"This show is too tame and restrained. They are so concerned about offending minorities that any life has been neutered right out of the show. This one belongs on a family oriented network like the UPN." This is a group of words you will never see in a write-up concerning either version of the Office. The edgy comedy that belongs on cable, yet somehow bravely stands in NBC's Tuesday night line-up, is a witty look at cubicle dwelling America. We just saw the abbreviated first season of NBC's mockumentary wrap a week ago. So the burning question presents itself, how does the ailing peacock network's take, stand up to the original BBC version? Put the kids to bed, feed the mutt and gather round the telly because we've got a showdown for the ages brewing here.

Round 1: Mr. Politically Incorrect - Michael vs. David
David: "I've created an atmosphere where I'm a friend first, boss second. Probably entertainer third."
If there is something that can be said wrong, David/Michael will say it. He is the show's lightning rod who tries to be everyone's friend, attempting so deperately to fit in and be liked, yet forgetting that he's the boss. This is a tough one because each actor brings his own strengths and defining quirks to the character. In the end, I have to give it to Ricky Gervais' David (BBC). David isn't as slick and slimy as Michael's character. Michael seems fresh off the sales front whereas David seems entrenched in the management of not managing. David is just more believable in this role and is the most effective work distracter ever dropped into an office environment. Without this character, the Office would be nothing.
This Round Goes to the BBC

Round 2: Jim vs. Tim
Gareth: "Why would a murderer put his name on a murder weapon?"
Tim: "To stop people from borrowing it."
Fisher Price hair versus Shaggy hair. There is no real competition to be had here. Martin Freeman (BBC) comes in with the powerful uppercut as the vastly superior actor to his NBC counterpart, John Krasinski. This thought is solidified through his starring role in last weekend's box office winner a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Freeman's Tim is so much bolder than Krasinski's Jim. Not only does he put Gareth's stapler in Jell-O, but also a mere scene elapses before he is chunking this puppy out the window. He has the balls to make a move on Dawn, knowing every time how it's going to end. You just cringe watching him get ready to step into another big pile of Dawn. The boy never learns. Also, his character is more of a central focus of the show. Where NBC's version is pretty much the Michael Scott show, BBC provides a more even focus to David and Jim.
This Round Goes to the BBC

Round 3: The Writers
Originality certainly wasn't NBC's strong suit. About 20% of their episode storylines were lifted directly from the BBC versions. The pilot was almost verbatim. It makes you wonder what they're paying these guys. On a positive note, if you are wondering how this whole Office extravaganza is going to unfold during the next season at NBC, you can just rent the BBC season two to get a head start. Uh what happens when they hit season three and beyond? There is no BBC drama to cop its jokes off of because it closed its doors after season two (writers were finished tell this tale, not a ratings thing). Prepare to flee the ship like lemmings at the start of season three. Just try not to knock over too many children or old ladies on your way.
This Round Goes to the BBC

Round 4: Dwight vs. Gareth
Dwight: "The purse girl hits everything on my checklist. Creamy skin, straight teeth, curly hair, amazing breasts. Not for me, for my children. The Schrute's produce very thirsty babies."
Nobody does weird like Rainn Wilson (NBC). He was the freaky cryptkeeper in Six Feet Under and now he is that one super annoying guy in the office that everyone avoids like the plague. Wilson seems tailor made for this role with his Dungeons and Dragons charm and his Revenge of the Nerds style. If the BBC put their number two acting firepower behind Martin Freeman, NBC put it behind Rainn Wilson. On a side note, what exactly is the deal with Gareth getting women? Granted they aren't women any of us would want, but a member of the female species nonetheless. There is no Bizarro universe in existence where either one of these social rejects should ever go home with a chick even if it means riding bitch in the sidecar.
This Round Goes to NBC

Round 5: Inner Office Romance - Jim & Pam vs. Tim & Dawn
I'd like to say it was the better actors, but you can't fake chemistry. Tim & Dawn (BBC) have it. Jim & Pam...eh not so much. They seem too reserved and Pam doesn't seem to show Jim any kind of emotion outside of the friend's zone. Dawn, on the other hand, eggs on Tim's fascination for her ruthlessly then plays dumb. Tim keeps lunging for the bait every time and always falls on his a$$. Plus, with regards to Jim & Pam, I don't like Jenna Fischer. I'm not sure if it is she that is a dud or her character. She is so stiff and ends up taking on many of the same traits as cardboard. I've looked from every possible angle, and I'm not seeing the attraction that would cause any man to pine away for her. I mean exactly how long do you have to work with this girl before she starts looking cute? I guess the workplace has its own special set of beer goggles.
This Round Goes to the BBC

Round 6: Side Characters
Michael: "I will use your talents come baseball season, my friend, or if we box"
This is one area that NBC excels. If these characters were in a police line-up, you could pick out them out in your sleep ("that's the guy with the pooping problem"). On the other hand, in the BBC version the side characters serve as little more than office furniture. The NBC writer's integrate the additional office members very nicely, allowing the star's jokes to gain more traction when bouncing them off these different soundboards. The hottie in the BBC version almost pulls them into contention, but alas it's too little too late. Never underestimate the power that lies in the details, which NBC has figured out.
This Round Goes to NBC

After a bloody, sweat soaked competition, we have to award the victory to the BBC for their superior writing and character development that keep you glued to the sofa. Don't discount the NBC version though. It is like the BBC's scrappy younger brother that sneaks in a lot of good punches before getting pummeled to the mat. Going forward, NBC should take the queue from the BBC to tone down the anti-PC assaults and attempt to grow the characters more, looking for some laughs the old fashion way. Regardless after one season, NBC's the Office is already one of the best comedies on television. Let's just hope their razor sharp humor doesn't get them cut from NBC's roster next season.

***Note - this was a comparison of each show's season one. After viewing the BBC's season two, I see where NBC got the notion to up the ante on the more uncomfortable jokes. It lingered too long in the disturbing instead of the funny like the prior season.

Be sure to add BBC's the Office to your queue at Netflix or swing by Amazon if you need your own copy.

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