Grid Effect

Last night was something of a turning point in Extras, obviously nothing too dramatic, but the setbacks of artistically sacrificing his show at the BBC’s insistence came to fruition for Andy this week. It seems that the minute noteriety that “When The Whistle Blows” has brought him comes from all the wrong people, which is understandable, given the shows content.

First, a yokul in a bar and his gaggle of friends have an obsession with the series. Not only are they invasive and obnoxious, they’re persistent as well. Second, Andy is recognized by a homeless panhandler who so much as extorts $20 out of him as a result of knowing he’s on television. Third, he is publicily humiliated at a an upscale night club by David Bowie. The unfortunate scene with his idol, leads to Andy reverting back to the same bar where he was hounded by the collection of simpletons to bolster his now completely shattered ego.

Even when he tries to force his celebrity on someone to his advantage it seems to backfire. In this case Maggie was more to blame than anyone, but Andy should no better than to use her as an accomplice, as she is kind of dim. In this ruse, Andy has an attractive neighbor move in next door to him and asks Maggie too approach him as a random fan looking for an autograph while she is moving boxes from her car to apartment. The exchange between the Maggie and Andy in front of this unsuspecting woman is one of the better in the series:

Andy: Who should I sign this for?
Maggie: Me.
Andy: Well I don’t know you now, do I?
Maggie: Maggie… Thank you Andy Mellman, you are the best comedic actor on television.
Andy: I wouldn’t say that.
Maggie: But that’s what you told me to say.
(A few awkward glances and failed recovery’s later, Andy resigns and begins walking into his apartment)
Maggie: Can I come up with you?
Andy: Yep.

It seems the fame Andy was seeking from his series is ill-gotten, and all he has left now is a bar full of unwanted fans. One would hope Andy avoids the detriment of selling out and eventually parlays whatever success he gets from “When The Whistle Blows” into a respectable comedy, though my guess is by the end of the second season he is working as an extra again.