| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| The Office - UK or US...? |
| UK version |
|
53% |
[ 17 ] |
| US version |
|
46% |
[ 15 ] |
|
| Total Votes : 32 |
|
| Author |
Message |
BS.Dos.

Joined: 29 Mar 2007
|
Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 4:13 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I haven't voted as I haven't seen the US version, but I can't imagine that it could possibly be any funnier than the original.
As far as the original is concerned, for me the backdrop played (and contributed) to the overall aesthetic and mood of the series, a mood that you either grasped and identified with or you didn't. So much of that banalitic and wonted humour comes from knowing and identifying with that particular humdrumonious setting.
Slough, Berkshire probably isn't the most emotive, conducive or representational image of all those things (generally) considered to be quintessentially English. But, and it's a significant but, it's one of the reasons why the humour is so significant and identifiable. That's how it really is for a lot of people.
That said, Arrested Development is by far and away the snappiest sitcom ever.
I'd happily bang on for hours about Jobb, Maybe and Tobias the Never-nude. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Qinella
Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib
|
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 12:55 am Post subject: |
|
|
I've seen every episode of both series at least twice, usually more. Both are historical. Hysterical. (Lately, the US version hasn't been at its best.)
The big difference between the two is that the US's comedy is often either a pun or some subtle action whereas the UK is a row of spontaneous absurdity. Which is best?  |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
pdx
Joined: 19 Jan 2007
|
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 6:28 am Post subject: |
|
|
This week's episode was okay - though Jim's prank was really great. And also Dwight's return prank was laughable.
I read Jenna Fisher's blog on myspace, and she said that there are some really great ones coming up - such as Women's Appreciation Day" or some such thing where Michael takes the women to the wall.
Season 3 has been up and down. The beginning of the season was great (Gay Witch Hunt anyone?), but there have been some downers. Then it was up again (the bat episode for example), and it seems down right now. Hopefully it will be on the upswing for the end of the season.
And yes- Arrested Development was completely awesome. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
ChimpumCallao

Joined: 17 May 2005 Location: your mom
|
Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 7:19 am Post subject: |
|
|
I'm an American, and have been a HUGE fan of the UK office since it began- it was my favorite show.
Like someone said here, I thought the idea of a US office was going to be lame and incomperable to the original, yet I must agree- ever since the "racism" episode, the US version has won me over.
I think Ricky Gervais was a better character- but as a whole, I like the US office better. ' |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
safeblad
Joined: 17 Jul 2006
|
Posted: Sun Apr 29, 2007 6:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| swetepete wrote: |
| Without hijacking overly, I'd like to recommend 'Peep Show' as the funniest British comedy I've seen. Funnier, even, than the 'Office' or 'Extras.' |
I Agree.
The problem I have with US comedy is that it is done to death, I feel the quality of the writing is sacrificed for sheer volume of episodes. Did we really need so many episodes of friends?
The same thing is happening with the [absolute genius] Curb your enthusiasm - Far too many Episodes. The UK specialises is short 6 or 7 episode series (seasons whatever) and that run for only 2-3 seasons.
eg. Fawlty Towers, Alan Partridge, Spaced, Nathan Barley....
Peep show (which needs its own thread) really didnt need a fourth series, and its getting a fifth which is a real shame...
I voted for the UK office..... |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
|