by Jack Edwards
The Office (U.S.) as everyone knows was developed for American television after the monumental success of the original English version. It started in 2005 with a six part season that heavily followed the first series of the original; and it was not an easy start. The close resemblances to the original episodes inevitably lead to direct comparisons between characters, actors, and the interpretation of the original dialogue. This made many memorable scenes from the original unbearably clunky and awkward as these direct comparisons left the US version lacking a certain something; a certain Englishness and originality.
The Office (U.S.) as everyone knows was developed for American television after the monumental success of the original English version. It started in 2005 with a six part season that heavily followed the first series of the original; and it was not an easy start. The close resemblances to the original episodes inevitably lead to direct comparisons between characters, actors, and the interpretation of the original dialogue. This made many memorable scenes from the original unbearably clunky and awkward as these direct comparisons left the US version lacking a certain something; a certain Englishness and originality.
In the second season however the show found its own feet, pulling much further away from the UK version. The story lines became much more independent and original, leading the characters away from poor copies of the English originals to become their own new characters. The boss Michael (Steve Carell) began to form his own identity, away from David Brent. He became less offensive, more playful and endearing, almost childlike. Jim (John Krasinksi) branched off from the original Tim, his relationship with Pam being explored in much more depth, and often with more subtlety than Tim and Dawn’s, however this is probably largely because there were more episodes in one season than the original. Dwight (Rainn Wilson) was also changed into a much larger and weirder beast than Gareth ever managed, but also showed a much more caring and emotional side. It's these differences between the characters, as well as the wackier plots that allowed The Office (U.S.) to become its own unique show.
From there the show went on to exceptional heights. Like its predecessor, it is crammed full of jokes from start to finish. It also managed to do this in a variety of ways, there are beautifully crafted one liners, such as Erin’s “Disposable cameras are fun, but it seems a little wasteful. You never get to see your pictures” as she throws one into the bin after taking a picture, or Michael’s “I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious”. The show is always switching from laughing with the characters, to at them with instant ease, embarking on all sorts of weird and wonderful journeys before returning to sanity with a biting sarcastic one liner from Jim and Pam
From there the show went on to exceptional heights. Like its predecessor, it is crammed full of jokes from start to finish. It also managed to do this in a variety of ways, there are beautifully crafted one liners, such as Erin’s “Disposable cameras are fun, but it seems a little wasteful. You never get to see your pictures” as she throws one into the bin after taking a picture, or Michael’s “I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious”. The show is always switching from laughing with the characters, to at them with instant ease, embarking on all sorts of weird and wonderful journeys before returning to sanity with a biting sarcastic one liner from Jim and Pam
Whilst often funny it is not the humour that makes The Office (U.S.) so great, it’s the humanity within the show. The characters at the company each reflect that little bit of crazy within all of us. We are all nerdy around certain things like Dwight, we all have days where we have bad ideas and inexplicably become full of social faux pas like Michael, and days where we feel as dumb as Kevin. The storylines are also a major part of the show; each episode intertwining plots that span, an episode or whole series and beyond. The characters are always blackmailing, double crossing, or competing outrageously over something with each other. But there are also sweet, compelling moments, often between Jim and Pam, in the early series. These are told not only through straightforward confessionals, but underwritten subtext, and wonderful camera work.
The Office (U.S.) is one of the best things on Netflix, despite declining a lot after the departure of Steve Carrell. Series Nine in particular lacks the same punch, as the show seems to abandon its rules on the boundaries between the documentary crew and the cast. Some of the storylines became very odd and unbelievable. But they are necessary viewing to allow for the final few episodes to make sense. The show is pumped to brim with heart, and I can’t stop watching it.
The Office (U.S.) is one of the best things on Netflix, despite declining a lot after the departure of Steve Carrell. Series Nine in particular lacks the same punch, as the show seems to abandon its rules on the boundaries between the documentary crew and the cast. Some of the storylines became very odd and unbelievable. But they are necessary viewing to allow for the final few episodes to make sense. The show is pumped to brim with heart, and I can’t stop watching it.
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