After Life

Ricky Gervais' series is a real treat. His Tony is a cynic after my own heart, wisecracking about everything (and everyone) with amazing sarcasm. Plus, he's an atheist, so it was obvious that he'd become an instant favorite of mine. In my review of Fleabag, I criticized how the creators did not manage to balance the comedy and the drama, but here it worked out perfectly, so instead of a crazy comedy or a sob story, I got a simple human story which I was hooked on from the start. P.S. The very first episode offers an excellent definition of the human race :-) (20/06/2020)

Honestly, I'm surprised Netflix backed a project by Ricky Gervais and even allowed him to direct it; I can't help but wonder how many political correctness watchdogs kept an eye on him during filming. Tony's character resonates with me because that grumpy outlook aligns with my own :-) Plus, he populated the series with fantastic characters, and Netflix added the right hues, leaving me very content after the first episode. / Lesson learned: Avoid provoking someone who has nothing to lose. (26/10/2022)

The second episode kept up the streak of quality and humor from the first one, making it another enjoyable ride. I particularly like how Ricky Gervais subtly infuses humanity into the plot but doesn't make it too in-your-face. The perfect yet marginal characters like the postman and the psychiatrist added a nice touch, but what really got me was the battle of wills with the restaurant staff. / Lesson learned: Some people just don't understand that there can be joy in depression. (26/10/2022)

Another top-notch episode. Even without Tony going through a personal tragedy, I wouldn't have been shocked if his job alone had driven him to suicidal thoughts. Ricky Gervais's writing was superb as usual, and the dialogue had me laughing out loud, with more layers than a Tiramisu. / Lesson learned: Wisdom can come from the most unexpected sources. (27/10/2022)

Episode four just solidified everything I've been saying in my earlier reviews. Ricky Gervais nailed it, weaving humor seamlessly with depression and cynicism with empathy. I'm a fan of that combo. It delivered a top-notch viewing experience and some genuine laughs. Gotta give props to all those excellent dialogues that not only cracked me up but also got me pondering their deeper meaning. / Lesson learned: When someone tells you it can't get any worse, they are lying shamelessly. (27/10/2022)

Not even episode five gave me much to nitpick about. I mean, sure, if I went full detective mode, I might find something, but the script was too spot-on to let any flaws ruin the vibe. Props to Ricky Gervais for diving into the topic of renewable resources. It got me thinking that a lot of writers could learn from this show – might just help them whip up some dialogues that actually make sense. / Lesson learned: Steer clear of any school grounds. (28/10/2022)

For the first time in this series, I gave it "just" four stars because, in the final episode, I really missed Tony's usual, gloomy take on life. The new and improved Tony might have been more palatable to the folks around him, but personally, I missed the OG Tony. His exposed humanity just wasn't the same without that protective shell. / Lesson learned: If the Nazis are after you, make sure you hide real good. (28/10/2022)

I was really looking forward to the second season, but Ricky Gervais had an unpleasant surprise in store for me. His Tony turned his cynicism down a few notches and added a frightful amount of self-pity and wallowing in the past. Sure, there were moments like that in the first season, too, but not as frequent. I praised the first season’s excellent humor and human dimension of the story, but here the humor was sidelined by all that sobbing, which wasn't fun to watch. 4*- (20/08/2020)

The opening episode didn't quite light the fire like most of the first season, mainly because Tony lost a chunk of his personality. The heartless cynic vibe is gone, leaving us with just his self-pitying, depressive side. I was close to giving it only three stars, but yoga, the postman, the psychologist, Kath's hunt, and especially the oldest Tambury resident, saved the day. / Lesson learned: Keep the postman outside the gate. 4*- (29/10/2022)

I have a hunch that Ricky Gervais initially planned just a six-part miniseries, which he neatly wrapped up. It feels like, after the success of those initial episodes, Netflix jumped on the bandwagon for more, making Tony grasp for our attention solely through self-pity and depression, leaving all the humor to the supporting characters. At least they're nailing it. / Lesson learned: Greed breeds mediocrity. 4*- (29/10/2022)

I honestly didn't think I'd be giving any episode from the second season five stars, considering Tony's character changed in a way that didn't sit well with me. But in the third episode, his new personality resonated with me a few times (one instance pretty prominently). The other characters held it down and I liked the overall vibe of the episode, so five stars it is. / Lesson learned: Sometimes you find understanding where you least expect it. (29/10/2022)

The last episode hit all the right notes for me, but man, the fourth one let me down. Sure, there were a couple of moments that tugged at my softer side, but Tony's character really grated on me this time. I get the whole suffering internally while putting on a front for others, but watching someone go around and spill their sad tale to everyone got on my nerves. Thankfully, the supporting characters held it down once again. / Lesson learned: Don't spread negativity. Those you've annoyed by it will end up annoying you back. (30/10/2022)

It was a step up from the previous episode, but I'm really missing that cynical edge in Tony's personality. As usual, most of the humor came from the brilliantly written secondary characters. I'm getting an urge to take a shower, after Matt's every visit to the psychologist. The dramatic storyline was on point this time, just a smidge away from being perfect. / Lesson learned: Not every cultural event has to be cultural. 4*+ (30/10/2022)

The last episode of the season didn't exactly bring the laughs, even though humor made its subtler appearance. This time, it was more about the dramatic storyline. But you know what? Maybe the drama wasn't the main thing; it was all about that heartwarming humanity, and I was all about it. Also, I just gotta give a shoutout to the star of the cast — Anti gave a brilliant performance in both seasons, and I'm betting she'll keep slaying in the third. / Lesson learned: You should say goodbye with dignity. (30/10/2022)

Depressing Tony has returned to the scene for the third time, and despite my great concerns, it was another success. After the second season, I was expecting it to be much less funny (hence the concerns), but although the third season by no means reached the quality of the first, I have no reason to tear it apart in any way. Surprisingly, I could tune in to the more serious tones in the end and quite enjoyed it. / Lesson learned: Yeah, life is still a bitch. (24/01/2023)

The third season's first episode didn't quite reach the quality of the series' best episodes, but I was expecting worse. Tony made me laugh quite a few times, all the while resonating with my own opinions. I share his view that individuals who persistently try to help others despite active resistance can be downright unbearable. However, the true standout of the entire episode was the writer, publisher, and psychic all rolled into one. Excerpts from her work almost made me laugh my head off. / Lesson learned: Do not overwater a cactus. (01/01/2023)

Who would've thought that, as someone staunchly against political correctness, I'd end up missing Sandy? But here I am, surprised to admit it's true. The second episode didn't quite grab me; the creators leaned too heavily into a melancholic atmosphere. Despite a few decent jokes scattered throughout, they were too sparse for my liking. The gradual disappearance of characters also leaves me dissatisfied; Sandy isn't the only one. If this keeps up, I will return to my earlier opinion: the show should've wrapped up after the first season (I still suspect that was Ricky Gervais' original plan). / Lesson learned: If you're heading to a swinger party, brace yourself for anything. Seriously, anything! (02/01/2023)

What an exciting episode, definitely worth five stars. Episode 3 didn't carry the same resigned vibe as the previous one, diving back into comedy territory. In my last review, I had griped about Sandy leaving, but the creators nailed it with her replacement. Coleen is a joy; her personality gives me strong Marvin vibes from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. What really earned this episode a solid five stars from me was that restaurant scene. Not the one with the ashes, but the one involving the child. Ricky Gervais (or Tony, if you prefer) spoke straight from the heart. It felt great, and I couldn't help but give it the accolades it deserved. / Lesson learned: Ironically, the ones who complain most about how people are inconsiderate are, well, inconsiderate people. (04/01/2023)

What a peculiar episode — slow-paced, without those standout bursts of humor I usually love. Surprisingly, though, I wasn't disappointed. I got a good dose of genuine humanity that I could just sit back and appreciate. Kath, evolving into a character with some real depth, has now become my absolute favorite, and Diane Morgan's portrayal is just brilliant. / Lesson learned: Watch out for elbows. (05/01/2023)

What a dose of melancholy. Luckily, it was diluted by a good dose of my favorite kind of humor. Kath didn't get much space this time, but she made the most of it, and Parkinson made me burst out laughing. I was once again confirmed that sports can seriously damage your health, and the dialogue in the hospital room was hilarious. Yeah, Ricky Gervais can still write a great episode, but I don't think it will ever surpass the first season. / Lesson learned: Enjoy every single day of your life. Even the depressing ones. (09/01/2023)