I like TV, movies, music – you know, things where I don’t have to move around! One of the TV shows I like is “The Office”.
“The Office” has been killing it this season, right? I was really worried that last week’s wedding episode would totally bite because, you know, the Jim and Pam storylines haven’t been as interesting/funny? It was good, though. Probably 8/10 good even, if you made me.
Even though everyone gripes about the Jim and Pam parts, sometimes me included, it is essential to the story. For those who don’t know, let me explain:
“The Office” started a long time ago in a magical place called England. England is the birthplace of many superior things, entertainment-wise.
- The Beatles
- Radiohead
- J.K. Rowling
- Newcastle Beer
So along comes “The Office”, and it totally kills it over there. It killed it so hard that it made the trip “across the pond” on Digital Video Disc.
I got those discs and watched them. In the UK, the “programmes” are different than over here. A lot of shows have shorter “series”. For example, “The Office” had two six-episode series and a Christmas special. The whole thing lasts seven and a half hours. That’s it. In that short time, the viewer meets the characters and learns what they are all about. It is so well written and acted that that is all it takes to, I’m not going to say fall in love with because that is stupid, but whatever a real person can feel about a fake person it happens in that short time. There are quite a few major changes in that time, also. The only static part of the complete series is the crush that Tim (UK Jim) has on Dawn (UK Pam). Even though the US version only really had one or two episodes (thankfully) that were very similar to the UK version, the Jim and Pam story is a holdover from the original that I think is important to have kept in. It adds something, well, some word – not special – these people are fake Josh don’t write about them like they are real and no I didn’t cry at the wedding that is silly shut up.
So anyways, look at that picture. Funny stuff. That is Ricky Gervais playing David Brent who is the UK’s Michael Scott counterpart. Ricky Gervais also co-concieved, co-wrote, and co-directed “The Office”. Take a look at him here:
That is great. Better than Steve Carell. Michael Scott’s character is funny but too moronic. David Brent is more of a jerk, but you are more sympathetic towards him because it seems like he acts the way he does to compensate for his own insecurities, professionally and personally. Gareth (Dwight) is also funny but I might have to give the nod to Dwight. That hair! The short sleeved shirts! Mose!
If you haven’t seen The Office (UK) you need to. It is short, so no excuses. If you comment, no spoilers for those who want to see it.
One million stars.
So glad to know I’m not the only one who got teary eyed during last week’s Office episode. ;)
I heart the US Office so I’m definitely gonna have to check out the original, although I doubt UK Jim holds a candle to the our US Jim. Sigh…..
Spoiler alert, PP: he does! Hold a candle, that is. At least I think he does… but I saw Tim before I saw Jim, so I think you’ll be charmed in reverse order as well.
Word to the wise, peeps: if you can stand it, watch with the subtitles on! It’ll help you catch everything through the sometimes thick accents. We watch everything with captions in this household.
Just talking about it makes me want to watch the UK Office again. Maybe after we get through Arrested Development, Josh?
I need to revisit the British Office. It’s the best. And yes, UK Jim (Tim) is awesome too
Sounds good to me, Jess. Tim is a little more regular guy-ish than Jim.
Josh – how did you know I was thinking about British Office last night? Our set of DVD’s is with someone else right now, but I was just thinking how it should be watched again. You have to cry everytime at the end of UK version or you are not human. PP – you will love UK Jim (Tim) – I can’t wait for you to meet him!
I like the British version better than the US, but the US version has something that the British version doesn’t: Creed! Give this man a spin off!
Oh, another warning, PP: don’t watch with your kids. It’s a little more *ahem* cheeky than the US version.
Maybe Jim & Pan (loved the Dwigt concussion episode!) are essential. But not so much that everything has to revolve around them.I want more Kevin, Creed and Meredith. Mose is great too boot. The wedding was ok but only b/c everyone in the Office is a dbag. Thats what makes the show funny right? everyone’s dbagness (is that a word? probably not). This season is building but just like last season is pales in comparison to the first two seasons, which were totally brilliant. I’m with AARON!, what does Creed do in his spare time, what’s his past life been like, hell, what does Creed do at the office? Creed definitely needs a spin off more than Cleveland from the Family Guy.
UK office is so good. I’m going to go watch it now! Thanks, Josh!
I just told Will last week that we needed to watch this series again. It’s a small small world.
I agree with you about David Brent. Michael is just a dummy. I don’t ever really feel sorry for Michael. He makes me cringe more than anything. David, on the otherhand, constantly makes me sad. Sad. He is a jerk, but a pathetic jerk.
But I still love him.