Simply Legendary (The Office - Series 1 and 2 (DVD))

Member Name: proplus

Product:	The Office - Series 1 and 2 (DVD)
Date:	22/02/07 (91 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wonderful scripts, acting and characters

Disadvantages: I can't think of any...

It is possible that "The Office" may be regarded as the greatest sitcom for many years to come. In writing directing and starring in this work of genius, Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais propelled themselves from comedy obscurity to superstar status on both sides of the Atlantic.

Initially appearing on BBC2 under a promotional blackout, as the writers had wanted, "The Office" first became a cult favourite, before word of mouth allowed the series to become a national treasure.

If you've never seen an episode of "The Office", you must have been living under a rock for the past 7 years. To describe it simply, the cleverly written series follows the daily goings on in a stereotypical office workplace filmed in a documentary style. The background of the story is that a BBC film crew wanted to make a "fly on the wall" documentary - and they picked the Slough branch of the Wernham Hogg paper merchants to do so after consulting with David Brent, the branch manager.

Arguably the worst manager on the planet, Brent begins acting up for the camera in the hope that he can leave his droll life in the paper industry to become "an all round entertainer". We meet the all of the core characters in episode 1 of the first series, they are - David Brent, Tim Canterbury, Gareth Keenan, Dawn Tinsley and Jennifer Taylor-Clark.

It is established in the first episode that there is the threat of branch closure and large scale redundancy - a topic close to the heart of many office workers in the UK. Brent attempts to deal with the problem in the manner only he can - by promising all of the employees they will not lose their jobs - all in the interest of "a little word I think's important in management - morale!"

The comedy in "The Office" largely comes from the outrageously un-PC comments from Brent, the bizarre behaviour of Gareth and the relentless practical jokes of Tim and Dawn. To add depth to the storyline, Gervais and Merchant included a love triangle in the form of the stand-offish relationship between Tim, Dawn and her boyfriend Lee, who works in the branch warehouse.

It is difficult to describe the intellect behind the comedy in "The Office" without having first watched it - and if you haven't yet, I strongly recommend a full viewing of both series and the Christmas special episodes.

Following the success of "The Office" in the UK, BBC America showed the series in the USA and it received an excellent response. So much so that a full American version was commissioned, starring Steve Carrell (of Bruce Almighty and 40 year old Virgin fame) and has since run into it's 3rd series - something that the English writers refrained from doing.

Currently available in the UK, there is a collectors pack containing the full DVD versions of both series and the special episodes - a must for any fan. Additions to the episodes on the DVD include commentary and deleted scenes as well as outtakes - some of which are side-splitting hilarious.

So, to summarise, "The Office" is a totally original, superbly written, expertly acted British sitcom. In a word - unmissable.

Summary: In my opinion, "The Office" is the best sitcom ever written. No arguments.