The Office - Season Two

I am a huge fan of the original British version of "The Office". I had serious doubts the American version could be anywhere near as good (I am American, by the way), simply because when you do a remake, it has to breathe and have a life of its own, not merely copy the original. This is not easy to do. But I was swayed by the glowing reviews of fans on Amazon. To my immense disappointment, I could not tolerate more than a few minutes of any episode of Season Two. Hard to say why... Probably it's because I've seen it all before. There is nothing new here. I was hoping for a fresh creation from the same source, not merely a copy of the original (and a less funny one, at that). For example, it's weird that the characters have so many of the same gestures, tics, and even appearance as their British counterparts. For heaven's sake, couldn't the writers take the idea and run with it? Did they have to slavishly copy the original? If you have already seen the British version, watching this is like seeing the same thing over again, but not as good. It is NOT like seeing an additional season of a show you already know and love.

While the first season took a little while to ramp up, the second season of The Office is comedic gold all the way through. The second season expands upon many of the supporting characters and makes the main cast really shine. This is a show that's not to be missed.

I was slow getting on board for The Office. I remember reading a creative writer, one time (can't remember who), saying that the most important element for writing a successful story was to have a likeable narrative voice. I think the reason it took me a while on this show was that the first season just didn't have that sort of voice. It was biting and harsh and a little dark. I didn't hate the show, but I certainly didn't like it enough to make the time to see new episodes.

But then, a couple of years later, I saw part of one episode, `The Dundies,' where Pam was accepting her award, and she was so charming, and the tone was so different from the previous season (you seeing such compassion displayed toward Michael) that I was hooked. It's been such a rewarding show since then. Especially in Season 2, there's not a bad episode. Everything is so smartly written and so well acted. This sense of humor is new to American tv. And it's a meaningful show, too.

My favorite thing about the show is how it's not conceived as just a bunch of single episodes. For most sitcoms, the season-long and multi-season-long story arches seem so episodic (no pun intended). There's always a big finale, but the plot wasn't developed such that the ending is logical, and the viewer is rarely emotionally prepared for whatever big even happens. I think this so hampers sitcoms, even good ones. They so rarely are conceived in a way that allows them to be anything beyond amusing.

The Office, of course, is the opposite. The Pam and Jim storyline is realistic (I've been Jim before, I know) and heartfelt. The characterizations (what acting by both of them!) are of such depth (two sitcom characters who are actual adults!) that we can see this as a truthful situation and feel for them. And there are no hasty movements. The story arches have been orchestrated expertly, and the wonderful season finale, `Casino Night,' makes for a perfect climax.

Of course, I love everything else, too. The childishness of Michael, the zaniness of Dwight, and the eccentricities of the other characters provide the perfect counterpoint for the more serious aspects of the show, and the show still succeeds as satire (as Season 1 wanted to be), albeit a less bitter one.

Anyway, I can't think of a better season for any show. This is a real can't-miss, clearly (to my mind) the best show on tv right now.

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