TV/DVD Review: The Office (UK version)

[diebitter]

The Office (UK Version)


I suspect lots more of you know about the Office already cos of the American version that's been produced.

Thank goodness for at least some reworkings, I say, for this reason alone... I'm not gonna mention the American version at all in this review, but happy to discuss it in any comments that follow the review.

The Office is an English TV series that is a mock documentary about a paper merchants office in a dreary town in the South of England called Slough (nearish to London, if that helps), and what happens in this office. I suspect there's been many occasions that people have switched this on, and started to watch and really believed it was a documentary, when in fact it is a comedy. why? No punchlines, no obvious jokes, and lots of seemingly mundance work and banter...

But no no no no no. This is one of the most original and funny comedy in years. The only thing to find fault about it is that is takes a little getting used to. I can guarantee that there are many, many people out there that's watched an episode and maybe smiled a little, then rewatched it later and been laughing loud, and then with a third watching, been laughing so hard it hurts... it creeps up on you, and once that switch flicks in your head how it all fits together, you just will laugh and laugh - no matter how many times you see an episode. Not everyone's gonna get it, not everyone will want to sit through enough to start appreciating it, but if you do, this is absolute comedy gold.

The lead character here is David Brent, played by Ricky Gervais, a man so bereft of tact or awareness it staggers you - but Gervais pulls it off - I don't think you'd ever feel this is a caricature. He goes through his day wanting to be popular, spouting complete nonsense as if he's imparting the wisdom of the gods, trying to be an entertainer and all round talented and wonderful guy. Also is his assistant, Gareth, a skinny and similarly-inclined spouter of the ridiculous and embarrassing. There's also Tim, about the only normal guy here, who wants to deep-down escape the grinding situation and who secretly yearns for Dawn, the receptionist - and of course Dawn, who secretly likes him (but who is engaged to a thick as [censored] warehouseman who works downstairs). There's various other characters, including the revolting salesman Finchy, and David's equal and then boss, Neil. These, and various other characters interact, and talk to the camera about how things are, how their day is, and so on.

Sounds rubbish - but nope. It's well-written, well-acted, and funny beyond words. Peversely, the very funniest bits - and there are many - are the most cringingly embarrassing trainwrecks of dialogue and situation. If you can bear to look, you will be rewarded.

There were 2 series made (6 episodes each) and 2 specials, and it's funny all the way through. The second series is more adult in tone (lots of swearing, inneundo, and even a brief glimpse at a sexual act, for example). If you've not seen one, best to watch in order if possible, as there is a storyline progression through all of them.

There's not a dud here at all, and the character interplay is awesomely good. Take Neil - a good manager - the sort you'd pick if you had a choice - who's a real adult, and to see how the childish, petulant David talks to Neil is just both AAAAAAAGGGGG! and piss-yourself-laughing at the same time.

But the best episodes include one where the boys go to a nighclub after work, a 'comic relief' day where David tries to outshine a choreographed dance that Neil does with what David describes as a mixture of "Flashdance and MC Hammer sh*t"- lol. There's also one where David does some independent training to a group of perplexed and slightly stunned individuals.

But the best one of all IMHO is the one where David hijacks a staff training day by getting out his guitar and doing an impromptu gig (series 1, episode 5) . You just have to see it to believe it. He gives us a rendition of his song 'Free Love on the Free Love Highway'.

The vibe of this series is a bit like 'Spinal Tap', or 'Best in Show', or 'A Might Wind', if that helps. Also, non-UK viewers might have some initial problems with the dialects, but they're not that strong, and you'd get used to them, I suspect.

Here's some examples of the dialogue...
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David Brent: Those of you who think you know everything are annoying to those of us who do.
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David Brent: Look at this (browsing the internet) - "Dutch girls must be punished for having big boobs". Now you do not punish a girl, Dutch or otherwise, for having big boobs.
Gareth: If anything they should be rewarded.
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David Brent: I haven't got a sign on the door that says white people only. I don't care if you're black, brown or yellow - you know, Orientals make very good workers.
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David Brent: Welcome to Alcoholics Anonymous! No - purely social. I know someone who is an alchoholic and it is no laughing matter - particularly for his wife. And she's got alopecia. So... not a happy homelife.
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David Brent: If you want the rainbow, you've gotta put up with the rain - do you know which philosopher said that? Dolly Parton. And people say she's just a big pair of [censored].
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Gareth: I'm not homophobic, all right? Come around, look at my C.D collection. You'll find Queen, George Michael, Pet Shop Boys. They're all bummers.
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[Jennifer, David's superior, has just been insulted in the warehouse by the warehouse crew]
Jennifer Taylor-Clark: I just can't believe their total lack of respect.
David Brent: Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Not only did they undermine you in an authoritative sense, but they left an image in my mind of you naked on all fours literally being done doggy style.
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Okay, if you've seen it and like, you'll know what I'm about, and I urge you to post and give a shout out.

Likewise, seen it and hate it, pour out that hate. I just want people who haven't seen it to be impressed enough to go find it, is all.


OVERALL: 5
REWATCHABILITY: over and over again if you dig. No delay necessary. Older teens upwards.


RATINGS (out of 5):
0 - This is a complete waste of time, and you will regret wasting it
1 - don't bother unless no other options at all
2 - okay for a single watch, if you've got time
3 - Definite watch if you get a chance
4 - See it very soon, at least once before you die
5 - See it immediately, no excuses

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