The original "The Office"

Best Dance Ever (in the non-child category) goes to Ricky Gervais.

Any astute viewer of "The Office" on NBC knows that this show started across the pond on the BBC and was created my Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant. While the first season of the US series was nearly a direct copy of the UK version, eventually the network allowed the writers to pursue their own vision of the show and it became wildly popular. Before that, it was a good show, but not a great show. That doesn't mean that it was copying a bad show, it just means that trying to be a direct copy isn't a good idea.

With that said, I am a big fan of the original British version, but that doesn't mean that fans of the NBC series are guaranteed to like the BBC version. David Brent (the equivalent of Michael Scott) is a much darker character. Carrell's character is well intentioned and a genuinely sweet guy and Gervais' character is more arrogant. The supporting cast isn't explored as much in the BBC version but this is likely due to the fact that they only have 2 seasons and one special (a totaly of 14 episodes.) Television in the UK is more crass than in the US so that makes it feel more like an HBO show, than a network series. The series ends in a great and artistic way, and has a satisfying revisit of the characters in the Christmas Special.

I really loved watching the show these last few weeks. It is so horribly awkward watching the socially inept boss, played perfectly by Gervais. He speaks in such a confident manner but is so clearly weak, and is the best car wreck to watch. The dynamic between Tim & Dawn just as endearing as that of Jim & Pam. The UK Dwight, known as Garth is not as quirky as Dwight and seems a little more grounded. If you even slightly like British Comedy, then check out this version. It's hard to write a series review, but I will say that this series is hilariously uncomfortable.

Ghost Town was not what I expected from Gervais

I would go to the Dentist way more if it were Ricky Gervais.


It’s always been very hip and trendy to be a fan of British Comedies. I have tried to avoid making such attempts at vanity. Therefore I haven’t really loved a comedy from England since Monty Python. Then a few years ago I was told that I needed to watch this show called “The Office”. Within a few minutes, I had fallen in love. Anyone that reads this blog is aware that I am referring to the original version from the creator and star Ricky Gervais.

His follow up to the two seasons of “The Office” was two seasons of “Extras”, a show about an actor trying to make it and doing extra work to put food on the table. It is equally funny and convinced me that there was something great about Gervais. From what I had seen in interviews, he was not enchanted with Hollywood and saw himself as a writer. He refused to go the route of Dane Cook. (“Employee of the Month”, “Good Luck Chuck”) He wanted to write projects and make the formula instead of forcing himself into roles that only fit his name.

I was surprised when I heard he was staring in “Ghost Town”. This film has some great elements like Greg Kinnear, Tea Leoni, and writer turned director David Koepp. Koepp is Steven Spielberg’s go to writer, whose credits include Jurassic Park, Spider-Man & the latest Indiana Jones. Unfortunately, no one reaches their full potential in “Ghost Town”. It was fairly simple, predictable and uneventful. Kinnear never really had a shinning moment. Leoni was fun to watch and made me wonder why she doesn’t make more movies, she’s so likeable.

Gervais was certainly the right fit for the movie, playing a snooty dentist. But with the bar so high, I don’t think the movie was the right fit for Gervais. It felt like he had a few moments to just be him and the rest of the movie was just filled with predictable dialogue that moved the story along. Gervais did fine in this part but it did take him off the pedestal I’d put him on. As for a recommendation, I would wait for the DVD and rent it if you’re at the Redbox and there isn’t anything else that you and your significant other can agree on. You will get a chuckle or two but won’t be blown away as if you were watching one of Gervais’ own creations.

The Office provides lots of laughs and lessons in love.

This is just one example of why I absolutely LOVE this couple.
They make my heart smile.



So, I’ve had this blog for a few months now. I tend to write about things I encounter each day. Rather than talk about old favorites that seem obvious, I talk about whatever crosses my mind. Okay, tonight and old favorite crossed my mind. I laughed so hard at the last two episodes of The Office. I probably woke my neighbors with my guffaw! I got home and watched an episode on Hulu.com (which is great by the way, check it out!) and another on TiVo. How great is the freedom of Hulu and TiVo? While it’s exciting to not having to worry about missing your favorite shows, more importantly its thrilling to have shows that are worth watching.

The Office is worth watching, buying and watching again. If you are not watching episodes twice, then you are missing some great moments that are revealed in your second viewing. This is a testament to the directors and editors. While this show is brilliantly written, having great characters and edited in a way to capture every moment to the point where simple cuts make me laugh. While I could go on about many aspects of the show, I’d like to focus on my favorite part; Jim & Pam.

I’ve never seen a show capture an organic and real couple. Even loveable characters were always split up for the sake of drama. I remember listening to a commentary track on Friends where one of the creators is talking about how they constantly had to keep Ross & Rachel broken up because it made for better TV. Always wondering whether Ross & Rachel would remain “on a break” was a part of why I loved this great show. The exact opposite is currently the case for The Office. I love tuning in and seeing people that I relate to, relate to each other. They haven’t sacrificed their own personalities and genuinely enjoy each other without seeming sappy or boring.

My hope is that the producers of this great show keep them together. I was saying the other day that it would be great to see them eventually get married. I’d want to see them experience life together. Not every show has to be the fairy tale quest, it can be about the “ever after”. I think that I will require the next girl I am dating to watch 4 seasons of The Office and ask if she likes the dynamic between Jim & Pam. If she says yes, then I will kiss her and smile. If she says no, I will curse her and cry. I know the stakes are high, but I stand behind my rubric.

So are Jim & Pam the best couple on Television? Share your opinions and if you have one, share you’re alternative couple.