Two Ladies & Their TVs

We love our shows so much we created a blog for it.

The Office (US)

I've caught a few episodes of the original UK version of The Office, and while I didn't think it was brilliant (probably because my actual in-office work is limited, and I can't identify much), it was funny, and weird; as a YOOGE (tm Donald Trump) fan of Arrested Development I'm totally into that dry sense of humor stuff.  When I heard that there was going to be an American remake, and that it sucked when initially reviewed, I thought, "Well, duh."  Coupling sucked-- it just didn't translate well, and let's face it, alot of Americans can't handle alot of sex talk (but it's okay to blow everything to smithereens or have zombies eat people, but that's another rant for another day); Men Behaving Badly was good until they started creating original ones and stopped copying the original. So I didn't expect much from this adaptation, either.

But when the promos started airing I got curious, and decided to check it out.  I've watched it faithfully for the past two weeks (including catching four reruns on CNBC on Sunday), but I think the first one I watched was the health care episode, in which the office workers, forced to name which diseases they had just so they could get covered, listed things such as "hot dog fingers" and "killer nano government robots".

My initial reaction was wrong.  This show is funny, but not in that side-splitting way.  It's also extremely uncomfortable to watch.  I think if I had a boss like Michael I'd quit.  Or at least cry at the end of every work day.  The only problem I have with Steve Carell's portrayal is that he doesn't exactly act like he's being filmed by a documentary crew, but that's it.  His delivery is spot on, and echoing a review I read of the show, he's "apparently unembarassable".  He's mean and petty, then quickly backtracks; he's one of those guys who thinks he's the life of the party when everyone really thinks he's a dud, and he's someone everyone knows: in the last episode, there was a basketball game between the office workers and the warehouse workers.  After boasting about how good he was at basketball... he sucked, of course.  And naturally, everyone he didn't want on the team were good players: the overweight woman, the dopey guy, the Mexican (whom he wanted to save for baseball season, or if there was a boxing match).  The funniest part was how he assumed the black man in the office was a great player, and the guy couldn't even dribble the ball.  No, he's not PC in the least, and that makes this show sort of fresh.  I also think (though not 100% sure) that this last episode was an original one, and it proved that it can run on its own, away from the shadow of the first one.  I shouldn't have expected less from the guy who created King of the Hill and Office Space.

I also have to mention the supporting cast.  First, a not-so-good: I don't know why the temp guy's listed in the main credits, because he doesn't do or say much.  Perhaps something more's coming up for him, or he just got there by being one of the show's writers.  Dwight is a blowhard, a geek who doesn't know it, a small person who thinks he's something much more than he actually is.  Perfect.  Jim is the good-looking one (much better looking than his UK counterpart, but not so good-looking that he's not reachable or likable), and constantly moons over Pam, the receptionist.  It's actually quite cute, though I don't want to become a shipper; all the action takes place at Dunder Mifflin, so I don't know how these two could plausibly get together (you know what I mean).  And she has an ass of a fiancee that she's apparently never going to leave.  Or marry, for that matter, as they've been engaged for three years (apologies to all who have long engagements; mine lasted two years).  The rest of the cast, the ones listed in the end credits, are perfect as well.  No-names, washed up, with droll and hangdog expressions; those who never caught life by the balls but instead got squeezed between its legs.

I do hope the show runs past its six-episode run (tonight is the season finale), and more people give it a chance.  Most of the population hadn't even seen the original, therefore I think the grumbling comparisons from reviewers are silly.  Almost as if they want to admit they like the show (because the reviews have been good), but can't outright admit it because they'd be "uncool".  God forbid they be considered un-PC or uncool, but that's exactly what this show is.

So, I'll be hoping that two of the most unconventional and brilliant comedies (I won't call them sitcoms) on t.v., Arrested Development and The Office are picked up for renewal next month.  In all likelihood, however, the television comedy landscape will remain much as it has for the past decade: bland, boring and more of the same.  I mean, why keep on those two shows when we can have Will & Grace, which is old and crusty?  And let's not forget Joey: completely unfunny.  What room is there for something original when a little over 50% of the country reelected Bush?

Posted by: athenawj at 07:05 | link | comments (6)
the world is a comedy

Comments:

#1  26 April 2005 - 08:55

 

"No-names, washed up, with droll and hangdog expressions; those who never caught life by the balls but instead got squeezed between its legs."

What a line! That alone makes me want to see the show. :D

The series sounds a lot like Gilbert the comic strip. Along the lines of unappreciated work drones/slaves with domineering bosses. But with my current line up, I cannot afford to watch another show. At least not until the summer...

merserene

#2  26 April 2005 - 12:45

 

That's why I didn't watch it at first; I just didn't want to take on another t.v. show. But the promos really intrigued me.

Maybe if another marathon comes on CNBC I can tape it for you. Want me to? :D

athenawj

#3  26 April 2005 - 16:18

 

It's nice of you to offer, but I really don't need any enabling! So thanks but no thanks. :)

OTOH, Arrested Development, 3rd season? Promising, eh?

merserene

#4  27 April 2005 - 07:37

 

I've totally forgotten what OTOH means.

athenawj

#5  27 April 2005 - 09:48

 

"On the other hand." That's funny because I think I first saw the abbreviation used by you. :D

merserene

#6  27 April 2005 - 13:29

 

Heh, probably! Oh, my poor mind... ;)

AFA a third season-- let's keep hoping! Crossing fingers! Lighting candles! Um... casting spells! :D

athenawj

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