TMC
10-26-2022, 08:47 PM
https://www.looper.com/1071802/michael-scotts-best-episodes-of-the-office-ranked-by-absurdity/
BY RITA DORSCH/OCT. 26, 2022 12:14 PM EDT
The original U.K. version and the American reboot of "The Office" were relatable to such a broad audience because they revolved around an experience so many people have on a daily basis: working at the mercy of an insufferable boss. Ricky Gervais only got two seasons (and a two-part Christmas special) as clueless, egotistical David Brent. Steve Carell — who is a comedic actor rather than a stand-up comedian — got seven as Michael Scott. The regional manager of Dunder Mifflin started out in the same vein as David Brent, but with all those extra episodes, plus his knack for weirdly specific improv comedy choices, Carrell developed his character into someone with infinitely more positive and negative qualities than the token bad boss around whom the series was originally pitched.
Despite (or maybe because of) his many flaws, fans came to love Michael Scott (https://www.looper.com/319156/things-about-the-office-only-superfans-know/). He was caring and well-intentioned with a childish innocence and shameless zest for life that sometimes rendered him adorable. But just because viewers sympathized with the corporate anti-hero at the center of "The Office" didn't mean he got any less awful or awkward. While Michael was often inappropriate or obnoxious early on, by the time the show became a phenomenon around its third season, his antics had reached new levels of ridiculousness. Carell is brilliant throughout the series' run (https://www.looper.com/161945/the-entire-story-of-the-office-finally-explained/) and nearly every installment is rewatchable, but if you're looking for pure, unadulterated Michael Scott-ness, these ten episodes highlight the self-proclaimed "world's best boss" at his most absurd.
BY RITA DORSCH/OCT. 26, 2022 12:14 PM EDT
The original U.K. version and the American reboot of "The Office" were relatable to such a broad audience because they revolved around an experience so many people have on a daily basis: working at the mercy of an insufferable boss. Ricky Gervais only got two seasons (and a two-part Christmas special) as clueless, egotistical David Brent. Steve Carell — who is a comedic actor rather than a stand-up comedian — got seven as Michael Scott. The regional manager of Dunder Mifflin started out in the same vein as David Brent, but with all those extra episodes, plus his knack for weirdly specific improv comedy choices, Carrell developed his character into someone with infinitely more positive and negative qualities than the token bad boss around whom the series was originally pitched.
Despite (or maybe because of) his many flaws, fans came to love Michael Scott (https://www.looper.com/319156/things-about-the-office-only-superfans-know/). He was caring and well-intentioned with a childish innocence and shameless zest for life that sometimes rendered him adorable. But just because viewers sympathized with the corporate anti-hero at the center of "The Office" didn't mean he got any less awful or awkward. While Michael was often inappropriate or obnoxious early on, by the time the show became a phenomenon around its third season, his antics had reached new levels of ridiculousness. Carell is brilliant throughout the series' run (https://www.looper.com/161945/the-entire-story-of-the-office-finally-explained/) and nearly every installment is rewatchable, but if you're looking for pure, unadulterated Michael Scott-ness, these ten episodes highlight the self-proclaimed "world's best boss" at his most absurd.