The essential episodes of Extras
Watch these 12 in order and you've got Extras — each pick states its reason.
- 01
Andy Millman is a desperate man. He's been an actor for five years but he's never done any acting. Instead he's just a lowly film extra, walking around in the background while proper actors do their lines.Andy's only friend in the world is Maggie, a fellow supporting artist and a hopeless romantic. Both are working on a gritty drama about atrocities in the Balkans directed by Hollywood star Ben Stiller. Andy is fed up with being pushed around in the mud for little reward and no lines so while Maggie pursues the man of her dreams, Andy decides he'll do whatever it takes to get himself a line.
- 02
Andy Millman never gets a speaking part so spends his days hanging around with other extras envying the stars. Andy's only friend in the world and fellow supporting artist Maggie is tired of hearing Andy whinge, so she suggests that he break the golden rule and ask the leading man for a line. But TV tough guy Ross Kemp, the star of Ultimate Force, fresh from hanging out with the world's hardest gangs, is an imposing figure. While Andy attempts to take the bull by the horns, hopeless romantic Maggie is doing what she does best, falling in love.
- 03
Kate Winslet takes on a film role that could win her her first Oscar. Andy puts on a uniform that could win him his first girlfriend. Maggie takes on advice that could lose her everything.
- 04
At long last Andy Millman gets his big acting break - working with TV and tabloid legend, Les Dennis. Things are looking up for Les. He's playing Aladdin in panto and he's engaged to the girl of his dreams - young, blonde, ambitious and very popular.
- 05
Andy gives Maggie some advice on how to act around black people. Maggie returns the favour by helping Andy avoid the most boring Welshman in the world. Starring Samuel L Jackson.
- 06
Thanks to a helping hand from Patrick Stewart, things are looking up for Andy and his useless agent who are called in for a meeting at the BBC. Events take a turn for the worse however, when Maggie's careless talk jeopardises Andy's career and their friendship.
- 07
Background artist Andy Millman has finally got his big break. He's trying to make a classy sitcom that will stand the test of time, but the BBC have different ideas - they're more interested in silly wigs and chasing ratings.
- 08
David Bowie sums up Andy as a little fat man who sold his soul, as Andy discovers that fame is not everything he thought it would be.
- 09
Andy Millman learns that you shouldn't get on the wrong side of the British press. He needs a reliable and experienced PR guru to save his career. Enter Darren Lamb, his agent.
- 10
An unprecedented array of stars turn out for Andy Millman's first BAFTA nomination. Awards, great ratings, and Chris Martin from Coldplay wants to appear in Andy's sitcom - things are looking up.
- 11
In pursuit of credibility Andy takes a role in a play directed by Ian McKellen, a two-hander called A Month of Summers. If only his agent had told him it was about gay lovers.
- 12
Andy Millman has changed. With a new celebrity chum, Jonathan Ross, he seems to be leaving old best friend Maggie behind. He even decides to get rid of his useless agent.
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