The Office (UK) Season 1 Review


Friend First, Boss second.

Now that I have completed the first season of The Office (UK), I can see why it must've proved so popular in its heyday, although there were a number of factors which prevented me from loving it.

 David Brent naturally carries the whole show forward, with his bumbling awkwardness, desperate desire to be liked and unbelievably poor and inappropriate gags. Ricky Gervais might as well just be playing himself, the role suits him so well. The mockumentary format also feels right at home alongside a protagonist so fond of the spotlight. Being one of the first mockumentaries of its kind, The Office (UK) was a reasonably new concept which proved immediately popular, and its comedy value cannot be questioned.

The supporting characters are limited in their numbers, with only Dawn, Tim and Gareth having lines. The trio are fun to watch, particularly the Tim and Dawn romance, which feels realistic and inspires sympathy from the viewer, who is encouraged to ship the couple as the episodes go on. Tim and Gareth are also a recipe for gags as the pair constantly argue over trivial matters. Gareth wasn't as funny as I was hoping, leaving David to produce any comedy each time, which is a slight flaw going forwards.

My only other qualm with the series was that it felt more awkward then funny. What I mean, is that often awkward situations would arise which were meant to be humorous, but actually ended up being cringe-inducing and hard to watch. The show would benefit from further emphasis on humour and less on just aspiring for awkwardness.

 The plot-lines were thin across the series, with Slough branch's future the main dilemma the characters had to contend with. Elsewhere, Gareth aspires for further power in the business and Tim and Dawn flirt hopelessly, since the latter is locked in a toxic relationship with warehouse worker Lee. We are gradually encouraged to hate the abusive Lee and like the bumbling, well-meaning Tim. This love triangle was a strong arc for the series and I look forward to seeing how the story develops in the future.

 Overall, I had a good few laughs watching The Office (UK) season one, just not enough to inspire a re-watch, which is the coveted quality of any successful comedy show. Still, an easy and enjoyable ride that is worth your time if it's your humour.

 RATING: 7/10

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