Dear “The Office,”

Congratulations are in order, for you have so revolutionized the state of the modern sitcom that an entire generation of viewers has taken notice. Whereas everybody hated your first season, calling it a rip-off, or a poor port of the popular British version, you kept trying, registering several accomplishments along the way. Let’s take a brief look at your handywork.

Fact: What was once a phrase uttered only by high school gym teachers and that awkward kid who sits in the back of class, “that’s what she said” has become something much more tireless and universal. No longer do I have to worry about whether something I say can be construed as innuendo, as I will always have the slogan emblazoned on a T-shirt, or a friend with an original sense of humor nearby to remind me.

Fact: One of the more popular Halloween costumes of the past year was Dwight K. Schrute.
Those who would have dressed like a normal geek instead elected to dress like a famous geek who talks about “Battlestar Galactica” and bears. While a topical fashion statement, many a fan’s decision birthed a nation full of not quite right Dwights that were either too skinny, too short or, somehow, too geeky to portray the character.

Fact: Jim and Pam are the new Sam and Diane, but they are also the new Tim and Dawn, who were, in effect, supposed to be the new, albeit English, Sam and Diane. But that’s not a bad thing. Ladies love Pam’s modesty, which is reflected in her modest attire, modest personality and modest temperament. Guys, on the other hand, want to be Jim and spend hours every day modeling both their hairstyles and facial expressions accordingly.

Fact: You are only aided by your “mockumentary” style which, again, should be contributed to the original version. The lack of a studio audience or laugh track allows you to capitalize on moments of awkward silence and the uncomfortable. In this regard, you are restructuring the way sitcoms are created. Not only do 21st century audiences dislike being told when to laugh, but they are fed up with the complicated intricacies of a multiple camera set-up. Your single-camera approach, while not completely unique, speaks volumes to the way TV is produced in this as well as future decades.

Best of luck come award season,
Derek Walker

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