1. We Relate To The Fundamental Trait In Gervais's Characters
If you take each of the lead characters from the big three - David Brent, Andy Millman and Derek Noakes - they all have one thing in common. They just want to be loved: Brent by his workforce, Andy by his public and Derek by a father figure. And this is something that we all have in common: we just want to be loved by someone. We feel for these characters, not because we're similar to them, but because it's a basic human trait to want affection. We reciprocate it, because deep down, Gervais's characters might be smug, cocky or idiotic, but they're vulnerable. This is essentially why Gervais and Merchant are such good writers; they can create characters who crave attention or alienate their friends, and we still like them. We still feel for them. And we rewatch these shows over again, seeing them in a new light, and taking them slightly differently to how we did last time. Why do you think Gervais and Merchant are so good though? Which are your favourite characters? What are your favourite moments from 'The Office', 'Extras', 'Life's Too Short' and 'Derek'? Please comment below!