When Ricky Gervais announced there would be a third series of his hit comedy-drama show After Life my initial reaction was ‘No, please don’t do it, they never work’, recalling why such shows as Fawlty Towers and Ricky’s very own The Office stopped at two, never wanting to ruin a masterpiece. A third series is a bit like Vincent Van Gogh stepping back and saying, “Sunflowers is amazing but it could do with a pink unicorn adding to it”. Well, Ricky Gervais has slapped a great big pink unicorn on After Life and somehow that unicorn looks brilliant.
Again Ricky has written and directed a masterpiece of his own, series 3 does not disappoint, it is as good as the first two series, with moments that make you laugh out loud to times where tears run down your face. It’s so difficult writing a review of something without any spoilers, but I can point to moments to look out for, things that really show that the quality of writing and acting in After Life is top drawer. I promise you that if you are among the very few who haven’t yet seen After Life, you will absolutely love it from the start of series 1 episode 1 to the last 5 minutes of the final ever episode. Having seen how well series 3 has come out, I find it difficult to write those words ‘final ever episode’.
Look out for the moment he finally sprinkles his dad’s ashes, the horn moment at the beginning of episode 4, the speech about the insurance money in episode 5, magnificent writing but so well delivered by Jo Hartley as June. People sometimes don’t put those two things together as they watch a TV show, but it doesn’t really matter how good the writing is, if it isn’t delivered well they may as well be words written for El Dorado (Remember that show? No, didn’t think you would). All through the three series’ of After Life the acting has been out of this world, from Joe Wilkinson as the Postman to the utterly brilliant Penelope Wilton as Anne. I wish I could mention them all, but that would just take up too much space and this review would look like an Oscar speech.
Talking about Penelope Wilton, her speech about angels in the final episode was utterly brilliant and written at a time when the words she delivered are so apt. Get the tissues out and get ready to shed a tear or two when Tony (Ricky Gervais) visits the hospice during the final episode, there will not be a dry eye in the house. There are still those hilarious moments scattered through each episode, so much so that you end up not knowing why those tears are flowing, is it because you’re emotional or is it because you’re laughing so hard that not only are there tears, but a sly unintentional fart might slip out. The final five minutes are a simply beautiful tv moment, especially the last couple of minutes when barely a word is spoken, showing how writing those silent moments is just as important as writing the stunning speeches.
Yet again this is an emotional rollercoaster, Ricky Gervais and his wonderful cast have delivered a finale to be proud of. This will yet again sweep up the awards, Netflix will be wondering what can we do next to go one better, well I have news for you Netflix, this is it, there will be nothing better, I’m sorry but the truth is the best way to go. If there is one criticism of the show, it’s a message to writer Ricky Gervais, you never pick up a laptop by the screen, that’s just naughty.
5 stars all the way yet again.
Ricky Gervais Smashes Series 3 of After Life
Name: After Life Series 3
Description: Ricky Gervais returns with the third series of the very popular drama on Netflix
Comedy writer with Steve Smith. Author of the book & Satire Website, ‘The Daily Skid – The best bits’ also Beat About the Bush
