Genre:
TV / Comedy
Directed
by: Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant
Cast:
Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman, Mackenzie Crook, Lucy Davis
Number
of episodes: 12 (plus a two-part Christmas special)
This classic British TV sitcom was shot
documentary style and it takes us through the daily life at the Slough branch
of the fictitious Wernham Hogg Paper Company. Characters interact with each
other, but they also talk directly to the camera as they are being interviewed
by a person we never see on camera.
At the head of this fictitious office is
manager David Brent, brilliantly played by Ricky Gervais. While this is played
for laughs, Brent comes off as such a tragic figure. He tries so hard to be a
cool boss that is loved by his employees. And he fails so miserably. The man
has such illusions of grandeur; he thinks he is the funniest man ever. Always
saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, he more often than not falls on his
face.
The rest of the cast is also very solid in
The Office. They make you root for or against their character, depending on
their role, and they do it well. The humor is crass here. It starts slow, but,
by the time the second season starts, some truly cringe-worthy moments are
thrown at us. While it is uncomfortable, we cannot help but laugh at the
inappropriate humor.
Many of us have worked in an office and have
dealt with some of the issues depicted here; maybe not to that extent, but, in
some way, it rings true to many. The only fault I can find with this TV show is
that it was too short. Nonetheless, it is a fabulous TV comedy that has spawned
many adaptations around the world. It is well worth your time.
Rating: «««««
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