The Office (BBC), Season 1, Ep. 1 "Episode One: Downsize"

 

The Office (BBC), Season 1, Ep. 1 "Episode One: Downsize"

 

Product Details

• Episode 1, "Episode One: Downsize"
• Synopsis: Head office is threatening to close the Slough branch and lay-off staff. David assures everyone that their jobs are safe. A practical joke to raise morale annoys everyone. Gareth and Tim are locked in battle over who should have the stapler.
• Original air date: July 9, 2001
• Runtime: 31 minutes
• ASIN: B001444MZA

Product Description

Head office is threatening to close the Slough branch and lay-off staff. David assures everybody that their jobs are secure. A practical joke to raise morale annoys every person. Gareth and Tim are locked in battle more than who will need to have the stapler.

• Starring: Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman
• Directed by: Ricky Gervais
• Runtime: 31 minutes
• Original air date: July 09, 2001
• Network: BBC America

Customer Reviews

I'll always be a fan of the UK and US versions of The Office. Ricky Gervais is a comedic genius. Most of you watching the US version of The Office don't realize that the original version appeared on BBC in the UK. The "Michael Scott" of the UK is played by Ricky Gervais and if you thought Michael Scott was awkward, Gervais' character is doubly awkward, but that's why The Office UK is a must watch. Dwight Shrute's character in the UK version is hilariously "bullied", but the jokes that Jim (US) plays on Dwight in the US version are much funnier. Still hilarious so don't let that deter you from watching it. Oh and for those who look forward to Jim's (US) priceless expressions, they are not quite as priceless as the version in the UK.
It's a well known fact that Gervais ends his shows during the height of a show's success so many of the storylines you're used to watching in the US version is not nearly as expanded as in the UK version. I mean The Office US is now going into its 8th season while the UK version only has 2 full season and a 3rd special episode.
All that being said, I highly recommend you watch this. You will want to rewind some parts over and over again because they're so hilarious.

Difficult to watch. My question is "Why if there is going to be lay-offs are they bring in TWO temp workers?" It makes no sense. Perhaps that is the point.

 

The Office (BBC), Season 1, Ep. 1 "Episode One: Downsize"

 

Rating: 4.5