In the case of The Office its actually a re-re watching. I generally immerse myself in the world of Wernham- Hogg at least once every six months. Regardless of how often I actually watch the show its influence is never far away, its quotes and awkward gestures so easily applicable to everyday life. Looking back on the achievement of Gervais and Merchant it is really quite astounding. They were a duo of untried writers and directors who managed to craft a near perfect piece of television. The main characters are perfectly drawn and nervelessly brought to life by an ensemble of near rookies. Gervais in the main role managed to create a character that has now become imitated in some form by nearly every comedy series of the last five years. (see the BBC's new dire comedy The Persuasionists for the prime example of the influence put to terrible use)
Many point to the cringe inducing laughs of "I'm Alan Partridge" as the direct forebear to The Office. In some senses that influence is palpable. However Coogan's character (who is also amazing) still employs jokes in the traditional sense. As awkward and bumbling as he may be there are still traditional jokes with set up and punchlines ( e.g. "I'm a big Beatles fan" "Yeah whats your favourite album?" "I'd have to say the best of the Beatles") Just as there are non second acts in American lives there are simply no jokes in Brents. There is just staggering, incredible absurd hubris and awkwardness. And that is why the Office is the greatest of all time.
*The above is still my favourite scene from the show. The mix of downright fiction and Brent's utter lack of self awareness is magic. And theres also the immortal line of "Big Boy Shit"
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