MMM Addendum: The Office
filed in tv on Sep.08, 2008
Somehow, I failed to get swept away by “The Office.” Indeed, I actually watched part of the first segment of the pilot. I changed channels. There was something just disturbing about Steve Carrell’s smarmy, narcissistic boss that completely turned me off.
Fast-forward four years. I haven’t looked back, and yet I know so many people who just adore the show. So, I decided to try it on again. Summer is the time for TV-on-DVD, so I put in a hold request at the library for Season One.
Well, The Fair Elaine and I watched the entire six episode season on Saturday Night. It’s still disturbing. I’ll admit I laughed very hard quite a number of times. There were also a lot of Borat moments, where I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or be uncomfortable.
Honestly, I felt like I was laughing at someone’s severe mental illness. The Carrell character is such a multifaceted monster that it’s hard to laugh for very long. I feel really badly for him, because he’s just so deluded. The documentary style of the show makes it seem real somehow. Actually, the writing is so brilliant that it seems unscripted. How do you write this stuff?
Anyhow, I’m still disturbed by it. I can’t imagine tuning into it when it comes back this fall. First, I’ll have to catch up on the intervening seasons. I’ve already put a hold request in for season two.
September 8th, 2008 on 2:33 pm
I think that’s why we all like it too. We have no idea what to do with ourselves, we’re so uncomfortable. It’s brilliant writing and excellent acting by Carrell.
I can’t help it. I still love the show.
September 12th, 2008 on 3:59 pm
Finally … someone speaks aloud what I’ve been afraid to say … There are occassionally episodes that I laugh very hard at … the Fun Run for Rabies being one of them … but most of the time, I feel just like you described. And am shocked at the number of middle schoolers that watch it. It is definitely not appropriate for kids … so makes it hard to watch now anyway.
September 12th, 2008 on 4:10 pm
We haven’t started in on any subsequent seasons yet, but I did get the British version. It has the same comedic timing in it, so it’s just as uncomfortably funny. And also definitely not a kids’ show.
Glad you finally saw your way clear to comment on something over here…come back anytime.