In regards to a Ricky Gervais 'backlash'? i think that this statement is proposterous, fine if you 'dont get it', or dont find it funny just appreciate the comic genius that is Gervais. Further more Ricky Gervais did not steal his ideas from as some have said Alan Partridge. Dont get me wrong I am a huge fan of Steve Coogen's work however Partridge was a character made of fiction, the comedy is in the way that if a person could say what ever he wanted could he get away with it, and how it is funny however David Brent has a beliveability and a realistic side, showing observations and real life situations. A very difficult thing to achieve, and also untouched apon ground. Gervais has had the most influencial comedy series in the last ten years and all from a man who has had no acting training or similar work in the field and has created a masterpiece. If this was the only thing he give us we should have been greatly thankful, but also his Extras show was a hit, and is a great watch, his two stand ups 'animals' and 'politics' were exceptional, again coming from a man who had never performed stand up. The podcast moved and influenced 3 millions listeners, is hugely funny, and up there with his best work. These also show a wide range of comic ability. At the moment he is the pinnacle of British comedy and who would argue? are Kay, Walliams, Coogen, Carr etc giving us more variety, more laughs, the comparison is comedic. Also Laurence Donaghy's quote that you wouldnt swap extras for my hero or dinnerladies is ridiculous. We should not follow the countrys way of 'building them up and knocking them down' belief but herald a star who is fast become a world craze.