Contrary to popular opinion (especially if you’re a Brit like me), I think the US Office is better than the original UK version. I loved watching the antics of all of the zany characters, and the documentary / cringe comedy format was perfected here.
As I have done for a lot of my other favourite shows, I thought it would be fun to look at each season and rank the episodes within them, giving each a quick review and a grade. Unfortunately, that means we have to get the ball rolling with a sub-par season … Best get to it, then!
Before we begin, you can check out some of my related blog posts below:
6 – Pilot
Rating: C
The Office US decided to copy the UK version’s pilot almost beat for beat, and they suffered for it.
The downsizing plotline isn’t interesting yet, the Jell-o joke is derivative, and balding Michael Scott is a bizarre image in hindsight. An odd, off-base way to kickstart such a beloved series.
5 – Health Care
Rating: C
It’s still early doors by this point in the show, and the jokes aren’t quite landing yet.
There are some good moments in the whole Dwight-butchering-healthcare saga, but most of it is quite dull.
4 – Hot Girl
Rating: C+
Amy Adams was one of the last people I expected to see on this show, but she does a good job of acting awkward around Michael and Dwight.
The failed flirting attempts are definitely the best part of “Hot Girl”, but as a season finale it’s very thin.
3 – The Alliance
Rating: C+
There was more going on in “The Alliance” than in most other Season 1 episodes – the Dwight and Jim partnership especially is a good tease of things to come.
I also really like Michael’s shenanigans in this episode, where he writes an inappropriate joke in Meredith’s birthday card and accidentally pledges $25 per mile for a walkathon.
2 – Diversity Day
Rating: B-
For as lacklustre as the pilot was, “Diversity Day” is a much better second episode that packs more jokes and comedy in.
It’s a great showcase of Michael’s buffoonery and insensitivity, and Pam sleeping on Jim’s shoulder after he loses a sale is an iconic image for the show.
1 – Basketball
Rating: B
Easily the best episode of Season 1, “Basketball” is the kind of awkward office comedy that the show would be famed for later down the line.
Michael organises a basketball game against the warehouse that would see the losers working on Saturday, and the game itself has so many great visual gags and lines.
Season Rating: C
Not a bad season of television, but none of the six episodes were that stand-out in the grand scheme of things.
Let’s look at the stats for the series so far:
- 2B (33%)
- 4C (67%)
Aaaand that’s my list! The seasons are only going to get longer from here … Until I get to Season 2, you can check out some of my latest blog posts below:
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