ShareThisThe waiter looked at comic Ricky Gervais and couldn't resist asking."Where do I know you from?" he asked."I did a show on HBO called 'Extras,' " Gervais said, unshaken that the waiter couldn't quite place him."I didn't see that," the waiter said. "But I know I've seen you before."Sitting with a reporter to promote "Ricky Gervais: Out of England -- The Stand-Up Special" (9 p.m. EST Saturday, Nov. 15), Gervais never offered the waiter his impressive list of credits.Gervais created, wrote and starred in the British version of "The Office," which helped launch the American counterpart. He followed that up with "Extras," in which he played a struggling actor. "Extras" earned him a 2007 Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series.He stole the show at this year's Emmy telecast and is starring in feature films like "Ghost Town."Despite the bombastic characters he plays, Gervais is rather humble about his accomplishments in a town where humility is in short supply.For the HBO special, he spins stories about a neighbor with autism, overweight people, an embarrassing moment for Adolf Hitler and why nursery stories don't make sense.One of his best bits has him reading from a real AIDS prevention pamphlet.The comedy is sharp, smart and very dry.Gervais, who went into standup after success with "The Office" in England, presents himself onstage in a self-effacing manner.The routine works onstage, but it hasn't come without some controversies. In 2007, an aside about prostitutes in Scotland raised ire when the joke was connected to local slayings. Reportedly, Gervais didn't publicly apologize, but he did defend his comedy."My conscience never takes a day off," he says. "I can justify every single joke I do, even on the face of it if it looks un-PC or cruel or taboo-crunching. The targets are me and prejudice, and I think my audience is clever enough to get that."Other highlights for the week of Nov. 9-15 (all times EST; listings subject to change; check local listings):SUNDAY-- "Ruby" (8 p.m., The Style Network). A 500-pound Southern woman's daily weight issues are chronicled in this new reality series.-- "Summer Heights High" (10:30 p.m., HBO). Chris Lilley stars in, directs and writes this new comedy about life in high school.MONDAY-- "The Soup Presents" (10 p.m., E!). The saucy rants center on the whacky women of reality TV.TUESDAY-- "House" (8 p.m., Fox). The medical team tries to make a house call to an agoraphobic man.WEDNESDAY-- "Human Wrecking Balls" (10:30 p.m., G4). Brothers who like to smash things attempt to break cars and planes with their bare hands.THURSDAY-- "Smallville" (8 p.m., CW). Chloe gets her brain filled with Kryptonian code, and she's no longer fun at parties as a result.FRIDAY-- "Batman: The Brave and The Bold" (8 p.m., Cartoon Network). He teams up with his super-friends each week in this new series.SATURDAY-- "The Two Mr. Kissels" (9 p.m., Lifetime). An investment banker drinks the wrong kind of milkshake.(E-mail Terry Morrow of The Knoxville News-Sentinel in Tennessee at morrow2(at)knews.com.)
'Ricky Gervais: Out of England' and other shows of note
Submitted by SHNS on Thu, 11/06/2008 - 15:16
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