So shake it off…the cast is great and the awks-comedy is too good to listen to if you don’t like this new series*.
“THE OFFICE AUSTRALIA” has always been a difficult sell. Regardless of the fact that it’s the twelfth spin-off from the groundbreaking Gervais/Merchant mockumentary that spawned each of them (the much-loved US version, which became a lockdown rewatch staple) (including 9 seasons), “THE OFFO” will always be a target.
After watching all eight episodes of this Australian version, this reviewer believes that anyone who doesn’t love THE OFFICE AUSTRALIA hasn’t watched it at all.
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Felicity Ward plays Hannah Howard, the titular boss and central character of the series. As Howard, Ward conveys a level of anxiety and lack of awareness that fans will find comfort in, but it’s Hannah’s motivation and determination to perform that sets her apart. If the whole world is set, this “documentary” is Hannah’s world tour, and 8 eps isn’t enough to fully understand her overwhelming power (with no additional features like the UK and US versions) A season would give the writers and cast an opportunity to impress viewers) by giving us deeper insight into this and other characters, and by giving us a chance to stand up for this troubled woman. You can stay alive. ) Ward makes Howard a truly isolated character in a world that he compares to other bosses. And what makes Hannah most overwhelming in the best sense (by Ward’s own admission) is the ADHD-like energy she brings to the office.
Edith Poore shines as Lizzie Moyle, the FC receptionist who enthusiastically spits on Hannah and is full of crows to help. Lizzie really wants to fit in, even though she is dark and focused and it alienates her. It’s hard to thread the needle, but I think Pua did a good job of giving us this interpretation. Shari Sebbens and Steen Raskopoulos are fantastic as Greta King and Nick Fletcher, respectively, giving enough hints to their love story without overtaking any episode, while also keeping the series grounded in the normalcy. Involved. Johnny Blue follows Lloyd Nice, a beleaguered IT manager who moved north during the pandemic and is struggling to return to work post-COVID-19 as his commute has become two hours each way. He is performing well. And he doesn’t seem to be very good at his job, so…that’s a problem.
What tickled my funny bone the deepest was Josh Thomson’s performance. His character as HR manager Martin Katabake has a dryness to it that you wouldn’t find even in the Nullarbor in the middle of summer. It’s clear that Martin cares about everyone, especially Hannah, and just wants to finish the day and go home. Filling out the rest of the excellent core cast are Zoe Terakes, Pallavi Sharda, Susan Linyong, Raj Loverd, and Lucy Schmidt.
The guest cast, including Susie Youssef, Heath Franklin, Rick Donald, and Karlo Ritchie, also shine in their own scenes, a testament to solid ensemble comedy.
Naturally, the first episode has a lot of heavy lifting to do in setting up the fictitious Australian paper company Flinley Craddick and its gaggle of dysfunctional staff. It’s done with panache, but the series actually establishes its deep antipodal roots with a Melbourne Cup-themed episode (although I’ve worked in that office on such Cup days) , at least it was that ugly), a kind and sincere character. The episode glides through countless other opportunities to introduce the cast and the laughs it contains. For me, the episode that gave me the biggest belly laugh was titled “The Wake.” Hannah needs to downsize and tells her boss that she’s already laid off someone…which turns out to have just recently passed away. She doesn’t miss an opportunity to be the center of attention, even if it’s on her behalf, arranging a wake at her office for a newly retired, lesser-known colleague. How little is known? Come and eat the free food. Leave the tribute PowerPoint as is.
Of course, there are similarities to the original (which is itself the nature of format play). I have a boss who makes me feel uncomfortable. A determined and equally awkward number two, but in a different way. And a love story buds. The beauty of this Australian story is how these seeds are scattered in the fertile soil of office life and intermingled with other characters and situations introduced throughout the season. And full credit to creators Julie De Fina and Jackie Van Beek for their masterful work. A touch that brings out the uniqueness of every situation, drawing us in and allowing us to see ourselves and people we know in these characters and stories.
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The overwhelming feeling I had after each episode was “Next time!” I wanted more – more layers to each character, their lives and motivations, more of the monotony of normal office life played out to the best of excruciating hilariousness. The only disappointment I had was not getting a second season. Because we know this is where we’ll gain a deeper appreciation for our new office-bound best friends. THE OFFICE AUSTRALIA has all the right comedic and emotional beats you need to love it the first time you see it and want to watch it again and again as you meet new co-workers over and over again.
I hope there will be a season 2!
THE OFFICE AUSTRALIA (Season 1 – 8 eps) is now available to watch in its entirety on Prime Video.
*(And no one’s making you watch it on shuffle, you’re trolling the guy.)
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