Grab the DVD and compare 'The Office' original to copy
By Bruce R. Miller Journal staff writer | Posted: Friday, December 14, 2007
All offices are the same, right? Not when you compare NBC's "The Office" with the BBC's "The Office."
Although the British version inspired the American one, it ended after 16 episodes. The U.S. edition, now in its fourth season, passed that milestone long ago. To make the premise last, executive producer Greg Daniels has expanded the cast, thrown the storyline new curves and made the leading man more sympathetic.
Both series take place at paper companies (Dunder Mifflin in the U.S., Wernham Hogg in the U.K.); both rarely discuss the business they're in. Both are shot as documentaries. Both had mergers; both get new bosses. In the British "Office," a fellow branch manager wins the top spot; in the U.S. one, an intern in the Scranton branch lands the job.
Revisiting the original "Office" reveals plenty of surprises. There are lots of similarities, too, and a clue as to what might happen in the current series.
If the writers strike threatens this year's chance for new episodes, look at the original "Office." You'll be amazed at how much it packs in 30 minutes.
The bosses
David Brent (played by Ricky Gervais, one of the show's creators/writers/directors) is a performer just looking for a stage. He tries to entertain the employees (instead of doing work). He longs for the spotlight that actually comes from being in a documentary. When he's removed as branch manager, he tries to jumpstart an entertainment career as "the mean boss" from the reality show. Personal appearances fall flat, leaving him just as pathetic as he was in the office.
Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) also tries to entertain his troops but he's not as confident of his skills. Instead, he sees himself as a better boss, not a man with a built-in audience. When he competes for his company's top job, he's supremely confident he'll get it. When an intern leapfrogs over him, he's shocked. But he doesn't leave the company.
The big bosses
Brits: Neil Godwin (Patrick Baladi) was a fellow branch manager who bests David Brent for the top job. He's extremely good looking, suave and polished. At a company event, he even does a "Saturday Night Fever" parody that's great. He bonds with the employees but doesn't miss an opportunity to put Brent in his place.
Americans: Ryan Howard (B.J. Novak) is high on technology and almost delights in making his former "Office" mates suffer. Those who once viewed him as a friend now withhold judgment. Michael Scott is almost defiant.
The underling
Brits: Gareth Keenan (Mackenzie Crook from "Pirates of the Caribbean") is a razor-thin geek who's a volunteer with the Territorial Army and a less obsequious No. 2. Ultimately, he gets the branch manager's job, but he's not afraid to stand up to David Brent.
Americans: Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) has combat skills, too, but he's just strange. He has a secret affair with one of the employees (Gareth didn't) and doesn't get top branch job because Michael doesn't leave. Another side of Dwight -- his beet farm and bed and breakfast -- was revealed earlier this year.
The relationship
Dawn and Tim (Lucy Davis and Martin Freeman) joke around, just like Pam and Jim (Jenna Fischer and John Krasinski). But their relationship doesn't blossom until the very last minutes of the final episode. In the American version, Pam and Jim are now dating and have enjoyed a weekend at Dwight's bed and breakfast. Dawn and Pam are both receptionists; Tim and Jim are salesmen. Both got opportunities to move ahead; Jim went to another branch, Tim stayed put. Interestingly, Dawn is viewed as, um, "friendly" with males on the staff. Pam seems like a one-man woman -- even though Angela once referred to her as the "office mattress."
The staff
In the British "Office" many of the Wernham Hogg workers are anonymous. In the U.S. "Office" the Dunder Mifflin folk are as recognizable as the stars. A birthday party introduces us to one of the British women. Phyllis' wedding gives us a look at the U.S. staff.
The language
Brits: Profanities fly; names of British celebrities are dropped here and there. Slang terms (that an American audience wouldn't know) are used routinely.
Americans: Very PG. Occasionally, writers use clever euphemisms but no four-letter words appear on the series. American celebs are referenced.
The hangouts
Brits: A nearby bar gives them ample opportunity to tell risque jokes and share laughs with Finchy, a traveling sales rep (played by Ralph Ineson).
Americans: Chili's was the site of the Dundee Awards. The gang has surfaced at various other places around Scranton, including Victoria's Secret. Their version of Finchy (called Todd Packer and played by David Koechner) has surfaced at the Christmas party and at several in-house training sessions. Both men are obnoxious.
The top boss
Brits: A female rides herd on David Brent but she doesn't entertain any of his advances.
Americans: Jan (Melora Hardin) had an affair with Michael, got fired, then moved in with him.
Key moments
Brits: David Brent does an impromptu dance in Season Two that's meant to top the "Saturday Night Fever" turn. It's so bad, it's hilarious. The final gift exchange (in which Tim gives Dawn an oil painting set and a message: "Never give up") prompts the best reunion since "An Officer and a Gentleman."
Americans: The first Christmas gift exchange (in which Michael tries to give Ryan an iPod) is classic. The sensitivity training is pretty good, too.
The future
Brits: Ricky Gervais says there won't be anymore editions of his "Office." It's complete as is. David Brent finally gets a girlfriend. Tim and Dawn get together. Gareth seems content as an anal branch manager and Finchy is put in his place.
Americans: Since the British version showed what kind of impact a documentary can have on its participants, we can expect the same for the final years of this "Office." Seeing Michael Scott appear on bad reality shows ("The Apprentice," perhaps?) could be a nice finish. How the Pam and Jim relationship evolves is anyone's guess. And the rest of the staff? Their lives have proven infinitely watchable, justifying the extended run (but not the hour-long episodes).
The British edition of "The Office" is available on DVD -- but be sure to get the complete set. The two-part series ender is the icing on a very delicious cake. The first three seasons of the American version are available on DVD; current episodes are on NBC, then available on-line.
Although the British version inspired the American one, it ended after 16 episodes. The U.S. edition, now in its fourth season, passed that milestone long ago. To make the premise last, executive producer Greg Daniels has expanded the cast, thrown the storyline new curves and made the leading man more sympathetic.
Both series take place at paper companies (Dunder Mifflin in the U.S., Wernham Hogg in the U.K.); both rarely discuss the business they're in. Both are shot as documentaries. Both had mergers; both get new bosses. In the British "Office," a fellow branch manager wins the top spot; in the U.S. one, an intern in the Scranton branch lands the job.
Revisiting the original "Office" reveals plenty of surprises. There are lots of similarities, too, and a clue as to what might happen in the current series.
If the writers strike threatens this year's chance for new episodes, look at the original "Office." You'll be amazed at how much it packs in 30 minutes.
The bosses
David Brent (played by Ricky Gervais, one of the show's creators/writers/directors) is a performer just looking for a stage. He tries to entertain the employees (instead of doing work). He longs for the spotlight that actually comes from being in a documentary. When he's removed as branch manager, he tries to jumpstart an entertainment career as "the mean boss" from the reality show. Personal appearances fall flat, leaving him just as pathetic as he was in the office.
Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) also tries to entertain his troops but he's not as confident of his skills. Instead, he sees himself as a better boss, not a man with a built-in audience. When he competes for his company's top job, he's supremely confident he'll get it. When an intern leapfrogs over him, he's shocked. But he doesn't leave the company.
The big bosses
Brits: Neil Godwin (Patrick Baladi) was a fellow branch manager who bests David Brent for the top job. He's extremely good looking, suave and polished. At a company event, he even does a "Saturday Night Fever" parody that's great. He bonds with the employees but doesn't miss an opportunity to put Brent in his place.
Americans: Ryan Howard (B.J. Novak) is high on technology and almost delights in making his former "Office" mates suffer. Those who once viewed him as a friend now withhold judgment. Michael Scott is almost defiant.
The underling
Brits: Gareth Keenan (Mackenzie Crook from "Pirates of the Caribbean") is a razor-thin geek who's a volunteer with the Territorial Army and a less obsequious No. 2. Ultimately, he gets the branch manager's job, but he's not afraid to stand up to David Brent.
Americans: Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) has combat skills, too, but he's just strange. He has a secret affair with one of the employees (Gareth didn't) and doesn't get top branch job because Michael doesn't leave. Another side of Dwight -- his beet farm and bed and breakfast -- was revealed earlier this year.
The relationship
Dawn and Tim (Lucy Davis and Martin Freeman) joke around, just like Pam and Jim (Jenna Fischer and John Krasinski). But their relationship doesn't blossom until the very last minutes of the final episode. In the American version, Pam and Jim are now dating and have enjoyed a weekend at Dwight's bed and breakfast. Dawn and Pam are both receptionists; Tim and Jim are salesmen. Both got opportunities to move ahead; Jim went to another branch, Tim stayed put. Interestingly, Dawn is viewed as, um, "friendly" with males on the staff. Pam seems like a one-man woman -- even though Angela once referred to her as the "office mattress."
The staff
In the British "Office" many of the Wernham Hogg workers are anonymous. In the U.S. "Office" the Dunder Mifflin folk are as recognizable as the stars. A birthday party introduces us to one of the British women. Phyllis' wedding gives us a look at the U.S. staff.
The language
Brits: Profanities fly; names of British celebrities are dropped here and there. Slang terms (that an American audience wouldn't know) are used routinely.
Americans: Very PG. Occasionally, writers use clever euphemisms but no four-letter words appear on the series. American celebs are referenced.
The hangouts
Brits: A nearby bar gives them ample opportunity to tell risque jokes and share laughs with Finchy, a traveling sales rep (played by Ralph Ineson).
Americans: Chili's was the site of the Dundee Awards. The gang has surfaced at various other places around Scranton, including Victoria's Secret. Their version of Finchy (called Todd Packer and played by David Koechner) has surfaced at the Christmas party and at several in-house training sessions. Both men are obnoxious.
The top boss
Brits: A female rides herd on David Brent but she doesn't entertain any of his advances.
Americans: Jan (Melora Hardin) had an affair with Michael, got fired, then moved in with him.
Key moments
Brits: David Brent does an impromptu dance in Season Two that's meant to top the "Saturday Night Fever" turn. It's so bad, it's hilarious. The final gift exchange (in which Tim gives Dawn an oil painting set and a message: "Never give up") prompts the best reunion since "An Officer and a Gentleman."
Americans: The first Christmas gift exchange (in which Michael tries to give Ryan an iPod) is classic. The sensitivity training is pretty good, too.
The future
Brits: Ricky Gervais says there won't be anymore editions of his "Office." It's complete as is. David Brent finally gets a girlfriend. Tim and Dawn get together. Gareth seems content as an anal branch manager and Finchy is put in his place.
Americans: Since the British version showed what kind of impact a documentary can have on its participants, we can expect the same for the final years of this "Office." Seeing Michael Scott appear on bad reality shows ("The Apprentice," perhaps?) could be a nice finish. How the Pam and Jim relationship evolves is anyone's guess. And the rest of the staff? Their lives have proven infinitely watchable, justifying the extended run (but not the hour-long episodes).
The British edition of "The Office" is available on DVD -- but be sure to get the complete set. The two-part series ender is the icing on a very delicious cake. The first three seasons of the American version are available on DVD; current episodes are on NBC, then available on-line.
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Lauren wrote on Dec 14, 2007 2:52 AM: