Anyone else watch the BBC's "The Office"?

[stanwyck]

I'm addicted. Apparently, NBC is going to make an American version. I'm not optimistic. It's humor is very British, though there are universal "office archetypes". Like the painfully funny David Brent. I agree with one of the guys in the ads for the show who says "if you don't know someone like David Brent, you probably are David Brent."

[goddess40]

1. It's like a train wreck

Painful to watch but you can't look away. I feel sorry for Brent, but at the same time he makes my skin crawl.

[AWD]

2. Love that show...

...wait until you see the full "David Brent Dance" scene next week. Hilarious!

[Hell Hath No Fury]

3. I totally love this show....

It is mesmerizingly strange. To go from big laughs to utter depression in a single episode is quite the feat. The first season closer was one of the more sad pieces of television I have ever watched.

I am convinced Ricky Gervis is some sort of savant.

I tried describing it to WillyT's gal pal this afternoon and I was damned if I knew how. I think it's just one of those things you have to experience.

The American producers will screw it up, undoubtably. Probably through a damn laugh track in, 'cause you know American audiences can't be trusted to know when there's a joke being told. Considering how well their version of "Coupling" went, I don't hold high hopes for the Yank "The Office".

[Lydia Leftcoast]

4. The genius of that show is that it's

just a quarter-inch removed from reality. You have to really watch and listen to get everything that's going on. All the actors are very natural and act as if they truly believe everything they're saying.

That's way too subtle for American TV comedy, which has to signal all the jokes and features unnatural blocking and gestures and broad over-acting.

The segment about nicknames and the motivational speakers were wonderful this evening.

[stanwyck]

5. Good analysis!

I can't describe the show to people. Brit humor is very difficult for me to translate. I worry about raving about the show to people because I'm afraid they'll watch and not get it. Glad some of the other DUers are there with me.

[rjbcar27]

6. One one of the few who can't stand it.

I hate it. I cannot watch it.