After Life (TV Series) Episode #2.1 (2020) User Reviews

Depression doesn't just disappear

[brendancskinner · 7/10 · 1 May 2020]

For those saying that the first season ended with a bow attached, you're right it did. In the fantasy narratives of film and television Tony would be destined to ride off into the sunset, free from depression and ready to start anew. He got the girl, made some friends, repaired his damaged relationships and had a few laughs along the way. Fortunately the central thesis of the second season is that in the real world depression doesn't just disappear overnight. The pain from trauma will only lessen gradually and can take a lifetime to put behind you.

This season explores the aftermath of Tony's epiphany at the end of season one, that he could begin to let go of the anger brought on by the trauma of losing his wife. The first episode is mostly there to remind the viewer what's happened so far but it's still got plenty of laughs and is a good platform to start exploring what it means to deal with grief without giving in to the temptation of making hard truths too easy to swallow.

I hope I have as much spirit at a 100

[ygwerin1 · 8/10 · 26 April 2020]

My son told me that the 2nd Series had started and I have wanted to see more of it, as I really like the show.

I really loved the 100 year old woman but initially, I had to look closely to recognise the actress playing her?

Annette Crosby looked so old, that made me have to look hard. It is funny to watch Episodes of her sitcom One Foot in the grave, and simply forget just how long ago it was made.

I hope I have as much spirit as her character at 100, though not residing in a home.

Off to a perfect start..

[hello-15497 · 9/10 · 10 May 2020]

The writing is superb, Ricky will build this as he did series one, the show makes you think about your life and if your are making the most off it...like Ricky or loathe him, you will find something in this show that you can relate to...

Off to a great start

[The1whoknocks · 10/10 · 24 April 2020]

After the first season I thought that there wasn't anything to add storywise. But I love the atmosphere of the show, switching between hilarious interactions and a more serious tone. I'm excited to see what we'll see this season. The meditation class scene was hilarious, especially if you've seen the first season.

Sam

[bevo-13678 · 10/10 · 15 December 2020]

I still find it funny that the postman's name is pat. Lol

Bit of a backtrack

[Calicodreamin · 6/10 · 3 November 2020]

Some really funny moments but it's a bit of a backtrack from season one.

I so wanted this to give me a laugh, but it didn't

[kingsleygibson · 6/10 · 27 April 2020]

I'm a fan of Ricky. I like pretty much all of his TV series work. I enjoyed season 1 even though it would be low down on his best work list for me. I understand its different. The acing is really good to be fair. And his brother and law, both female interests etc are good also. But here is what left me bemused. I didn't laugh.....atall.. I smirked once or twice, and I watched on diffrernt nights, It pains me to say that. But if anything the show put me on a downer due to the sad parts. they are all good and well if you have just been chuckling. for me , you tipped the balance way too much on the sad side Mr Gervais.. and dare I say it. this was far from his best comedy work. (I get it, its not a comedy) but its not a depression tablet either, Ive got just over an episode to go of season 2, so I hope my mind changes, but been saying that since 15 mins in episode 1. maybe I expected too much, anyway. I must be truthful and will do so for the last episode also. when watched. Still love ye tho rick, for the laughs youv gave.me

Great to revisit "old friends"

[flackadoodledandy · 6/10 · 24 April 2020]

I absolutely loved the first season, like really loved it. This episode starts a bit clunky for me, like it's a refresher for people. It felt like it was hand holding the audience. About half way through it feels like it finds its groove again though. Looking forward to the rest of the season

Lazy writing, way too many montages of Ricky sad and contemplative in one episode

[nivedita-mehta · 5/10 · 27 April 2020]

Not sure why the show assumes the audience cannot handle nuances. We can. A huge disappointment to watch every character as a stereotype.

Episode 201

[bobcobb301 · 7/10 · 25 April 2020]

So glad to have this show back.

Is it repetitive and too reliant on the same joke? Of course, but it still works and fills a void that isn't covered by most TV shows: male depression and recovery.

Funny, but I expect it to get better as the season progresses.

Please get better 'after life'

[risshu-s-m · 7/10 · 25 April 2020]

After a heart touching season 1 , expectations were high for season 2, but the more and more I watch this show I just feel it's trying to get away from quality content by playing the "sympathy" card. Although the execution by actors is commendable I just don't think- the same old "I'm going to be pissed and angry at everyone because my wife died of cancer and then be a little nice so everyones gonna go 'awww' " will work anymore. The character development of all characters is progressive ,except for the main character-Tony, it just varies and falls back on the same set of characterization. As someone who loved the season 1, I really hope 'after life' gets better .

Not really a comedy...

[aaethor · 7/10 · 19 May 2020]

The first season was a master stroke of tragedy and comedy. There were times of immense sadness and immense laughter. In season two the comedy has been turned down and the tragedy turned wayyyy up. There were times when I was struggling to watch the show as it would leave me feeling quite low. I understand that the point of this is to make people appreciate what they have more, but it's definitely not a series I could chain watch. Just as well written as the first season, it's just not a comedy. There are spatterings of comedy throughout, but they are hugely over shadowed by a feeling of sadness.

Oh dear!

[mcdflint · 4/10 · 25 April 2020]

I loved everything about the first series but I'm so disappointed with this second offering. The first series ended on a real high; Tony was beginning to see what a jerk he was and was pulling himself together to get on with his life, in fact the last episode was so emotionally upbeat and heartwarming. I was looking forward to the new series to see him getting on with his life but it just sees him right back where he started, only worse. And what's with the psychoanalyst and Matt?! You're really stretching it a bit thin there Ricky. The whole thing almost seems like it's written by someone else in the style of Ricky Gervais. Sad, but I don't think I'll watch any more.

It's a REMAKE

[mabuzaid-17877 · 5/10 · 24 April 2020]

I just saw the first 3 episodes and I feel like it's a bad version of the 1st season.

same formula, same jokes, the ruind the first season for me.

Watch 3:30 till 7:00, then skip.

[0w0 · 5/10 · 8 May 2020]

The 100y/o woman sayin c@nt (she's actually 86y/o), was actually pretty funny... there's just something funny about a woman that old sayin naughty words.

The rest of the episode was just Ricky being sad and glub. Not really funny at all after the old woman scene.