When The Office premiered on NBC, we staged a small yet enthusiastic protest. We loved the British version, and the idea of Americans pulling another Coupling-esque mess made us cringe.
Since then, we’ve stuck by our word, but after hearing that a character named Oscar got outed last night, we kind of wish we hadn’t been so hasty. Our friends over at Queer Beacon sent us this link, which describes the scenario in far greater detail than we can.
It seems GLAAD can chalk up another person on their homo telly tally. They’re probably dancing circles around all their money.
How about we take this to the next level?
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RSL
Last night’s episode was indeed cringe-inducing. Hilariously so! I’m a huge fan of the Office [US] and was wondering [primarily based off the promos] whether the third season was going to find the show losing its edge. Well, that last ten or so minutes completely reassured me that this show is the best 30-minute comedy on teevee right now. [RIP Arrested. Sniff, sniff.] “Well, kids… Sometimes it pays to be gay!”
Lando
I’d catch up on what you missed last season, Queerty. Best comedy on TV.
Katie
I certainly understand the hesitancy in trying the US version after the UK version, but this is a rare instance when the US matches — if not surpasses — the original British version. Steve Carrell is brilliant, and last night’s premiere was one of the funniest half-hours of television I’ve ever watched. I think I pulle something from laughing so hard. Dwight and his Gaydar is a classic image 😉
Cullan
He may have “come out” to his co-workers last night but not to the viewing audience, which has known since last season. While I do hate the US bastardization of good British shows, I think the Office holds its own and the love story with Pam and Jim is hands down sweeter than any drivel that a show such as How I Met Your Mother could ever cram down our throats. I admit, I wasn’t impressed with the first few offerings but I checked in later and absolutely fell for it. I say if you gave up, you should give it another try. Plus the guy that plays Jim is just so fucking adorable; a take home to momma kinda guy.
Henry Holland
What’s with the GLAAD hate? Did you work for them and get fired for stealing office supplies? Did they sanction a mob hit on your cat? What?
Nick
The US Office is actually pretty good.
Oscar was subtly revealed to be gay last season–the point of this show was that the boss outed him to everyone against his will, and he really just wanted it to be over with but well-intentioned, jackass boss wouldn’t let it die. It was pretty funny, with a few very uncomfortable (artfully so) moments.