Original British version = not funny!
Dear Crapheads, Geeks, and British humor enthusiasts,
Please don’t (cyber)stone me… but I have to say that the original version of The Office just isn’t very funny. I know, I know, it’s the original and therefore the American version is inferior in some way to it, but seriously… I have a hard time believing that the BBC version of The Office can even hold it’s on compared to the version it inspired in the states.
Now, admittedly I am basing this assessment on only two episodes, because that is all I have gotten the chance to see of the original. BBC America (sometimes carried by our local PBS station) aired several episodes over the weekend and I decided that I needed to give the show a shot. I found myself laughing out loud only once and barely chuckling at all throughout the remainder of the two episodes… in fact, at several points I felt like changing the channel to see if TBS may have been airing Friends reruns or VH1 had a Top 100 [insert anything you want here] of All-Time show on… but I decided that I needed to persevere because it would hopefully be worth it. Unfortunately, my perseverance did not pay off and I derived little to no enjoyment through my decision to stay tuned to this poor excuse for humor.
Based on their concepts and ideas, Rick G and his crew are pure genius… but the execution was what was truly unimpressive. Many of you will argue that I just don’t possess the aptitude for this style of dry British humor and to that I would say, “You are probably correct.” However, I do like many movies, shows, and plays written and executed in similar style… maybe I am just very particular about what does and does not deserve my applause and laughter…. I am unsure. Not matter the case, I have not quite given up on the original version of The Office, but my interest is most definitely waining.
As an avid fan of NBC’s The Office, I believe I owe a debt of gratitude to the cast and crew of the BBC show, but that doesn’t necessitate me enjoying their actual product. Perhaps, the minds behind the original should stick to writing and let others handle the execution of their ideas… just my thought.
Thanks for indulging my thoughts on the Office wars that fellow Craphead, Mark Bodenrader brought to The Filter audience not so long ago. I know that here at this site I am indeed in the minority, but as I previously said, I will forge ahead and not give up yet. Perhaps the magnificence that so many here and elsewhere have discussed will hit me in the future (and if so, I imagine it’ll hit me like a tons of bricks)… until then I’ll be watching NBC’s Thursday nights and laughing my ass off.
Affectionately yours,
jch
PS. One word, two syllables: Demarcation (I know, it’s actually from the original series, so shoot me!)
February 1st, 2006 at 11:36 am
I’m not a British humor enthusiast at all. I found the show to be unpolished (my word for your unimpressive execution), because that’s the point. It looks/feels like a documentary, with real characters. Much moreso than the American version, which is still very good but never feels like a documentary - not like the UK version.
I watched the first season and would have rated it a B/B+ afterwords. I watched the second season and would call it an A. Now, after watching the special, and watching the first couple episodes of Season 1 again on BBC America, ….. I’d give the whole package an A.
I actually read an article written by a writer after the final Seinfeld episode, who said that the show was garbage. This person admitted that they had ONLY SEEN THE FINAL EPISODE (and none of the ones prior), because of all the hype it was generating. I thought that was tremendously shortsighted, to judge the merits of an entire series on one episode. I feel the same way here. Or if she had just reviewed the first two episodes of Seinfeld (which sucked) and concluded that it was inferior to Friends.
It’s not better because it’s the original, it’s better because the characters are much more real and compelling and Ricky Gervais makes every scene he’s in funny. The fact that you would watch Friends re-runs says more than I can say. So let’s just say I disagree with your assessment that it’s a poor excuse for humor…or that you should be making that assessment.
February 1st, 2006 at 11:43 am
Indeed Jeff, I know that my assessment is shortsighted and I wish to give the whoel thing a bit more of a chance. Perhaps my entire opinion will change.
My point about Friends reruns was just that I was so very unentertained that I was more interested in anything besides remaining glued to BBC America during The Office.
Ricky Gervais was not funny at all to me and the other characters were at times mildly entertaining. Perhaps after I have the chance to watch more episodes, I can appreciate all of the characters more… and I hope so.
If anyone would be so kind as to lend me seasons 1 and/or 2, I will gladly give it my all… but since I got into the US version first, it will probably remain my favorite. Sometimes that’s just how it goes.
Thanks for the comment, Jeff. I suspect that the show could be the type that has to grow on you. And perhaps it can grow on me in the near future.
February 1st, 2006 at 11:56 am
Similar story to the comment above really - I’ve only seen the British version (both seasons), but I did find it takes a while to grow on you. When I’d only seen a couple of episodes, I didn’t think it was very funny - though after you get to know the characters, it becomes hilarious. Give the rest of the series a chance and see if you change your mind.
February 1st, 2006 at 1:27 pm
harlan, you’re killing me. 2 epidoses?! that’s like claiming you went to med school because you’ve seen every episode of ER. give the brit version more of a chance to win you over, unless of course you love the outrageous, completely unbelievable antics of steve carrell and co.
ricky gervais’s office has subtler humor, better character depth and elements of drama you dont find in american sitcoms too often.
February 1st, 2006 at 1:38 pm
Vin, I obviously plan on giving it more of a chance. Haven’t you read my response above. I even noted in my post that I intend to. So take a breath…
I will indeed watch more “epidoses”… however, I am as of yet, unimpressed.
February 1st, 2006 at 2:17 pm
Christ, and I thought I was suffering from ADD. Two shows? You’re a brave man, Justin.
The whole set up was that Gervais and Stephen Merchant had the whole show outlined before they even began filming, start to finish, (they weren’t working from episode to episode) so they concentrated on setting up characters early on and developing mood. It’s a technique that more shows should use, instead of just patching on plots.
But if you don’t find David Brent funny, then maybe the show will never grow on you, because the guy is always hilarious.
February 1st, 2006 at 5:11 pm
I know you haven’t watched the 1st, 2nd series and the Christmas Specials but wouldn’t it make more sense to review the show after you’ve watched the whole thing? Also I think your opinion my be slightly skewed because you watched NBC’s version first. Being a huge fan of the BBC series I was really rooting for NBC’s version, in my heart I wanted it to be as good or better than BBC’s. But after a few episodes I realized that it was impossible. Gervais and Merchant had really captured something unique. I wrote about it in my blog a while back:
http://www.5thape.com/2005/09/20/35/
February 1st, 2006 at 6:41 pm
I have to second the original premise. I’ve got the entire two seasons of the British version on DVD and watched them all the way through twice. Thought it was far less entertaining than “classic” British humor (think Fawlty Towers), yet strangely compelling. As noted above, it has more the feel of a documentary and real emotional tension. BUT, the American version is genuinely and consistently funny. I find it difficult to rewatch the Brits, but look forward to seeing the American episodes again. Kudos to both for creating something great in their own ways.
February 1st, 2006 at 7:40 pm
Being that everyone continues to think I need more in order to make my decision, I concur… but I still need someone to lend both seasons to me. So go ahead and burn them or something for me folks, and perhaps I can post a “Follow Up” to this “Follow Up” and change my mind!
February 1st, 2006 at 8:15 pm
harlan, dude, you’re my boy and all but i gotta say you dropped the ball on this one. you don’t watch 2% of the office then post something like “brit version = not funny!”
“I believe you’d get your ass kicked sayin’ something like that, man.” — Lawrence, Office Space
February 2nd, 2006 at 8:08 am
Ok, for the last time… sorry for hastily drawing a conclusion, but I admitted it was not a final conclusion, only a temporary one that I hoped could and will change in the future.
February 2nd, 2006 at 11:21 am
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February 4th, 2006 at 3:27 am
I’ve studied this with friends. With the British version, you must see four episodes before forming an opinion of the show. I merely enjoyed the show in the beginning, but by the fourth show, I knew it was brilliant, was hooked. Also, there is a serious arc that occurs regarding David Brent. You start out cringing at him, start to feel sorry for him, begin to loathe him, and finally love him. It’s a complicated progression that spans the 12 episodes of season 1 & 2, and culminates in the christmas special, which has you rooting for a character you can’t believe you used to hate. Watch the entire first season (6 episodes), and see if you aren’t dying to watch the second.
February 4th, 2006 at 5:08 pm
Well said Ryan.
I would add this…..OR, watch two episodes and run a headline that says “Original British version = not funny!”
No nevermind, that would be silly.
February 4th, 2006 at 6:10 pm
Jeff is crying again, tissue anyone?
February 5th, 2006 at 4:40 pm
Wha?
I was just trying to get you to further extend your own record for commentng in regards to your own post.
This is could reach Bob Beaman is ‘68 proportions.
February 5th, 2006 at 10:31 pm
This is number 6, hey hey…
February 8th, 2006 at 1:28 pm
the British version rocks! you must need to give it more time. I like the US version, but I can’t watch it because it simply doesn’t cut it by comparison. I think the Britsh version is the funniest thing I’ve seen on the tube in a long time.
February 19th, 2006 at 10:38 pm
The Brittish version is far superior to the US version. The Brittish version is much whittier and funnier than the local. Just one man’s opinion.
February 19th, 2006 at 11:35 pm
Still waiting on someone to lend the BBC version to me. Until then, I stand by my opinion with an admitted lack of expertise.
February 21st, 2006 at 9:01 am
You are slow, aren’t you?
February 21st, 2006 at 9:36 am
I understand that British humor is either love/hate. My question is this: you base your opinion on the first 2 episodes (fine) - but the first episodes of the US version, which you seem to adore, were practically *identical* to the UK version. Swap British slang (jelly)/pop culture with US slang (Jell-O)/pop culture.
Go figure.
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February 21st, 2006 at 3:11 pm
I love how people are still getting so mad at me about this. It’s just so refreshing!
I am glad Arthur had time to stop by while hitchhiking through the galaxy.
February 28th, 2006 at 9:39 pm
Where do you live, I will lend it to you.
March 1st, 2006 at 9:53 am
Dan, I live near Philly.
March 1st, 2006 at 10:49 am
The british version is aimed at the british. The american version is aimed at people with a lower IQ. Since “Friends” every major american comedy has been watered down to make up for the country being full of retards.
Rant over.
March 1st, 2006 at 12:29 pm
Thanks Roulette, your assessment is so obviously correct. I mean my IQ is merely in the 150-160 range, so I guess I am just not smart enough to get it…
March 1st, 2006 at 1:30 pm
That’s true, I used to really have to put my thinking cap on for Family Ties, Growing Pains and Diff’rent Strokes.
March 1st, 2006 at 3:29 pm
Whatcha talkin’ bout Jeff?
(someone had to do it!)
March 1st, 2006 at 3:46 pm
roulette …
do us all a favor and go play the russian version of your name and spare us all the inanity of your presence.
rant over.
March 1st, 2006 at 3:48 pm
Justin, you were kidding right? That means your IQ is like 1/1000 territory.
March 1st, 2006 at 5:44 pm
Jeff, in all seriousness, I was one of those “gifted” kids growing up, and we had to have a 130 to be in the program, I believe at the time I scored a 152, but I could be off by a few (5 either way).
I’m a smart kid in disguise… a VERY good disguise.
March 1st, 2006 at 6:12 pm
Okay - I didn’t know if you did like, say, 15% of the questions and did well, and then extrapolated the success over the remaining questions. Just kidding.
March 1st, 2006 at 6:43 pm
justin was a “special” kid growing up. at least, that’s what i suspect.
March 1st, 2006 at 7:06 pm
“gifted” Vin, not “special”…
:cough: ASS :cough:
March 1st, 2006 at 7:09 pm
PS. Thanks for dissing Roulette, Vin-Dawg.