An Open Letter To The Office
Dear The Office,
You're a great show, so congratulations on that and stuff. As someone who has worked in plenty of offices, you're really nailing offices. You did it! They are horrible! Did you know that you spend more time with people you work with than you do with your ownzzzzzzzzzzz.
But, um, can we talk about something real quick? Kevin? The overweight accountant? On a show that is known for capturing the funny sadness of flawed people trying their best in a semi-naturalistic light, your decision to have a sloppy throw-back caricature with a goofy voice hamming it up seems weird to me.
Here are a few of Kevin's lines from just last night's episode.
Come on. This is ham-fisted. It's clownish. Maybe this works on My Name Is Earl, but here everyone around him looks like Sidney Poitier (he was white and used to be on the Daily Show, right?)
Please do not misunderstand me. I am sure that Brian Baumgartner, the actor who portrays Kevin, is both a gentleman, and a hilarious actor. I blame Greg Daniels and Ricky Gervais. Or someone. I'll blame anyone other than Brian Baumgartner. Maybe I'll blame Brian Baumgartner a little bit. But he is not alone in this. Someone directed him. You guys, let's get it together. This Kevin stuff has to stop. By God as my witness, I will quit watching your show if this is not fixed.
Sincerely,
Lindsay.
Posted by Gabe at 10:54 AM in An Open Letter, Sitcoms
Tags: Brian Baumgartner | Ed Helms | Steve Carell | The Office
Sure when you put the clips all back to back like that, yeah, Kevin seems terrible. But let's be honest, with Jim and Pam dangerously close to RomCom land and Michael in mopey mode they really left it up to the other characters to shoulder the comedy on this one.
Score = 0
I'm glad someone is adressing this. I have had the very same qualms regarding his delivery...I mean...it is the delivery, right? The lines themselves are fine. I feel like he is spitting out each word as if they are at the end of a long line of s-s-s-stutters. Either that or he has managed to adeptly work with his tourette's. Either way, I can deal...but come on!
Score = -2
Kevin was the best in the Diversity Day episode though.
Score = 0
Yea to that. I say more Crede and Stanley. Crede telling Michael that he was in an iron lung as a teenager was the best line ever on the program.
And the RomCom aspect of the show has gotten a little syrupy.
Score = 1
Blame BJ Novak, who wrote this episode.
Score = -1
I suppose I will be the lone commenter who loves Kevin on the show. My favorite Office moment was near the end of the Diversity Day episode, where Michael mentioned having food and Kevin sang "Maybe some spaghetti..." I sing that almost every time I have Italian food. True story.
Both of the new episodes have been disappointing, though.
Score = 2
I agree with the person who can read above me. Kevin is amazing. The moment where he talks about losing his girlfriend, so this small victory really means something was handled so wonderfully and subtle. Everyone on this show is on the cusp of being cartoony, but it works. Plus, I've met Brian B. and he is a gentleman. And a great actor.
Score = 2
Keep in mind that the diversity episode was episode 2. That was a long time ago to keep holding the torch for Kevin.
Score = -2