Simply the best

tomcrowley96

score 10/10

The Office must surely be regarded as one of the best television comedies ever produced. It is a triumph for so many reasons. Firstly, it is hysterically funny at its best, and still amusing at its worst. But what makes The Office so likely to endure, and what allowed it to continue for 9 seasons, is its genuinely relatable and likable characters. This, surely, is why it was so much more successful that its 'progenitor', the British Office. Whereas the British characters, in typical Gervais style, were so viciously satirical as to make you feel uncomfortable (which is, of course, a masterful comic achievement in its own right), the US remake created characters audiences actually cared about and rooted for.

Of course, the show did thrive on its cringe factor, just like the British version. Michael Scott's conference room meetings are amongst the most delightfully painful scenes ever created. But it was the likability of the characters that kept everyone watching. Whereas Gervais's Brent was almost nasty, we like Michael Scott. Though oftentimes offensively inappropriate, we don't view Michael as a bad person, but rather a guy who just doesn't get it. There's also a fragility to his character that is endearing.

But the show is far more than just Michael Scott. The Jim and Pam romance has to be one of the most appealing on-screen romances. The chemistry between Krasinski and Fischer is perfect. Dwight, too, is far more than just the annoying coworker, and has an appeal of his own. Moreover, what is most special is that the entire ensemble cast develop appealing characters. By the conclusion we have a very strong picture of the characters of Ryan, Kelly, Stanley, Phyllis, Darryl, Creed, Meredith, Angela, Oscar, Kevin, Toby, Erin and Andy, an uncommonly large list.

Guest stars throughout were also excellent; James Spader, Melora Hardin, Clark Duke, Jake Lacy, Catherine Tate, Rashida Jones, David Koechner and Will Ferrel were especially memorable.

A wonderful show.

tomcrowley96 26 July 2014

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3056809/