It's missing, entirely, the humanizing elements of the 'Office; series - presumably because Gervias, the sole writer/director/star (and sole performer to cross over from that series) has vastly overestimated the character's appeal.

Maudlin and unrealistic, it's also a lot less funny than what came before.

Gervais still wears Brent like a tailored suit, but 15 years of age has taken a lot of the bite out of both the performer and the character.

…feels every bit as much of an irredeemable failure as the main character is…