Stars: Ricky Gervais, Ian McKellen, David Bowie, Stephen Merchant, Chris Martin, Ashley Jenson, Liza Tarbuck, Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Ross, Orlando Bloom, Shawn Williamson

Director: Ricky Gervais

Summary: Series two of EXTRAS finds former television and film extra Andy Millman commissioned by the BBC to create and star in the sitcom 'When The Whistle Blows'.

Series two of EXTRAS finds former television and film extra Andy Millman (Ricky Gervais) commissioned by the BBC to create and star in the sitcom 'When The Whistle Blows'. However, Andy's initial happiness with his achievement is soon quelled when he finds he has to make a lowest common denominator show in order to appeal to the broadest possible audience. Andy's sitcom has been transformed from a show that was in many ways like Gervais' groundbreaking previous show THE OFFICE into a catchphrase-driven show that's filmed in front of a studio audience. Additionally, he has been told that he has to wear large glasses and a curly perm wig. The second series of EXTRAS sees Millman attempting to adjust to fame and life in the public eye and the compromises that come with. Guest stars include Robert De Niro, Orlando Bloom, David Bowie, Coldplay's Chris Martin, Jonathan Ross, Sir Ian McKellen, and Daniel Radcliffe.

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Attracting yet more star names, while wisely moving the narrative on, the second series of Extras really finds the show maturing nicely, and unsurprisingly, cleaned up more awards in the process.

That said, it remains a far more divisive programme than its forerunner, The Office. Written by, directed and featuring Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais, its appeal is more concentrated and less broad, following Andy Millman on his progression from background artist to his own TV show. At times, for a programme frequently billed as a comedy, there’s a melancholy tone, although that’s not to say it doesn’t deliver its fair share of laughs in the process.

Many of those laughs are oiled by the seemingly never-ending conveyor belt of big names who take part in the show. Extras’s first season attracted the likes of Kate Winslet and Samuel L Jackson, but this time, the likes of Daniel Radcliffe, Sir Ian McKellen and David Bowie are quick to join in. There’s, er, Barry from EastEnders, too, who adds to the fun.

And fun is, ultimately, what Extras serves up, albeit laced with a depth and occasional bout on introspectiveness. As with the first season, it’s Ashley Jensen who steals the show from underneath Extras’ cavalcade of star names, with a terrific portrayal of Maggie Jacobs.

Yet this second series feels and is superior to the first, and already, its creators have announced that they’re putting the brakes on the show, save for one final special to sign off with. And it’ll be sad when it all ends. For while Extras takes a little time to get to love, it’s likely to be held in similar regard to the aforementioned The Office in the years to come. --Jon Foster

Aspect Ratio:	16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Taping Nigel II - The Gimpening featurette, Outtakes, The Art of Corpsing featurette, Extras backstage featurette, Easter eggs
Year:	2006
Release Date:	March 26, 2007
Runtime:	175 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	8247343
Keywords:	English, Comedy, Series, Extras, Gervais
Genre:	Comedy