After Life: Sometimes Rembrandt, and occasionally Shakespeare.

Ricky Gervais has consistently exhibited a genius for depicting the worst in humans, and yet, in a mastery way that leaves a tinder of hope at the end. It is almost like alchemy. In a ride with this comedian, one experiences moments of frustration, sadness, and bewilderment, but finally, one is almost guaranteed to be left with a refreshing and enthralling endorsement of the human condition. One feels that the trip has been quite worthwhile, a great testimony of the powers of the art.

The Netflix series After Life is no exception. The protagonist sets out to give the worst time to people around him, with an expression of disgust on his face, but never with an outright malice. He is too intelligent to be oblivious of one's own shortcomings. One cannot be a pure evil unless one forgets or ignores one's own limitations, as is evidenced by some famous persons in the world today. 

Everything seems to be so miserable for the man. But then, things start to happen, and through a poignant process of self-recognition, reconciliation, and acceptance, the protagonist starts to love life again, if with a gingerly touch at first.

The most unique character of this 6 part series is perhaps the tonality of the cinematic experience, especially in terms of emotion that comes one's way while watching it. It is sometimes Rembrandt, and occasionally Shakespeare. After Life is a celebration of human existence, not only on its bright sides but also shades of dark. It is the contrast of the bright and dark that makes life sparkle with joy.

Where comedy approaches in spirit great works of drama

Steve Coogan's character, Alan Partridge, is excellent in that he exposes the ignorance, prejudice, stupidity, and vulnerability in all of us. The good work is being carried on in This Time with Alan Partridge.

When an intelligent comedian (such as Steve Coogan) plays the role of a prejudiced person (such as Alan Partridge), the result is strangely therapeutic. It is perhaps the blessing of metacognition.

In order to depict a mindless moron, one needs to make keen observations in the everyday, seeing how people fall into the pitfalls of mediocrity. 

No person is hundred percent vile, nor perfectly good. It is only human to be complacent in one's imperfection. A good comedian captures the human nature and makes a truthful portrait of it. That's where comedy approaches in spirit great works of drama, such as those by William Shakespeare.