Shea Serrano gives fans of NBC’s “The Office” more entertainment, in 10 Essays about some of the most popular episodes.
A Timeless Classic
“The Office” is a timeless classic in the TV world. Not only was it a hit when the show originally aired on TV via NBC Network, the show become an entity of it’s own when it was brought to the streaming platform Netflix. With it now being exclusively on ‘Peacock’ (NBC streaming service) it is still enjoyed by millions.
Shea Serrano shows why the comedy sitcom has so much depth to it’s characters, humor and the classic episodes in the series. “Conference Room Five Minutes” is the literary review I will be touching on today. It is paired with some great illustration from Arturo Torres which offers even more comedic relief while reading some of the essays that Serrano writes on the show.
Serrano’s Brilliance
Shea Serrano is THE Office fan. Capitalized appropriately because it seems like she actually knows the show’s creators and the characters personally. Not only was she able to implement some of the show’s lingo and diction in the essay’s, she is able to provide information and analysis through her stories that any fan could learn from. Whether you are one that calls yourself an Office fanatic (like me) or someone who doesn’t quite get the dry and satirical humor (my mom) you can learn more about the show’s characters and some of the key episodes that may either change your opinion or make you reminiscence on some of the show’s glory.
Essay One is an actual scouting report of the infamous company basketball game from season one. To me, I have seen scouting reports, draft profiles, etc. from being an avid sports fan. So the twist to this episode was not only familiar but hilarious due to seeing the character’s traits, stature and other hilarious implementations that Serrano integrated into essay one.
I mean how great is this picture of Jim, who is a big time Philly sports fan. The illustration went so well with the essay’s and it was important that Serrano had Torres to compliment the vision and execute things nicely.
Nostalgic Insight
After reading about “Convict Mike” or “Prison Mike” or what the show was actually titled, “The Convict”. It made me immediately remember the first time I had watched the episode and saw Steve Carrel’s brilliance in comedy. Also, at times when needing a good laugh or what I like to call, “Comfort Episodes” that “The Office” has, yes every one has those, this episode is definitely on that list. This episode is prime Office stuff, it is my favorite season (season 3) and it continues to be a season that I can even remember my family watching when it originally aired.
“The Office” has a very nostalgic feel to it now as it truly is one of those shows as a kid I only enjoyed the more as I grew up. I still remember the first time seeing a couple of these episodes and the way Serrano is able to give insight on essay two, three and others.
When Serrano goes through the office’s desk layout and details where everyone sits and what not, it was so nostalgic. For myself, I could visually see where each character sits and how it brought back so many memories to me. So many of the characters’ classic moments happen when they are their desk. Like Serrano says, there are no accidents and every one is sitting where they are for a reason.
Why You Need to Read
Now, whether you’re a closet fan, a fanatic or just the average watcher of the show. Why should you dive into Serrano’s essay? The answer isn’t some broad life changing answer, it just simply is that good. It serves as fan service, educates the viewer and provides just a bit of comedic relief for those that still want more from this timeless series.
Serrano is not only knowledgeable, she is attentive to detail, hilarious and took her time with these. I believe that these essays are an entertaining read that is worth the go.
My favorite essay was Olympiad pt.1 and Olympiad pt. 2 where Serrano talks about perhaps what my favorite episode in the series, “Office Olympics” from season 2. Serrano talks about her personal office awards and even integrates the yogurt lid medals that were used in the show. She ranks her favorite seasons, characters and you see the rest to witness how the podium finishes out. A very unique read from someone who clearly loves the show and did her homework.
The essays act as a journal, essay and comic book. It flows nicely and each one is different from the next. It was something that has made me want to pick up my firestick remote and turn on the show.
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