In an interview with Channel 4, the original home of Derek, Gervais states that half of his family work in care homes and this has provided much of the inspiration for the show. This came through in the pilot and continued strongly through the second installment. Episode two examines the bureaucracy of such homes highlighting the struggle of providing for individuals while dealing with red tape.
Hannah (Godliman) receives a visit from a council representative to review the homes expenses. The councilman suggests that funding may be cut for the home and it may be shut down entirely forcing relocation of the twenty-two residents.
Dougie is interrogated regarding what exactly it is that he does around the home while Derek asks poignant questions like “Why isn’t a pig called a Ham-ster?”
The gang attempts to garner public support for the home but are held up largely due to Kev’s attempts to hit on every woman within earshot.
The councilman returns with news that funding for Broadhill will be pulled and inquires as to Derek’s mental health suggesting he be tested for autism.
Derek responds brilliantly.
“If I am ‘tistic, will I die? Would I have to go into hospital and do experiments on me?
So would it change me in any way? Would I be the same person?”
“Don’t worry about it then.”
This is followed by a wonderful display from Dougie which I couldn’t do justice here.
The underlying theme of Derek thus far has been to show that a persons value lies not in what they earn, or what they cost, but in who they are. Between the jokes it aims to show that all people regardless of age, social skills or apparent intelligence have value.
Gervais has not only managed once again to provide the audience with laughs but also with a message our society may sorely need. These people are flawed, but they’re also perfect.