal' Karl Pilkington playing Dougie (Channel 4)

"Derek Noakes is a tender, innocent man whose love for his job and the people he cares for shines through," Channel 4 programme blurb.

Trailer:



Derek tells the endearing tales of an autistic 49-year-old care worker who recognizes the wood rather than the trees, as he fumbles through his stripped down life.

"I like old people, they're kind and they're not going to be around for forever so be nice to them," Derek Noakes.

Yet, despite the character's intellectual shortcomings, Derek's condensed childlike view of the world allows him to communicate powerful points overflowing of wisdom. Often speaks simplistic truths that can sometimes forgotten that strike the chords of epiphany lost to our misted lives, that are otherwise consumed by complexity and complication.

Along with best-buddy Dougie, starring Karl Pilkington in a mirror-image and life-imitating role, and similar love-interest Hannah (Kerry Godliman), the show follows their experiences working in a retirement home.

Following a familiar formula to previous production The Office, scenes of dialogue are interspersed with one-to-one interviews and reflections with the characters.

And rounded off with poignant piece Nuvole Bianche by the unequivocally talented Ludovico Einaudi, to mourn the end of a controversial yet touching pilot episode capable of horrifying and wrenching the hearts of its audience.

But after drawing in 2 million viewers on it's debut episode returning viewers could still have a lot left to be further astounded by for its return in 2013. But for better or worse, you decide...

Your views: Ricky Gervais's new comedy Derek...

• Risky Gervais, too controversial
• Mediocre, not as good as Extras
• Love to hate, hate to love? We love it...
• I don't care, I just love Karl Pilkington, full stop

Created on Apr 14, 2012

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