Ricky Gervais' "AFTER LIFE" Life Goes On Oh Blah Deep Connective Humanity

Ricky Gervais is a genius.  He gets humor, he gets grief, he understands compassion, kindness, craziness and insanity.  He's also a damn fine actor, writer & humanitarian.  Why call him a humanitarian?  Simple, his humor connects us all & can help keep from the sanitarium.  Seriously, "After Life" has insane humor that is off-putting and repugnant at times; so too is the human condition.  And the most important thing to remember is we all comprise the human condition and we can all try a little tenderness towards one another.  Why can't we all get along?  OK, I digress & appropriate from the best, but Gervais' talent is in another galaxy, altogether.  "After Life" borrows (legitimately) from Gervais' show "The Office."  "The Office" and "After Life" break comic barriers  blurring comedy & tragedy.  His characters are all credible with foibles that make you ask {are these people for real?}. The premise for "After Life" orbits around the life of Tony (an astounding Ricky Gervais) whose is struggling with severe depression after the death of his beloved wife.  Much of Tony's time is spent in front of his computer, drinking & watching his previously idyllic life with his wife.  We watch his life unfold while Tony watches teary eyed alongside his beloved dog.  We even see the dog as a pup given as a surprise to his wife.  When Tony's not at the office working with a motley mix of misfits with his kind brother-in-law for a boss, or at his psychotic shrink's office, he's often found sitting with his senile dad, walking his dog or at the cemetery.  It's on a cemetery bench  where Tony finds solace speaking with Anne, (Penelope Wilton 'Downton Abbey') an elderly widow who frequents her husband's grave.  Gervais makes the poignant point how crucial it is for humans to have someone who will listen and empathize with them.  Seeking medical help for depression is parodied by a ridiculous psychiatrist both Tony & his brother-in-law see.  This promotes the importance of earnest listening, compassion and unqualified love as essential ingredients to a life well  lived.  Laughter is also a vital factor in the mix of zaniness that comes our way.  Just, don't miss out on life, or the chance to offer kindness.  Nor take for granted the bliss in the mundane things we find in one another we may one day miss.  "After Life" is an emotional roller coaster that accelerates the  guffaws & tears.  Gervais' show can be summed up in his own words: "You have options.  You can continue to be miserable or you can just stop being angry at everyone and accept the way things are.  Allow yourself to live."  His other advice, "Be happy.  It really annoys negative people." My advice - don't miss out on "After Life."