Ricky Gervais is back with another mockumentary style sitcom, but this time, a little darker. Derek is about the life of a fifty year old man who works as a caretaker at an old-folks home. Although many different sources have labeled Derek as autistic, there is no mention of this condition in the show and Gervais himself has denied the accusation.

Whether Derek has a specific disability or not, his character still teaches us a lot. Derek is often ridiculed because of his inability to read social cues and lack of inhibitions. At the same time he is being ridiculed by other characters, it’s obvious to the audience that these so-called downfalls are actually Derek’s strengths. He is kind without question and has a positive attitude even when dealing with the all too familiar issue of death in a home for the elderly.

One quote in the show that really shows Derek’s character is when he says “It’s more important to be kind than to be clever or good-looking.” Do I think the show will be as big as ‘The Office’ and foster an American spin-off? Probably not, but I wouldn’t object to a few more seasons and I don’t think it’d be a bad thing if everyone started taking notes from Derek on how to treat other people.