The Office

[Caraliz]

I adore both versions. Why can't we be friends? ;_;

[Rostum]

I like both, but I don't think I could watch more than 12 or so episodes of the UK version. The US version is a bit better in the sense that you can watch a lot of it.

[Big D]

I prefer the original UK Office, mainly for the reason that it doesn't feel like you're watching a scripted TV fiction. The US version, well-written and acted as it is, still feels like it's been written, then performed by actors. With the original, it's like watching an actual documentary - the subtleties of the performances and filming make it so real that casual viewers often take a while to cotton on.

[Madame Adequate]

I prefer the original UK Office, mainly for the reason that it doesn't feel like you're watching a scripted TV fiction. The US version, well-written and acted as it is, still feels like it's been written, then performed by actors. With the original, it's like watching an actual documentary - the subtleties of the performances and filming make it so real that casual viewers often take a while to cotton on.

I would be tempted to say that the subtleties do not in fact exist, and that people fabricate such in their own minds in order to fit in with the cult phenomenon that is The Office, and to be all avant-garde and edgy.

But that would be unkind of me, so I shan't.

[Heath]

I prefer the original UK Office, mainly for the reason that it doesn't feel like you're watching a scripted TV fiction. The US version, well-written and acted as it is, still feels like it's been written, then performed by actors. With the original, it's like watching an actual documentary - the subtleties of the performances and filming make it so real that casual viewers often take a while to cotton on.

I would be tempted to say that the subtleties do not in fact exist, and that people fabricate such in their own minds in order to fit in with the cult phenomenon that is The Office, and to be all avant-garde and edgy.

But that would be unkind of me, so I shan't. :)

I wouldn't really say that was true though. The Office has pretty widespread appeal, is pretty popular and a lot of people would watch it. It's certainly not a cult comedy like you might consider Spaced that people got into after Shaun of the Dead or Garth Marenghi's Darkplace or Police Squad!. In fact, I think the subtleties are really quite evident.

[Shlup]

This thread has single-handedly plunged me into a deep depression.

[Madame Adequate]

I prefer the original UK Office, mainly for the reason that it doesn't feel like you're watching a scripted TV fiction. The US version, well-written and acted as it is, still feels like it's been written, then performed by actors. With the original, it's like watching an actual documentary - the subtleties of the performances and filming make it so real that casual viewers often take a while to cotton on.

I would be tempted to say that the subtleties do not in fact exist, and that people fabricate such in their own minds in order to fit in with the cult phenomenon that is The Office, and to be all avant-garde and edgy.

But that would be unkind of me, so I shan't.

I wouldn't really say that was true though. The Office has pretty widespread appeal, is pretty popular and a lot of people would watch it. It's certainly not a cult comedy like you might consider Spaced that people got into after Shaun of the Dead or Garth Marenghi's Darkplace or Police Squad!. In fact, I think the subtleties are really quite evident.

Popularity does not equate to quality. And if the subtleties are evident... they're not really subtleties

Shlup: Glad to play my part.

[Del Murder]

It will be funny regardless.

Preference of a version will have a lot to do with culture and what you grew up on. I have seen both versions and while I did find some of the UK version funny it was nothing like the constant laughter I get while watching the American version. But I'm American, so there you go.

But saying that a popular and successful show is trying to suck a franchise dry just because it lasted more than two seasons is just silly talk. Maybe after 8 seasons when Jim & Pam have split up and got back together 3 or 4 times we can start that.

[Shlup]

Popularity does not equate to quality. And if the subtleties are evident... they're not really subtleties

The point wasn't that popularity equals quality, it was that it's doubtful that people get all into The Office in order to be a part of some cult phenomenon because The Office isn't cult, it's mainstream.

Duh. Jerkwad.

[Madame Adequate]

Popularity does not equate to quality. And if the subtleties are evident... they're not really subtleties

The point wasn't that popularity equals quality, it was that it's doubtful that people get all into The Office in order to be a part of some cult phenomenon because The Office isn't cult, it's mainstream.

Duh. Jerkwad.

Doesn't matter whether it actually IS cult or not. They THINK it is.

[Del Murder]

Who thinks it is?

[Heath]

Popularity does not equate to quality. And if the subtleties are evident... they're not really subtleties ;)

I didn't say that popularity did equate to quality, I was just disputing whether or not it is a cult comedy.

[Madame Adequate]

I say they think it is, and I'm smarter than their entire collective mental powers, so clearly they think it is

[Quindiana Jones]

Who are they?

[Shlup]

He doesn't know who they are. He's just being sour.