The first episode of Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee got it right on many levels. I was quick to praise Crackle for making the type of original content that Netflix and YouTube have failed to bring us. Larry and Jerry’s “raw”, “unscripted” banter seemed to be a prophetic nod to what was about to unleash. A web series that finally launched a digital-exclusive series into notoriety and success.
But wait!
Here comes Ricky Gervais.
Gervais is a genius, and I don’t toss that word around lightly. He’s brought us The Office, Extras and a podcast that’s given birth to the most entertaining Aspergers case of all time, Karl Pilkington. But his on screen demeanor in situations like these are abominable (see Garry Shandling interview, though I mostly fault Shandling for that one). Incessantly cackling like some half stoned Tower Bridge drunk, riding with a moderately funny Seinfeld in an Austin Heely.
The next episode will be released in a week, with none other than Brian Reagan, the most unappreciated comic in the business. We’ve still got hope.