Talk:Extras (TV series)

Two Christmas special synopsis
Why are there two synopsis for the Christmas specials? The second is more concise, but whoever wrote it used British slang/dialect that may make it to difficult to understand outside of that region. Granted, it is a British show.. Hadiz (talk) 11:42, 12 March 2008 (UTC)

Moving Episode Summaries
The Episode summaries should be moved to a seperate page as with other television shows - see List of The Simpsons Episodes, List of Seinfeld Episodes etc.

Episode summaries
I have rewritten all the episode summarys (apart from #6) since they were all copyrighted material from the bbc website. I have done my best to include all the information in the bbc summary and to add anything i can remember. johnSLADE (talk) 12:31, 31 August 2005 (UTC)

Just dropping by to say, in the Kate Winslet episode, it says Kate and Andy were caught making lewd gestures. Kate was not caught making lewd gestures. She was making gestures behind the boyfriend's back, to Maggie, asking Maggie about the phone call. One of the gestures she has her hand up to her ear like a telephone. So they are not lewd gestures, only gestures asking what happened with the phone call. And I don't think Andy was making any gestures. Please edit that. 208.102.182.222 (talk) 04:41, 16 February 2010 (UTC)

Ye olde tradition
I have a problem with this statement: Article QUOTE " The series is filmed in a more traditional sitcom style than the mockumentary style used by Gervais and Merchant's previous award winning series." Is a single camera show with no laugh track, film-within-a-show, or shows where camera equipment and crew members are visible considered "traditional"?

Yes, more traditional than the office at any rate.

Episode Order
Ok, on the DVD release Ross Kemp is in the first Episode and the Ben Stiller is in the second, have I missed something? Or are the episodes listed in broadcast order? Thanks. Help plz 09:43, 17 June 2006 (UTC)
 * The BBC swapped them around, I have added a couple of points to explain this, note that the Christmas repeats were in the correct order, Gervais has expressed his dismay with how the BBC changed the order, but the DVD and repeat orders (and foriegn sales) have fixed this. The Ben Stiller episode, to all intents and purposes, is the second episode.


 * It seems more natural that the Kate Winslet episode be considered the first one, because in that episode Maggie says that she and her boyfriend (the props guy) have been together for three weeks. In the other episodes, her boyfriends come and go within the episode. I suppose if you assume that three weeks or more passes between episodes, then the Kate Winslet episode could come third. --Mathew5000 08:28, 14 April 2007 (UTC)

Barry from Eastenders
Barry from Eastenders needs to be added to the cast list summary thing... if Merchant is there, then he needs to be. They are both in it the same amount. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.70.173.156 (talk • contribs) 2006-09-14

Infobox
1. Should Stephen Merchant really be credited as 'Starring' in the show? He is not in the 'main characters' section.

2. Country of origin. Shouldn't this just be UK? If I am wildly misguided, maybe this should be explained in more detail in the article.

3. The number of episodes broadcast remains at 7, while the 1st two series will include more than 12 episodes. Where has this number '12' come from? --anskas 21:57, 14 September 2006 (UTC)


 * I will now make these changes. Sorry if people haven't had time to comment yet. --anskas 22:21, 15 September 2006 (UTC)
 * Are you havin a laugh? Is he havin a laugh? 131.104.253.228 20:28, 21 September 2006 (UTC)


 * I have removed the part which states the original channel for extras was HBO. There is no HBO channel in the United Kingdom, therefore the original channel must be within the United Kingdom. I believe that it was also broadcast in the UK before the USA also.
 * I also think that Stephen Merchant is a main character, he apperas in each episode of the second series, and numerous episodes in the first. This amounts to more than a recurring character. His presence is also necessary as the character is central to many of the plotlines. pinster2001


 * With regards to point 2, the article states that it is an HBO / BBC co-production and therefore the country of origin should be listed as UK / USA. Look at the article for Rome, which is also a co-production of the two companies.  In addition IMDB lists the Country as UK / USA.  Whether or not the show was aired first in the UK or US is irrelevant, as both companies contributed to the production.  I have updated the article as such whilst also mentioning that the 2nd series is scheduled to be broadcast from 14th January in the US. --Richc80 20:44, 24 December 2006 (UTC)

Eh?
'Andy finds out the critical response When the Whistle Blows are almost entirely negative - bar one, which didn't review it.' This sentence makes no sense.
 * The exchange between Andy and his agent on the bad reviews was something like "the best one was in The Telegraph", "Why, what did they say?", "They didn't review it". I've edited the episode summary to make it clearer --Steve 06:48, 4 October 2006 (UTC)

Episode Summaries
There is a bit of the breathless GCSE coursework about some of the summaries - are these supposed to be summaries or scene-by-scene discriptions? doktorb wordsdeeds 11:08, 8 October 2006 (UTC)
 * As long as they are verifiable, without original reserach, and neutral there are no further guidelines. --Steve 23:19, 9 October 2006 (UTC)

Requested move (2006)
No move. Duja 10:35, 18 October 2006 (UTC)

Extras (TV series) → Extras — The latter redirects to the former for some odd reason. Extras is the name of the show, ergo it should be the name of the article about the show. -Justin (koavf)·T·C·M 19:17, 12 October 2006 (UTC)

Survey
Add  * Support   or   * Oppose   on a new line followed by a brief explanation, then sign your opinion using ~.


 * Support - the redirect is illogical and I suspect the show's article is more encyclopaedic and valuable than the respective actors page anyway. -- 212.84.104.89 20:40, 12 October 2006 (UTC)
 * That was me above, somehow having logged out. Given the change of redirect I now also oppose. -- Countdown Crispy  ( ? 16:14, 15 October 2006 (UTC)


 * Extremely strong oppose – I have changed the redirect to go to Extra. Enough said. —anskas 21:30, 12 October 2006 (UTC)
 * Oppose - Concur with Anskas --Steve 00:52, 13 October 2006 (UTC)
 * Strong oppose, per above. SergeantBolt (t,c) 07:24, 14 October 2006 (UTC)

Discussion
Add any additional comments:

Addition to list
While I didn't add him to the list in the first place, I found the article, here, that the speculation may be based upon. It is only speculation, although, I did read somewhere else that Gervais was in a film with De Niro, and was going to put outtakes from that into Extras. --Nick San 11:34, 14 October 2006 (UTC)
 * De Niro definately appears in the final episode. I don't have any citations other than I've seen the final episode for myself. -- Jawju 14:23, 19 October 2006 (UTC)

Don't know about the "outtakes" comment above, but Gervais was in a film called Stardust with De Niro, which is where Gervais asked him if he'd be willing to appear in Extras. The scenes used in Extras were filmed on an adhoc set put up on the site where Stardust was being filmed. I have no source for that, I am afraid, but I was there myself that nightTimothyJacobson (talk) 03:01, 2 February 2008 (UTC)

As primary Guest Star
He is listed as the Primary Guest star in his episode (season 2, ep 6). He appears a lot less than say Jonathan Ross (although, obviously, is not so major a "star"). Any objections to me swapping them roundTimothyJacobson (talk) 02:55, 2 February 2008 (UTC)

Oh, and on that subject. Have added "secondary" section for season two, esp three. TimothyJacobson (talk) 02:55, 2 February 2008 (UTC)

Citation for 'Stolen Idea?'?
I'm not so familar with Wiki citation rules, but (from a reader point of view) it would be 'healthy' to be able to cite the details of the "in a recent interview" since I think it should be considered a controversial statement that Gervais stole the idea, and so in need of backing up. --Mortice 21:55, 17 October 2006 (UTC)

Update, just checked citation policy: I think the statement in Wikipedia guideline Citing_sources applies that this could be considered negative to Gervais so requires citation - the guideline states "This applies whether the material is in a biography or any other article" --Mortice 23:29, 17 October 2006 (UTC)


 * I'm going to remove the "stolen idea" section until a reliable third party citation can be provided for Greg and Ford submitting a script to the BBC AND Gervais having sighted it, or, for example, the court case where they are seeking damages. --Steve 00:04, 18 October 2006 (UTC)

Hilarious
Someone added this to the article: "It is important to note that, in real life, the above actors do not, and have not, played the characters in When the Whistle Blows. Liza Tarbuck, Keith Chegwin etc. are only playing fictional versions of themselves, who in turn are playing characters. Therefore, the quality of their "performances" in the sitcom do not necessarily reflect their real-life acting abilities." Almost good enough for BJAODN! -- FP (talk)(edits) 12:16, 27 October 2006 (UTC)

Season vs. Series
What I normally call a "season" (I'm from the US), this page refers to as a "series". This is confusing because the page title is "Extras (TV series)". We should probably adopt something consistent. What's worse is that the term "season" is also used.
 * I saw this when I was cleaning up the article yesterday but didn't have time to think it through. From Television program, via Series: "Americans call a short run lasting less than a year a season; People of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland generally call this a series."  So the whole thing is a TV series, also with series 1 and series 2.  UK typically doesn't refer to 'Season' in the same way, although I'm an ex pat for 6 years, and with the number of US shows in the schedule that may have changed.  --Steve 22:19, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * It was advertised in the UK as series two. Does anybody know as to what it was referred in the US? Pinster2001 14:00, 9 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Its British made so use British convention. Series. SenorKristobbal 11:29, 28 April 2007 (UTC)


 * It'll make sense if it was moved to "Extras (TV show)". And keep the article format as British as can be.  Given the show's origin. --Svippong 01:21, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

Ratings
Does anyone know the average ratings for the program, series one and two. i am struggling to find them on the internet. I think it would be a useful thing to have on the page also.


 * I agree, I have found the average Australian ratings quoted in this article about another show 'The Chaser' which took over its timeslot. http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21472400-16947,00.html


 * Has anyone been able to get hold of the UK or US figures? Jpk82 23:28, 16 April 2007 (UTC)

US episode order?
The Region 1 DVD release that came out today has the Kate Winslet episode as the first episode, which differs from the UK order. Can anyone confirm if this reflects HBO's broadcast order, or is it just something done for the DVD? It is NOT a case of following the production order, as Gervais says on the DVD that the Jackson episode was the first one filmed. 23skidoo 05:45, 10 January 2007 (UTC)
 * I have confirmed from my own recollection, my on demand cable service and hbo.com that the US broadcast order did have the Kate Winslet episode as the first one, and if fact with the exception of the Patrick Stewart episode all others were broadcast in a different order to the UK as well. I have updated the Episode Order section of the page with this information.  No idea why the difference though. Richc80 06:22, 13 January 2007 (UTC)

Possible trivia addition.
There may be a connection between Jude Law not being available (being busy with the film "alfie"), and the actor turning down the role of "alfie" in 'when the whistle blows'. The role later being filled by Keith Chegwin, whos poor acting forces changes in the script. I'm not saying Patrick Stewart wasn't good (probably the best ep from season 1), but that may be a reflection of the writers opinion of either Patrick Stewart or Jude Law. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 211.31.32.173 (talk) 03:42, 1 March 2007 (UTC).


 * Interesting if true, is there any proof? Jpk82 23:20, 16 April 2007 (UTC)


 * Jude Law didn't turn the part of Alfie down what are you on about? SenorKristobbal 11:28, 28 April 2007 (UTC)

The real meaning of Extras ?
In my view this article misses the whole point about Extras, which is that it about why British television is so poor. Millman/Gervais must humiliate himself, wearing a silly wig and silly glasses, with a silly catchphrase, in order to succeed. When he complains about this, and attempts to create an entertaining show, he is told that he must accept the status quo or give up his television career.


 * Well unless you can find reviewers etc. who've asserted that then it's your opinion and OR. I don't agree - it's more about the sell out dilemma in general rather than British TV in particular. 86.140.10.80 (talk) 16:31, 28 December 2007 (UTC)


 * Among the DVD features for series 1 there is an interview with Merchant & Gervais called "The Difficult Second Album" (referring to Extras as follow-up effort after The Office) where Gervais says, "It was never meant to be a satire indictment of modern-day film and TV. That was just a backdrop. Rather like the backdrop of The Office was selling paper. It was more about relationships, and so was this. This is about, you know, people's struggle and getting on and ego and desperation." El duderino (talk) 02:09, 29 December 2011 (UTC)

Kimberley
The cast listing for When The Whistle Blows was missing the character of Kimberley, played by Sarah Moyle. Hopefully someone can add more of a bio for her character. Illuminattile 13:39, 7 June 2007 (UTC)

Is it worth me making a wiki page for Sarah Moyle. Quite a few red links to her from her other works (Emmerdale and Daddy Cool) TimothyJacobson (talk) 03:11, 2 February 2008 (UTC)

Final Episode
From what I gathered from the video on rickygervais.com, it sounds like August 2007 for the filming and then out in time for xmas this year? Dont know where they're getting 2008 from as its not in the other cited article either?? Could someone elaborate on this?

Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant said in a video on Ricky's website that it will be out fro Christmas Drogo 19:36, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

A thought
Is Liza Tarbuck the only person in the series to play themself as themself rather than as a parody? - 88.109.29.254 13:23, 10 November 2007 (UTC)

Synopsis needs major trimming
Half of it is basically a synopsis of the Christmas special which finished half an hour ago. Why is it more important than two series full of important plot advances? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 172.200.243.73 (talk) 22:41, 27 December 2007 (UTC)

Larry David
I have removed the section on "major influences", as only one is listed (which, surely should be mentined on Ricky Gervais wiki page rather than this one, as Ricky has often commented that Curb Your Enthusiam has influenced all his recent work, rather than just Extras. Also, there is way too much crap about who Larry David is, and what Curb Your Enthusiasm is about; surely that should be (and is) on the Larry David wiki page and the Curb wiki page respectively TimothyJacobson (talk) 02:55, 2 February 2008 (UTC)

Holiday special, UK and US diffences, worth a mention?
Is it worth mentioning that some elements of the holiday special where changed for the US broadcast? One example during his Big Brother rant he says "..get Ruby Wax to present it, mabye it would make Jimmy Carrs top 100 caesarians" while in the US these where changed to suit US audiences. --Delta-NC (talk) 01:24, 17 August 2008 (UTC)

The intoduction
There is nothing in the show about extras working in theatre. And Television should be mentioned too. Kakun (talk) 07:34, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

UK/US Differences
It doesn't make much sense listing the differences between the two in the first part of the article. A new section is needed showing clear and definitative differences instead of listing a few at the start of the article. I shall check IMDB to see if they list those changes. Baina90 (talk) 18:28, 26 December 2008 (UTC)

Reviews section?
Here are some links to reviews that could be used -

 

80.225.132.29 (talk) 08:57, 14 April 2010 (UTC)

Requested move (2013)

 * The following discussion is an archived discussion of a requested move. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on the talk page. Editors desiring to contest the closing decision should consider a move review. No further edits should be made to this section. 

The result of the move request was: Moved. Timrollpickering (talk) 13:11, 9 June 2013 (UTC)

Extras → Extras (TV series) – Clearly not the primary topic. Extras should redirect to the disambiguation page extra, though I could be persuaded to send it straight to extra (actor). There was a WP:RM 7 years ago that decisively went in favor of the title I propose, but unfortunately someone unilaterally moved the page anyway sometime in the meanwhile. --Relisted. Nathan Johnson (talk) 12:52, 1 June 2013 (UTC) Red Slash 22:42, 23 May 2013 (UTC)


 * Strong support and speedy procedural rename 2009 rename was made in violation of existing 2006 consensus without seeking a new consensus, therefore the 2006 consensus should be restored. -- 65.94.76.126 (talk) 04:11, 24 May 2013 (UTC)
 * Oppose. Plural titles work fine (see Neighbours and Popstars as other examples) and this is the primary topic of "Extras". Unreal7 (talk) 23:36, 27 May 2013 (UTC)
 * Comment are you seriously comparing this TV show of 13 episodes with "Neighbours"? This isn't the primary usage of the plural, while you might be able to make that argument with Neighbours. -- 65.94.76.126 (talk) 00:57, 28 May 2013 (UTC)
 * "Popstar" isn't a word. Red Slash 18:38, 29 May 2013 (UTC)
 * Wiktionary begs to differ, but that doesn't make this move petition any less valid. — Llywelyn II   16:42, 1 June 2013 (UTC)
 * Oppose. As Unreal says plural titles work just fine. The number of episodes makes no difference whatsoever. MarnetteD | Talk 13:46, 1 June 2013 (UTC)
 * Strong support. This is not the primary topic and the previous move was made in violation of existing consensus. 65.etc may have forgotten to sign in, but he still makes good points. — Llywelyn II   16:40, 1 June 2013 (UTC)
 * Support Not primary topic.--KTo288 (talk) 21:07, 1 June 2013 (UTC)
 * Support and should have been speedy procedural rename ...comparison with Neighbours falls down since "Extra (actor)" is by nature used in plural sense since extras tend to be uncredited and many. WP:PRIMARYTOPIC doesn't show this standing up against Extras (The Jam album), Zhu Chuanming 2001 Extras (film), won't mention Extras (novel). In ictu oculi (talk) 04:13, 2 June 2013 (UTC)
 * Support no one has offered any evidence that this is the best know use of the term extras.--174.95.111.89 (talk) 02:21, 3 June 2013 (UTC)
 * Support. Clearly. -- Necrothesp (talk) 13:27, 3 June 2013 (UTC)
 * Support per nom. Extra is ambiguous. --SmokeyJoe (talk) 02:58, 9 June 2013 (UTC)
 * The above discussion is preserved as an archive of a requested move. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on this talk page or in a move review. No further edits should be made to this section.

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"The Extras" listed at Redirects for discussion
An editor has identified a potential problem with the redirect The Extras and has thus listed it for discussion. This discussion will occur at Redirects for discussion/Log/2022 October 2 until a consensus is reached, and readers of this page are welcome to contribute to the discussion. Bassie f (talk) 07:34, 2 October 2022 (UTC)