As a massive fan of the British original created by Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant, I rejected the idea of an American adaptation vehemently. To the point that I refused to give it the time of day for many years, despite a plethora of amazing reviews and positive responses from trusted sources. The Office was dependent on a fundamental Britishness and a sense of pathos that simply wouldn’t translate, would it?
What I didn’t think of was that all you had to do was exchange that Britishness for a fundamental suburban American vibe, and it was as simple as that. Americans still have offices and boring jobs; they definitely have losers and arrogant bosses, and every shade of idiosyncratic nobodies, so why wouldn’t it work in the hands of the right cast? And what a dream cast it turned out to be.
Steve Carell’s career pivoted on his genius portrayal of Michael Scott. In 2005, the legacy was not certain, but by 2010 and five straight seasons of increasing comic perfection, it was absolutely cemented for all time in TV show history. Many people to this day (a decade after the final episode of the final season) claim it as their favourite TV show ever, and I can totally see why. When I finally yielded and got onboard – which wasn’t, to my shame, until May 2020 – it became one of the biggest binge worthy shows of my life; a source of comfort and reliability right until Carell left after 141 episodes and the chemistry diminished.
It wasn’t all about Carell, however. Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute is, of course, responsible for some of the most insane moments of perfect timing that are probably the most laugh out loud part of the show. And, it’s heart: John Krasinski as Jim and Jenna Fischer as Pam, take the basis of the unlikely and awkward love story which was already perfect in the original and make it something even more endearing, engaging and utterly wonderful. The chemistry between these main four is exceptional throughout, bordering on being a miracle that it could be sustained for such a long run of episodes.
In the background, a dozen or so characters and actors that never drop the ball for a second. The level of improvisation and creation is borne out by anyone who ever delved into the endless out-takes and bloopers for the show valuable on YouTube. Everyone has their favourites, but every single one had their moments in the sun that are now immortal TV. What made it work was the knowing writing and direction that allowed space for a subtle look, gesture, or even silence to be the joke, often without a word being said. One exchange of eye contact, of physical movement, could say a thousand words, just like the best silent comedies of the golden age.
The more you watch, the more you understand and love who these people are, despite of, and often because of their flaws and foibles. I didn’t often laugh out loud to the point of tears, but I was on my own the entire time. Inside, I was amused and impressed by the comedic skill beyond praise. Some of the set-ups and situations are so inventive that you have to wonder how the hell they came up with it all. The bravery and commitment to the performances, especially from Carell and Wilson, is second to none – none that I can think of right now, anyway.
At the time of writing, it is ranked as the 26th greatest TV show of all time on iMDb. If you take away all the documentaries, animations, and mini-series, then it sits at #7, and the highest rated long-running TV comedy of all time – way ahead of its British parent show. And I wouldn’t want to argue with that. It may not always entirely last the test of time, but it will always appeal to new audiences curious of just how this kind of thing is done well. Many half decent shows have tried to emulate the semi improvised style to differing success, but none have come anywhere close to its intrinsic magic.
Even the final 2 seasons with the absence of Carell can’t diminish its legacy. If only because it allows him to make one last appearance in the finale to deliver perhaps the greatest last line even given to a TV character. Was it always perfect? No. There were some dips and troughs along the way, but, as a whole, it may never be matched. To such an extent that if you claim you don’t like it, then you are almost certainly in the wrong. It simply is that good. As a creative project that lasted 9 years, it stands alone in the comedy sphere as a testament to great writing, incredible performances, and an always confident attitude that it knew what it was and what it could and couldn’t do.
Few shows can ever be spoken of in the same breath. And I will from now on always be a fan; coming again and again (“That’s what she said”) to revist its many joys.
Rating: 9/10
The Wasteland 