Mortality is at its best when Gervais isn’t elaborating philosophies, but relaxing into conversational style, albeit a more foul-mouthed and impolite conversation than you might be used to.

It is mostly focused on comedy, but weighed down by a handful of unfocused, generally unfunny detours.

The brutal truth is that the farther he becomes removed from his classic works with Stephen Merchant, the less Gervais has to offer.

[Gervais'] jokes have become so bad that laughing at them seems like I am partaking in a charity event to help this old man feel relevant.