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THE OFFICE - UK or US?
Which version of THE OFFICE do you like better? The UK original or the US ongoing one?
Although I think the US Office is the best show on TV right now, I would go with the UK version, hands down. Ricky Gervais’ “David Brent” is the best, funniest character in TV history, IMO. The British version has a more “documentary” feel to it.
We had the British version as it came out in Britain (We have common TV channels) and it was quite possibly the most revolutionary hilarious comedy of all time but if I’m being honest prefer the US version, they are 2 very very different shows though….agree that Ricky Gervais character is amazing, at times its actually hard to watch its so embarrassing or cringeworthy
I definitely agree, Ed. Gervais’ character, and the UK show in general, was more realistic, hence the more awkward, cringeworthiness of the situations. Every line, mannerism, and facial gesture that Gervais made was perfect. The US version is a bit broader, and Carell’s boss, while hilarious, is certainly not as realistic as his UK counterpart. Half the time he seems mildly retarded. The rest of the characters on the US version are all very funny (esp. Dwight Schrute), but you can tell that they are actors on a sitcom, you know what I mean? There’s not a genuine sense that you are ever watching a documentary, like there is on the UK version.
I usually side with the Brits, but the US version wins this time.
I love both equally. What I love most is their differences and similarities. I really can’t decide.
Ricky Gervais’ DAVID BRENT has more edge to him because they don’t add the back story or child-like innocence of Steve Carrell’s MICHAEL SCOTT, as much as I find him hilarious. What they did with the UK version by getting the audience to empathize with such a despicable character has never been done before in television history. I think the U.S. version tries to justify his inappropriate behavior to help sell it for sympathy.
Overall, it’s still 50/50 for me.
Sometimes I get sick of the ignorance of Michael Scott, and there are times when his character just annoys me, but most of the crap that comes out of his mouth is still hilarious. The characters in the US version are better. The whole Pam and Jim thing…the pranks that Jim pulls on dwight are so classic cause I think most of us can relate to that stuff. Its also funny how wierd and creepy Toby is, I dont know I could go on but I think each character is really fun and unique and you don’t see that as much in the UK version.
I think the main difference between Gervais character & Carrell’s is that Gervais plays Brent as a man with little or no redeeming qualities, he’s a complete and utter twit, and is on the whole completely unlikeable as a person until the very last episodes of the christmas special, where as Carells character comes across as slightly more human and likeable
sonnyboo said:
I love both equally. What I love most is their differences and similarities. I really can’t decide.
Ricky Gervais’ DAVID BRENT has more edge to him because they don’t add the back story or child-like innocence of Steve Carrell’s MICHAEL SCOTT, as much as I find him hilarious. What they did with the UK version by getting the audience to empathize with such a despicable character has never been done before in television history. I think the U.S. version tries to justify his inappropriate behavior to help sell it for sympathy.
Overall, it’s still 50/50 for me.
EdRyan said:
I think the main difference between Gervais character & Carrell’s is that Gervais plays Brent as a man with little or no redeeming qualities, he’s a complete and utter twit, and is on the whole completely unlikeable as a person until the very last episodes of the christmas special, where as Carells character comes across as slightly more human and likeable
I felt David Brent was unredeemable, on the surface, but at the end of the second series, the ending was gut wrenching and completely sympathetic… even then he remained a fairly detestable man. Somehow they got us to still care about him. That was the magic of the UK series to me. The U.S. version seems to be playing the heart strings to evoke the same thing or make his behavior more excusable. Again, I completely love the U.S. series as well, but the nearly impossible was made possible with the UK show.
Does anyone else think Jim and Tim are unbelievably similar? Those two guys are like long lost cousins…
Jim and Tim might be the most similar characters on the shows. Jim is a little bit “cooler” though, and more self-confident. Also, I don’t think I’d describe Brent as “unredeemable” or “detestable”. That makes it sound like he was a horrible, evil person, which he wasn’t. He was just a guy who thought he was the smartest, coolest, funniest, most beloved boss on the planet. Pretty harmless. It’s not like he was out to ever destroy anyone (unlike Michael with Toby).
Noun said:
It's not like he was out to ever destroy anyone (unlike Michael with Toby).That is one of the greatest editions to the U.S. version, especially since the actor Paul Lieberstein is also a writer/producer on the show.
sonnyboo said:
Noun said:
It's not like he was out to ever destroy anyone (unlike Michael with Toby).
That is one of the greatest editions to the U.S. version, especially since the actor Paul Lieberstein is also a writer/producer on the show.
LOL, I agree. The fact that Michael inexplicably hates Toby is genius.
In the U.S. version, by necessity and ingenuity, the background characters are more fleshed out and interesting. Three of the cast members are writer/producers on the show like Mindy Kahling, who sooooooo kicks ass as Kelly Kapour. Now that they are writing out Toby and Ryan, I wonder if they’ll stay on as writers…..
I will have to vote for the U.S. version of The Office because it’s not only HILARIOUS, but I also can’t stand British accents. The season finale of The Office was so damn funny….I am loving that the new girl thinks Kevin is retarded. “You drive your own car? Wow….I am so proud of you.”
NoelleD said:
...and Gordon Brown?
DaveMcBrayer said:
US, fuck tony blair!
Uhhhhh Tony Blair is outta there. They did FUCK Tony Blair!
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