Pilot Review: Life’s Too Short

Life’s Too Short (HBO)
Premiered February 19 at 10:30pm

There’s a certain style that has come to be expected from mockumentaries, and a spin on that style when the mockumentaries are of British origin. “Life’s Too Short” is the perfect show for anyone that enjoyed the British version of “The Office” and Ricky Gervais’ own brief HBO series “Extras.” The awkwardness is fully there, and it’s what drives the humor. Warwick Davis, known to most either as an Ewok or as Professor Flitwick in all of the “Harry Potter” films, is certainly game to mock himself, and he’s a fun if somewhat pitiable lead. This show seems very much like it’s going to involve Warwick interacting with other celebrities, which is a decent enough premise that will have to be careful both not to depend too much on its guest stars and to offer interesting takes on the characters. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are up to the task of providing dry, easily annoyed versions of themselves, and it’s good to have them on board given the tone of the show, much in line with their previous series, which is no surprise given that they created this one. Liam Neeson’s over-serious interpretation of himself was amusing to a degree, and I imagine the show will ebb back and forth between sedated and wacky portraits of its guests. Warwick’s new assistant Cheryl seems full of personality, and his accountant was hilarious. I’m not sure how resilient or long-lasting this show will prove to be, though, like most of its kind, it’s only been ordered for seven episodes. It could definitely work, and I’m interested to see how other guest stars affect how enjoyable and enthralling it is.

How will it work as a series? Much of its success will depend on the viability of its guest stars, mainly due to Warwick’s relative non-role in the entirety of Neeson’s appearance in this episode. Warwick is likeable enough, and though the show is mean in many respects, it’s not filled with cursing or overly deplorable behavior, which should make it easier to stomach for easily offended viewers.
How long will it last? The show’s ratings during its initial airing on BBC2 last fall tumbled downward throughout the show’s run, but it has supposedly been renewed for a second season in the UK. That doesn’t always translate to its continuing existence on American television, but I suspect that it will be a hit considering how similar shows from the same creators have done in the past. I’d expect this one to have a purposely short run of two seasons.

Pilot grade: B