10/05/06 - The Office - "The Coup" + new Shrute Space
10-06-06, 05:24 PM
#151
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[QUOTE=Doughboy]
It just didn't feel like The Office to me. A lot of the cast seemed too over-the-top and out of character. And what the hell was up with the rival branch having a LAN party in the middle of a work day? Aren't these people supposed to be working hard to avoid being merged with another branch? QUOTE]
The British office ran for 12 episodes and paid off with David Brent getting fired. They are clearly hoping that this successful version will run for a lot longer. Brent was a bureaucratic mistake who was overlooked in flush times, but was inevitably ironed out of the system when financial difficulty brought closer scrutiny. Michael is a bad manager in a company that doesn't have any good managers.
There was an episode last season that showed the other regional managers as less than leaders in the field. That same episode also showed Michael's video presentation, which seemed completely inappropriate through the whole episode, turned out to be a very shrewd maneuver on his part. And even though he had been focusing on that video, he had compiled his sales data, even though he treated it as an afterthought. One of the other managers had not.
People last week were discussing how Michael's branch could possibly stay open, and considering the possibility of the Stamford branch being closed. This week set that up. The Stamford branch isn't any better. Despite initial appearances, Josh isn't a better manager than Michael.
It just didn't feel like The Office to me. A lot of the cast seemed too over-the-top and out of character. And what the hell was up with the rival branch having a LAN party in the middle of a work day? Aren't these people supposed to be working hard to avoid being merged with another branch? QUOTE]
The British office ran for 12 episodes and paid off with David Brent getting fired. They are clearly hoping that this successful version will run for a lot longer. Brent was a bureaucratic mistake who was overlooked in flush times, but was inevitably ironed out of the system when financial difficulty brought closer scrutiny. Michael is a bad manager in a company that doesn't have any good managers.
There was an episode last season that showed the other regional managers as less than leaders in the field. That same episode also showed Michael's video presentation, which seemed completely inappropriate through the whole episode, turned out to be a very shrewd maneuver on his part. And even though he had been focusing on that video, he had compiled his sales data, even though he treated it as an afterthought. One of the other managers had not.
People last week were discussing how Michael's branch could possibly stay open, and considering the possibility of the Stamford branch being closed. This week set that up. The Stamford branch isn't any better. Despite initial appearances, Josh isn't a better manager than Michael.
10-06-06, 05:47 PM
#152
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Originally Posted by Gunde
That very much depends on who you are and what your tastes are.
For me, nope not even close to being hotter than Pam.
For me, nope not even close to being hotter than Pam.
Karen looks more like she would go for a player.
10-06-06, 06:11 PM
#153
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Originally Posted by Alliant
Pam and Jim are a better match because they are both a little on the dorky side.
Karen looks more like she would go for a player.
Karen looks more like she would go for a player.
10-06-06, 06:27 PM
#154
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[QUOTE=ScandalUMD]
One of the major problems could arise is stretching out this idea for more than they did with the British Office. You can only do so many things and they are trying to expand on the premise now.
Also, not having Jim in the Office as a catalyst for trouble is a big let down.
Originally Posted by Doughboy
It just didn't feel like The Office to me. A lot of the cast seemed too over-the-top and out of character. And what the hell was up with the rival branch having a LAN party in the middle of a work day? Aren't these people supposed to be working hard to avoid being merged with another branch? QUOTE]
The British office ran for 12 episodes and paid off with David Brent getting fired. They are clearly hoping that this successful version will run for a lot longer. Brent was a bureaucratic mistake who was overlooked in flush times, but was inevitably ironed out of the system when financial difficulty brought closer scrutiny. Michael is a bad manager in a company that doesn't have any good managers.
There was an episode last season that showed the other regional managers as less than leaders in the field. That same episode also showed Michael's video presentation, which seemed completely inappropriate through the whole episode, turned out to be a very shrewd maneuver on his part. And even though he had been focusing on that video, he had compiled his sales data, even though he treated it as an afterthought. One of the other managers had not.
People last week were discussing how Michael's branch could possibly stay open, and considering the possibility of the Stamford branch being closed. This week set that up. The Stamford branch isn't any better. Despite initial appearances, Josh isn't a better manager than Michael.
The British office ran for 12 episodes and paid off with David Brent getting fired. They are clearly hoping that this successful version will run for a lot longer. Brent was a bureaucratic mistake who was overlooked in flush times, but was inevitably ironed out of the system when financial difficulty brought closer scrutiny. Michael is a bad manager in a company that doesn't have any good managers.
There was an episode last season that showed the other regional managers as less than leaders in the field. That same episode also showed Michael's video presentation, which seemed completely inappropriate through the whole episode, turned out to be a very shrewd maneuver on his part. And even though he had been focusing on that video, he had compiled his sales data, even though he treated it as an afterthought. One of the other managers had not.
People last week were discussing how Michael's branch could possibly stay open, and considering the possibility of the Stamford branch being closed. This week set that up. The Stamford branch isn't any better. Despite initial appearances, Josh isn't a better manager than Michael.
Also, not having Jim in the Office as a catalyst for trouble is a big let down.
10-06-06, 06:44 PM
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Originally Posted by riley_dude
One of the major problems could arise is stretching out this idea for more than they did with the British Office.
10-07-06, 12:00 AM
#158
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I really like the Jim stuff and the new girl, I liked all the Call of duty stuff. Some funny moments, but it felt off. I dont know if its the look, camera work, something feels really different.
10-07-06, 08:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Alliant
Pam and Jim are a better match because they are both a little on the dorky side.
10-07-06, 08:22 AM
#160
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I thought the Michael-tricking-Dwight routine was pretty mean. It made me more uncomfortable than made me laugh. I know in the BBC version, David Brent makes me uncomfortable all the time - I rarely laugh at that show because it feels so creepy, so in a way that works the way it's supposed to. Still, Michael's move felt a little extreme.
10-07-06, 09:25 AM
#161
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I spend my time watching The Office just waiting for the Creed moment of the day. He always delivers a nice solid laugh. I hope they never expand his character outside of his current role, save for maybe a spot light ep or two.
10-07-06, 12:02 PM
#167
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Originally Posted by LorenzoL
The deleted scenes are great.
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
10-07-06, 02:08 PM
#168
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I thought it was a good episode, but I definitely agree with others that something was off. I think the problem was that they simply tried to do too much with this episode. The Office traditionally has one theme that centers around a few of the main characters and is confined to one or at most, two different locals. I think in this episode, there was just no real focus. We had Dwight speaking with Jan at some coffee shop, the Call of Duty thing at Stamford, Pam with her fashion show, the movie Monday thing, and finally Dwight back at the Office facing off with Michael.
Another problem was the prevalence of real-life products and pop-culture in this episode. Liz Claiborne, Call of Duty, Varsity Blues, etc. This combined with more over-the-top dialogue and acting made it hard to suspend disbelief and get involved in their world. Mostly because it felt too much like our world and their behaviour just wasn't realistic.
Regardless, it was still funny, but it just didn't feel like The Office we all know and love.
Another problem was the prevalence of real-life products and pop-culture in this episode. Liz Claiborne, Call of Duty, Varsity Blues, etc. This combined with more over-the-top dialogue and acting made it hard to suspend disbelief and get involved in their world. Mostly because it felt too much like our world and their behaviour just wasn't realistic.
Regardless, it was still funny, but it just didn't feel like The Office we all know and love.
10-07-06, 04:24 PM
#169
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Originally Posted by dogmatica
I thought the Michael-tricking-Dwight routine was pretty mean. It made me more uncomfortable than made me laugh. I know in the BBC version, David Brent makes me uncomfortable all the time - I rarely laugh at that show because it feels so creepy, so in a way that works the way it's supposed to. Still, Michael's move felt a little extreme.
I think the reaction was extremely appropriate.
Originally Posted by Nausicaa
Another problem was the prevalence of real-life products and pop-culture in this episode. Liz Claiborne, Call of Duty, Varsity Blues, etc. This combined with more over-the-top dialogue and acting made it hard to suspend disbelief and get involved in their world. Mostly because it felt too much like our world and their behaviour just wasn't realistic.
They've had two entire episodes based in a Chili's restaurant. They've been to Hooters. Jim had to buy Pam a Coke. They called out a bunch of real chain restaurants when Michael went to New York. Michael drives a Sebring. When HASN'T this show referenced real-life stuff? I'd much rather they do that then hide products from the camera.
10-07-06, 05:24 PM
#170
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Originally Posted by dick_grayson
I was really surprised at how Dwight lost it. I assume Angela will lose respect for him and she and Roy will get together. They've hinted at it in the past. Hmmm.....
10-07-06, 06:19 PM
#171
Originally Posted by Draven
This is a strange criticism.
They've had two entire episodes based in a Chili's restaurant. They've been to Hooters. Jim had to buy Pam a Coke. They called out a bunch of real chain restaurants when Michael went to New York. Michael drives a Sebring. When HASN'T this show referenced real-life stuff? I'd much rather they do that then hide products from the camera.
They've had two entire episodes based in a Chili's restaurant. They've been to Hooters. Jim had to buy Pam a Coke. They called out a bunch of real chain restaurants when Michael went to New York. Michael drives a Sebring. When HASN'T this show referenced real-life stuff? I'd much rather they do that then hide products from the camera.
I agree. there's all kinds of uproar about product placement in tv shows, but to me, it's more distracting when someone rattles off some fictional product, or you see someone drinking "SUPER COLA" or something like that. it makes the show more real, and to me, that's a good thing.
and if it brings in extra bucks for the show, even better.
10-07-06, 07:25 PM
#172
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Originally Posted by Big Boy Laroux
I agree. there's all kinds of uproar about product placement in tv shows, but to me, it's more distracting when someone rattles off some fictional product, or you see someone drinking "SUPER COLA" or something like that. it makes the show more real, and to me, that's a good thing.
and if it brings in extra bucks for the show, even better.
and if it brings in extra bucks for the show, even better.
10-07-06, 07:45 PM
#173
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Originally Posted by dogmatica
I thought the Michael-tricking-Dwight routine was pretty mean. It made me more uncomfortable than made me laugh. I know in the BBC version, David Brent makes me uncomfortable all the time - I rarely laugh at that show because it feels so creepy, so in a way that works the way it's supposed to. Still, Michael's move felt a little extreme.
10-07-06, 09:19 PM
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I LOVED this episode. It did not feel off at all. I'm not sure why everyone is feeling that way. My throat became dry from laughing so much. Also, the indian chick is SUPPOSE to be annoying. I've met people just like her.. *cringe*.
