The US office

I really like the US Office.

I think it threads the needle beautifully. It balances the callous cruel nature necessary for comedy with heart warming personal moments that make you feel for the characters.

If they were nice to each other all the time there would be no tension and no shocking burns. Who would watch a show of well adjusted logical adults making reasonable decisions all the time?

If they were mean to each other all the time they would put a lot of people off.

The creators are walking a tightrope.

Just when you think they’re becoming the best of pals Phyllis comes out with a scathing remark.

Just when Andy’s feeling down, the rest pull him into the group, hand him a beer and make him a burger.

I think the creators picked their axes well and push the show to the edges beautifully.