Television Review: The Office
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that the show's main character
regularly makes insensitive remarks about employees' race and
gender, and that he's treated like a buffoon as a result. The
show also features a fair amount of sexual innuendo. Characters
are known to get drunk at office parties.
Families can talk about rude and inappropriate behavior in
comedic television shows. What is the most outrageous thing
you've ever viewed? Do you think the line of what is considered
acceptable changes? When would you say television writers have
crossed the line into truly offensive? Is that line different
for cable and network shows? Should it be?
THE OFFICE is a mockumentary series that covers the 9-5 workaday antics of a Scranton paper company's staff. Overseeing employees is Mike Scott, played by Steve Carell (The 40-Year-Old Virgin), a boorish, self-aggrandizing, inept regional manager who cracks jokes that weren't funny seven years ago ("Wassup?" is still in his arsenal). His underling, Dwight (Rainn Wilson), a wannabe assistant manager and weekend volunteer sheriff's deputy, is like the hall monitor from hell, on constant watch for employee infractions. Dwight's a natural target for the never-ending stream of practical jokes conceived by bored desk mate and everyman Jim (John Krasinski) who has a wicked crush on receptionist Pam (Jenna Fischer). Rounding out the cast is office temp Ryan (B.J. Novak), who is simply along for the ride.
Inefficiency runs amok in this remake of Ricky Gervais' classic BBC show. But The Office has proven itself to be a stand-alone hit from its British predecessor. Using only the framework of the previous series with new storylines that are more reflective of American office culture ("Diversity Day" and "Yankee Swap" are good examples), the show has managed to garner a sizable following on this side of the pond. Steve Carell also does a laudable job in setting himself apart from Gervais' David Brent with a character that is both offensive and oddly endearing.
Viewers unfamiliar with the original series might find it hard to get used to the show's intentional awkwardness both with its dialogue and direction. It may take a couple of viewings to appreciate the unconventionality of the show's humor, but it's definitely worth it for mature audiences.
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