The Office and 30 Rock Both Suck

[The Artist]

Discuss...

[BBC 08]

Wrong, very wrong. Discuss...

[sylvester]

I second the wrong, very wrong.

[AdamtheFlyer]

You shut your mouth when you're talking to me! Andy Bernard is a saint. You here me, a saint!

[GuyFawkes38]

wow, I don't know what to say.

Sure, The Office isn't perfect. The first 3 seasons were noticeably better than the last 2. The writers seem to be struggling to create a plot arc which extends beyond the point where the British version stopped. And sadly, The Office is growing a little too slapstick and unrealistic. It's turning into Scrubs, which is an okay show, but a little too cartoonish and unrealistic for my taste. The best part of The Office was its brutal honesty. The Office actually resembled an office. Scrubs doesn't resemble anything close to a hospital.

But that being said, it's an incredible show which does a great job at blending humor and drama (in fact, it's the ONLY comedy that I've seen that actually blends them well). And unlike the vast majority of comedies out there, all of the characters are incredibly likable (while being extremely flawed).

As for 30 Rock, I just started watching it. But I like what I'm seeing.

[KC4X]

I agree, Artist. Maybe if they had a General Manager, they wouldn't suck so badly.

[X-band '01]

I agree, Artist. Maybe if they had a General Manager, they wouldn't suck so badly.

They need a better Assistant to the Regional Manager if you ask me.

[Jumpy]

They need a better Assistant to the Regional Manager if you ask me.

Bite your tongue. Dwight K. Schrute is the glue that holds that office together.

[jdm2000]

[QUOTE=GuyFawkes38;67940]The best part of The Office was its brutal honesty. The Office actually resembled an office. Scrubs doesn't resemble anything close to a hospital.

QUOTE]

It's funny, I've actually heard medical folks say that Scrubs is the closest thing to a real presentation of a hospital that they've seen on TV.


You should stick with 30 Rock, Guy. Funniest show on TV (at least on the networks).

[Kahns Krazy]

I liked the prequel to 30 Rock back when it was called 3rd Rock. That French Stewart is hilarious.

[BiggieXU]

How dare you Artist, well at least about the Office.

[GuyFawkes38]

It's funny, I've actually heard medical folks say that Scrubs is the closest thing to a real presentation of a hospital that they've seen on TV.

I really like Scrubs. I think I underrated it by calling it "ok".

But it has a more cartoonish type feel to it than The Office. With all the wacky flashbacks, it often reminds me of The Family Guy. Which isn't a bad thing. I just prefer the brutal, documentary style realism of The Office (but like I said, it's starting to become more like Scrubs).

I get the sense with The Office that the writers are running out of material (perhaps because they can't copy the British version anymore). So they have to fall back on crazy plot lines and jokes.

[Juice]

I really like Scrubs. I think I underrated it by calling it "ok".

But it has a more cartoonish type feel to it than The Office. With all the wacky flashbacks, it often reminds me of The Family Guy. Which isn't a bad thing. I just prefer the brutal, documentary style realism of The Office (but like I said, it's starting to become more like Scrubs).

I get the sense with The Office that the writers are running out of material (perhaps because they can't copy the British version anymore). So they have to fall back on crazy plot lines and jokes.

Guy, this is getting ridiculous. I am trying to rep you for your Scrubs love, but it still wont let me. Scrubs is funny because of its cut-out/flashback moments. I am really happy that its back on ABC.

The Office was really good at one point but its getting bad. I hope they can bounce back, because there is not much to watch on TV.

[Ledantwan]

Some of the recent Office plot lines have been weak. The last episode with Toby was awful. Then, you have episodes like the business trip one that are awesome. Bernard on that trip is great. Still one of the best shows on TV but I hope they refrain from sitcomy/slapsticky type episodes like the last one.

[Jumpy]

Some of the recent Office plot lines have been weak. The last episode with Toby was awful. Then, you have episodes like the business trip one that are awesome. Bernard on that trip is great. Still one of the best shows on TV but I hope they refrain from sitcomy/slapsticky type episodes like the last one.

I just caught up on that episode and I have to say you are crazy. Michael's reaction to Toby's return and Dwight's telling of his perfect crime are hilarious.

[PM Thor]

I like 'em, but they can't hold It's Always Sunnys jock.

I HATE dayton.

[Nigel Tufnel]

I really tried to watch The Office....but it just wasn't working for me. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about it...and I'm sure its good....but I was working at a disadvantage when The Office first came to NBC....I had watched both seasons of Ricky Gervais' original.

I'd be interested to know how many people watched and liked the American version of The Office after they had watched Gervais' British version.....I really wanted to like it...and I really like Steve Carrell....but he isn't Gervais....and as popular as Dwight is....for me, he just isn't Gareth.

I've had a lot of friends beg me to give it another shot....just can't do it....but I certainly wouldn't say the American version sucks.

Anyone who has seen Gervais' British Office and liked it should check out Extras....its hilarious too....some great cameos.....one that comes to mind is a sex craved Daniel Ratcliffe.

[GuyFawkes38]

I really tried to watch The Office....but it just wasn't working for me. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about it...and I'm sure its good....but I was working at a disadvantage when The Office first came to NBC....I had watched both seasons of Ricky Gervais' original.

I'd be interested to know how many people watched and liked the American version of The Office after they had watched Gervais' British version.....I really wanted to like it...and I really like Steve Carrell....but he isn't Gervais....and as popular as Dwight is....for me, he just isn't Gareth.

I've had a lot of friends beg me to give it another shot....just can't do it....but I certainly wouldn't say the American version sucks.

Anyone who has seen Gervais' British Office and liked it should check out Extras....its hilarious too....some great cameos.....one that comes to mind is a sex craved Daniel Ratcliffe.


There's no doubt about it. The genious behind The Office is Ricky Gervais. The British version is great. The American version copies segments of the British version word for word. I loved the British version.

But that being said, I still think the first 3 seasons of the American version are better. You can tell that NBC put a lot more money into the show than the BBC. There's better production, more and better characters (I bet NBC had more resources with casting), more writers who packed the shows with more jokes, etc....

But the American version is now struggling to extend the plot arc beyond where the British version stopped. So I guess you can score another point for the genious of Ricky Gervais (who I don't think ever intended the show to be a long running sitcom...He centered the show on the Jim-Pam conflict, which is mostly resolved and being painfully extended by the writers).

[xu95]

the US version is no where near as good as Ricky's was. But it is still a very funny comedy.

xu95

[GuyFawkes38]

Not sure if anyone still watches The Office and Michael Scott's last episode. The Office struggled beyond season 3. But the past year has been solid.

The Office, at its worst, relies on cheap gags. But Scott's last episode was satisfyingly subtle and simple, in a poignant way.

Ricky Gervais, on the BBC version, was much more unlikable. I enjoyed how the US version turned Michael Scott into a more likable character (someone who just wants to be loved).

Michael Scott will be missed.

[waggy]

Sim is going to kick your ass Fawkes. And then his gonna squish your friggin cat.

[GuyFawkes38]

Sim is going to kick your ass Fawkes. And then his gonna squish your friggin cat.

Ha! Thanks for staying on topic.

It's hard for me to get too pumped for recruits. They often disappoint (perhaps usually disappoint). NFL draft picks also often disappoint.

[Xavgrad08]

It will be interesting to see which direction the show goes, now that Steve Carell is no longer on the show.

It will also be interesting to track Steve's career after the office. He has done some films some good and others not.

[XUFan09]

But that being said, it's an incredible show which does a great job at blending humor and drama (in fact, it's the ONLY comedy that I've seen that actually blends them well).

I promoted it before on the Netflix thread, but Chuck, Chuck, and more Chuck. I think it might be most appealing to people in their 20s and 30s...I have no idea what the response is like outside that age group. :D

[GuyFawkes38]

I promoted it before on the Netflix thread, but Chuck, Chuck, and more Chuck. I think it might be most appealing to people in their 20s and 30s...I have no idea what the response is like outside that age group. :D

I should rent the dvds. I remember not liking the original promos. I think that's why I never watched it (well, if it was on thursday night, I would have watched it).

[XUFan09]

I should rent the dvds. I remember not liking the original promos. I think that's why I never watched it (well, if it was on thursday night, I would have watched it).

You have to appreciate the geekery of it, particularly the old-school video game references and the like. I mean, he works for the equivalent of a Best Buy Geek Squad. I admit the basis of it does sound rather gimmicky (and I thought so too when my friends introduced me to it), but it ends up working out. It's a weird mix of nerdy everyman and spy thriller.

[GuyFawkes38]

You have to appreciate the geekery of it, particularly the old-school video game references and the like. I mean, he works for the equivalent of a Best Buy Geek Squad. I admit the basis of it does sound rather gimmicky (and I thought so too when my friends introduced me to it), but it ends up working out. It's a weird mix of nerdy everyman and spy thriller.

I like geeky. In fact, I've rented and really enjoyed The Big Bang Theory. I've heard bad things about Chuck Lorre and thought I wouldn't like it, but it turned out to be really solid.

[xu95]

[QUOTE=GuyFawkes38;67940]The best part of The Office was its brutal honesty. The Office actually resembled an office. Scrubs doesn't resemble anything close to a hospital.

QUOTE]

It's funny, I've actually heard medical folks say that Scrubs is the closest thing to a real presentation of a hospital that they've seen on TV.


You should stick with 30 Rock, Guy. Funniest show on TV (at least on the networks).

Modern Family

[spazzrico]

[QUOTE=jdm2000;69514]

Modern Family

Yes. And Funniest show on NBC....Community.

[GuyFawkes38]

I love Community. That's my favorite show of the year. It's in a tough lineup this year against American Idol and Big Bang Theory. So not enough people watch it.

For some reason, I'm just not watching Modern Family this year. It's so ingrained in me to be sure to catch Thursday nights on NBC. But I forget to catch stuff on other days.

I wish the Cincinnati Public Library had Chuck dvds.

[xu2006]

I've heard bad things about Chuck Lorre

You need to quit listening to Charlie Sheen.

[Muskie]

I love Big Bang Theory.

I like 30 Rock in small doses (I apparently watch something else when it is on).

I like Parks & Recreation as well (though I can never seem to remember to watch it), but laugh hysterically every time I do happen to catch it.

[blobfan]

I promoted it before on the Netflix thread, but Chuck, Chuck, and more Chuck. I think it might be most appealing to people in their 20s and 30s...I have no idea what the response is like outside that age group. :D

And for geek groupies like me. Chuck reminds me of my hubby a bit. I'm quite sure my hubby could save the world if called upon to do so, but he'd end up looking more like a tech nerd than Jack Bower.

[GuyFawkes38]

Last episode of The Office is on tonight.

[GuyFawkes38]

A very satisfying series finale. The Office is far from a perfect show. But it is my favorite show.

[Retire33]

A very satisfying series finale. The Office is far from a perfect show. But it WAS my favorite show.

Wish my "fixed it for ya" wasn't the truth. This was the last of "my shows" to end. Weeds, Friday Night Lights and now The Office. Each one tends to feel like you lose a friend. Sad, funny and satisfying ending to a great show

[LA Muskie]

One of the best finales of a long-running series that I've ever seen. I really enjoyed it.

Except for Steve Carell. I don't know if it was him or the writers or both, but I didn't think he was a big enough part (where was he for the after-party?) and he seemed to mail it in for the few scenes he was in.

[GoMuskies]

I thought the retrospective was good, but I thought the finale itself kind of sucked. Much like this series for quite some time. I'm glad this show is over.

[xu95]

I was very happy with the way it ended. The show was definitely in a downward spiral for the last two or three years, but I thought they did a good job of closing the loop.

I'm glad Michael Scott made an appearance too. I had read somewhere that he wouldn't be involved in the finale.