10. Gervais Doesn't Hog The Best Lines
Let's attack a common criticism of Ricky Gervais head on, and get it out the way early on: is Ricky Gervais an arrogant, self-centred comedian? Well, he's the lead role in a lot of his projects, but he's not actually intended to be the funniest character in any of them. David Brent is someone who
thinks he's funny; if you want to find the likeable, witty bloke in 'The Office', you'll find him sat at Tim's (Martin Freeman) desk. Andy Millman in 'Extras' is a straight man for the likes of Sean "Barry" Williamson, Darren Lamb and a constellation of guest stars to bounce off. And Derek is barely a comedy character at all. The cocky act that Gervais uses really just is an act. And because of this, it hits you hard when he makes you cry. In fact, for a comedian considered arrogant, Gervais puts himself in positions to make other actors look good. Just look at the scene in 'The Office' when Brent's trying to explain a self-evaluation form to Big Keith. The moments where Neil and Finchy take it in turns to dig at him. The joke is nearly always on Gervais's character, just like the joke's on Basil Fawlty, Arkwright, Del Boy or even Brian Potter. It's a classic British sitcom trait for the leading man or woman, and something that Gervais and Merchant picked up on straight away in their writing.