You know what, The Office? You were really onto something…so why did Ricky Gervais only make a cameo in “The Seminar”?
As a passing fan of the original version of The Office, I’ve always been one to draw comparisons between the British and American shows. What never occurred to me was what might happen if the two worlds collided, but the writers of America’s The Office were one step ahead, giving Gervais a spot on “The Seminar”. One step ahead, maybe. But one step behind as well, because as soon as I heard that David Brent (Gervais’ character on the UK’s The Office) was making an appearance on this episode of the reincarnation of his show, I assumed it would be one of the most creative episodes ever. But then he only made a quick cameo appearance. Color me disappointed.
For the remainder of the show, I waited patiently for Gervais to pop back up on screen and serve as the complement to Michael Scott, a gag cleverly incorporated into the teaser. But my waiting was in vain, for the “World’s Best Boss” from the Slough branch of the Wernham Hogg Paper Company would not appear anymore.
Otherwise, the show was pretty good by The Office standards. Stepping away from the melodramatics of “Ultimatum,” “The Seminar” was clever and had what The Office does best: silliness. The episode was directed by B.J. Novak who, as cast (he plays Ryan) and crew member from the beginning, is well-qualified for the task. I’m not surprised the story was so typically Office-funny.
Andy’s “How to Open a Small Business” seminar was — while a funny way of incorporating a bunch of characters into one subplot — kind of depressing. Andy, whom I consider one of the show’s more lovable characters, starts by explaining how terrible his sales record is and then ends up hosting a seminar on a topic he knows nothing about.
I don’t know about anyone else, but I prefer The “Nard-Dog” from the Stamford days. He may have been a bit awkward and temperamental, but at least he had dignity. Now all he does is pine for Erin and put himself down. Maybe if he went back to playing Call of Duty he’d feel that sense of accomplishment again.
The story really took a turn toward a reminiscent classic Office story with Erin’s subplot where she plays Gabe in phone Scrabble and can only think of words that fall under a cow theme: “moo,” “milk,” the cow jumped over the “moon”. Her innocence is adorable and disconcerting at the same time.
This Office was nothing to write home about, but it was fine nonetheless. Even with no Pavlov Altoid experiments or Dwight impressions. That reminds me, what happened to Jim? I can only hope it’s not a regular decision now to put him in only two or three scenes throughout an episode (the same thing happened in “Ultimatum”). Someone needs to stick around to pick on Dwight, after all.
“Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica.” Need I say more?
I may have only been slightly impressed by this episode, but I have to admit one thing: “The Seminar” taught me something. And it had nothing to do with owning a small business…
To everyone who refuses to watch one of the versions of The Office, American or British, due to an allegiance to the other version, heed this response:
Even though Ricky Gervais only appeared for about one minute, in those 60 seconds he proved that the two Offices can coexist peacefully. The world did not implode when David Brent met Michael Scott! Great news. Now go watch both versions.