Description
Regarded as one of the best British sitcoms to ever be created, the Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant comedy was introduced us to Wernham Hogg in 2001, bringing us David Brent in all his glory.
Cast
David Brent - Ricky Gervais
Gareth - Mackenzie Crook
Tim - Martin Freeman
Dawn - Lucy Davis
Jennifer - Stirling Gallacher
Spotlight Star
I can quite easily say that The Office would be nothing without Mackenzie Crook as Gareth. His character is the only one that feels like the actor is actually acting - whereas Gervais and Freeman are pretty much playing themselves.
Gareth is very much Kurtan Mucklowe from This Country if he ever got a job, and I can imagine Charlie Cooper was directly inspired by Mackenzie's portrayal.
Opinion
I think my rating might be quite controversial considering how highly regarded it is. That said, I just didn't find it lived up to the hype. All Gervais characters feel the same to me, so I never connected with Brent. Though, I can see how it has influenced many sitcoms since. And a cameo from a pre-Peep Show Olivia Colman was a great addition.
Rating
Casting - 7/10
Originality - 7/10
Execution - 7/10
★★☆☆☆
Comments