TV show Derek has been a hit over the last six weeks. Showcasing Ricky Gervais’ truly touching side.
After the pilot last year (2012) many thought Derek was created to be a funny, mickey take of disabled people or those with learning difficulties. In fact; it was quite the opposite. Ricky Gervais wasn’t trying to create a sitcom at all. He summed it up perfectly on his Twitter back when series one started; “Derek is not a comedy, it is a drama with funny bits.”
Derek is a character played by Ricky. He is a 40 year old with a learning difficulty. It is never quite clear what this learning difficulty is however. But, that doesn’t matter. Derek works at a care home with Dougie (played by Karl Pilkington) and Hannah (played by Kerry Godliman.) The show focuses on their lives and the occurrences at the care home.
Gervais settles into the role of Derek suitably, it is hard to believe it’s actually him. Karl Pilkington’s character is pretty much himself with an added bit of ‘balls’. Dougie stands up to those who discriminate against Derek, and it really warms your heart.
From the pilot, it was obvious that Gervais wanted to portray the sensitivity of this subject. With a death in the episode itself. It was obvious from the outset that it wasn’t a comedy, it was a drama. The whole series has a lot of very clever lines put in; lines that not only justify what Gervais is doing but also his opinions on disability. For example, in the first episode of the season, a social worker is trying to make Derek have a test for Asperges Syndrome. Derek says “Would it change me?” To which the worker replies “no.” “Well it doesn’t matter then.” Derek states and shuffles on.
It was quite moving actually, the whole series is trying to present a simple but still what seems a taboo subject amongst society these days. Disability. The whole series surrounds some really touching issues, and the last episode aired on March 6th had in fact bought many viewers to tears.
If you haven’t had the chance to see Derek, I would highly recommend it. But, please go into it with the right attitude. Don’t assume it is meant to be funny, don’t assume it is taking the mickey out of those with disabilities and try to forget that Gervais ever played the ridiculous David Brent.