Comic Genius

Two of my favorite people on television today are Larry David and Ricky Gervais. Both are masters of uncomfortable humor, yet their approaches are distinct. David is a classic misanthrope, grumbling and questioning the rules of polite society. You get the feeling that if his character in "Curb Your Enthusiasm" hadn't married, he would rarely leave the house. Gervais, on the other hand, is all misdirected enthusiasm. His characters crave acceptance and recognition. There is a desperation in David Brent and Andy Millman that is absent in Larry David, who's reaction to the world is closer to exasperation and apathy.

Considering the characters they portray, the differences make sense. David plays a fictionalized version of himself. He is successful, respected, wealthy and married to a beautiful and incredibly understanding wife. Brent and Millman, however, are powerless, middle-aged loners who preserve their dignity only by managing to believe, against all proof, that they are one opportunity away from being universally adored.

The net effect is that Larry David's comic foibles are hilarious, but inconsequential. No matter how much he is attacked, misunderstood or maligned, you know he'll never change, because he doesn't need to. Gervais' characters -- as they stumble, are rejected and force themselves to smile -- betray a sadness that is closer to tragedy.

Once you watch a season or two of Curb, you can see Larry David's influence all over Seinfeld. It's just hidden by the talented, ensemble cast, who make his writing fuller and more empathetic. What both of his shows have in common are a complete lack of genuine emotion. That was one of my favorite things about Seinfeld: No very special episodes. However, "Curb" strips David to his essentials; and with fewer characters to offset his personality, it's a nastier show.

But just the opposite is true with Gervais. In the ensemble show "The Office," Brent comes across as boorish, petty and insensitive. There is a heart to David Brent, but it's often difficult to see amidst the suffering he inflicts upon the people who work under him. As he loses power in the second series, he becomes more likeable, and by the Christmas special we find ourselves rooting for him.

However, in "Extras" there is a change of perspective. We see the world through Andy Millman's eyes, which enables Gervais to give us a truly sympathetic character. Millman is more human than Brent could ever be. He has good friend in the hapless and naive Maggie Jacobs, who is played brilliantly by Ashley Jensen. He has a genuine sense of humor that others appreciate. He even manages to act heroically by coming to Maggie's rescue on a few occasions, though he usually only makes matters worse.

Of course, Millman's flaws are similar to Brent's: He is self-deluded, awkward and has an inability to stop himself from talking his way into situations that embarrass everyone around him. But lacking the emotional detachment enjoyed by Larry David's character, Gervais achieves something beyond uncomfortable humor: He offers a glimpse of the uncomfortable humanity beneath.

Having said all that, "Extras" has a ways to go if it is ever to match the brilliance of "The Office." But I'll be watching "Extras," and rooting for Andy Millman, for as long as it's on.