Stuff Not To Watch When You're Single, No. 4; The Office (series 1 & 2 + christmas special)
Offices, eh? Who'd have thought one could come up with thirteen episodes of pure comedy based on office dramas? And who'd have thought you could wrap into that comedy, one of the most realistic, comforting and perfectly portrayed romances you've ever seen?
Yet, comedians Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have somehow managed it. They're rich men now, and deservedly so.
I won't talk about the comedy too much, as that's not the point of this post - suffice to say that it's original and perfect. If you've worked in an office you'll relate absolutely, and if you haven't you'll still laugh your windpipes into your lap. Superb.
But let's get to the point. During the various chaos that ensues around the office, Tim (Martin Freeman) and Dawn (Lucy Davis) are having the most subtle & protracted romance ever seen. The problem? Dawn is already engaged to another man.
Dawn connects on every level with Tim, but Tim is young and still naive. She's somehow forced herself into a more practical relationship with a 'stable' boyfriend, whilst keeping Tim as her 'best friend'. It's the brilliant acting of Dawn and Tim's 'friendship' which really lets you relate to their situation.
The stolen glances, lingering hugs and kisses which are supposed to be innocent - and are - but you can actually feel their longing for each other in each and every one. In each and every episode your longing for them to be together grows, along with their own longing for each other in the show. It's quite painful to watch in some scenes.
By the end of the second series, Tim has asked Dawn out twice already and been rejected - and she's flying to Florida with her fiancé anyway so there is no hope for them. I've heard that Martin Freeman's own mother called him up in tears after the last show aired and they hadn't gotten together - the actor had to explain that it wasn't real. But he's got to expect to make such explanations, when the acting and plot are as believable as this.
The show didn't make any excuses. The ending was sad. Love was a cunt. Until the Christmas Special sprang up and rounded off the tragedy so beautifully that... Well, it's just fucking magnificence.
I won't tell you what happens, because whatever I say will translate the reality of it into something a billion times shittier than it is. Suffice to say that there's an office Christmas party, and I now think the song "Only You" by Yaz is the most romantic track I've ever heard (and that's gotta tell you something).
It's not even stuff you can't watch when you're single. Most romances just make you feel even more lonely. This one is so heartwarming, sweet and real that it simply makes you believe in love.
Powerful stuff. And some of the best comedy you'll ever witness. For the love of love, buy it.
9/10
Yet, comedians Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have somehow managed it. They're rich men now, and deservedly so.
I won't talk about the comedy too much, as that's not the point of this post - suffice to say that it's original and perfect. If you've worked in an office you'll relate absolutely, and if you haven't you'll still laugh your windpipes into your lap. Superb.
But let's get to the point. During the various chaos that ensues around the office, Tim (Martin Freeman) and Dawn (Lucy Davis) are having the most subtle & protracted romance ever seen. The problem? Dawn is already engaged to another man.
Dawn connects on every level with Tim, but Tim is young and still naive. She's somehow forced herself into a more practical relationship with a 'stable' boyfriend, whilst keeping Tim as her 'best friend'. It's the brilliant acting of Dawn and Tim's 'friendship' which really lets you relate to their situation.
The stolen glances, lingering hugs and kisses which are supposed to be innocent - and are - but you can actually feel their longing for each other in each and every one. In each and every episode your longing for them to be together grows, along with their own longing for each other in the show. It's quite painful to watch in some scenes.
By the end of the second series, Tim has asked Dawn out twice already and been rejected - and she's flying to Florida with her fiancé anyway so there is no hope for them. I've heard that Martin Freeman's own mother called him up in tears after the last show aired and they hadn't gotten together - the actor had to explain that it wasn't real. But he's got to expect to make such explanations, when the acting and plot are as believable as this.
The show didn't make any excuses. The ending was sad. Love was a cunt. Until the Christmas Special sprang up and rounded off the tragedy so beautifully that... Well, it's just fucking magnificence.
I won't tell you what happens, because whatever I say will translate the reality of it into something a billion times shittier than it is. Suffice to say that there's an office Christmas party, and I now think the song "Only You" by Yaz is the most romantic track I've ever heard (and that's gotta tell you something).
It's not even stuff you can't watch when you're single. Most romances just make you feel even more lonely. This one is so heartwarming, sweet and real that it simply makes you believe in love.
Powerful stuff. And some of the best comedy you'll ever witness. For the love of love, buy it.
9/10
posted by Juliet is Bleeding... | 3:49 pm
that song makes me want to blow chunks.
Hence my aside of "and that's gotta tell you something", you dumb bint.