Pilot (The Office)
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"Pilot" is the first-season and series premiere of American comedy television series The Office. It premiered in the United States on the National Broadcasting Company on March 24, 2005.[1] Although officially written by Greg Daniels[2], the script was adapted from the original script of the first episode of the British version of the show, which was written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.[2] "Pilot" was directed by Ken Kwapis[2].
"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.
Plot
Michael Scott, regional manager of the Scranton branch of 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, Ryan Howard, a new temporary employee, and Pam Beesly, the soft-spoken receptionist and object of Jim's flirtation.
Jan Levinson-Gould, Michael's superior from corporate, arrives to inform Michael that the Scranton branch may be closed down. Michael immediately informs his employees that no one will be fired. Meanwhile, Dwight discovers that Jim has encased his stapler in Jell-O. 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.[3]
Production
The episode debuted the series as a midseason replacement for the 2004-05 season. Although the episode was primarily adapted from the first episode of the British series, it was partially re-scripted in an attempt to "Americanize" it.[4][5] Jokes such as Dwight's stapler in being put in Jell-O by Jim were transferred 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 to 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.[6]
"Pilot" was filmed almost six months prior to beginning of filming on the second episode of the season "Diversity Day".[7] 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.[6] The Office used no laugh tracks in the "Pilot", wanting its "deadpan" and "absurd" humor to fully come across.[8]
Reception
"Pilot" received mixed reviews after its premiere.[9] 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."[10] 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."[11]
Although many perceived the first episode to have been a failure, some outlets praised the new show. While berating the show for its for coming across "slowly and painfully", the Boston Globe said that "It is funny".[12] 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."[13] 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.[14]
Cast
Characters present in the "Pilot" episode include Michael, Dwight, Jim, Pam, Ryan, Oscar, Angela, Kevin, Stanley, Phyllis, Creed, Jan, and Roy.
Meredith, Kelly, Toby, and Darryl are the only other prominent characters introduced within the first season who are not present in the first episode. Devon, who is only present in two episodes of the first season, is likewise absent in the "Pilot" episode.
Three unnamed women and one unnamed man appear in the "Pilot" and are not seen in any other episode. They can be seen during the conference room meeting, which occurs halfway through the episode.
References
- ^ BBC to screen US TV's The Office BBC News, retrieved February 21, 2008
- ^ a b c "The Office: Pilot: Writers, Directors and Crew". TV.com. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
- ^ "The Office: Pilot: Episode Recap". TV.com. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
- ^ 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