the office (us)
I’ve just finished watching the first two episodes of the new US version of classic Brit comedy The Office.
The first episode is pretty uncanny in its resemblance to the original… and it’s actually a little disappointing because of this. The characters are so recognisable it’s a bit of a dislocation watching different people play them.
It picked up a lot in the second episode though, when it became more true to American pre-occupations and situations (in this case, race, with a mandatory “Diversity Day” imposed on the office after some complaints about the boss’s behaviour).
I’ve read elsewhere that from episode 2 onwards it’s all US scripted, with few references to the original. This is a good thing and for me, being someone who watched all of the BBC version, just about makes the rest of The Office worth catching.
When it arrives here officially in about three years time, that is. (coff.)
noizyboy
7 April 2005, 10:26 #
oh good. I watched the pilot and had much the same reaction as you, and vaguely wondered if the whole series was just going to be ‘The Office with American Accents’.
If it isn’t I might, ummm, get my american friend to send the rest over too. Yes, that’s it, my american friend…
cough.
Alan
7 April 2005, 10:53 #
Those American friends are very helpful, aren’t they.
Although any talk about our friends in America starts me thinking of the friends in our thing.
Which is probably not far from the MPAA view on these matters.
Alan
7 April 2005, 10:56 #
And while it is good, I think I really will wait to see it here rather than engage any more American friends to procure it for me.
Not quite good enough given the hassle involved.
Mr Reasonable
8 April 2005, 07:09 #
Agreed. Episode 1 was interesting just for the comparison to the original. Episode 2 is pretty good and the humour is surpisingly subtle for a US spin off. Particularly enjoyed the re-enactment of the Chris Rock sketch….
house_monkey
8 April 2005, 23:01 #
Somehow I just can’t see it being worth watching without Ricky Gervais. But of course I’ll check it out if it ever turns up here.