I remember watching the British version of The Office many years ago and thinking it was genius. I wasn’t as enamoured with it to be classed as a hardcore fan and quoting it all the time, but I enjoyed it greatly. The characters were hilarious but strangely familiar. A little sent up, but I could see the real life. And David Brent was a classic foil for awkward comedy. I was so happy when Tim and Dawn got together. And in our British way, it had a very limited run and they didn’t overdo it with endless series.
I have a very good friend who is American and when I would see them, they would tell me how awesome the American version of The Office is. I had a quick look and nine seasons seemed like a proper slog to get involved with. I didn’t take them up on their suggestion until I broke my knee. Just before my operation I gathered in things to do sitting down whilst recovering. Amazon had all nine seasons on DVD for a very reasonable price so I scooped it up in the hope it would keep me entertained. Nine seasons is a long run and I was hoping I would find it funny when I wasn’t as mobile as I wanted to be. Suddenly the endless slog didn’t seem so endless and actually worked in my favour.
Season one is only six episodes long. It was… interesting. I had a feeling that the first season didn’t really find the right tone and never felt truly settled. And over the years, listening to interviews and podcasts, the writers, cast and crew all agree. The fact that they got ‘picked up’ for a second season was a miracle according to all of the above, but it’s in the second season that it settles and the true genius starts to shine through. Don’t get me wrong though, the first season is true comedy awkwardness and some of the best bits are season one gold. The tone between the US and UK versions is ultimately different. But I think the US version is able to have a certain amount of longevity because they make the David Brent character somewhat likable. Michael Scott (Steve Carell) becomes the leader of the show and the audience actually starts to root for this idiot who constantly puts his foot in it and would have been fired if it was real life, just about every week.
I took to the show quickly and hoovered up the entire nine season run. Steve Carell leaves during season seven and seasons eight and nine are a little ropey, because they never find their equilibrium again. However there are still some classic episodes and moments in the latter seasons and it ends in a very satisfying fashion. I was so grateful for this silly show whilst recovering. I fell in love with it and it’s the only TV show I’ve watched more than twice. I think for me it was all about the relationships. I got invested in how the lives of these fictional people were going to work out and I wanted them all to succeed. I haven’t watched it recently, but I might have to. 9 out of 10, would recommend.
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