Inside The Office

Now that The Office had had success on American television, let's not forget the show's stronger roots in Great Britain...

Before I ever saw the original version of The Office, I always mixed up the short-lived BBC series with Office Space. But the two shows don't really have a lot in common. One is American, the other is British. They both do, however, have bad bosses. It's just that one is likable and one is not.

The likable boss (to some) would be The Office's David Brent, "a friend first and a boss second", and a "chilled-out entertainer" third. He's described as "the worst boss you'll never meet", but how can you not love this guy? He's silly, proud, egotistical, lazy, and self-righteous. David Brent is The Office.

The funniest part about David Brent is that he thinks he's funny. Always trying to crack jokes and make light of situations, Brent always manages make things worse. For example, demonstrating a practical joke for new hire Ricky by telling longtime secretary Dawn that she's fired, only to have her not get the joke, break down in tears, and curse Brent in front of the intern.

In its American counterpart, Steve Carell plays a kookier version of the boss from hell, similar to some of the secondary roles he's played in various comedies. It's a different spin on the character but one that isn't near as believable or effective as Ricky Gervais' David Brent.

The dry Office humor is captured in the awkward and stunned reactions of the employees who David Brent offends or embarrasses. The shot selection and editing is key, as often the punchline ends with the cut. The documentary nature of the show is engaging because it allows the viewer to feel like a witness in the office and thus influence the behavior of the characters, since they know they're being watched. It also allows the viewer more freedom in determining what's funny.

The Office lasted only two seasons (each with six episodes) but a two-part Christmas reunion special brought some closure to the series. In the final episode, Tim Canterbury said something that most people can identify with:

"The people you work with are people you were just thrown together with. You don't know them-it wasn't your choice. And yet you spend more time with them than you do your friends or your family. But probably all you've got in common is the fact you walk around the same bit of carpet for eight hours a day."

David Brent also summed it up nicely:

"A philosopher once wrote: 'You need three things to have a good life. One, a meaningful relationship; two, a decent job of work; and three, to make a difference.'"

David Brent made a difference. Not much of a difference, but he will be remembered for putting a smile on the face of us all.