"The Office"
One of my little pleasures during the week is watching "My Name Is Earl" and "The Office," together the best hour of comedy in prime time.
"Earl" had an especially good episode recently, when it flashed back to Y2K events to show how Earl and the people around him marked the occasion; it was insanely hilarious. This week, it was "The Office" that showed its daring and skill.
The thread for the episode was Michael's birthday, and how he expected the office to celebrate it. That was funny enough, but "The Office" went a step further, having Kevin waiting to find out if he had skin cancer — an event that spread through the Dunder Mifflin staff while Michael was obliviously anticipating birthday merriment. Then, as if that wasn't enough, there was a lovely little bit with Jim and Pam shopping. A lot of different things to juggle, and "The Office" pulled it off, making viewers squirm and giggle practically in the same moment.
March 31st, 2006 at 7:06 pm
I'm thrilled every time someone else recognizes the comic genius of "The Office." How many shows do folks watch, then go to work the next day and recite line after line of hilarious dialogue? Only "The Office" and "Arrested Development," that I know of. Every single person in that workplace, no matter how minor, has established a hilarious, quirky trait or personality. It's amazing to me that such a series has FINALLY found an audience with a country that's mesmerized by drivel like Idol, Fear Factor, Dancing & Skating & Cooking & Makeovers….aaauugghh!! When did Americans lose their sense of good taste?
I've given "Earl" several chances, and for the life of me, I don't see the appeal. Yes, his blonde ex- is quite funny (loved her on Jack & Jill, too)…but the laughs are FEW and FAR between. Whereas, on "The Office," the humor is side-splitting and virtually non-stop.
I'd compare "Earl" to "Two & A Half Men," another totally overrated comedy. King of Queens is MUCH, MUCH funnier. And to those who've been sucked into the "How I Met Your Momma" web of mediocrity, I again ask: WHY? It's not funny. A comedy should make you laugh and laugh. That show really doesn't at ALL. End of rant.