A few weeks ago I finished watching the streaming series The Outlaws, made for the BBC and airing in the U.S. on Amazon Prime. It’s co-created by Stephen Merchant (who co-created The Office) and Elgin James, with Merchant starring in the series, as well directing and writing many of the episodes. It’s really an ensemble show, though, with Merchant’s role often more in the background compared to the others, though he’s prominent. Most of the cast is unknown to U.S. audience, though they were able to get Christopher Walken to sign on, and he’s a hoot.
I loved the six-part series, but it’s not for everyone. It’s very funny, though it takes a sharp turn and is as much a drama and thriller, and also delves into the character’s lives, dealing with the personal issues they’re each dealing with separate from the main story. So, even the characters of the group who are more the antagonists become well-rounded. And that group is six people arrested for petty crimes who are assigned to community service. And then the story takes that right turn… The story takes place in Bristol, where Merchant grew up -- and where his parents were community service workers in a program similar to what's portrayed here. By the way, they not only will be doing a Season Two, but it’s already been written and filmed, and has even aired already in England, so perhaps it won’t be too long before it makes its way to Amazon Prime. A few weeks back, I posted a fun appearance Merchant made as the guest contestant on the NPR quiz show Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me! But thanks to Mark Miller who pointed me in the right direction, this is a much longer and even more thoroughly interesting and enjoyable interview he did on NPR’s Fresh Air – though not with its usual host Terry Gross, who introduces the interview. Instead, Merchant talks with Fresh Air producer Sam Briger. Merchant comes across as gracious, personable, funny and smart. He talks about The Outlaws, The Office, working with Ricky Gervais, American and British sitcoms, and how his 6’7” height has affected his life. It runs about 36 minutes.
2 Comments
ken kahn
7/19/2022 04:04:16 am
Season 2 of "The Outlaws" will be available on Amazon Prime August 5th. (that's what they claim anyway).
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Robert Elisberg
7/19/2022 09:14:42 am
Ken, thanks much for that. Yes, I'd say that's a remarkable quick turnaround to get a Season 2 -- just a few months after Season 1. I did readjust my article to note that Season 2 has already aired in England.
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AuthorRobert J. Elisberg is a political commentator, screenwriter, novelist, tech writer and also some other things that I just tend to keep forgetting. Feedspot Badge of Honor
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