How does the US version cheapen the UK show in any way?

It doesn't.

Aside from the pilot being a terrible remake of the UK pilot, the series only borrowed the Pam/Jim romance, which they expanded way beyond the scope of the UK version. All the ancillary characters on the US series are nothing like their UK counterparts, because the US series had time to develop them as well.

I think even Ricky has commented on how much the US version differed from their version, even by the end of the first/start of the second season.

I view the original series and the US version as a pair of cousins that grew up on opposite sides of the pond. I love the original series but the US version -- for the most part -- has been brilliant as well.

Thanks for the spoiler in the thread title.





Who am I kidding. I would have likely read it on Ricky's blog anyway...but still.

I wonder if he will really be playing David Brent, or just some other character?

Really?

It's time Free Love Freeway crossed the pond anyway.

Yes, sounds like in the article they are just making an assumption.