The Office - The British Version

Like Alan Partridge, I actually find David Brent a lovable character. But then I like to be different. Ricky Gervais puts in a brilliant performance as Brent, and the acting, generally, is of a high calibre throughout. Brent is like a spoilt child when things don't go his way, but there's a sensitivity about him which appeals. Comparing himself to Jesus is one of his finest moments of pretentious philosophizing.

The second series was a bit spoilt by being overly crude, but the Tim-Dawn moment compensated, and was one of the most genuinely touching moments in Brit sitcom history.

- Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com.

The Office - The American Version; First Episode Review
The first episode of the American version of hit Brit doc-sitcom, 'The Office', was aired on June 14th, 2005, on BBC3.

Set in Pennsylvania, it wasn't bad for starters, with Steve Carell, as Michael Scott, seeming more irritating than the Brentmaster himself.

John Krasinski as Jim Halpert is disconcertingly similar to UK version's Tim, not in looks, but in persona and mannerisms. Jenna Fischer's Pam is vulnerable like Dawn was, though a lot sweeter and innocent. This is on NBC, so I doubt we'll be hearing any 'f' words, thankfully. Rainn Wilson is nerdy Dwight Schrute (don't you just love American names?!), but he'd batter Gareth quite easily. Dwight is only part nerd, then.

The first American episode is pretty much a cover of the first UK episode, including Scott telling Pam's she's been fired - as a joke.

Ricky Gervais, creator of the likeable (I think so, anyway) monster David Brent, is executive producer on the US version of his baby, but has said later episodes will be fresher, and not rehashes. A good start, proving offices in Pennsylvania and Slough are populated by the same sort of jerks!

- Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com.