Ep 5. Ian McKellen

In the fifth episode of season two of the British comedy television series Extras, the actor Ian McKellen plays himself in a satirical and self-referential role. The show, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, follows the life of Andy Millman, an aspiring actor who works as a film extra but dreams of becoming a famous actor. In this episode, Andy and his best friend Maggie are filming a historical drama in which they play peasants, and they are both excited to meet Sir Ian McKellen, who plays a prominent role in the movie as a knight.

When McKellen arrives on set, Andy is star-struck and gushes over the actor, hoping for some advice on how to make it in the industry. McKellen, however, is unimpressed with Andy's acting skills and his aspirations, leading to an awkward and uncomfortable interaction between them. Meanwhile, Maggie develops a crush on McKellen and tries to impress him by quoting Shakespeare and asking him about his personal life.

As the filming continues, Andy becomes increasingly frustrated with his role as a peasant, especially when he realizes that despite his best efforts, he is barely visible on screen. To make matters worse, the director of the movie is obsessively controlling and constantly reprimanding the extras for minor mistakes. Andy decides to confront the director and demand a bigger and more meaningful role in the film, but his plan backfires, and he is promptly fired from the set.

Feeling dejected and embarrassed, Andy goes to a pub to drown his sorrows, where he runs into McKellen, who is also having a drink. The two men have a heart-to-heart conversation about acting, fame, and personal fulfillment, and Andy finally realizes that he needs to be true to himself and pursue his passion for acting, even if it means sacrificing his dream of becoming a celebrity. The episode ends with Andy returning to the set, where he has a brief conversation with Maggie before they both go back to work as extras.

Throughout the episode, McKellen's character serves as a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the culture of celebrity and the disparity between actors who are widely respected for their craft and those who are merely famous for being famous. McKellen pokes fun at his own status as a revered actor, and the episode cleverly subverts the traditional dynamic between a mentor and a mentee, as McKellen is critical of Andy's ambitions and pushes him to question his own desires.

The episode also highlights the challenges and frustrations of being a film extra, a role that is often overlooked and undervalued in the industry. Andy and Maggie struggle to make a mark in their respective roles as peasants, and the director's harsh treatment of them underscores the power dynamics at play on a film set. In this sense, the episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a movie and sheds light on the experiences of the many people who work tirelessly to bring a film to life.

Overall, the episode is a masterclass in satire and self-awareness, using a combination of humor and introspection to explore the nature of fame, ambition, and creative fulfillment. McKellen's appearance is a delightful addition to the show, and his wit and charm elevate the already sharp writing. Fans of the series will appreciate the continuation of the themes and style of the previous episodes, and newcomers are sure to be drawn in by the engaging characters and clever plot twists.