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Great Television: The Office

Like many people, I was suspicious when NBC announced it was creating an "American" version of the hit BBC comedy "The Office." After all, they tried the same thing with "Coupling" and the results were disastrous.

Thankfully, my suspicions were proven incorrect. The new "Office" took over where "Arrested Development" left off: it's the funniest show on television.

Season two has been brilliant. The ensemble has gelled, which means Steve Carell can move into the background with the other performers. That's not a knock on Carell -- the guy is hilarious -- but the early shows rested squarely on his shoulders and there's just no way 23 episodes of Michael Scott could ever work.

The rise of the "Office" ensemble has allowed Dwight Shrute (played by Rainn Wilson) to emerge as TV's best supporting character. Violence will ensue if Wilson doesn't win an Emmy in the next two years. That's not a threat. Just a fact.

"The Office" airs Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. on NBC. And because I can't resist a BLATANT PLUG, you can keep up with the latest "Office" reviews and news on our sister site, TV Fodder.

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Posted by Mac Slocum on April 28, 2006 8:53 PM
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