The Office Australia: A mixed bag of nostalgia and novelty

I love The Office. Whether it is the original starring Ricky Gervais or the surprising US version starring Steve Carel, I could not get enough. So the recent release of The Office Australia on Prime Video had me very excited to see if they could strike gold again. As the 13th adaptation of the iconic series originally created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, this version attempts to carve out its own identity while paying homage to its predecessors. Here’s a look at what makes it stand out and where it falls short.

The Office Australia

The good

Fresh perspective with a female lead: One of the most significant changes in The Office Australia is the introduction of a female lead, Hannah Howard, played by Felicity Ward. This shift brings a refreshing change to the series, challenging traditional gender roles often seen in workplace comedies. Ward’s portrayal offers a unique take on the bumbling boss character, reminiscent of Michael Scott but with her own quirks and charm. She’s pretty annoying, but I can also see the line connecting between David Brent and Scott.

Cultural relevance and humour: The show incorporates post-COVID workplace realities such as debates over remote work and quirky office culture. These elements resonate with modern audiences, adding layers of relatability and humour. This is actually my favourite part of the series because it makes me imagine out the other The Office cast would have dealt with Zoom calls. The series also captures the essence of Australian culture, with episodes featuring local events like Melbourne Cup Day, providing a distinct flavour that sets it apart from other adaptations. I had no idea what Cup Day was, and due to all the hats in the episode, I thought it was actually Cap Day.

Strong supporting cast: The supporting cast, including New Zealand actors, adds depth and diversity to the show. Characters like Lizzie, Hannah’s eccentric right-hand woman, bring additional comedic elements that enhance the series’ dynamic. Putting “Dwight” into “Pam’s” role helped shake up the formula a little bit. I have not watched all the episodes yet, but there are not too many standouts from the others yet when compared to UK and USA versions. Martin in HR is pretty good.

The Bad

Lack of originality: Critics have pointed out that The Office Australia struggles to bring something new to the table. Many reviews describe it as an unnecessary reboot that fails to innovate beyond its predecessors. The reliance on familiar tropes and plotlines makes it feel more like a rehash than a fresh take on the beloved series. I honestly don’t really care. I did not think it was going to be something new. I don’t mind that it’s a version of the show that I already know. The US version was pretty copycat for the first season or so. Maybe if The Office Australia lasts multiple seasons, it can find its own legs.

Mixed Reception on Humour: While some viewers appreciate the cringe-worthy comedy reminiscent of classic Office moments, others find it lacking in originality and impact. The humour often feels forced, with some episodes failing to hit the comedic highs expected from such a storied franchise. But when it’s funny, it’s very funny. The part where they held a wake for an employee and they only had his driver’s license to make a photo montage was amazing.

Underdeveloped characters: Despite a talented cast, several characters lack depth and development. This underutilization detracts from the overall experience, leaving audiences wanting more from these potentially rich personalities. I get it though, in so few episodes it’s hard to build epic characters. Especially when we are all comparing it to legendary characters from previous versions.

The Office Australia offers both nostalgic elements for longtime fans and new twists for those seeking something different. Its attempt to blend classic Office dynamics with contemporary issues provides moments of genuine humour and insight. However, its struggle with originality and character development may leave some viewers disappointed. Not for me personally. It’s pretty funny for the most part and since the 23 minute comedy is slowing going away, it’s a nice to have one around again.

For fans of the franchise (like me), this adaptation is worth exploring for its unique cultural touchpoints and fresh perspective. Yet, it remains to be seen whether it will achieve the lasting impact of its predecessors or fade into the background as just another adaptation in an already crowded landscape.

Have you watched The Office Australia yet? Let me know what you think in the comments.

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