Thanks for watching this one guys! Sorry about the weird audio change, I'm still trying to figure out my new XLR adapter and my new apartment. Help support great causes today by going to tab.gladly.io/quinton ! Follow me on Twitter ➱ twitter.com/Q_Review Support me on Patreon ➱ www.patreon.com/QReview
Quinton Reviews I hate you right now. It’s like you pulled my most recent watch history. I had to tell RUclips to stop recommending anything the office. It got to crazy.
You have to remember that the UK office was never supposed to be a "comedy" in the traditional sense. Gevais and Merchant wanted it to be a dreary and uncomfortable viewing experience, which is why the asshole Brent character worked. It was painfully obvious from the start that the US office wanted to have a warmer "sitcom" vibe and so Michael Scott being a direct copy of Brent was never going to work. It's a welcome changed which really saved the show tbh.
What are you on about? The original Office was absolutely a comedy, and was always intended to be so. It's far from the most dreary realistic awkward british comedy show there is. There's tons of them that we make like that here in the uk. I love both versions of the office, but the british one is funnier. The US one is better in terms of the characters though, you really grow to love them and then get sad when you reach the end. But yeah Ricky Gervais and Steve Merchant wanted to make a british version of Curb Your Enthusiasm, with that mockumentary feel but still a comedy (this was before the tv show Curb Your Enthusiasm, it refers to the special called Curb Your Enthusiasm that Larry David made before the show, where the cameras were acknowledged by the people on screen and it was presented as if it was a real documentary)
It definitely was intended to be a comedy. Gervais and Merchant wanted it to be dreary and uncomfortable but that was to make the show funnier. The realistic presentation of the show combined with the cringe inducing interactions elevates comedic moments, just because it doesn't only aim to be funny with no concern for style doesn't mean it wasn't supposed to be a comedy. We just have a different senses of humour here. Also I wouldn't say David Brent is an asshole in The UK Office. He is obviously a bit of a prick who is consistently awful in social interaction. However, unlike to US version, the uk office is written incredibly and make David Brent feel very human and the fact that he is a bit of a prick who is bad at social interaction makes him someone the audience can like and understand. Despite the many comedically dumb things he does, despite his seemingly huge ego, there are a lot of moments where David Brent is shown to be someone who is quite insecure and is just looking for validation that he is the person wants to be. David Brent is pretty good at his job, the office for the most part, runs like an office, his music is okay, it's unintentionally funny in its lyrics and nothing special but for the most part he is a good musician, not too good, not insanely awful. Also, one telling difference is this. When the US office guy is asked who is favourite comedians are, the writers go for the easier joke and he picks comedians that aren't highly regarded while David Brent picks comedians who are highly regarded and it is much more interesting to have a man who isn't funny like good comedy than a man who isn't funny liking bad comedy
Essentially they made Michael more sympathetic than callous and showed he actually cared for his employees. That won us over compared to a David Brent clone
6:00 it's more than a depressing moment. Much more. Michael was excited to share this experience with the office and the kids visiting during the holiday event. He had viewed this moment in his mind's eye as something to be proud of, his appearance on the show. He was just as surprised as everyone else watching it. It's brilliant character development.
Exactly! It's like, he wanted to show his friends something he thought was amazing, but instead accidentally showed how lonely he was for a good majority of his life. It's really sad, but it shows a lot about him. When watching the scene the first time, it really catapulted me straight go my childhood too.
i've always liked the fan theory that Gervais didn't really have that much input into the office and Stephen Merchant only collaborated with him because he fit the role so well just be being that person irl
I prefer the uk version it is more realistic and has a different comedic style though I do like the comedy in the us version the characters seem to have things fall in place typical with most sitcoms though it's a good comedy i don't feel it deserve the amount of praise the story gets and also personally like Ricky Gervais and if you haven't seen it watch extras it is his best work in my opinion
One of the things I haven't seen talked about a lot with this show and Michael's behavior is the existence of a camera crew in his office. Michael very clearly sees himself as a comedian (evidenced by his improv classes). I think fact that he acts so poorly, is in part due to the fact that he wants to leave the impression on the future audience that he's actually super funny but in reality isn't as funny as he thinks he is. It's continually referenced that Michael is an incredible paper salesman, and while he may have been over-promoted to a job slightly outside his skill set, the fact that he was a great salesman is reaffirmed by a number of characters. I always found it weird that so many people think of Michael as competent in any professional field, especially one like sales which requires interpersonal skills. So, my long-held belief is that basically when the cameras aren't rolling on him, he must be a little calmer, a little less eager to please.
One of my favorite moments that highlight that there's more to Michael than we expect is the episode about Ryan's website, that's the episode where we see past Michael's need for love. The whole episode we're lead to believe that the only reason Michael supports Ryan in spite of everything going against him is that he just wants Ryan to like him. When the other investors confront Michael, he clarifies that he's fully aware of what an ass Ryan is, but he's supporting him because he actually trusts his sense of judgment and intelligence.
@@Sugarman96 Similarly, in one episode the whole sales department (and Michael) compete for sales and he wins easily in this. Most of the time he comes off as a clown because he is deluded into thinking that he is talented at things he definitely isn't (like comedy) however, while thinking about that he forgets about the actual marketable qualities that he has, and so people only think about him for his bad qualities
I have met a few salespersons who were total assholes, untrustworthy and had a bad reputation in the office, but when they sit down with a customer they just sell the thing, whatever it is. It's like a magic trick, there are a few scenes in the show with Michael and Dwight demonstrating it.
@@Sugarman96 I would include the episode where he sold the Michael Scott Paper Company to DunderMifflen while getting a job for all three of them and getting rid of the current manager. He handled the meeting like a pro.
I think it’s funny people say “The Office would be cancelled today!” When a lot of traditionally leftist and liberal people LOVE the Office. I feel that’s most of its audience honestly. Also Always Sunny is still running and loved and that is objectively way more raunchy and “not PC” than the Office. People understand when “offensive” humor isn’t intending to punch down or extreme for extreme’s sake. But it’s easier for people to just say PC culture is ruining everything than to actually think critically as to why these shows are popular and very much not cancelled.
It's because the Office doesn't have a political agenda or message. Sure, there are shots taken, but the Office is more of a show about people and their personal interactions, and the cast is relatable enough so anyone can look at a given character and say "man, I know someone like that"
It’s actually because it’s in the past, so it’s not at the top of the agenda for the vindictive subversive online machine to attack. Progressives are obsessively conformist and extremely eager to demonstrate their loyalty to their ideology. They’d denounce something they would have otherwise enjoyed had it not been targeted by the tyrannical puritans of wokeness. If the Office was airing today, it would be under far more scrutiny for the bloodthirsty mob. Look no further than that one episode that had the black face scene scrubbed, despite it being the exact same lampooning meta joke that you’re pretending you’d be fine with lol.
I expected this to be another retelling of how they changed him from Season 1 to 2 that people have made a billion essays about, but instead it goes so much further in both the context of how they did that, as well as how it continued through the entire series.
I think what helped too is that they really toned down the whole second-hand-embarrassment humor from the first season. Obviously, the show carried that style throughout, but I just find myself cringing more than laughing when I watch season one.
I think it lifts way too much from the U.K version as well. Which is a show I probably cringe at more than I laugh at but is a show with so much humanity and complexity, I find myself always engaged. Season 1 of this version just kind of feels like a carbon copy with a lot less to say.
@@Sugarman96 Scotts Tots isn't even the episode with the most cringe. Not even close. It's the dinner party episode that is the worst for that, when Michael invites Jim and Pam over for dinner
@@Sugarman96 Oh God, I have only seen that episode once and I spent most of it watching throw my fingers because I was burying my face in my hands. Just because it was sooo uncomfortable. I haven't had the courage to watch it again because of how much it made me cringe. 😅
I love how the TV show clip is later called back to in one of Michael's final lines in the entire show, "It's like all my kids grew up, and married each other"
You're right on the money with how Michael Scott is motivated by loneliness. And kudos to you for showing the "Fundle Bundle" clip; once you've seen that clip you know everything you need to know about Michael Scott. Even as a kid, he dressed and carried himself the same way he does as an adult. He's still that kid.
The office hot takes... We foolishly tried to stop them; tried with every last ounce of our being. Looking back, I don't know why we ever felt we had a chance.
10:05 I've noticed this quite a lot with several shows and characters recently. Characters who make edgy, offensive jokes and act like complete assholes yet are mistaken by the anti-PC type crowd as champions of free speech who really stick it to those damn oversensitive snowflakes! Yet every time they completely fail to recognize that the offensive character is actually supposed to be a parody mocking the anti-PC crowd, not a figurehead enabling them.
Adam Corolla is a good example of one of these people in real life, he says offensive things like "when did we start carin about the gays" and then when he gets shit for he says " I'm a comedian " and blames "pc culture" and " sjws" as the reason why his blatant homophobia,transphobia,racism and classism rightfully gets attacked its a really painful reminder that the people they parody on these shows are indeed very real people
I'm so happy to absorb The Office second hand like this, because I can't watch the show itself. I cannot suspend my disbelief for characters like Micheal Scott and I can't handle awkward humor. I know it's a good show and I want understand it, so thanks for this video.
Us version isn't awkward at all. It makes me cringe in a bad way since its so over the top silly and stupid at points. The original in the other hand makes me cringe in the right way
@@suspikuutti822 There's one or two episodes that are like the UK version though (besides the pilot obviously), like the episode where michael has to go meet all of the kids at the school whose college tuition he had promised to pay for like 5 years prior. And it's set up so all these kids seem like they've been thinking about what he said the entire time, and have worked really hard with that in mind and then have lots of celebrations for him and then finally he has to tell them that he can't pay for their tuition because he isn't rich like he expected to be lmao... and at the end he does manage to pay for a single students college books
Quinton I’ve gotta say, your ability to keep dishing out quality content multiple times each week is impressing me more and more. It’s beginning to make me wonder if you need to give yourself more of a break. Anyway, just wanted to compliment you on your videos-I love them, and let you know that I see the hustle and respect it. Keep it up!
by the end of this video, I was pretty teary. I really enjoyed watching michael grow but as a show it takes many seasons for his full arc. Your video condenses this and its all the feels. Seeing Jim, tear up while saying goodbye to Michael is relatable. I felt the same. Thanks,
I just think its funny that Micheal Scott could grow out of being a hack, unsympathtic, unfunny comedian while Ricky Gervais, his inadvertent creator, only got more hacky and less funny.
The first time I watched the show it was pirated. My second time watching it, I encountered one sole episode I've never seen. That episode was "Scott's Tots."
That's the only episode of the entire show that I straight up dont like watching. The intense cringe comedy from the British version/season 1 died *hard* in that episode
You know what scene would go really well with your greater point? "Goodbye, Michael!" when Michael gives that scarecrow to Oscar, and Oscar accepts it, and then during his next interview with the cameramen, Michael was laughing so hard because he knew how ugly it looked and Oscar just accepted that he put all this effort into it, noting that Oscar has the lowest opinion of him. It was probably the most direct example of Michael Scott growing into self-awareness I can think of.
This was very fun to watch and a spot-on Michael Scott analysis. The writers slowly layered on Michael's humanity and that the fact that he never felt loved. The episode where we see kid-Michael on the wonderfully made up Fundle Bundle is what told those viewers who made this conclusion convinced that they were right. I mean, we kind of knew that the post season one Michael was a good guy inside, but the Fundle Bundle clip doesn't so much confirm it with viewers but explains why he is the way he is. The fact that kid-Michael dresses much the same as now-Michael really sells it. As you stated, Michael was 'broken,' Again, a super job on and thanks for making this!
Yeah thats incredibly infuriating. It delegitimizes the entire video, why am I gonna listen to this guy talk about the office when it seems like he hasn't paid attention enough to even get the names right?
If I were to breakdown this leading man in as few words as possible, this are the ones I would choose: Michael Scott... *AD: A LUNCHBOX... THAT FOLDS... INTO...*
the time wasn't right...i think..we are going to be one of those couples....with a long story.. me: chills on rewatch he knew....damn..it is so sad hopeful and bone chilling when he says that
I've only gotten to season 3 so far, but this shines such a new light on Michael. I never saw him as a bad person, just a reflection of bad people because he is too lacking in self awareness to realize that these behaviors are bad. And I only stopped because I couldn't really take his dysfunctional relationship with Jan... but again, this reminded me what it is about Michael that is enigmatic. However little he shows it, he does change and he does attempt to do good, even if those attempts dont always fly. Hes just a great guy with a lot of rough edges, but he sure reminds me of the fact that change is possible!
...and I believe your conclusion about the three themes of "The Office" (finding love, friendship, validation) is why it is so well revered today especially. Not to say those themes weren't important until recently, but that those three themes represent what many of us find lacking in our own lives - and I'm speculating - but this is been a bigger problem than it was in the past.
"some time people with depression tune in shows with people they like to experience the sort of feeling about having friends" that's sad, really, but I can relate - I'm not depressed right now, but I have tendencies, I'm not in any way a person with no friends, and there are moments in every day life when you may feel lonely, unwanted, sad - I found that sometimes I tune in some different internet shows I know, just to hear different people talking about things I like or don't like just to feel less alone - and I want @quinton to know in some way you are one of those people. I don't always agree, sometimes I change my perspective on things, sometimes not - sometime I start to understand why people is so passionate about things that I'm not. If you ever decide to come to Italy, for pleasure not for work, let me offer you a beer or whatever you may like. I owe you, thanks.
I really appreciate the kind outlook you view characters through. I came here from watching the victorious video, and it's just really refreshing to see someone online who understands that characters (and really, people.) are multi dimensional, and that good intentions don't always result in good actions, but that doesn't mean those people are fundamentally bad or incapable of changing. Just commenting to thank you and say I really appreciate all you're doing.
You know, everything you said about Michael Scott’s character was about things I already knew from watching the show, but never really thought about in detail before. One of those “you didn’t notice it, but your brain did” things. Thanks for bringing it to the forefront - I enjoy fiction writing as a hobby and am always looking for ways to write a nuanced character. So thanks for this analysis.
It’s been so cool to watch your channel evolve I want to see you continue to succeed. These videos where you’re just picking a topic you’re interested in and going in on it are some of the best media analysis things out there. Thanks for doing this stuff
When I do watch a Quinton video I enjoy it all the way through, not just because it's interesting to me, but because it gives me genuine joy to see him grow as a content creator and as a person as time goes on. Keep it up boy, proud of you
ive been watching your content for years now and i must say as a fan i am WELL FED RN with all these uploads!!! it’s fabulous but i hope ur not overworking urself my guy!
honestly I love these kinds of comedies, it makes me think of the IT crowd which was a bit like these in the sense that it was not great people getting into weird situations but never played quite as hard I wish shows like Big Bang Theory could grow a bit of spine and actually have the balls to poke fun at the main characters without appearing ableist or making the scene uncomfortable to watch
I watched both the UK and US series and I always loved seeing exactly where production realized what they had with Steve Carrell. Carrell is quite handsome and even when acting as someone unlike himself, has a compelling natural charm that comes through. Its far more interesting seeing someone who could be "normal" and moderately successful (especially with his interactions with women) completely sabotage himself by being so deluded and bizarre.
Thank You! In 22 minutes you managed to succinctly explain the hero’s journey of Michael Scott. I’ve tried to get my daughter to watch the show and she can’t make it out of season 1 and I’ve tried to convince her that season 1 is really a setup for Michael’s evolution. Maybe I can convince my daughter to watch this since you are amazing at telling the story behind the story.
Hey Quinton, I usually don’t leave comments under RUclips videos, but this video about one of my favorite shows of all time really pushed me to tell you this: I’ve been on this site for a long time and I transitioned from animations and skits to Ray William Johnson and Smosh to Let’s Plays and finally to critics and video essays, which, in my opinion, is some of the most interesting and thoughtful content out there. And besides very few others you never cease to amaze me with every single video of yours. I’m aware of how kiss-assy this sounds, but with every video of yours I get to think and know about new themes of shows, that I’ve believed to understand for years! So much so, that I started watching series and movies, like It’s Always Sunny for example, because you made a video about them. Something I otherwise never do. Ultimately, I just really enjoy your work and want to ask you, to just continue doing your thing. Appreciate you Sorry, for any spelling mistakes btw. English isn’t my first language
Great work Quinton! However I can't help but feel that the drastic change between seasons one and two has more to do with the fact that they realized the main joke of the show being "doesn't working in an office suck?" just wasn't that funny. This is why I actually find season one so hard to watch because nowadays the prospect of working in an office with health benefits and Christmas bonuses just seems like fantasyland.
10:05 The main fear is that people (twitter) will miss the point that the show is making fun of edgy hack comedians, but see nothing but a man saying slurs. Its a potential that these groups will ignore context, miss the statement the writers are making and only seeing a "no-no." That they are too dense to see that what they are blasting actually falls in line with their world view and should be supported. I'm not saying that this is everyone (there is probably a fan of the Office who's only a fan because "Michael pretending to be Asian is epic") but I feel *most* people who make this statement are thinking more along the lines I just expressed. If this would actually happen is another story, but the concern is rational.
Yeah, I think that's what Quinton missed. During the episode "Gay Witch Hunt", a certain homophobic slur gets tossed by Michael, where the joke is that he doesn't get the problem of calling someone by that word, regardless of the person actually being gay. The concern being that some people only really see the slur and ignore the context of the slur and who the actual butt of the joke is. It's not like that poorly aged plot in The UT Crowd where Douglas dates a trans woman, and her being trans is a big part of the joke.
Never watched The Office myself, but in watching this video I find it uncanny how much Michael Scott's arc resembles that of Brent from The Good Place. Granted, Brent only gets most of one season to develop so he never quite reaches the same heights, but that core concept of gaining self-awareness, recognizing your own privilege, and learning to accept criticism (in small steps) is still very much there.
I do that episode-skipping thing too. I do it mostly with music. It will be a sad day in my life when I've actually heard everything David Bowie ever released on an album. I can stretch out my discovery of an artist for yeeeeaaaaars.
The Office is basically what I would describe as TV comfort food. Easy to consume, makes me happy and entertained and can go for more. Rewatched it a third time from start to finish during the first lockdown and even though I knew the episodes, I was looking forward to it every day.
I wasn’t subscribed till today, after watching the history channel episode, and it’s funny because so many of your videos come up in my suggested/related videos and I just assumed I had been subscribed this whole time. Some channels I was subscribed to don’t even come close to how often I’ve seen your videos recommended. I’m not complaining, it’s just that RUclips is so strange how it works.
While I'm a sucker for stories that evoke empathy, I believe this is the first video essay that actually made me cry a little. Haven't watched The Office in years, but I'll definitely be checking out the office ladies. Thanks for the great video.
One thing that helped them change Michael from season 1 to season 2, was that in between seasons he filmed the 40 Year old Virgin and that character was a worldwide hit. People absolutely loved that goofy sweet loveable character and the writers of the office rolled with it......
Coffee Junkie I was very dubious about starting it, as I loved the uk office and felt it was clever. The us office is a totally different thing, almost unrelated. I thought I didn’t want heartwarming, but I’m about to finish the 9th season and it turns out that hilarious and heartwarming works for me as well as cynical and cringey. As Quinton says, season one of the us office is just a copy of the uk version - although I would add it is more outrageous, Michael is more outrageously racist etc than David Brent - but after that it sort of finds its feet as something totally different. Me and my husband have discussed how at some point the mockumentary of it is mostly forgotten ... totally private scenes are filmed, things are said in front of cameras that never would be, there are cameras in so many different locations at once... but somehow you forgive it and just keep watching
Thanks for watching this one guys! Sorry about the weird audio change, I'm still trying to figure out my new XLR adapter and my new apartment.
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Quinton Reviews I hate you right now. It’s like you pulled my most recent watch history. I had to tell RUclips to stop recommending anything the office. It got to crazy.
No u
shut up millenial
audio quality be like
📈📉📈📉📈📉📈📉📈📉
@@matt2328 sT onkS
_"[Holly] reminds us of Michael, without reminding us of Packer."_
Almost got chills there dude
He pronounces Packers name as Packard
Wilo Polis
Michael is the best villian turned hero
Suck on that zuko
@@TheUnmitigatedDawn Imagine what he could have been like with an Uncle Iroh instead of Packer...
@@ThePortalGeek1337 ik, it annoyed me the whole video
Michael = Holly minus Packer
You have to remember that the UK office was never supposed to be a "comedy" in the traditional sense. Gevais and Merchant wanted it to be a dreary and uncomfortable viewing experience, which is why the asshole Brent character worked. It was painfully obvious from the start that the US office wanted to have a warmer "sitcom" vibe and so Michael Scott being a direct copy of Brent was never going to work. It's a welcome changed which really saved the show tbh.
I would just add that Brent isn't a total arsehole. He isn't a mean or bad man. He's just sad and a bit of a twat.
@@danspencer1281 Agreed, I hate it when people characterise him that way. He was incompetent, clueless and socially awkward but he wasn't cruel.
What are you on about? The original Office was absolutely a comedy, and was always intended to be so. It's far from the most dreary realistic awkward british comedy show there is. There's tons of them that we make like that here in the uk. I love both versions of the office, but the british one is funnier. The US one is better in terms of the characters though, you really grow to love them and then get sad when you reach the end.
But yeah Ricky Gervais and Steve Merchant wanted to make a british version of Curb Your Enthusiasm, with that mockumentary feel but still a comedy (this was before the tv show Curb Your Enthusiasm, it refers to the special called Curb Your Enthusiasm that Larry David made before the show, where the cameras were acknowledged by the people on screen and it was presented as if it was a real documentary)
It definitely was intended to be a comedy. Gervais and Merchant wanted it to be dreary and uncomfortable but that was to make the show funnier. The realistic presentation of the show combined with the cringe inducing interactions elevates comedic moments, just because it doesn't only aim to be funny with no concern for style doesn't mean it wasn't supposed to be a comedy. We just have a different senses of humour here.
Also I wouldn't say David Brent is an asshole in The UK Office. He is obviously a bit of a prick who is consistently awful in social interaction. However, unlike to US version, the uk office is written incredibly and make David Brent feel very human and the fact that he is a bit of a prick who is bad at social interaction makes him someone the audience can like and understand. Despite the many comedically dumb things he does, despite his seemingly huge ego, there are a lot of moments where David Brent is shown to be someone who is quite insecure and is just looking for validation that he is the person wants to be. David Brent is pretty good at his job, the office for the most part, runs like an office, his music is okay, it's unintentionally funny in its lyrics and nothing special but for the most part he is a good musician, not too good, not insanely awful. Also, one telling difference is this. When the US office guy is asked who is favourite comedians are, the writers go for the easier joke and he picks comedians that aren't highly regarded while David Brent picks comedians who are highly regarded and it is much more interesting to have a man who isn't funny like good comedy than a man who isn't funny liking bad comedy
Ok thank u I watch 3 shows of uk an turn it off like I don’t get the comedy
I wish someone loved me the way Americans love the office
TheFourStarChef Yes 1 Canadian liking it aswell ruins her point
Old Dilbert is better.
@@subscribetothebajancraftft4297 Canada likes everything except for freedom. They hate our freedom
@@subscribetothebajancraftft4297 all nonamericans hate freedom and want to destroy the mount Rushmore national memorial.
@@subscribetothebajancraftft4297 I'm pretty sure that he's joking, dude.
Essentially they made Michael more sympathetic than callous and showed he actually cared for his employees. That won us over compared to a David Brent clone
6:00 it's more than a depressing moment. Much more. Michael was excited to share this experience with the office and the kids visiting during the holiday event. He had viewed this moment in his mind's eye as something to be proud of, his appearance on the show. He was just as surprised as everyone else watching it. It's brilliant character development.
Jesus Christ you're right. Its amazing how complex of a story context clues and facial expressions can imply. What a subtle genius this show has.
Exactly! It's like, he wanted to show his friends something he thought was amazing, but instead accidentally showed how lonely he was for a good majority of his life. It's really sad, but it shows a lot about him. When watching the scene the first time, it really catapulted me straight go my childhood too.
Turns out Ricky Gervais continued cosplaying season 1 Michael Scott to this day.
@Kausachun Velasco so devastatingly true lol
Zachary? You're right and you should say it.
i've always liked the fan theory that Gervais didn't really have that much input into the office and Stephen Merchant only collaborated with him because he fit the role so well just be being that person irl
@Kausachun Velasco Ricky is a jerk, but when him, Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington are put into a room together it's comedy gold!
I prefer the uk version it is more realistic and has a different comedic style though I do like the comedy in the us version the characters seem to have things fall in place typical with most sitcoms though it's a good comedy i don't feel it deserve the amount of praise the story gets and also personally like Ricky Gervais and if you haven't seen it watch extras it is his best work in my opinion
One of the things I haven't seen talked about a lot with this show and Michael's behavior is the existence of a camera crew in his office. Michael very clearly sees himself as a comedian (evidenced by his improv classes). I think fact that he acts so poorly, is in part due to the fact that he wants to leave the impression on the future audience that he's actually super funny but in reality isn't as funny as he thinks he is. It's continually referenced that Michael is an incredible paper salesman, and while he may have been over-promoted to a job slightly outside his skill set, the fact that he was a great salesman is reaffirmed by a number of characters. I always found it weird that so many people think of Michael as competent in any professional field, especially one like sales which requires interpersonal skills. So, my long-held belief is that basically when the cameras aren't rolling on him, he must be a little calmer, a little less eager to please.
Nah. He's the same. He is what is known as an idiot savant.
One of my favorite moments that highlight that there's more to Michael than we expect is the episode about Ryan's website, that's the episode where we see past Michael's need for love. The whole episode we're lead to believe that the only reason Michael supports Ryan in spite of everything going against him is that he just wants Ryan to like him. When the other investors confront Michael, he clarifies that he's fully aware of what an ass Ryan is, but he's supporting him because he actually trusts his sense of judgment and intelligence.
@@Sugarman96 Similarly, in one episode the whole sales department (and Michael) compete for sales and he wins easily in this. Most of the time he comes off as a clown because he is deluded into thinking that he is talented at things he definitely isn't (like comedy) however, while thinking about that he forgets about the actual marketable qualities that he has, and so people only think about him for his bad qualities
I have met a few salespersons who were total assholes, untrustworthy and had a bad reputation in the office, but when they sit down with a customer they just sell the thing, whatever it is. It's like a magic trick, there are a few scenes in the show with Michael and Dwight demonstrating it.
@@Sugarman96 I would include the episode where he sold the Michael Scott Paper Company to DunderMifflen while getting a job for all three of them and getting rid of the current manager. He handled the meeting like a pro.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
-Wayne Gretzky"
-Michael Scott
-Jeeves An.... I probably should figure out how to copy your name in mobile, ehhh.
suddenllybah *W E A K*
I find myself saying this constantly to encourage myself and make myself smile
Ugh. You would not BELIEVE how many times I’ve seen this as a senior quote. It’s upsetting.
I think it’s funny people say “The Office would be cancelled today!” When a lot of traditionally leftist and liberal people LOVE the Office. I feel that’s most of its audience honestly. Also Always Sunny is still running and loved and that is objectively way more raunchy and “not PC” than the Office. People understand when “offensive” humor isn’t intending to punch down or extreme for extreme’s sake. But it’s easier for people to just say PC culture is ruining everything than to actually think critically as to why these shows are popular and very much not cancelled.
And yet if you make fun of these people who say everything is PC and everyone is snowflakes then they get mad and intolerable hmmmm
It's because the Office doesn't have a political agenda or message. Sure, there are shots taken, but the Office is more of a show about people and their personal interactions, and the cast is relatable enough so anyone can look at a given character and say "man, I know someone like that"
@@j.w.tompkins7440 oh boy
It’s actually because it’s in the past, so it’s not at the top of the agenda for the vindictive subversive online machine to attack. Progressives are obsessively conformist and extremely eager to demonstrate their loyalty to their ideology. They’d denounce something they would have otherwise enjoyed had it not been targeted by the tyrannical puritans of wokeness. If the Office was airing today, it would be under far more scrutiny for the bloodthirsty mob. Look no further than that one episode that had the black face scene scrubbed, despite it being the exact same lampooning meta joke that you’re pretending you’d be fine with lol.
It is today in less you think 2013 is a long time ago sure its been 9 years but are culter has been the same since 2007
I expected this to be another retelling of how they changed him from Season 1 to 2 that people have made a billion essays about, but instead it goes so much further in both the context of how they did that, as well as how it continued through the entire series.
I think what helped too is that they really toned down the whole second-hand-embarrassment humor from the first season. Obviously, the show carried that style throughout, but I just find myself cringing more than laughing when I watch season one.
Scott's Tots is an exception for me, that episode is so uncomfortable.
Amit Sugarman yeah, that episode makes my skin crawl
I think it lifts way too much from the U.K version as well. Which is a show I probably cringe at more than I laugh at but is a show with so much humanity and complexity, I find myself always engaged. Season 1 of this version just kind of feels like a carbon copy with a lot less to say.
@@Sugarman96 Scotts Tots isn't even the episode with the most cringe. Not even close. It's the dinner party episode that is the worst for that, when Michael invites Jim and Pam over for dinner
@@Sugarman96 Oh God, I have only seen that episode once and I spent most of it watching throw my fingers because I was burying my face in my hands. Just because it was sooo uncomfortable. I haven't had the courage to watch it again because of how much it made me cringe. 😅
Michael Scott lives in a society.
So true 😔😭
Don't we all?
Don't we all...
If there's anything wrong with Michael, it's because society made him that way.
Members of lower management rise up!
You know what, you pointed out a great parallel between making his employees cry at both the start and end of his arc for polar-opposite reasons
I love how the TV show clip is later called back to in one of Michael's final lines in the entire show, "It's like all my kids grew up, and married each other"
You're right on the money with how Michael Scott is motivated by loneliness. And kudos to you for showing the "Fundle Bundle" clip; once you've seen that clip you know everything you need to know about Michael Scott. Even as a kid, he dressed and carried himself the same way he does as an adult. He's still that kid.
“If I were to break down this leading man in as few words as possible, these are the one’s I would choose:
Michael Scott [Advertisement]”
this video is like an inverted color image of Big Joel's office hot takes--astounding
Mmm, dialectic!
The office hot takes... We foolishly tried to stop them; tried with every last ounce of our being. Looking back, I don't know why we ever felt we had a chance.
Lentil Bonanza The battle is lost. The dream is dead, it’s over.
10:05 I've noticed this quite a lot with several shows and characters recently. Characters who make edgy, offensive jokes and act like complete assholes yet are mistaken by the anti-PC type crowd as champions of free speech who really stick it to those damn oversensitive snowflakes! Yet every time they completely fail to recognize that the offensive character is actually supposed to be a parody mocking the anti-PC crowd, not a figurehead enabling them.
Adam Corolla is a good example of one of these people in real life, he says offensive things like "when did we start carin about the gays" and then when he gets shit for he says " I'm a comedian " and blames "pc culture" and " sjws" as the reason why his blatant homophobia,transphobia,racism and classism rightfully gets attacked its a really painful reminder that the people they parody on these shows are indeed very real people
right as you said 'micheal scott is', i got an add that said "the most infamous serial killer of the decade"
Oh god, the Scranton Strangler
i straight up couldn't handle s1 michael.
him as my boss would have literally driven me to quit
One of the employees committed suicide just before the first episode. It's referenced a handful of times but you have to be very alert to catch it.
Yeah like that Brian guy from Stamford
I'm so happy to absorb The Office second hand like this, because I can't watch the show itself. I cannot suspend my disbelief for characters like Micheal Scott and I can't handle awkward humor. I know it's a good show and I want understand it, so thanks for this video.
It's easy to suspend your disbelief. I run into clowns like Micheal all of the time. Well they're more like packar.
wow that’s really mature of you instead of complaining about office fans
It's not that awkward all the time. Theres just a few key infamous episodes.
Us version isn't awkward at all. It makes me cringe in a bad way since its so over the top silly and stupid at points.
The original in the other hand makes me cringe in the right way
@@suspikuutti822 There's one or two episodes that are like the UK version though (besides the pilot obviously), like the episode where michael has to go meet all of the kids at the school whose college tuition he had promised to pay for like 5 years prior. And it's set up so all these kids seem like they've been thinking about what he said the entire time, and have worked really hard with that in mind and then have lots of celebrations for him and then finally he has to tell them that he can't pay for their tuition because he isn't rich like he expected to be lmao... and at the end he does manage to pay for a single students college books
Quinton I’ve gotta say, your ability to keep dishing out quality content multiple times each week is impressing me more and more. It’s beginning to make me wonder if you need to give yourself more of a break.
Anyway, just wanted to compliment you on your videos-I love them, and let you know that I see the hustle and respect it. Keep it up!
I also agree.
I also agree too
Our king is taking advantage of december’s higher CPM and i applaud him for it
by the end of this video, I was pretty teary. I really enjoyed watching michael grow but as a show it takes many seasons for his full arc. Your video condenses this and its all the feels. Seeing Jim, tear up while saying goodbye to Michael is relatable. I felt the same.
Thanks,
I just think its funny that Micheal Scott could grow out of being a hack, unsympathtic, unfunny comedian while Ricky Gervais, his inadvertent creator, only got more hacky and less funny.
Culminating in the dreaded Oscars Rant.
Ricky Gervais is hilarious at times.
well that's just not true
@@Fluffkitscripts
Hilarious oscar ran only betas found distasteful.
Beta comment
The first time I watched the show it was pirated. My second time watching it, I encountered one sole episode I've never seen.
That episode was "Scott's Tots."
Oof
i skip that episode every time omfg so awful to sit through lmao i just cringeeee
That's the only episode of the entire show that I straight up dont like watching. The intense cringe comedy from the British version/season 1 died *hard* in that episode
I am so sorry...
You know what scene would go really well with your greater point? "Goodbye, Michael!" when Michael gives that scarecrow to Oscar, and Oscar accepts it, and then during his next interview with the cameramen, Michael was laughing so hard because he knew how ugly it looked and Oscar just accepted that he put all this effort into it, noting that Oscar has the lowest opinion of him. It was probably the most direct example of Michael Scott growing into self-awareness I can think of.
This was very fun to watch and a spot-on Michael Scott analysis. The writers slowly layered on Michael's humanity and that the fact that he never felt loved. The episode where we see kid-Michael on the wonderfully made up Fundle Bundle is what told those viewers who made this conclusion convinced that they were right. I mean, we kind of knew that the post season one Michael was a good guy inside, but the Fundle Bundle clip doesn't so much confirm it with viewers but explains why he is the way he is. The fact that kid-Michael dresses much the same as now-Michael really sells it. As you stated, Michael was 'broken,' Again, a super job on and thanks for making this!
it really bothers me that he keeps saying "Packerd" instead of "Packer"
yeahh, made me question if I was wrong or not.
Yeah same
quinton is a poser
I'm glad I haven't seen The Office then, because that would really get on my nerves.
Yeah thats incredibly infuriating. It delegitimizes the entire video, why am I gonna listen to this guy talk about the office when it seems like he hasn't paid attention enough to even get the names right?
I've tried many times to explain to a friend why I "love" michael. you took the words i couldnt find out of my mouth. thanks man!
If I were to breakdown this leading man in as few words as possible, this are the ones I would choose:
Michael Scott...
*AD: A LUNCHBOX... THAT FOLDS... INTO...*
Here's a TV that looks like an apple
“IM GOING TO KILL MYSELF!” -Scott
Me at all times
I’m gonna fucking kill raid shadow legends
@@condor7435 let's do it
"Suicide is badass" - Danny DeVito
Depression? Isn't that just a fancy word for feeling bummed out?
MoistMaster 257 you should go see someone
Sometimes I go back and just watch the Holly episodes. I really like her and Michael's little arc.
the time wasn't right...i think..we are going to be one of those couples....with a long story..
me: chills on rewatch
he knew....damn..it is so sad hopeful and bone chilling when he says that
I've been rewatching The Office in chronological order with Office Ladies Podcast too. It's pretty interesting.
It's wild how deeply cathartic it is on those very brief moments when Michael acts like a normal person.
I've only gotten to season 3 so far, but this shines such a new light on Michael. I never saw him as a bad person, just a reflection of bad people because he is too lacking in self awareness to realize that these behaviors are bad. And I only stopped because I couldn't really take his dysfunctional relationship with Jan... but again, this reminded me what it is about Michael that is enigmatic. However little he shows it, he does change and he does attempt to do good, even if those attempts dont always fly. Hes just a great guy with a lot of rough edges, but he sure reminds me of the fact that change is possible!
Packer. Packerrrrrr. No D. That's what she said.
now THIS is how you write a character
they're realistic, lovable, yet imperfect, and you can't help but love them at the end.
“michael just wanted friendship” :(
Awesome job Quinton!! This is a super strong essay.
...and I believe your conclusion about the three themes of "The Office" (finding love, friendship, validation) is why it is so well revered today especially. Not to say those themes weren't important until recently, but that those three themes represent what many of us find lacking in our own lives - and I'm speculating - but this is been a bigger problem than it was in the past.
"some time people with depression tune in shows with people they like to experience the sort of feeling about having friends"
that's sad, really, but I can relate - I'm not depressed right now, but I have tendencies, I'm not in any way a person with no friends, and there are moments in every day life when you may feel lonely, unwanted, sad - I found that sometimes I tune in some different internet shows I know, just to hear different people talking about things I like or don't like just to feel less alone - and I want @quinton to know in some way you are one of those people.
I don't always agree, sometimes I change my perspective on things, sometimes not - sometime I start to understand why people is so passionate about things that I'm not.
If you ever decide to come to Italy, for pleasure not for work, let me offer you a beer or whatever you may like. I owe you, thanks.
oh man, I've been loving 'The Office Ladies' it's so refreshing.
oh man, I've been loving 'Mountain Dew, Doritos, and chicken' it's so refreshing.
The cornrolls chicken
Really enjoying the content and I totally respect the hustle, just hoping you’re not burning yourself out. Keep up the good work!
"NO GOD , NO GOD PLEASE NO , NO NO NO , NOOOOOO"
- Michael Scott
I mean it’s consensus that the show got great when Michael Scott stopped being an American David Brent, right?
I really appreciate the kind outlook you view characters through. I came here from watching the victorious video, and it's just really refreshing to see someone online who understands that characters (and really, people.) are multi dimensional, and that good intentions don't always result in good actions, but that doesn't mean those people are fundamentally bad or incapable of changing. Just commenting to thank you and say I really appreciate all you're doing.
You know, everything you said about Michael Scott’s character was about things I already knew from watching the show, but never really thought about in detail before. One of those “you didn’t notice it, but your brain did” things. Thanks for bringing it to the forefront - I enjoy fiction writing as a hobby and am always looking for ways to write a nuanced character. So thanks for this analysis.
It’s been so cool to watch your channel evolve I want to see you continue to succeed. These videos where you’re just picking a topic you’re interested in and going in on it are some of the best media analysis things out there. Thanks for doing this stuff
Quinton you have improved a lot over past few years. Love your videos.
Not havng him played by a comedian who's now known for tweeting "transgender attack helicopter" jokes 50 times a day?
It hurts to see his Twitter
I hate it when comedians make jokes.
It's nice when they make funny ones through. Or get new ones and not repeat it a thousand times
@@crazysnas181 He does, it's just some people focus on the ones that offend them the most.
@@SkyrimSoldier who are we talking about again? No really, I don't have twitter...
When I do watch a Quinton video I enjoy it all the way through, not just because it's interesting to me, but because it gives me genuine joy to see him grow as a content creator and as a person as time goes on.
Keep it up boy, proud of you
These video essays are your best work, This was great
ive been watching your content for years now and i must say as a fan i am WELL FED RN with all these uploads!!! it’s fabulous but i hope ur not overworking urself my guy!
Quinton's commentary at 10:41 is some of the channel's best in my opinion.
I've shown this to people I've only just met.
I love Tab for a cause!!!! I think they are still doing the thing where when friends add from your link, a tree will be planted.
honestly I love these kinds of comedies, it makes me think of the IT crowd which was a bit like these in the sense that it was not great people getting into weird situations but never played quite as hard
I wish shows like Big Bang Theory could grow a bit of spine and actually have the balls to poke fun at the main characters without appearing ableist or making the scene uncomfortable to watch
this is legit gonna make me cry dude.
Oh wow, Tab for a Cause sounds like a great extension, especially with how much I open tabs. Great video, Quinton!
I watched both the UK and US series and I always loved seeing exactly where production realized what they had with Steve Carrell. Carrell is quite handsome and even when acting as someone unlike himself, has a compelling natural charm that comes through. Its far more interesting seeing someone who could be "normal" and moderately successful (especially with his interactions with women) completely sabotage himself by being so deluded and bizarre.
Thank You! In 22 minutes you managed to succinctly explain the hero’s journey of Michael Scott. I’ve tried to get my daughter to watch the show and she can’t make it out of season 1 and I’ve tried to convince her that season 1 is really a setup for Michael’s evolution. Maybe I can convince my daughter to watch this since you are amazing at telling the story behind the story.
Reminds me of when spongebob did stand up.
So happy that you're doing well through Patreon and loving all the videos you've been sharing this month!
Michael Scott is the best example of a villian turned hero
Suck on that Zuko
really like this more tightly written format
I love using tab for a cause
I also love reading tvtropes
I end up donating a lot
YES TAB FOR A CAUSE!!! Love your vids Quinton! Glad you’re advertising them!
Excellent video. Made me think about the office in ways I had never considered
Awesome video! Love the topic, perspectives, and delivery!
Welp, time to rewatch the entire show.
Thanks for recommending Tab for a cause doing my part for charity has never been easier.
You forgot any references that phyllis describes when they went to high school.
weirdest part of this video is how you keep saying "Todd Packard" it's "Todd Packer".
I had to Google his name to make sure I haven't been hearing it wrong for years
Funny, I assume it's intentional though. xD
@@alchemicpunk1509 Why and how would it be intentional?
I had to look up the name of Todd Packer to make sure I wasn't insane
Wow, Quinton, you nailed it on this one.
I’ve never watched the office before, maybe I should give it a go.
Thank you for all of the amazing content lately. You are a great creator! Please make sure to relax and enjoy winter holidays too though:)
wow. this is why i keep watching your channel dude. amazing insights
Hey Quinton, I usually don’t leave comments under RUclips videos, but this video about one of my favorite shows of all time really pushed me to tell you this: I’ve been on this site for a long time and I transitioned from animations and skits to Ray William Johnson and Smosh to Let’s Plays and finally to critics and video essays, which, in my opinion, is some of the most interesting and thoughtful content out there. And besides very few others you never cease to amaze me with every single video of yours. I’m aware of how kiss-assy this sounds, but with every video of yours I get to think and know about new themes of shows, that I’ve believed to understand for years! So much so, that I started watching series and movies, like It’s Always Sunny for example, because you made a video about them. Something I otherwise never do. Ultimately, I just really enjoy your work and want to ask you, to just continue doing your thing. Appreciate you
Sorry, for any spelling mistakes btw. English isn’t my first language
One of your best videos in a while, Quinton. Fucking stellar work!
Great work Quinton! However I can't help but feel that the drastic change between seasons one and two has more to do with the fact that they realized the main joke of the show being "doesn't working in an office suck?" just wasn't that funny. This is why I actually find season one so hard to watch because nowadays the prospect of working in an office with health benefits and Christmas bonuses just seems like fantasyland.
10:05 The main fear is that people (twitter) will miss the point that the show is making fun of edgy hack comedians, but see nothing but a man saying slurs. Its a potential that these groups will ignore context, miss the statement the writers are making and only seeing a "no-no." That they are too dense to see that what they are blasting actually falls in line with their world view and should be supported.
I'm not saying that this is everyone (there is probably a fan of the Office who's only a fan because "Michael pretending to be Asian is epic") but I feel *most* people who make this statement are thinking more along the lines I just expressed.
If this would actually happen is another story, but the concern is rational.
Yeah, I think that's what Quinton missed. During the episode "Gay Witch Hunt", a certain homophobic slur gets tossed by Michael, where the joke is that he doesn't get the problem of calling someone by that word, regardless of the person actually being gay.
The concern being that some people only really see the slur and ignore the context of the slur and who the actual butt of the joke is.
It's not like that poorly aged plot in The UT Crowd where Douglas dates a trans woman, and her being trans is a big part of the joke.
Never watched The Office myself, but in watching this video I find it uncanny how much Michael Scott's arc resembles that of Brent from The Good Place. Granted, Brent only gets most of one season to develop so he never quite reaches the same heights, but that core concept of gaining self-awareness, recognizing your own privilege, and learning to accept criticism (in small steps) is still very much there.
I do that episode-skipping thing too. I do it mostly with music.
It will be a sad day in my life when I've actually heard everything David Bowie ever released on an album.
I can stretch out my discovery of an artist for yeeeeaaaaars.
The Office is basically what I would describe as TV comfort food.
Easy to consume, makes me happy and entertained and can go for more.
Rewatched it a third time from start to finish during the first lockdown and even though I knew the episodes, I was looking forward to it every day.
Congrats on the move, Q. Great video. Good luck with all your endeavors in the new year
Never watched the show, and this is the first time I've ever been really tempted.
I wasn’t subscribed till today, after watching the history channel episode, and it’s funny because so many of your videos come up in my suggested/related videos and I just assumed I had been subscribed this whole time. Some channels I was subscribed to don’t even come close to how often I’ve seen your videos recommended. I’m not complaining, it’s just that RUclips is so strange how it works.
He is truly the people person’s paper person huh
Packard? Now I'm just imagining the pilot from snakes on a plane as captain of the Enterprise.
I had the same experience of seeing an episode I slept through and omg that was amazing
This video is part of my The Office binge
Loving the new analysis videos
Great video analysis. I'd been putting off finishing the Office for while, but now I think I'll finish it.
Seen this video a 100 times but you put a great spin on it Q man
While I'm a sucker for stories that evoke empathy, I believe this is the first video essay that actually made me cry a little. Haven't watched The Office in years, but I'll definitely be checking out the office ladies. Thanks for the great video.
One thing that helped them change Michael from season 1 to season 2, was that in between seasons he filmed the 40 Year old Virgin and that character was a worldwide hit. People absolutely loved that goofy sweet loveable character and the writers of the office rolled with it......
Honestly I've never seen the U.S. Office, but might give it a go, see if it's as good as the U.K. version.
Coffee Junkie I was very dubious about starting it, as I loved the uk office and felt it was clever. The us office is a totally different thing, almost unrelated. I thought I didn’t want heartwarming, but I’m about to finish the 9th season and it turns out that hilarious and heartwarming works for me as well as cynical and cringey. As Quinton says, season one of the us office is just a copy of the uk version - although I would add it is more outrageous, Michael is more outrageously racist etc than David Brent - but after that it sort of finds its feet as something totally different. Me and my husband have discussed how at some point the mockumentary of it is mostly forgotten ... totally private scenes are filmed, things are said in front of cameras that never would be, there are cameras in so many different locations at once... but somehow you forgive it and just keep watching
Cant believe i havent seen this video of yours yet, peak
Excellent video Quinton!