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speedy_m
= Frankofile =
Canada
3581 Posts |
 Posted - 09/25/2006 : 07:41:33
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Considering how against this show I was when I first heard about it, the fact that I'm such a big fan should let all those other hold outs know that this show is GOOD. Yes, it started out as a really poor remake of the UK version, and Steve Carrell seemed awkward in a way that is not funny, as the character is supposed to be. Jim and Pam are perfect, but everyone else had to really grow on me. The show has managed to distnace itself from Ricky Gervais' mastepiece while staying true to its style and form. Apparently, Ricky himself has written an upcoming episode.
This season's "Jim in another office" stroyline is brilliant, I think. An excellent way to maintain the Jim/Pam dynamic, which was heading for disaster with the kiss that ended last season. Also, Pam choosing to break up with Roy was as stroke of genius, in terms of keeping the dynamic fresh and interesting. And of course the Roy mug shot was hilarious. I can't wait for more adventures of the Big Tuna.
he's back jack smoking crack find him if you want to get found
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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5157 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2006 : 07:43:33
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Agreed - this show has become a favorite of mine, and i really was not looking forward to it.
Plus, isn't Pam pretty close to perfect?
-Brian - http://bvsrant.blogspot.com |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11690 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2006 : 08:01:09
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Thank-you. I do love the US version as well. When is it on the telly here, Mike? I don't want to wait three days to download new ones.
I feel like Jim and Pam have even more chemistry than Tim and Dawn do, and that heightens the dynamic/tension. Jim sending gaydar to Dwight (who, by the way, finally became a character) closing the episode was a nice touch, both hilarious and brilliant because it underscores that now the shoe is (somewhat) on the other foot in that she is now in need of Jim and he's not available there for her.
 "Now you're officially my woman. Kudos. I can't say I don't envy you." |
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speedy_m
= Frankofile =
Canada
3581 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2006 : 08:16:02
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It's on thursday's on NBC. Must See TV indeed. I'm not sure what time it's on, I think 6:30. I believe Global shows it as well, probably an hour later.
Did you notice that at Jim's new office, the guy running their seminar on race relation or whatever was the same guy who ran it in the Scranton office last season? Mr. Brown! "I'm not going to call you that".
"Collard greens"
"It's colored greens"
"No, it's collard"
"That's ridiculous, you're not collard people"
he's back jack smoking crack find him if you want to get found
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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5157 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2006 : 08:37:25
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I agree, Jim and Pam may have more chemistry than Tim and Dawn. If you could somehow get Tim and Pam together, i think that would be best.
If there are any LOST watchers out there, did anyone catch the Season 1 reference to the UK Office?
-Brian - http://bvsrant.blogspot.com |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11690 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2006 : 08:39:47
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Excellent. I tend to work Thurs nights but come home for a brief respite first. This will help.
I did, actually, and it's amazing to me how episode 2 is so much better than episode 1. At first I read this as Sunday at 6:30, which would further have incapacitated me. As it is, it's the only day of the week I watch TV, and I watch a full hour and a half. Simpsons, American Dad, Family Guy. Can't complain too much about that lineup.
"Now you're officially my woman. Kudos. I can't say I don't envy you." |
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PixieSteve
> Teenager of the Year <
Poland
4698 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2006 : 08:54:42
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quote:
Originally posted by Broken Face
If there are any LOST watchers out there, did anyone catch the Season 1 reference to the UK Office?
-Brian - http://bvsrant.blogspot.com
course
FAST_MAN RAIDER_MAN - June 19th |
Edited by - PixieSteve on 09/25/2006 08:55:02 |
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martha_promise
= Cult of Ray =
USA
398 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2006 : 15:29:09
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The last couple of weeks I've rented season 1 & 2 from Netflix. Having only seen the show on tv sporadically, I was really impressed. Having all of the episodes at the same time was pretty cool, except I didn't get a whole lot done otherwise. It's like t.v. crack. Once, you watch one, you have to finish the disc. Looking forward to seeing what happens this season.
-Tom |
Edited by - martha_promise on 09/25/2006 16:59:36 |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 02:03:10
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I will probably catch it someday soon. I'm willing to give it a fair go now.
 I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 09:39:55
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I've only seen the first episode. It followed the original very closely, but it was well done. It's interesting that it's kind of expanded into it's own series.
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PixieSteve
> Teenager of the Year <
Poland
4698 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 10:46:50
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i just don't get why america seems to have to create its own versions of successful UK comedies... i accept the us version of the office may actually be funny (possibly funnier) and has developed into its own show, but the fact it's still heavily based on the concept of an already existing sitcom shows a lack of creativity. if american's can write, why are they doing covers?
FAST_MAN RAIDER_MAN - June 19th |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11690 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 12:03:15
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I agree with you, the original office was plenty funny, and I really don't understand the need to Americanize everything. That said, there are things that really don't translate as well. They don't detract for me and eventually you get what they mean, but still...
For example, "as an actor said to a bishop" or whatever David Brent says all the time. First of all, the accent makes it difficult to decipher, secondly, while I can infer some meaning from the context it's not clear what that means or why it would be considered 'funny' by David and 'funny that he would think it's funny' by us.
I don't think there are enough examples of this to warrant its own show, but luckily the show does have a life of its own and I'd say more that they're playing in the same genre, not necessarily doing covers.
"Now you're officially my woman. Kudos. I can't say I don't envy you." |
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PixieSteve
> Teenager of the Year <
Poland
4698 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 12:25:57
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well, frankly, if certain people don't get it then who cares? in fact, ricky gervais has said he makes his comedy for certain people (not wanting to be broad) so i'm suprised at him for being involved. if people don't get something, then it probably means they don't deserve to. who wants to have to explain their jokes or make them simple enough for everyone to understand? take it or leave it.
and something else that doesn't have much to do with anything, it's weird how american's sometimes can't actually understand english accents. i think it's because there's so much american stuff on tv and in the cinemas (yeah, we don't remake it!) that we're just used to your accent. no problem understanding at all.
FAST_MAN RAIDER_MAN - June 19th |
Edited by - PixieSteve on 09/26/2006 12:28:58 |
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starmekitten
-= Forum Pistolera =-
United Kingdom
6370 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 12:28:32
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quote:
Originally posted by PixieSteve
In fact, ricky gervais has said he makes his comedy for certain people (not wanting to be broad) so i'm suprised at him for being involved....
£$£$£$£$£$£$£$£
I'm not. |
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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5157 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 12:31:30
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I think calling it "The Office" was just a cheap ploy to get viewers. Except for the setting (paper company), faux-docu style and vague stereotypes (loser boss, flirty guy/girl, insane co-worker) the shows are pretty different.
-Brian - http://bvsrant.blogspot.com |
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speedy_m
= Frankofile =
Canada
3581 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 12:36:02
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I think referring it to it as a "cover" is fair enough. They took an exisitng piece of work and modified it. I like covers, personally, when done well. Frank Black seems to as well.... The US Office is a very, very well done cover.
he's back jack smoking crack find him if you want to get found
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darwin
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
5456 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 12:47:17
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| How can it be a cover when the content is different? Sure the first few episodes were a cover, but Ricky Gervais's character never burned his foot on a George Foreman grill while making bacon next to his bed. |
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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5157 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 12:49:43
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I can see it almost being like a jazz cover - as in taking a melody line from a standard song and then doing your own thing with the rest of the piece. Maybe.
-Brian - http://bvsrant.blogspot.com |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11690 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 13:07:53
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It's always about the jazz with you...
<low voice with grudging respect>Good analogy</low voice>
"Now you're officially my woman. Kudos. I can't say I don't envy you." |
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BLT
> Teenager of the Year <
South Sandwich Islands
4204 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 13:09:31
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I finally watched last week's episode, which I thought was the funniest ever. When Michael went into his spiel about "I would be the most flamboyant gay ever" I almost ruptured my spleen. And the guy who sits in front of Jim ("Cornell...ever heard of it?") is a promising new character.
"I want to dip my balls in it!" |
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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5157 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 13:09:57
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I'm going to go all Radio Raheem style when in SK and carry around a ghetto blaster belting out Coltrane, Mingus, Bley and Cline.
-Brian - http://bvsrant.blogspot.com |
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darwin
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
5456 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 13:18:27
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quote:
Originally posted by BLT
I finally watched last week's episode, which I thought was the funniest ever. When Michael went into his spiel about "I would be the most flamboyant gay ever" I almost ruptured my spleen. And the guy who sits in front of Jim ("Cornell...ever heard of it?") is a promising new character.
"I want to dip my balls in it!"
He's Ed Helms and use to be on the Daily Show. I don't know if he's going to last because I'm assuming Jim will come back to Scranton.
I don't know how long Carrell is going to want to stay on the show, but the cast of characters is so strong the show could remain good for a long time. |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11690 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 13:28:12
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Yeah, I was wondering the same thing about how long he will stay there. It will be a challenge for writers to keep that relationship going at all in this configuration, but that's sort of exciting. Maybe they won't. I always thought it was kind of giving in for Dawn and Tim to finally hook up in the UK. It would've been more of a commentary on real life for her to stay with the jackass.
I suppose if I really wanted to screw with the audience, I'd make the focus more on Pam and Roy and his attempts to 'win her back', have some office function where the awkwardness of the triangle of Roy-Pam-Jim hits, but it looks promising enough that Jim decides to come back at the end of the show and then right before the end of the credits we see Pam and Roy making up/out.
It's a good thing I don't write these, because I kind of hate myself.
"Now you're officially my woman. Kudos. I can't say I don't envy you." |
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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5157 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 13:36:31
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quote:
Originally posted by Cult_Of_Frank
Yeah, I was wondering the same thing about how long he will stay there. It will be a challenge for writers to keep that relationship going at all in this configuration, but that's sort of exciting. Maybe they won't. I always thought it was kind of giving in for Dawn and Tim to finally hook up in the UK. It would've been more of a commentary on real life for her to stay with the jackass.
I suppose if I really wanted to screw with the audience, I'd make the focus more on Pam and Roy and his attempts to 'win her back', have some office function where the awkwardness of the triangle of Roy-Pam-Jim hits, but it looks promising enough that Jim decides to come back at the end of the show and then right before the end of the credits we see Pam and Roy making up/out.
It's a good thing I don't write these, because I kind of hate myself.
"Now you're officially my woman. Kudos. I can't say I don't envy you."
I actually thought the UK ending was, possibly, the best ending of a TV show ever - it gave you exactly what you wanted, without feeling cheap. That and Six Feet Under ended properly.
-Brian - http://bvsrant.blogspot.com |
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PixieSteve
> Teenager of the Year <
Poland
4698 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 13:53:01
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quote:
Originally posted by darwin
How can it be a cover when the content is different? Sure the first few episodes were a cover, but Ricky Gervais's character never burned his foot on a George Foreman grill while making bacon next to his bed.
sounds hilarious
FAST_MAN RAIDER_MAN - June 19th |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11690 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 13:59:19
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You don' know if it is or not because it never happened in the UK version, which was the point I think - not that this particular thing is what sets the show apart.
The booze cruise, the birthday/cancer, the boss hook up, outing a gay guy, the show has plenty of its own merits. You can see that Michael actually has a little bit of talent at times, like when he does the sale that winds up with him and Jan hooking up. That little incident alone is cause for plenty of comedy absent from the UK version.
"Now you're officially my woman. Kudos. I can't say I don't envy you." |
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PixieSteve
> Teenager of the Year <
Poland
4698 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 14:47:25
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the whole point was david was a loser... argh.. don't call it the office...
FAST_MAN RAIDER_MAN - June 19th |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11690 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 15:13:04
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Oh, I assure you that Michael is a loser too, but he's not David.
"Now you're officially my woman. Kudos. I can't say I don't envy you." |
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BLT
> Teenager of the Year <
South Sandwich Islands
4204 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 15:42:57
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quote:
Originally posted by Cult_Of_Frank
Oh, I assure you that Michael is a loser too, but he's not David.
Hard to imagine David kissing Gil.
"I want to dip my balls in it!" |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 17:40:37
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Ricky Gervais wrote an episode for the US version-anybody see that one?
[EDIT]Before anyone makes a smart comment, I meant a new episode!
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Edited by - Carl on 09/26/2006 17:41:26 |
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Don Eduardo
= Cult of Ray =
Australia
403 Posts |
Posted - 09/27/2006 : 02:09:16
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Been pleasantly surprised by how good the US version is....wasnt expecting much, especially after the pilot, but now I can't wait for the rest of series 3 (forced to get them off BT, Australia prob wont show it til next year, and even then it'll be on at 11pm on a sunday night...and thats only when theres no formula one grand prix or superbikes or whatever motorsport they show on sunday nights)
Dwight's intro to the new series was pure gold ..."I cry myself to sleep every night...FALSE!"
Heh also his sly looks at the camera when Michael wondered if Angela was a lesbian.
Reckon they've handled the Jim/Pam thing perfectly too so far. |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 09/27/2006 : 02:48:24
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quote:
Originally posted by Cult_Of_Frank
I always thought it was kind of giving in for Dawn and Tim to finally hook up in the UK. It would've been more of a commentary on real life for her to stay with the jackass.
I completely forgot about that. I agree, it would have been more of a commentary on real life had she stayed with the loser.
I'd walk her everyday, into a shady place
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ProverbialCereal
- FB TabMaster -
USA
2953 Posts |
Posted - 09/27/2006 : 15:11:38
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I enjoy the US Office. I got into it first and then discovered it was a remake of a British show. So it essentially turned me on to the British version and now I love both. I'm sure others have discovered the British Office through the US one as well. And that's a good thing. So anyone who whines about it being lame they did a remake should stop because I might not have discovered the British one for a while if they hadn't.
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Kirk
= Cult of Ray =
USA
633 Posts |
Posted - 09/29/2006 : 12:26:45
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| I might be the only one to admitt this, but when the UK actors speak it sounds like slurred jibberish. |
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speedy_m
= Frankofile =
Canada
3581 Posts |
Posted - 09/29/2006 : 12:53:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Kirk
I might be the only one to admitt this, but when the UK actors speak it sounds like slurred jibberish.
That's why the DVDs have subtitles. For people like YOU.
How about the episode last night? We finally have our "Neil" in Josh. I like how in the US version, there's the running theme that Michael is innapropriate and somewhat rude (unintionally) but he's also this great salesman. Takes it even further away from the UK version.
he's back jack smoking crack find him if you want to get found
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11690 Posts |
Posted - 09/29/2006 : 14:02:17
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Yeah, it was pretty good. I was expecting more from the whole Dwight-Angela/hooker subplot, but I guess it underscores that while Jim is getting work done he doesn't have the fun he once did. Might've been funny back at the office if Jim had seen more than a little leg...
"Now you're officially my woman. Kudos. I can't say I don't envy you." |
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The Office (US)
