I’ve been watching the original version of The Office that was produced in the UK. I’m often told that the UK version is far superior. I have to wonder if those people have ever seen the British version. Some people like to speak out of their asre and feel the need to claim movies and television produced in other countries are so much better. I’ll admit to the fact that a lot of garbage is produced in the US. I grew sick of reality television seven years ago, but the majority of shows in production are the ‘reality show’ format. Thankfully there are still some good shows out there, be it too few and far between.
One of the funniest elements of the US version is the interaction between Jim and Dwight. That is totally lacking in the UK version. I can recognize plot ideas used in the US version that were nearly identical to the UK version, but the US version pulls it off much better. I think most of it comes down to the actors. John Krasinski, who plays Jim, has a way at looking at the camera and with just a glance he communicates so much. Martin Freeman, the British actor that plays Jim’s counterpart in the UK version, is a great actor. He’s a funny guy and I love a lot of the characters he’s played. He just doesn’t do well in this role. In fact, all of the actors in the US version outshine their UK counterparts. The writing of the UK version is also weak. The characters in the US version have much more going on. Each character has a dynamic relationships with their co-workers. In the UK version the relationships are very generic.
Perhaps something is lost with the language barrier. They may be speaking English, but it’s loaded with slang and references unfamiliar to the American public. However, I don’t place much stock in the language difference since I really enjoy the new Doctor Who and unfamiliar English is used in that program.
If someone tells you the UK version is superior and the US version is a cheap copy, tell that barmy duffer to sod off! Seriously, the UK version is boring, but it’s better than watching an episode of Two and a Half Men or The Biggest Loser.
SPOILER WARNING: If you enjoy The Biggest Loser, you’d be interested to know who the biggest loser is. Everyone involved with the show and everyone watching it are all equal losers. How did they sell the premise of that show? Let’s make a show about losing weight, but it will be a contest and winning is not the result of losing weight, but rather stupid challenges and voting against your rivals. Idiocracy is happening and we have a front row seat.