In the evolving landscape of workplace comedies, the latest spinoff from the much-beloved The Office—titled The Paper—is generating a mixed bag of reviews. Set in the same universe, this show attempts to capture the essence of its predecessor but often falls short, leading critics to describe it as “dated” and “mediocre.” This article explores the major themes and critiques of The Paper, placing it within the context of its Office origins.
Setting and Premise
Two years after the British version of The Office wrapped with its poignant Christmas special in 2003, American audiences received their own adaptation. The original, known for its sharp, mortifying humor, revolved around the Dunder Mifflin paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, primarily under the stewardship of the bumbling Michael Scott, played by Steve Carell. The American version, full of heart and comedy, turned into a cultural phenomenon over nine seasons, concluding in 2013 after a plethora of awards and accolades.
The Paper picks up where The Office left off, with showrunner Greg Daniels exploring the struggles of a local newspaper—the Toledo Truth Teller— trying to swim against the tide of digital media. The show transfers only one character from the original series: Oscar Martínez, portrayed by Oscar Nunez. New lead Ned Sampson, interpreted by Domhnall Gleeson, finds himself in a role he is not fully equipped for, having transitioned from selling high-end cardboard to editing a newspaper.
Characters and Humor
The initial scenes draw attention to the dire state of the Truth Teller, laden with mundane content and irrelevant articles. For instance, headlines such as “Elizabeth Olsen reveals her night-time skin routine” exemplify the paper’s mediocrity, setting the tone for the workplace environment. The show introduces a cast of characters, including managing editor Esmerelda Grand (Sabrina Impacciatore), whose quest for sensationalism is a recurring theme.
Critics argue that the show suffers from a lack of depth and originality. Characters like Adam (Alex Edelman) and Adelola (Gbemisola Ikumelo) come off as stereotypical sitcom figures, making little impact within the broader narrative. Without the emotional undercurrents often found in The Office, the humor feels one-dimensional. The paper’s frequent absurdities—such as a story involving "man mitts" designed to clean oneself post-bathroom—often seem forced and insufficiently explained.
However, Impacciatore’s Esmerelda shines as a standout character. Her lines showcase witty comedic timing and cleverness, adding a layer of charm to the otherwise lackluster plot. The chemistry between her and colleague Ken (Tim Key) hints at the potential for a more captivating narrative, one that explores their shared ambitions within the somewhat chaotic world of local journalism.
Comedic Comparisons
When held against the backdrop of other contemporary workplace comedies such as Abbott Elementary and St Denis Medical, The Paper lacks the punch and innovation characteristic of its competitors. Critics note that, unlike these shows, The Paper feels like “dated background TV,” sometimes evoking the need for a laugh track to fill the silence. The distinct charm and social commentary of the original series are left muted in this latest iteration.
Themes of Mediocrity
One of the show’s strongest themes is the portrayal of local journalism as a fading industry struggling to find its footing in the digital age. The Truth Teller’s misadventures serve as an allegory for the broader challenges the industry faces, from sensationalized reporting to the prevalence of clickbait. Yet, while the show effectively critiques the mediocrity of its fictional newspaper, it trudges into a peculiar irony; it unwittingly reproduces similar qualities, failing to elevate its narrative beyond the humdrum.
Potential for Growth
Despite its shortcomings, The Paper harbors promising elements that, if addressed, could lead to a stronger series. The character of Ned, while initially unremarkable, has potential for development. A more nuanced exploration of his role within the chaotic environment could enrich the narrative. As it stands, he often feels too bland to carry an entire show, lacking the outrageousness and charisma that audiences found in Scott and Brent.
Conclusion
In summation, The Paper presents an interesting yet flawed addition to the Office franchise, which has long set a high bar for workplace comedies. While it offers moments of clever humor, particularly through the depiction of Esmerelda, the series ultimately struggles under the weight of familiar tropes and mediocre execution. In the bid to explore the decline of local journalism, it inadvertently reflects those challenges through its own lack of creativity and depth.
As the series continues, it remains to be seen whether the writers will refine their approach, harnessing the potential within the characters and themes at play. Until then, viewers may find themselves reminiscing about the rich tapestry of storytelling and character development offered by the original Office, rather than welcoming this new chapter with open arms. For those following the series, The Paper is currently available on platforms such as Sky Max and Now in the UK, Peacock in the US, and Binge in Australia.
