TiVo Community Forums Archives - BBCAmerica-"The Office"

TiVoCommunity.com
(c)opyright 1995-2005 All rights reserved
indexcheckTC
This area is a static history of posts in the TiVo Community Forum Archive.
This archive history was made for the simple indexing of search sites like Google.

Pages:1

BBCAmerica-"The Office"
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: chloejackson

Has anyone been watching the new BBCAmerica show "The Office"? The first two episodes have been both funny and insightful. It's a forty minute show that is filmed "mockumentary' style about life in an office. The lead actor is also the codirector and writer.

I've never seen a show so "spot on"about office dynamics.

Posted by: Torgo

Yeah, it's a great show, although it's hard to describe.

Some very funny scenes I replay several times until I hurt from laughter, followed by a scene where I go "I used to work with an @#$*@ like that" :)

Very well done though, definite SP keeper.

Posted by: Dubbadown

Just watched the first 2 episodes, very funny stuff. I had to watch it with the CC on, but the show is the funniest thing I've seen in a while. Definitely better than all the comedies on American TV right now.

Posted by: grins

I just saw the one where the picture of the boss circulates around the office. Hilariously funny, but for some reason, some of the scenes are so squirm inducing that I have to stop myself from fast forwarding over them...'which I _hate_'. ;)

Posted by: Dubbadown

I liked when he tried to play the joke on the receptionist telling her she was going to be a fallout from the "redundancy" and it backfired on him. And all the different signs that Gareth made for his "office". Think I'm going to have to go back and watch it again. :D

Posted by: Jojo

I heard about this show from friends back in the UK, and I love it! I've just seen the first two episodes, but I'm already telling everyone at work to watch it.

I like to describe it as masochistic comedy. Its almost painful to watch, I cringe a lot, and it curls my toes to see some of it. I find its funnier in retrospect that when you are actually watching it. I was talking to a co-worker about it today, and we were both literally crying with laughter when I repeated the scene where David and Gareth are looking at porn on the internet (and trying to be disgusted). The immortal line "...really they should be rewarded" has me chuckling at my desk even now :)

Jojo

Posted by: kimsan

Wanted to like it, but just couldn't. Hard to put a finger on the particulars, but I guess I just don't find the characters interesting. I killed the SP before the first episode was over.

I know enough annoying, oblivious folks in my life, don't send them to me as amusement. Not my cup of meat.

cheers,

kim

Posted by: Dignan

Brilliant show. You need to be in the mood for the subtlety. One scene I really laughed at, Gareth is showing the boss the porn files he found on the internet and the boss is looking at the images and continuing to talk to his superior. When Gareth wanted to show how he could display his Internet History, I lost it.....I hope this show catches on.

Posted by: zaknafein

If you have region-independent equipment, you can buy season 1 on DVD.

Posted by: Dignan

quote:
Originally posted by zaknafein
If you have region-independent equipment, you can buy season 1 on DVD.

Thanks for the tip. Where did I put that Apex :p

Actually I'm downloading the first episode from EasyNews right now, there are several episodes on alt.binaries.multimedia.

Posted by: Tsiehta

Another truly excellent show from the UK. Coupling and The Office are amazing.

Posted by: chloejackson

There was a season ONE? I did not know that, thanks for the tip. I thought this was just a one shot six show mini series. Makes sense that there was a season one though as I thought the first show sort of assumed you knew the characters.

Posted by: grecorj

quote:
Originally posted by Dubbadown
I liked when he tried to play the joke on the receptionist telling her she was going to be a fallout from the "redundancy" and it backfired on him. And all the different signs that Gareth made for his "office". Think I'm going to have to go back and watch it again. :D

Yeah, great scene, especially when he just kind of mumbles, "only joking".

Gareth is funny -- his holster for his cellphone and his buddy who keeps prank calling him.

Posted by: grins

'If there's one thing I'm not, it's immature' delivered while actually dialing his cell phone to prank call him! LOL!

t

Posted by: Dignan

quote:
Originally posted by chloejackson
There was a season ONE? I did not know that, thanks for the tip. I thought this was just a one shot six show mini series. Makes sense that there was a season one though as I thought the first show sort of assumed you knew the characters.

Actually they are showing the first season now, here is the episode guide

http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/theoffice/epguide/

Posted by: chloejackson

Oh so this is season one? Is there a season two?

Posted by: Jojo

Yes there is a season two. It has already been shown in the UK, but no DVD of it yet. I ordered the Season 1 DVD yesterday :)

Posted by: Dignan

Alt.binaries.multimedia has all 6 episodes of the first season up. I've downloaded the first 3 and burned them as SVCDs, I never realized how cool it was to watch stuff on your DVD player that you downloaded from the internet. Thanks to the forum members who led me to www.timdoc.com

Posted by: Dignan

PLEASE tell me more people are watching this. I just finished watching The Quiz, damn is this show funny.

Anyone who liked Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show etc. should really get a kick out of it. It just won an award in England for best comedy if that helps. Spread the word!!!

Posted by: Tsiehta

This show makes me laugh out loud!!!! too much fun!!

Posted by: zaknafein

quote:
Originally posted by Dignan
PLEASE tell me more people are watching this. I just finished watching The Quiz, damn is this show funny.

Anyone who liked Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show etc. should really get a kick out of it. It just won an award in England for best comedy if that helps. Spread the word!!!

Watched the same episode this weekend, very funny show.

One problem I have though, the characters' accents are so thick I can hardly understand what they are saying half the time! I have to watch with CC on just to follow what's going on.

Posted by: Dignan

quote:
Originally posted by zaknafein
Watched the same episode this weekend, very funny show.

One problem I have though, the characters' accents are so thick I can hardly understand what they are saying half the time! I have to watch with CC on just to follow what's going on.

Yeah I've had some trouble understanding as well. I think it helps to watch a few and kind of pick up the dialect, I found that after watching Coupling and Cold Feet I could understand better than just watching cold. I've also seen the episodes twice now and I do pick up things the second time, especially when David Brent goes on about himself.

I've noticed the second season is up on Usenet but the quality isn't so hot. From what I've read the second season is ever better. :cool:

Posted by: sallypnut

quote:
Originally posted by Dignan
PLEASE tell me more people are watching this. I just finished watching The Quiz, damn is this show funny.

Anyone who liked Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show etc. should really get a kick out of it. It just won an award in England for best comedy if that helps. Spread the word!!!

This sounds right up my alley, and I just scheduled a recording. Thanks for the heads up, gang.

Did any of you ever watch Human Remains when it ran on BBCA? It's hard to describe, but it was one of the funniest and strangest shows I've ever seen. I recommend setting up a WL for it. I hope they run it again. :)

Posted by: bdowell

Been enjoying this show as well.

I have friends and former co-workers from the U.K., and got to spend a few weeks there in 1999.

As it turns out, I stayed in a town called Slough, which is shown on signage each week in the opening of the show.

I got rides from my U.K. office brethren from Slough to Luton, and got to enjoy some fine British driving (NOT!, j/k - I have a lot of tolerance for wild driving, but I know my wife would have left plenty of bricks in her undergarments from the driving those folks do) as a passenger on those rides.

I walked all around the town of Slough, and got to know if fairly well during my time there. It's interesting to see some of the same landscape on the show.

The show itself is pretty darn funny. It does take my brain a little time to translate some of the dialect and conversations, but it's pretty funny. Well worth a season pass.

I still miss Father Ted, and liked seeing that paired with Coupling a bit more, but I know with the passing of the star of Father Ted after it's third season, that I will have to be happy with repeats of that show at best.

Meanwhile The Office is much like a live action version of Dilbert. Too funny to miss.

Posted by: grecorj

quote:
Originally posted by Dignan
Actually they are showing the first season now, here is the episode guide

http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/theoffice/epguide/

Thanks for the link. I like how they highlight quotes from each episode. From "The Quiz":

quote:
Brent-ism of the episode
"There are things that I will never laugh at. The handicapped - because there’s nothing funny about them. Or any deformity. …At least the little handicapped fella is able minded… or sometimes not - it’s difficult to tell with the wheelchair ones."

Posted by: chloejackson

Thank you for the episode guide!

Darn, it's over!!!!! Or Series 1 anyway? Does anyone know when they are going to run Series 2 on BBCAmerica?

Saw the last episode "Judgement" last night and it was one of the best. I LOVE that show!!

Looks like they are going to rerun the six episodes starting next week with "Downsizing".

Posted by: Dignan

quote:
Originally posted by chloejackson
Thank you for the episode guide!

Darn, it's over!!!!! Or Series 1 anyway? Does anyone know when they are going to run Series 2 on BBCAmerica?

Saw the last episode "Judgement" last night and it was one of the best. I LOVE that show!!

Looks like they are going to rerun the six episodes starting next week with "Downsizing".

Well I would guess it will be 6 weeks at the very least based on the latest schedule. The DVD for Season 2 will be released in the UK in "the Autumn" according to the BBC web site. I just sent an e-mail to BBC America asking when the next season will be shown, we'll see if that goes anywhere.

For now if you REALLY want to see the next season it is available online in certain comedy newsgroups. The quality for the second season isn't nearly as good as the DVD version from season 1. I have watched 2 episodes from the second season and they are just as brilliant, if not better than the first season.

My favorite episode is still "Training", the scene when David "faces" the motivational speaker with his complaint still makes me laugh when I think about it. I think the episodes are even better with repeated viewings.

Spread the word!!

Posted by: millertivo

quote:
Originally posted by Dignan
My favorite episode is still "Training", the scene when David "faces" the motivational speaker with his complaint still makes me laugh when I think about it. I think the episodes are even better with repeated viewings.

Spread the word!!

I just finished watching this episode. Very funny! I took my about 2 episodes to really start enjoying this show and get to know the characters. "The Quiz" and "Training" were hilarious. I crack up just watching the Regional Manager - who I guess is one of the creators of the show (according to the website and credits).

Posted by: chloejackson

Anyone here from the UK? Are the two towns where the two branches are located, real towns? I think Swinton is. What town is the David Brent branch in? Slough?

Just curious because I was wondering, if at the point, where the remaining Brent people would have had to transfer to Swinton, how much of a trauma that would be?

Is Swinton so far away that people would have to sell their houses and uproot their families to move? Or would it just be a longer commute?

Posted by: chloejackson

Anyone else have a favorite scene? So many to choose from.

One touching scene was in the final episode where Gareth, the Assistant Regional Manager, no, Assistant TO the Regional Manager, is asking David if there will be a place for him on David's team (at the point where David still had the promotion). Just seeing Gareth there welling up and cherishing his gift of the paper hole punch (have anything, well no, not the guitar). I didn't know whether to laugh or cry or both.:)

Posted by: Regor

Chloe,

The town the other branch is in is called Swindon which is 60 miles from Slough. The second series is well worth the wait, although I do prefer the first series.

Ricky Gervais (who plays David Brent) is not sure as to whether or not there will be a third series, but has hinted at doing 'one off' specials in the future.

Posted by: chloejackson

Thanks for the info. So the other branch is 60 miles away, so the ones being transferred, while not losing their jobs, would have to uproot their families and move. That's a bit more traumatic than just working at a new branch a few subway stops away.

I am impressed at how well the comedy and the treatment of office politics transferred to America from the UK. I am glad I TIVO'ed it as there were times when, because of the accents and cadence, I couldn't understand what was being said and had to reverse and replay to catch the dialogue.

I will admit there were a few terms of slang and cultural references that I didn't understand. Can't think of any now?

Gareth keeps getting kidded about being in the "Territorial Army" versus the "regular" Army? What is the difference?

Posted by: chloejackson

Does anyone know if the show is totally scripted or is there an element of improvisation?

Another scene I enjoyed was the one in the bar, where a slightly inebriated Tim, having recapitulated on his decision to walk out, redefines his "ladder of life" analogy to Dawn, who had taken it so to heart before. LOL Ok well you just have to see it.:) You see, ok, well it's best to be on the bottom rung of a ladder you want to climb, but then you could make a parallel move to another ladder..........

Posted by: TimC

>Gareth keeps getting kidded about being in the "Territorial Army" versus the "regular" Army? What is the difference?

I think its like our reserves or guard: part time citizen-soldiers vs full-time professionals.

Although I like most British commedies, I cancelled my season pass of the Office after watching 3 episodes. There are certainly some very funny bits, but I found there were many more times I cringed rather than laughed. It is uncomfortable to watch.

Posted by: chloejackson

Thanks for the answer. Yes, you're right there are many cringe-worthy moments during the shows, but then I eat up that type of humor.:)

Posted by: ncsercs

quote:
Originally posted by kimsan
Wanted to like it, but just couldn't. Hard to put a finger on the particulars, but I guess I just don't find the characters interesting. I killed the SP before the first episode was over.

I know enough annoying, oblivious folks in my life, don't send them to me as amusement. Not my cup of meat.

cheers,

kim

ditto............

Posted by: thehepcat

GREAT NEWS!!!

LONDON (Reuters) - Award-winning British comedian Ricky Gervais is working on another series of his hit docu-spoof "The Office," possibly for Christmas release, the BBC said on Wednesday.
Gervais, who won a Bafta last year for his subtle portrayal of dysfunctional office manager David Brent, has not yet decided whether the spoof's third outing will run to a full series, said a BBC spokeswoman.

"Ricky and (co-author) Stephen Merchant are writing some new material at the moment," she said. "But they haven't decided what format it will take or when it will run. It could be a two-part, three-part, or even a whole series," she added.

Gervais told London's Evening Standard newspaper on Wednesday that the new spoof would be set over the Christmas period, and that was when he wanted it to be screened.

Posted by: linh

They're doing a contest where you can win a Tivo with Lifetime.

Posted by: phone1

quote:
Originally posted by linh
They're doing a contest where you can win a Tivo with Lifetime.

http://www.bbcamerica.com/genre/com...isode_guide.jsp

Posted by: Dignan

quote:
Originally posted by thehepcat
GREAT NEWS!!!

LONDON (Reuters) - Award-winning British comedian Ricky Gervais is working on another series of his hit docu-spoof "The Office," possibly for Christmas release, the BBC said on Wednesday.
Gervais, who won a Bafta last year for his subtle portrayal of dysfunctional office manager David Brent, has not yet decided whether the spoof's third outing will run to a full series, said a BBC spokeswoman.

"Ricky and (co-author) Stephen Merchant are writing some new material at the moment," she said. "But they haven't decided what format it will take or when it will run. It could be a two-part, three-part, or even a whole series," she added.

Gervais told London's Evening Standard newspaper on Wednesday that the new spoof would be set over the Christmas period, and that was when he wanted it to be screened.

Very cool. Gervais had hinted at this before, but this really is great news. I've only got one more episode to watch in the second season, I've been saving it because I thought it was the last one.

Posted by: uochris

The Office is easily the funniest show I've seen in a very long time and puts American comedies to shame. I can't wait for the second season to start on BBC America.

Posted by: TheBar1

For those of us who missed it the first time around, BBC America is showcasing this show all next week:

The Office Week
Watch every Series 1 episode every night at 10 pm et/pt starting June 16th.

You can find clips of the show at:

http://www.bbcamerica.com/genre/com.../the_office.jsp

Happy viewing!

Posted by: Smiles

There will be two more new episodes of The Office (not including the not-yet-aired-in-the-US season 2), and then it's history.

Posted by: millertivo

quote:
Originally posted by TheBar1
For those of us who missed it the first time around, BBC America is showcasing this show all next week:

This is worth watching again! Especially, the role play scenes from Episode 4. To be honest, the show didn't start growing on me until Episode 3 and then the role play scenes sealed the deal for me.

Posted by: Frylock

I've got at least 1 sitting in my now playing list. It's a great show. If you like BBC, then you will love this show.

Why is it that the BBC produces so many good shows. Who else enjoyed "Mr Bean", the show, not the horrible movie that attempted the american attempt at british humor, and surprise surprise, isn't funny!

Posted by: bvolb

i love this show!!! i love this boss' assistant and the boss too, can't stop laughing!!! love it and hope they keep on airing it after "Office Week"

Posted by: BlearyEyed

Just thought fans of the show might find this tidbit interesting. In the most recent Entertainment Weekly David Brent, or more accurately Ricky Gervais the actor who plays him, one for “Boss From Hell” on the magazine “It” list, basically a list of the cool new things for the year.

The reason I mention it is because under upcoming projects they say he is:
“Working on the pilot for an American version of The Office.”

I’m relatively new to BBC America, I saw season one of The Office when it started airing and have seen most of Coupling so I don’t know how well BBC shows do when adapted for US audiences, but if they can pull this off it could be very interesting.

Posted by: bvolb

bbc shows do great when adapted for US markets. take three shows that now show on TLC for example, trading spaces (from changing rooms on bbc) what not to wear and junkyard wars. all these shows have big audiances in the US, and were adapted from bbc programs.