The Office - Complete Second Series  (2002)

Starring: Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman, Mackenzie Crook

Directors: Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant

Rating: NR

Distributor: BBC Worldwide

Release Date: April 20, 2004
Review posted: April 17, 2004

Spoilers: Minor

Reviewed by Dennis Landmann

SYNOPSIS

The second series focuses on David Brent's (Ricky Gervais) numerous attempts, but eventual inability to co-exist with his new boss, Neil Godwin who was his equivalent at Swindon before the consolidation. Good-looking, sophisticated and obviously popular; he's not David's type at all. Neither are 'the Swindon lot,' a serious, professional group who listen in appalled silence to David's welcome speech, which consists of offensive jokes and horrible impressions. David soon gets the feeling that he is not terribly popular with the new employees. This prompts not only an existential examination of comedic prowess and some impressive dance moves, but also the deeply unsettling realization that everyone likes Neil more.

CRITIQUE

Before seeing an episode of The Office, I only knew that it was set in an office, naturally, and that it was supposed to be really funny and hilarious. I couldn't imagine reasons why so many people found it funny, but after watching the six-episode second series of the show I knew why.

Created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, The Office uses comedy in a new type of way, new to me at least. The thing is, everything that happens at Wernham-Hogg, a paper-supply company, is documented by an unseen documentary crew who capture all the "hard work," nonsense, insults, practical jokes, and much more. The show works so well because it places emphasis on the reactions and behavior of the characters by utilizing fourth-wall storytelling and involving the audience. Each time one of David Brent's jokes fail or he is ignored by his co-workers, he gives the camera sheepish looks as if to say, "rubbish, they don't know what's funny" or "well, it's all good." This type of interaction with the audience, if you will, gives the show an edge reinventing and improving television comedy.

There are no jokes and there is no laugh track, The Office is a show about the various shenanigans and practical jokes played on each other by the workers, including favorites/main characters Tim Canterbury (Martin Freeman) and Gareth Keenan (Mackenzie Crook) who share desk space next to each other, as well as Dawn Tinsley (Lucy Davis), the receptionist with an eye for Tim. The Office would hardly be as funny or interesting without the actors playing the characters with real personality, honesty, and the frequent hint at silliness.

Yet it's the character of David Brent that drives most of the show's comedy and interest. Ricky Gervais is just excellent, giving a performance that is both hilarious and sad. David always tries very hard to be liked and respected, but his attitude can be seen as a little too aggressive and even a bit annoying. He also likes to adjust his tie once every five seconds. His interactions with the workers are usually pretty funny because of the embarrassing situations resulting from his rude remarks, failed jokes, speeches, attempts to gain attention, make himself look important, etc. Yet it's also a bit sad to see David get dumb-founded reactions from the employees whenever he gives advice, not to mention the looks of wee horror when he exclaims really inappropriate words or ideas.

All six second series episodes are very funny and unique in their own ways. Here's a little about each episode. The welcome party for the new staff in episode one results in hilarious reactions from David's welcome speech. David shows his true management skills on appraisal day in episode two. Trudy's birthday in episode three results in a practical joke involving a dildo. David makes his debut as a motivational speaker in episode four. Red Nose Day in episode five gives everyone silly ideas (Keith dons an Ali G outfit, David is giddy with anticipation, Gareth hops instead of walks, and Dawn sells kisses for a quid) and encourages everyone to donate to charity. In episode six, David meets a reporter from "Inside Paper" for an interview to discuss a profile article on him, which he later offers to write, and Neil makes David a daunting offer that includes a redundancy package, which places David's future and job in jeopardy.

There are many moments in these episodes where I literally couldn't stop laughing for minutes, sometimes forcing me to hold my chest in pain as the laughter wouldn't stop. By the way, I'm not making that up. Here are some great moments I can think of right now: When David takes the Swindon lot out to a pub, they all sit around a table watching Keith eat a meal. The silence and dead-pan mood of the scene had me nearly in tears. Also hilarious was Keith dressing up as Ali G. during Red Nose Day.

Let's see, what else. Oh, yes. As David discusses the staff's evaluation reports with the employees he tries to influence their final answers in hopes of boosting his own image and performance. Next, Neal has a talk with David about his job performance, and just when things couldn't turn out more sour for the Brentmeister General, he gets up from his desk dressed in a hilarious costume that made me laugh hard. Mind you, there are many more hilarious scenes and laughs. You need to find them on your own.

Anyway, The Office is hilarious, original, and quite fantastic to watch. One thing, however, does make me sad, especially after having watched all six episodes of the second series. There is no more of the show after this, except for a two-part Christmas special that aired on the BCC last December.

THE VIDEO

The BBC presents The Office in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. Image quality looks natural, colors are bright, and overall there are no flaws with the print. Except some transparency at the very bottom left of the image, or something that didn't look 100% correct. Still, nice quality.

THE AUDIO

The BBC presents The Office in English 2.0 Dolby Surround Sound. Except for the opening theme, all sound comes from the front speakers. Dialogue is always clear and easy to understand, and sound effects/background sounds, such as noise from the copy machine, are well balanced. In a nice gesture, English subtitles are available.

THE EXTRAS

The episodes and extras all come on one disc this time around, while series 1 carried two discs. Either way, the amount of material is basically the same for Series 2.

It all begins with a series of funny deleted scenes (13:07) introduced by Ricky Gervais. These are out mostly for time it appears, but it's terrific to see them here; hilarity will ensue. Just as funny are the various outtakes (7:43) from the show, also introduced by hysterical Gervais. It's mostly Ricky Gervais screwing it up for the other actors, specifically a scene with Martin Freeman that goes up to take 29 (or 72?), yet it's all in good fun. More would've been great, but these outtakes are great to have. Fans will appreciate them.

Rounding out the extras is the video diary (20:10) featuring creators Stephen Merchant and Ricky Gervais, as well as various crew members and actors. It covers the writing process, awards, filming, and editing. It's not the "making-of" as the introduction states, but instead the diary offers random, funny behind-the-scenes/fly-on-the-wall footage. Actual footage from filming on the second series doesn't show until ten minutes in, mostly because the beginning treats us to wild, peculiar, and silly antics by Ricky Gervais. He sure is an odd but interesting fella. Co-creator Stephen Merchant keeps it cool mostly, and doesn't seem bothered by Gervais. The diary is fun to watch, but when Gervais ties up the show's editor to look like a clown with bucket teeth, something ain't right with the bloke.

The cover for Series 2 is a little better than Series 1 because it shows off the supporting cast, or should I say, the supporting pranksters (except for Dawn maybe). Each episode runs approximately 29 minutes and is divided into six chapters. The DVD menus are simple but quite effective.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Office - The Complete Second Series is simply hilarious. Ricky Gervais gives an exceptional performance that's both amusing and gloomy, plus the supporting characters/actors are terrific. If you know what's good for you, buy this DVD. At about $18-19 at most retail stores, it's practically a bargain.

VERDICT: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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