"The Office" -- First Impressions

I had never once watched "The Office" before, but having heard one too many times from Mindy that this was the best show ever, and even though she never told me "you have to watch this," I figured I'd give it a shot. I watched 4 episodes last night, and expect to watch more today--well, actually I rented the third season and will rent it again just to get through all of it.

But first, since I know she'll read this: "OK, Mindy, I understand why you are crushing on 'Jim.'" lol

I was entirely ignorant of this show, other than that I knew Steve Carell was in it. I had no idea it didn't use a laugh track (which is a big +), nor that it is a mockumentary, the quintessential example of which is This Is Spinal Tap. I started out with season 3 because that was the only one available at Family Video. It's just as well--starting in media res is like jumping into the deep end of the pool. In this case, I started swimming immediately.

I'm not going to review the show or "judge" it, but I did want to say I'm really going to enjoy catching up on this one. Absurdist humor performed by those skilled in absurdistry is a delight. One of my favorite shows ever is "Green Acres." The one sane character in that show, Mr. Douglas, though himself possessing no shortage of quirks, navigates through a cast of characters who come from a different planet called Hooterville. In "The Office," Jim plays a similar role, except that he clearly understands his coworkers and relishes the opportunities left open to a sane person, while Mr. Douglas was mostly exasperated through every episode.

I haven't watched enough of the show yet to fully appreciate each of the characters, but it was pretty easy to "get the gist" of each of them, for by season three the actors clearly know how to live their roles. I can't wait to see the whole series, though it may be a solitary pursuit since I'm pretty sure the rest of my family just isn't going to get it (except maybe Ashley).

UPDATE: OK, I watched a bunch more episodes, and this show is just so damn funny! I'm going to have to see every episode. I like Jim, and I really like Pam--she reminds me of the kind of girl I used to go for every time. I also like Karen, though. Jim is one lucky guy!