Office Special

I just watched the two-hour special episode of The Office on BBC America. Very enjoyable--if you can call the cringe-inducing comedy of The Office enjoyable--but, ultimately, superfluous.

The Office had two seasons of six episodes each where we saw the rise and fall of David Brent, the unbearable regional manager of a paper company who just wants to be everyone's buddy (but only looks out for himself). We also got to know his employees, such as the indecisive sales rep Tim, the tightly-wound assistant to the manager (but not assistant manager) Gareth and the cute receptionist Dawn.

The conceit of the special is the series was a documentary seen on the BBC (the original series was filmed in documentary style) and now it's three years later and we're catching up with everyone. While the ensemble is still in fine form, the last time we left these characters, they were not in good shape. Now, perhaps as a sop to the fans, happy endings abound, with Tim and Dawn finally together and David meeting a gal he's crazy about.

I like happy endings, even when they're not deserved. Nevertheless, the drab life of The Office ending correctly the first time--with these sad sacks not getting what they want, but continuing on nevertheless.