BBC's The Office (R2) (1 Viewer)

[Joey]

I've been watching the BBC sitcom, THE OFFICE, on BBC America, and recently on my quarterly visit to the UK, I decided to pick up the R2 DVD of the whole series (1) and it is amongst the funniest shows I've seen in a while. Anyway, has anyone had the chance to see this show? It's even more entertaining due to the fact that it takes place in Slough, UK (where I visit quite often and where some of my best friends live - no comments on the town, please - LOL). If you haven't, I highly recommend this show on BBC America!


Joey

 

[Mark_Wilson]

I finished watching this a few weeks ago. Very funny stuff! Is there a second season on right now over there?

 

[andrew markworthy]

Yes, there is, but I'm afraid I can't tell you more than that. Personally I can't face watching it - to me it's too close to reality.

 

[Alex Bradbury]

I love The Office, my Office DVD is very closely treasured Hi Andrew, fellow inhabitant of Worcester!

 

[Joey]

Yes, actually I believe the second series aired last year on BBC and it is going to be released on R2 DVD this fall, according to the BBC website. BBC Canada is actually currently showing the second series - and I think they showed the third episode of the second series yesterday. I taped it as I did not want to watch it out of order.

 

[Mark_Wilson]

Andrew, the first few episodes were painful to watch.

 

[Darren Pillans]

Best comedy I've seen on TV in ages.

I've watched series 1 and 2 on our cable network called UK TV.

The first series is out here on DVD too. It's fantastic.

I wonder what Ricky Gervais (star and co-creator) will do next.

 

[James Reader]

I wonder what Ricky Gervais (star and co-creator) will do next.

More celebrity boxing?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertain...io/2589939.stm

Seriously, I think although a complete 3rd series has been ruled out, he's open to a number of 'one off' specials appearing over the next few years.

 

[Joey]

I've also read that a third series has been ruled out which is sad. 12 total episodes seems too short for this gem. The appeal just stems from the show being too awfully close to real life for us office dwellers. I know the ABC Network here in the U.S. has bought the rights to produce an American version of the show - but I just can't imagine it comparing even remotely to the original as I don't believe the subtleness is going to translate well to the American writers' expectations of what the American audience will like.

And that would be a shame since that is what makes it so appealing! IMHO, I think the show needs to be written by the people who understand the humor and unfortunately I don't have the confidence that the American writers will understand it. It'll end up being another throw-away mid season replacement sitcom that vaguely resembles the original.

But then again, I guess I'm not being fair...

 

[Julian Lalor]

IMHO, I think the show needs to be written by the people who understand the humor and unfortunately I don't have the confidence that the American writers will understand it.

It's not the writers who are at fault, it's the Studio execs. They'll try and dumb it down to the point where any irony and subtlety is well and truly buried under a hideous laugh track. Why does this series even need to be adapted? It's not like they're speaking Romanian. If Canadians and Australians can understand it, then I worry for any American who can't. Leave well enough alone, it the motto and one which the US networks should have learnt years ago.

 

[andrew markworthy]

I've also read that a third series has been ruled out which is sad. 12 total episodes seems too short for this gem.

There were only ever twelve episodes of Fawlty Towers as well. American critics have often attacked Brit comedies for the tiny number of episodes. However, what should be remembered is that Brit comedy series tend to be written by one or two writers, whereas American comedy series are written by a large team, and may even accept scripts from outside the group. The result is that the best of Brit comedies tend to be fairly individual in feel, but short on episodes.

 

[Jon Robertson]

There is far more swearing (much of it very strong) in the show than any public US station could handle, so I can sort of see the logic in remaking it, as bleeps would be unstomachable. I very much doubt it will compare favourably to the UK original though.

By the way, if you liked The Office, another great series on DVD with a complete tool as a main character is I'm Alan Partridge.

 

[Nigel P]

Terrific series, can't see a US version having the subtely to pull it off.

I believe that Series 2 is due out this autumn on R2!

 

[Chris_Marin]

Series 2 has been announced here.

 

[Gordon McMurphy]

"I could catch a monkey. If I was starving I could. I’d make poison darts out of the poison of the deadly frogs. One milligram of that poison can kill a monkey. Or a man. Prick yourself and you’d be dead within a day. Or longer. Different frogs, different times." - Gareth

Good Office site: http://homepage.mac.com/elliottday/theoffice/brent.html


Gordy

 

[MatthewLouwrens]

There is far more swearing (much of it very strong) in the show than any public US station could handle, so I can sort of see the logic in remaking it, as bleeps would be unstomachable. I very much doubt it will compare favourably to the UK original though.

Is there really that much swearing in it? And if there is, it's supposed to be a documentary, in real life people say things that might need to be bleeped out. A normal comedy wouldn't work if bad language was bleeped, but a show like this would add to the whole documentary feel.

We get the second season next week. Looking forward to it.

 

[Joey]

Good to hear that the second series is finally coming out. But all the way in October! They actually waited a whole year. This show is one of those that I keep laughing after seeing the same bit over and over again.

I still don't look forward to the US version, though, despite Ricky Gervaise's input.

 

[Todd Terwilliger]

The Office is awesome. I don't have Season1 yet on disc but it's on my short list.