Thanks to Katherine Donnelson's handy Daily Music and Tech News updates, I found a link to a new clip from NBC's take on the brilliant BBC series The Office. After seeing the pilot a short while ago, which was not encouraging to fans of the original or even fans of television comedy, NBC has jumped on that Myspace bandwagon to give viewers a chance to check out something much more promising from the Americanized version of the Office here with a 13 minute clip from an apparently later episode (or possibly strictly online?)
The results are much more encouraging than the nearly disasterous pilot that was shooting around the P2P networks a short while ago (and which premieres on NBC March 24.) It's not out and out hilarious overall, but it's got some seriously funny moments, and, in fact, contains an absolutely hilarious interaction between Steve Carell's Michael Scott (the boss character) and a woman of Indian descent toward the end of the clip. Fans of very dry humor may enjoy this. Fans of Arrested Development may enjoy this too - I found something very similar in the pacing and styling of the humor. And like Arrested Development (the best show on TV in many, many years, by the way,) this will likely struggle to find an audience - if NBC even gives it a chance. Put your money on "not likely to make it through the end of the season."
(Likely to make it as long as I feel like allowing it to, or I stop paying for web hosting: the beautiful lull.)
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Article comments
1 - chris holmes
actually, i'm rather glad i read this. i'm brit - an exceedingly unfairminded one - living in the US n v snooty about lousy american versions of good brit humour that doesnt travel. for some reason - perhaps yr honey-penned style - i've actually noted some of the redeeming points and may hold fire. hmm - interesting that i should listen to someone else so late in pompous bigoted life.
2 - Scott
Well, the pilot of the American "Office" just aired on NBC tonight. It wasn't as terrible as I expected but it had nowhere near the charm and awkwardness of the British version. It actually looks like it could be promising but I have my doubts. Most of them stem from I can tell the American version's characters are actors. The british version was so good because I never thought of any of the cast as actors playing a role but as real people in a real documentary. Whatever. We'll see as time goes on.
3 - Eric Berlin
I see what you're saying Scott, but I think there are many reasons to keep watching, as I talk about here.
4 - Eric Berlin
I don't think I closed off that link properly. Hopefully this will do it.
5 - Scott
Oh, I plan to keep watching. In fact, having such low expectations for it might turn out to be a good thing because the only way it has to go is up in my book.
I still don't think it will live up to the original simply because of the high-esteem i hold the original series in. However, I'm a big Steve Carrell fan and even though his "Michael Scott" is different from Gervais' "David Brent" I'm sure he is still going to be able to manufacture the laughs and hopefully produce some of the same moments of sheer terror and awkwardness that made the original series so endearing.
6 - Triniman
Saw last night's episode...won't watch it again.
The office manager was tedious with his over the top antics.
This was definitely aimed at the lowest common denominator type of audience.
7 - Tom Johnson
Actually, Triniman, no, this is unfortunately (for the show) not aimed at a "lowest common denominator type of audience." NBC already has that show, it's called "Joey."
This show is not as nuanced or realistic as the original, but I have to question whether the fact that I've seen the original is tainting my perception of this new version. (I would also like to know if you've seen the original or not.)
Unfortunately, I think Steve Carell is the show's biggest problem. He's far too concerned with making his role a charicature than making it seem like a real person. Many of his antics just do not feel genuine.
But, again, I urge those who watched last night's episode to give the show another shot or two. This first episode seems very awkward, as if the actors weren't quite sure how to approach their roles or the subject matter. The clip linked in my post above appears to be from the second episode, so you may want to wait to see it next week, but it is much funnier, much more realistic, and a much better example of what this show could be.
8 - Lono
I totally enjoyed the pilot last night, even with all the hype. I work in an office and seemingly always have...
it was more like watching a documentary, because all those characters are real. I think it will be a huge hit, as people are starved for a good sitcom. It seems like it has been at least 5 years since there was a good one.
Well, Arrested Developement is great... but I don't count that because I am the only one watching it apparently.
9 - Eric Berlin
Agreed and agreed, Lono.
And I'm watching AD, so there's at least two...
10 - Chris Beaumont
Count me amoong the AD fans! (up to 3)
I taped the Office, but haven't watched it yet. I hope to like it. I've seen the first season of the original and liked it.
11 - Tom Johnson
If my post didn't make it obvious enough, I'm actually AD fan #1 (if we're going by order of who declared their love first.)
12 - Scott
throw me on the AD list too. is that #5? #4?
13 - Mary Christmas
LOS ANGELES:
NBC First Look presented by Mazda
Grassroots Marketing Stunt
Media Alert!
On September 17th in Santa Monica on the 1300 block of the 3rd Street
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velvet ropes will be set up for passersby to a never been seen episode
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Adwalker Brand Ambassadors will walk along the promenade clothed in TV
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entire pilot episode of My Name is Earl, footage from The Office, a look
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On Site Contact: Maryann Ridini 818.884.0104
CHICAGO:
NBC First Look presented by Mazda
Grassroots Marketing Stunt
Media Alert!
On September 15th NBC will take to the streets of Chicago with a
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A mini mobile theatre featuring two plasma screens mounted inside two
all-new Mazda5 vehicles will set the stage for passersby to preview the
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seating!
Adwalkers wearing monitors imbedded in their T-shirts will also cruise
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Earl and distributing the NBC First Look Fall Launch Preview CD Rom;
containing the full length pilot episode of My Name is Earl, footage
from The Office, a look at the NEW 2006 Mazda vehicles and more.
For additional on site information please contact Maryann Ridini 818.884.0104
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