Pilot (The Office)
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"Pilot" is the first episode of the first season of American version of The Office. It premiered on NBC on March 24, 2005.[1] Written by Greg Daniels and directed by Ken Kwapis, the script was adapted from the script of the first episode of the British version of the show, which was originally written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. "Pilot" introduces each of the main characters as employees of the Scranton, Pennsylvania branch of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, as well as establishes the basic premises of the series.
Synopsis
Michael Scott, regional manager of the Scranton branch of the Dunder Mifflin, introduces a visiting documentary crew to his employees, who include Jim Halpert, a competent but unmotivated sales representative, Dwight Schrute, his petty and power-hungry co-worker and direct supervisor, Pam Beesly, the soft-spoken receptionist and object of Jim's silent affection, although she is engaged to warehouse employee Roy, and Ryan Howard, a new temporary employee.
Jan Levinson-Gould, Michael's superior from corporate, arrives to inform Michael that the corporate board has determined that they cannot economically justify having both a Scranton branch and a Stamford branch. Michael does a poor job of disguising his panic, and his attempts to reassure his employees does little to calm their fears. Meanwhile, Dwight discovers that Jim has encased his stapler in Jell-O. His anger at Jim is met only with further teasing from Jim, Ryan, and even Michael. Later in the day, Michael attempts to prank Pam by pretending to fire her for stealing Post-it notes. When Pam breaks down crying, Michael reveals the joke, but Pam is hardly amused. After everyone has gone home, Jim sneaks into Michael's office and places Michael's mug, encased in Jell-O, on the desk.
Production
The episode debuted the series as a midseason replacement for the 2004-05 season. Although the episode was primarily adapted from the British series pilot "Downsize", it was partially re-scripted in an attempt to "Americanize" it.[2][3] Jokes such as Dwight's stapler in being put in Jell-O by Jim were transferred almost verbatim from the original series, while others were only slightly changed. Although later reshot, a scene in which Jim tapes pencils to his desk was originally filmed as a parallel a scene in the British version, in which Tim Canterbury stacks up cardboard boxes in front of Gareth Keenan to restrict Keenan's view of Canterbury.[4]
"Pilot" was filmed almost six months prior to beginning of filming on the second episode of the season "Diversity Day".[5] Many actors originally filmed as extras in this episode would later go on to become supporting cast members in later episodes, and the two women wearing blue sweaters towards the back of the room at the staff meeting scene were actual accountants that worked on the production staff.[4] The Office used no laugh tracks in the "Pilot", wanting its "deadpan" and "absurd" humor to fully come across.[6]
Reception
"Pilot" received mixed reviews after its premiere.[7] Many sources deemed it another failed American reincarnation of a British show. As the Deseret Morning News said, "Maybe, after The Office dies a quick death on NBC, the network will decide that trying to Americanize British TV comedies isn't such a great idea."[8] The New York Daily News said the show was "neither daring nor funny", adding that "NBC's version is so diluted there's little left but muddy water". The Los Angeles Times complained that Steve Carell, who portrays Scott and also appeared in the movie Anchorman, was "too cartoon" and said: "Lost in translation is the sadness behind the characters."[9]
Although many perceived the first episode to have been a failure, many outlets praised the new show. While berating the show for its for coming across "slowly and painfully", Boston.com said that "It is funny".[10] In relation to past failed shows adapted from British shows, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette stated "Despite botching the American remake of the Britcom Coupling, NBC makes a pretty good effort in its version of The Office in duplicating the original's ethos while injecting it with an American sensibility."[11] In viewers aged 18-49, an estimated 11.3 million people viewed the premiere episode of The Office, making it the third most-watched show for that evening.[12]
References
- ^ BBC to screen US TV's The Office BBC News, retrieved February 21, 2008
- ^ NBC opens 'Office' in America JS Online, retrieved February 21, 2008
- ^ Miracle time -- Americanized 'Office' is good San Francisco Chronicle, retrieved February 22, 2008
- ^ a b Wilson, Rainn (Actor). 2005. "Pilot" [Commentary track], The Office Season One (US/NBC Version) [DVD], Los Angeles, CA: Universal.
- ^ Novak, B.J. (Actor). 2005. "Pilot" [Commentary track], The Office Season One (US/NBC Version) [DVD], Los Angeles, CA: Universal.
- ^ An American-Style 'Office' With a Boss From Heck The New York Times, retrieved February 22, 2008
- ^ Office remake has its US TV debut BBC News, retrieved February 23, 2008
- ^ NBC is off target with The Office The Deseret Morning News, retrieved February 23, 2008
- ^ US version of Office gets cool reception The Guardian, retrieved February 23, 2008
- ^ It's not as warped as the original, but 'The Office' is painfully funny Boston.com, retrieved February 23, 2008
- ^ TV Reviews: American 'Office' works for and gets the laughs The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, retrieved February 23, 2008
- ^ American 'Office' an early ratings hit Digital Spy, retrieved February 28, 2008