After Life Season 3 – Sentimental And Repetitive, Third Time Around

What Is the Story About?

The third season of After Life continues to focus on the life of ‘still-grieving’ Tony. However, this time the theme is more about finally moving on in life looking beyond the loss.

Performances?

Ricky Gervais continues to live the part. Only here in the third outing, his character becomes more emotional compared to the previous ones. As an actor, he has done well, and there is nothing to complain about. Tony is another memorable addition to his career.

Analysis

Ricky Gervais, the lead actor of the show, also writes and directs the series. His unique vision and writing are what elevate his works. After Life is a great addition to the list. Unfortunately, the latest season doesn’t live up to its predecessors if one has been following them from the start.

The third season of After Life deals with the theme of hope, moving on and living life to the fullest. Previously, After Life dealt with suicidal tendencies and despondent nature while staying rigid and not coming out of grief. These are all excellent themes and Ricky Gervais does justice in his unique style to them.

However, the third season isn’t fully there in serving a fresh narrative. Right from the beginning, there is a dejavu feeling. The characters seem to be going through motions to get across the point. It wasn’t the case earlier where it felt like the life of some people were captured randomly and shown as narratives.

It is not all that obvious, though. Some characters do work in the usual way and have that unique combination of quirkiness and warmth. But, by and large, that is not the case.

The real issues in the narrative come with the emotional sequences which feel manipulative. It is as if they are written intentionally as part of the narrative to strike home the point. There is needless syrupiness in the proceedings which is so out of line with how things were done previously. The change of tone points towards lazy plotting which ultimately is the biggest disappointment.

If one is following After Life from the start, some of the character developments and the ending is still passable. The final episode gets it right mostly without going the overly emotional route.

Overall, After Life Season Three has the right progressive theme, but it falters in execution. It is bogged down by its sentimental narrative that is borderline cheesy, which wasn’t the case previously. Give it a try if you like the work of Ricky Gervais, otherwise, stay away.

Other Artists?

Most of the cast is repeated from previous seasons and their roles are extended. Among the many David Earl makes his most obnoxious character into the most compelling one by the end. The character arc is one of the best. The actor lives the role and makes one emotional by the end without trying to do so. Ashley Jensen and Penelope Wilton are fine and do the needed. The latter especially is utilised well in delivering the message and she does so with elegance.

Tom Basden, Tony Way, and Diane Morgon are also good. These extensions are mostly on predictable lines. They are adequate in their parts. The rest of the actors are also satisfactory in their parts whether they are recurring or new.

Music and Other Departments?

The background score by Andy Burrows is pleasant as always, and the songs selection is superb. Musically, the right buttons are pressed but it goes in tune with an additional emotional narrative which hasn’t been the case previously.

Martin Hawkins cinematography is lovely and lively as has been the case throughout the series. The music and cinematography create a pleasant experience while watching. The editing by Jo Walker is fine.

Highlights?

Message

Ending

Writing

Casting

Drawbacks?

Repetitive

Manipulative Emotions

Uneven Tone

Missing Freshness

Did I Enjoy It?

Yes, In Parts

Will You Recommend It?

Yes, But With Reservations

After Life Season 3 Review by Binged Bureau