View Full Version : TV David Brent to Possibly Visit Dunder Mifflin
Wahooti Fandango
7 Feb 2010, 13:31
Ricky Gervais going back to The Office
The Office star Ricky Gervais has reportedly revealed that he wants his boss-from-hell alter ego David Brent to appear on the US adaptation of his cult sitcom.
http://www.yourtv.com.au/news/index.cfm?i=179332
NiceCunnington
7 Feb 2010, 15:17
I've completely lost touch with the American version over the last couple of seasons but would definitely check this out.
Wahooti Fandango
7 Feb 2010, 15:22
I've completely lost touch with the American version over the last couple of seasons but would definitely check this out.
I buy them when they come out on dvd and so I am about 2 seasons behind.
Read about this a few weeks ago, interesting. Not sure I like the idea.
Horrible, horrible idea. The US version was awful when it was trying to replicate the type of humour in the original. It became successful by breaking away and developing into its own kind of show.
The US Office is good; the UK Office was better - but the two of them together would be messy and awkward and awful. David Brent has no business in the Dunder-Mifflin universe.
Darealrath
7 Feb 2010, 20:14
Don't do it Ricky. The US version is an abomination.
Plugger35
7 Feb 2010, 20:47
Don't do it Ricky. The US version is an abomination.
Agree. The original UK Office is head and shoulders above the US version. Ricky would be doing himself and his show a disservice by associating himself with it.
Apparently most Americans aren't even aware that the US Office is a copy of his UK show and so maybe Ricky's motivation is to show US audiences how much funnier/better he is than his US counterpart played by Steve Carrell, who I don't find funny at all.
Wahooti Fandango
7 Feb 2010, 21:02
Agree. The original UK Office is head and shoulders above the US version. Ricky would be doing himself and his show a disservice by associating himself with it.
Apparently most Americans aren't even aware that the US Office is a copy of his UK show and so maybe Ricky's motivation is to show US audiences how much funnier/better he is than his US counterpart played by Steve Carrell, who I don't find funny at all.
You realise that Gervais has written some episodes of the us version? He is already heavily involved with the us version. :confused: The original and the us version should not be compared as they are completely different. For the record, I watched the original (British version) when it was first shown on the abc, many years ago now, and have all episodes on dvd. I enjoy both.
You realise that Gervais has written some episodes of the us version? He is already heavily involved with the us version. :confused: The original and the us version should not be compared as they are completely different. For the record, I watched the original (British version) when it was first shown on the abc, many years ago now, and have all episodes on dvd. I enjoy both.
I endorse this message.
Plugger35
7 Feb 2010, 21:50
You realise that Gervais has written some episodes of the us version? He is already heavily involved with the us version. :confused: The original and the us version should not be compared as they are completely different. For the record, I watched the original (British version) when it was first shown on the abc, many years ago now, and have all episodes on dvd. I enjoy both.
I wasn't aware Gervais had written some of the US episodes, although I know the US version has used similar storylines to the UK one. Not sure if that is what you're referring to.
Either way though, I think it is the actors in the UK version that make it superior to the US version as much as the writing. Ricky Gervais is far superior to Steve Carrell in almost every way. Gervais brilliiantly captures that annoying, overbearing, idiotic boss in both an hilarious and tragic way, Carrell just doesn't have the same subtlety or humour to pull off that sort of character the way Gervais does. Likewise Martin Freeman and MacKenzie Crook just seem more realistic and genuinely funny than their US equivalents.
I've tried to watch the US version but it just seems too scripted and polished like most run of the mill US sitcoms. The UK Office had a unique brilliance and chemistry, much like Fawlty Towers or Seinfeld, which the US version doesn't get anywhere near. Great sitcoms are like capturing lightning in a bottle, you can't just replicate it.
Allbetsroff
7 Feb 2010, 22:15
The problem with the US office and all US television series is they do not know how to end a show, to say, hey the show has had more than 3 seasons lets end it.
Plugger35
7 Feb 2010, 23:24
The problem with the US office and all US television series is they do not know how to end a show, to say, hey the show has had more than 3 seasons lets end it.
Quite right. The great British sitcoms like Fawlty Towers and The Office were ended after just two or three seasons when they were still at their peak, rather than being milked for all they were worth and destroying their legacy.
Even some of the great US sitcoms like Seinfeld, Cheers and Mash probably went on at least a couple of series too long.
legitimatic
8 Feb 2010, 03:15
Quite right. The great British sitcoms like Fawlty Towers and The Office were ended after just two or three seasons when they were still at their peak, rather than being milked for all they were worth and destroying their legacy.
Even some of the great US sitcoms like Seinfeld, Cheers and Mash probably went on at least a couple of series too long.
Would disagree there, the last few seasons were the funniest yet; went out on a high.
Disagree with Fawlty Towers, weren't there only about 8 or so episodes, definitely could have kept churning out quality for a few years more IMO.
Wahooti Fandango
8 Feb 2010, 09:35
I wasn't aware Gervais had written some of the US episodes, although I know the US version has used similar storylines to the UK one. Not sure if that is what you're referring to.
Either way though, I think it is the actors in the UK version that make it superior to the US version as much as the writing. Ricky Gervais is far superior to Steve Carrell in almost every way. Gervais brilliiantly captures that annoying, overbearing, idiotic boss in both an hilarious and tragic way, Carrell just doesn't have the same subtlety or humour to pull off that sort of character the way Gervais does. Likewise Martin Freeman and MacKenzie Crook just seem more realistic and genuinely funny than their US equivalents.
I've tried to watch the US version but it just seems too scripted and polished like most run of the mill US sitcoms. The UK Office had a unique brilliance and chemistry, much like Fawlty Towers or Seinfeld, which the US version doesn't get anywhere near. Great sitcoms are like capturing lightning in a bottle, you can't just replicate it.
I respect your opinion Plugger. Everyone has different tastes. :thumbsu: However, I still think that the us version is unfairly treated. Also Steve Carell (Michael) and Raine Wilson (Dwight) do a lot of improvisation in the show. Don't get me wrong, Gervais is a genius.
Wahooti Fandango
8 Feb 2010, 09:35
The problem with the US office and all US television series is they do not know how to end a show, to say, hey the show has had more than 3 seasons lets end it.
Agree with this.
Beerfish
8 Feb 2010, 09:52
Either way though, I think it is the actors in the UK version that make it superior to the US version as much as the writing. Ricky Gervais is far superior to Steve Carrell in almost every way. Gervais brilliiantly captures that annoying, overbearing, idiotic boss in both an hilarious and tragic way, Carrell just doesn't have the same subtlety or humour to pull off that sort of character the way Gervais does. Likewise Martin Freeman and MacKenzie Crook just seem more realistic and genuinely funny than their US equivalents.
I've tried to watch the US version but it just seems too scripted and polished like most run of the mill US sitcoms. The UK Office had a unique brilliance and chemistry, much like Fawlty Towers or Seinfeld, which the US version doesn't get anywhere near. Great sitcoms are like capturing lightning in a bottle, you can't just replicate it.
Totally agree.
It's kinda the same as Top Gear UK and Top Gear Australia. They thought they could just replicate the format, chuck three Aussie dipshits in it and have a hit. They never understood that it was the chemistry of Clarkson, May and Hammond that made the show, not the cars.
Wahooti Fandango
8 Feb 2010, 11:52
Totally agree.
It's kinda the same as Top Gear UK and Top Gear Australia. They thought they could just replicate the format, chuck three Aussie dipshits in it and have a hit. They never understood that it was the chemistry of Clarkson, May and Hammond that made the show, not the cars.
I still reckon that the us version is not really a replication of the original, but obviously it has the same basic premise.
Beerfish
8 Feb 2010, 11:57
Didn't they try to replicate it at first like someone said earlier?
It wasn't really working and then it kind of evolved into it's own American thing with humour that Americans could understand?
Did you like my Top Gear analogy? :)
Plugger35
8 Feb 2010, 12:20
Would disagree there, the last few seasons were the funniest yet; went out on a high.
Disagree with Fawlty Towers, weren't there only about 8 or so episodes, definitely could have kept churning out quality for a few years more IMO.
Nah the last few seasons of Seinfeld (after Larry David left) weren't as good as their peak seasons in the early to mid 90's. Having said that the last few seasons were still better than any other sitcom at the time. They probably should have finished the show when Larry David left though rather than stringing it out for another few years.
As for Fawlty Towers, I think the reason it is viewed as an all time classic sitcom is that it was kept to just two short series (12 episodes in total). If they had've tried to keep it going for another few years the quality probably would have suffered and it would have lost it's all time classic status.
I respect your opinion Plugger. Everyone has different tastes. :thumbsu: However, I still think that the us version is unfairly treated. Also Steve Carell (Michael) and Raine Wilson (Dwight) do a lot of improvisation in the show. Don't get me wrong, Gervais is a genius.
I'm not necessarily saying the US version is a bad show, I just don't think it's as good as the original UK version. They are quite different shows though I guess, despite sharing the same name and basic premise.
Wahooti Fandango
8 Feb 2010, 13:26
Didn't they try to replicate it at first like someone said earlier?
It wasn't really working and then it kind of evolved into it's own American thing with humour that Americans could understand?
Did you like my Top Gear analogy? :)
Yes that was the case. Any Top Gear without Clarkson is an improvement. :p :D
Wahooti Fandango
8 Feb 2010, 13:29
Nah the last few seasons of Seinfeld (after Larry David left) weren't as good as their peak seasons in the early to mid 90's. Having said that the last few seasons were still better than any other sitcom at the time. They probably should have finished the show when Larry David left though rather than stringing it out for another few years.
There are some brilliant episodes of Seinfeld after LD left. I think it is a myth that the season went downhill when he left. Julia and Jason actually think they could have done another season (season 10), but Jerry was exhausted because he pretty much worked non stop for close to 10 years not only acting, but also writing much of the material for the show.
bradrowe#32
8 Feb 2010, 13:41
FMD this gets boring.
Every single time people talk about the US version of The Office, a troubling majority come out with the same lame crap; 'Oh, it's not as good as the UK' etc. This is absolute crap. These people watched only the first few episodes or have caught a random episode. It has be watched from the start.
The US version shits all over the UK one. People would understand this if they weren't such a pack of sheep.
Wahooti Fandango
8 Feb 2010, 13:49
FMD this gets boring.
Every single time people talk about the US version of The Office, a troubling majority come out with the same lame crap; 'Oh, it's not as good as the UK' etc. This is absolute crap. These people watched only the first few episodes or have caught a random episode. It has be watched from the start.
The US version shits all over the UK one. People would understand this if they weren't such a pack of sheep.
You make some valid points, in particular the fact that many critics have not watched enough of it to comment. I prefer the us version over the British, but it does not shit all over the original. Without the original there would be no Dunder Mifflin.
Plugger35
8 Feb 2010, 13:58
FMD this gets boring.
Every single time people talk about the US version of The Office, a troubling majority come out with the same lame crap; 'Oh, it's not as good as the UK' etc. This is absolute crap. These people watched only the first few episodes or have caught a random episode. It has be watched from the start.
The US version shits all over the UK one. People would understand this if they weren't such a pack of sheep.
Your entitled to your opinion. I think I've watched enough of the US version to make a judgement and for me the UK version is better, I'm not just saying that to be a sheep either and go with popular opinion.
You can't expect everyone to agree, some people will prefer the US version and others will prefer the UK one. Nothing either side says will change the other side's opinion.
Beerfish
8 Feb 2010, 14:00
UK Office > US Office.
ftw.
Baa.
TimeIsRunningOut
8 Feb 2010, 14:18
Assuming the US version has the same premise as the original, why is the film crew STILL filming after a thousand seasons? Why do they film useless events outside the office that aren't relevant in any way? The creators and network are treating it like a cash cow and have contradicted the whole point of the show in the process.
The US version shits all over the UK one. People would understand this if they weren't such a pack of sheep.
The sheep are the ones that prefer the far less popular original? How does that make sense?
NorthBhoy
8 Feb 2010, 14:38
A few things.
I ****ing hated the US Office after a few eps. I've since watched about 15 and enjoyed most of them. It's a good show in it's own right. However, anyone who says it's better than the original is a ****ing cretin. Fact.
Also, Gervais of 8 years ago would be mortified at the suggestion he would appear as Brent in a US remake. Mortified. If 'Cemetary Junction' is very good, it can be said say almost for certain that any production he is involved in needs the Lanky Co-Writer if it is to avoid being shit.
You realise that Gervais has written some episodes of the us version? He is already heavily involved with the us version. :confused: The original and the us version should not be compared as they are completely different. For the record, I watched the original (British version) when it was first shown on the abc, many years ago now, and have all episodes on dvd. I enjoy both.
I watched the British version when it appeared in England. By the third week everyone at work was talking about it. Great show.
The US Office is a great show too. It has the heart and the hilarious stuff.
Fun run to fight rabies? Come on!!! :D
Bomber Bears
8 Feb 2010, 15:23
There are some brilliant episodes of Seinfeld after LD left. I think it is a myth that the season went downhill when he left. Julia and Jason actually think they could have done another season (season 10), but Jerry was exhausted because he pretty much worked non stop for close to 10 years not only acting, but also writing much of the material for the show.I don't know, I think the last season was pretty dire after the first couple of episodes. Eps like the frogger etc are pretty boring.
Seinfeld season 2-7 was excellent, and 8 still had some excellent episodes, but by 9 they were more than ready to finish up.
Wahooti Fandango
8 Feb 2010, 15:33
I watched the British version when it appeared in England. By the third week everyone at work was talking about it. Great show.
The US Office is a great show too. It has the heart and the hilarious stuff.
Fun run to fight rabies? Come on!!! :D
Carbo-load five minutes before. :thumbsu:
9-e5y-3dyUs
I don't know, I think the last season was pretty dire after the first couple of episodes. Eps like the frogger etc are pretty boring.
Seinfeld season 2-7 was excellent, and 8 still had some excellent episodes, but by 9 they were more than ready to finish up.
There are some great moments from the final series. One of my favourites.
yo9DXIO9Xp8
There are plenty of sensational moments from seasons 8 and 9 of Seinfeld, after David left.
ythrdCsOFJU
Wahooti Fandango
8 Feb 2010, 15:54
^^ Simply brilliant. :thumbsu:
Crosby87
8 Feb 2010, 18:02
FMD this gets boring.
Every single time people talk about the US version of The Office, a troubling majority come out with the same lame crap; 'Oh, it's not as good as the UK' etc. This is absolute crap. These people watched only the first few episodes or have caught a random episode. It has be watched from the start.
The US version shits all over the UK one. People would understand this if they weren't such a pack of sheep.
I've watched every episode of the US version (multiple, multiple times), and I'd say I've been a big fan from the start.
But even I can admit that the UK version is superior.
What irks me is the people who bash the US version, clearly with only having seen the first few episodes when it first aired on Ten. That's much, much more irritating.
Crosby87
8 Feb 2010, 18:04
There are plenty of sensational moments from seasons 8 and 9 of Seinfeld, after David left.
ythrdCsOFJU
It definitely had its moments - but after David left, it was simply a good show, not a great show. The last couple of seasons can't touch it when it was firing on all cylinders around seasons 3-5, imo.
legend166
8 Feb 2010, 18:48
I've seen pretty much the first 3 seasons of the US Office. I enjoy it, it's funny, but it fails to transcend it's genre like the UK version. The US Office is a great sitcom. But it's still a sitcom and suffers from sticking to annoying sitcom conventions.
The UK Office is one of the best TV shows made in the last decade, easily. In terms of comedy, it's right up in the pantheon of greats.
flight23
8 Feb 2010, 18:52
The US version shits all over the UK one. People would understand this if they weren't such a pack of sheep.
disagree with that, but people do knock the US version based on when it was replicating the UK one
when dwight is let off the leash then it gets hilarious
personally gervais is alot funnier than carrell as the manager
Seen all of the US Office and only now have I got my hands on Ricky's Office. Got to say though I love Dunder Mifflin. Yes sometime episdoes can get get stale. But considering they've done 115 episodes compared to 14 of the original, I'd say that's excusable.
UK Office brilliant
US Office brillianter
flight23
9 Feb 2010, 13:50
i think its got a bit to do with UK humor as well, ive grown up on it, monty python, blackadder, young ones and fawlty, its definitely different to US humor and to me it seems more natural although in the last 5-10 years the US look more comfortable adapting to that unique style of humor
everyone here knows im a huge fan of the US Office.
It shouldnt be compared to the UK version. The UK version is king, but the US version on its own is a very good comedy.
RobbyRoy
9 Feb 2010, 19:24
It definitely had its moments - but after David left, it was simply a good show, not a great show. The last couple of seasons can't touch it when it was firing on all cylinders around seasons 3-5, imo.
Yeah it's definitely weaker. There were quite a few moments were it felt very forced but with Larry David it was all brilliant.
I've only seen the first few episodes of season 6, but the US version really seems to be losing it. Pretty much all the characters are annoying besides Michael, Dwight and Andy. Pam has become especially annoying.
David Brent what are you doing here, in a paper merchant in Scranton? It's mental!
XnOtmimxSVw
RoyalBlue
17 Feb 2010, 11:40
FMD this gets boring.
Every single time people talk about the US version of The Office, a troubling majority come out with the same lame crap; 'Oh, it's not as good as the UK' etc. This is absolute crap. These people watched only the first few episodes or have caught a random episode. It has be watched from the start.
The US version shits all over the UK one. People would understand this if they weren't such a pack of sheep.
You're a dumbarse.
UK Office allows for so much more humour. Watched all of it recently and loved it. But I am finding it difficult to say that I love it more than the US version and that might be because I watched it after watching the US first...
always right
20 Feb 2010, 16:45
US comedy just doesn't get subtlety....therefore UK Office rules.
If Ricky Gervais is going to appear on the US version, take comfort from the fact it will distract him from making anymore films. He has been seduced by Hollywood and he's heading down a road of mediocrity and risks losing his mantle as the greatest latter day comedy genius in the world. His films are American shite.
Wahooti Fandango
20 Feb 2010, 17:41
US comedy just doesn't get subtlety....therefore UK Office rules.
If Ricky Gervais is going to appear on the US version, take comfort from the fact it will distract him from making anymore films. He has been seduced by Hollywood and he's heading down a road of mediocrity and risks losing his mantle as the greatest latter day comedy genius in the world. His films are American shite.
The Americans have never, and will never, do subtle humour. The US version has never been subtle in anyway.
The Americans have never, and will never, do subtle humour.
Total myth. Arrested Development is far more subtle than anything the English (or anyone else for that matter) has produced in the last decade or more.
ozasismick
21 Feb 2010, 07:56
Total myth. Arrested Development is far more subtle than anything the English (or anyone else for that matter) has produced in the last decade or more.
Can't argue that, and critically acclaimed. I'm still not totally convinced the Americans 'got it'.
Wahooti Fandango
21 Feb 2010, 09:22
Total myth. Arrested Development is far more subtle than anything the English (or anyone else for that matter) has produced in the last decade or more.
Fair call. I guess the same could be argued for CYE. I think the point I was trying to make is that the us version is not supposed to be a replica of the original. I have only seen half of the first season of AD. I am waiting for the prices on the dvds to go down. :thumbsu:
magtrev
22 Feb 2010, 09:24
Total myth. Arrested Development is far more subtle than anything the English (or anyone else for that matter) has produced in the last decade or more.
Hence why it got cancelled.
Hence why it got cancelled.
They did well to last as long as they did. Pity they weren't on HBO or Showtime.
As for The Office I actually prefer to watch the US version. I do think the UK version is superior in nearly every way but I find that style of comedy difficult to watch for whatever reason.