Did anyone catch Stephen Merchant on 24 last night? It was a "blink and you'll miss it" moment, and the poor guy didn't even get a line. However, as a self-professed fan of the show, it was probably a moment in heaven for him. Literally, a moment. Someone hands him a sheet of paper that he's supposed to ostensibly do something extremely critical with (hey, he works in the CTU after all), and he gives them a grim little nod in return. Ahhh, the acting chops that had to take. Still, I would've jumped at the chance to be on the show, even if I was background extra number 48 in a crowd scene. I've missed the last two seasons, but this premiere sucked me back in. That's how easy I am.
Apparently they also filmed a scene with Ricky Gervais that might be an extra on the DVD for this season. According to rickygervais.com, "In the scene, a group of White House brass meet to discuss an impending terrorist threat. Gervais, dressed like a presidential advisor, keeps whispering under his breath to give the mission to Jack Bauer - and then acts incredulous when someone else says it aloud and takes credit for the idea."
Stephen Merchant currently co-stars in the HBO comedy Extras, which he co-created and produces with Ricky Gervais, and also did the same for the BBC version of The Office, which is fantastic if you haven't seen it.
Now that's comedy, folks.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-15-2007 @ 9:05AM
Carl Winslow said...
He should have handed the document to Barry off Eastenders.
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1-15-2007 @ 9:19AM
john said...
My eyes must be get getting better in my old age, I thought that was him. I also caught Richard Branson's one second shot in the latest Bond flick as well. Can't tell ya what I won off my wife in our little bet :-)
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1-15-2007 @ 10:26AM
James Andrews said...
Who was the voice of the Fox News Reporter that was first used at the beginning of Fox show 24 Season Premire (episode 1) 6:00 am - 7:00 am?
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1-15-2007 @ 12:25PM
Honey said...
I did see Stephen Merchant and I screamed out of joy. Seriously I did. I love Stephen and was very happy for him. I heard that they weren't going to include Ricky Gervais because he's too recognizable, but you guys would know better...I hope they do.
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1-15-2007 @ 12:48PM
Doug said...
I am a huge fan of Gervais and Merchant (and Pilkington - Listen to the Podcasts and old XFM shows - www.pilkipedia.com !!) and knew this was coming.
I simply burst out laughing when I spotted Steve. I wish they had kept the Gervais cameo in, but we'll see that eventually.
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1-15-2007 @ 12:50PM
Doug said...
Sorry, the link was http://www.pilkipedia.co.uk . Just thought all the other fans would like to know.
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1-15-2007 @ 6:49PM
jeff stiefer said...
i thought i was seeing things. I had not heard they would have cameos on the show. I said to myself, "Damn that looked like Stephen Merchant"
Ill also echo what a poster above said: get their podcasts and the old XM radio shows. Too too funny. I think Merchant is every bit as funny as Ricky. His one appearecne on The Office (UK) was one of my favorites.
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1-22-2007 @ 1:39PM
greg said...
Dam it i knew it was him! rang my mate to switch on 24 coz merchant is on, so he did but merchant was never seen again!then i began to doubt myself..did i or did i not see him?
il never doubt myself again..i have learnt a lesson from all this.
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