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TV show reviews: The Office

by Andrew Bohardt

Created on: April 30, 2010

Originally adapted back in 2005 by executive producer Greg Daniels, the American interpretation of Britain's hit show "The Office" was received with much skepticism from critics and fans alike. Many believed Daniels would ruin the series by turning the American version into a glorified tribute to British creators/producers/writers Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.

Six seasons and 123 episodes later, the jeers have turned into resounding cheers.

"The Office," a mockumentary of sorts, focuses on the fictional paper company Dunder-Mifflin in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Many stereotypical office topics are addressed in the show, such as sexual harassment, health-care plans, performance reviews and office trips. Led by Branch Manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell), however, these issues always become more interesting and chaotic than need be.

Scott views the cameras in his office as the greatest thing to ever happen to him, as he sees himself as more of an entertainer than anything. In his eyes, it is his job to inspire his employees through humor. However, Scott's juvenile, crude, inappropiate approach to comedy often leads to offensive comments.

Despite this, Scott still has one man on his side in the brown-nosing Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson). Schrute is a pompous and arrogant man who believes he knows everything about everything. Nevertheless, it's his ignorance that often gets him into trouble with the practical jokester Jim Halpert (John Krasinski).

Halpert has little interest in his job as a salesman, but he more than makes up for it with his affection for pulling pranks on Schrute and his love interest Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer).

Starting out as flirtatious friends, Halpert and Beesly's relationship goes through many transformations during the run of the show, including Beesly being engaged to someone else and Halpert transferring to another branch to get away from the situation. Nevertheless, the two eventually end up together, marry and have a child.

Halpert and Beesly's romance is far from the only love scenario played out on the show. Schrute is involved for some time with accountant Angela Martin (Angela Kinsey), as was recent edition to the show Andy Bernard (Ed Helms). Bernard is now involved with new receptionist Kelly Erin Hannon (Ellie Kemper). Also included in love stories are Scott, accountant Oscar Martinez (Oscar Nunez), saleswoman Phyllis Lapin-Vance (Phyllis Smith), temp Ryan Howard (B.J. Novak) and customer service rep Kelly Kapoor (Mindy Kaling).

Couple the love interests with the zaniness of Creed Bratton (Creed Bratton), brashness of Stanley Hudson (Leslie David Baker), drunkeness of Meredith Palmer (Kate Flannery) and overall ridiculousness of Toby Flenderson (Paul Lieberstein), and "The Office" keeps fans guessing of what crazy antics are to ensue every episode.

A word of caution, however, to fans of the show: Carell recently stated that next season may be his last at Dunder Mifflin. Therefore, it is wise to get your "Office" fix now while you still can.


Learn more about this author, Andrew Bohardt.
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