"Come, friendly bombs, and fall on Slough. It isn't fit for humans now...."

The poem "Slough" by John Betjeman was arguably the only thing the town was ever famous for, until one man decided to come up with an idea to situate a comedy there. That man was Ricky Gervais, and along with good friend Stephen Merchant, they came up with "The Office", a programme that would soon become a cult showing.

Based around paper merchants Werham Hogg and their Slough branch, this docu-type comedy, which is intentionally meant to be like "real-life" shows a rather cruder side of working life...particularly due to the branch's boss, Mr David Brent.

For those aware, and I'm sure nearly all of you are, you all know who David Brent is, so no description is really necessary. Played brilliantly by Gervais himself, he is the definition of cringe-worthy, pompous and embarrassing...and a down-right idiot of a boss.

Other characters include Tim (Martin Freeman) - a man stuck in a dead-end job, bored of life at Wernham Hogg, and who seems like one of the only sane people in the company. Gareth (Mackenzie Crook) the "Assistant to the Regional Manager" who is the only man who seems to be on Brent's wavelength...somehow. Dawn (Lucy Davis) - the receptionist, who like Tim, seems stuck in a dead-end job, with nowhere to go but be further annoyed by Brent!

The first series includes six episodes, that to some extent do follow after on another, although it's not essential, say if you started watching half way through the series, as you'd still be able to fully understand.

The opening episode kicks off the running theme throughout the series - "Downsizing" - David's boss, Jennifer Taylor Clark, arrives, saying that either the Slough branch, or it's Swindon branch must downsize and incorporate the other. Other narratives the introduction of Tim's practical jokes on Gareth...starting off with him sticking his stapler in jelly, and David showing his idea of "fun" to new employees...by 'sacking' Dawn for stealing post-it notes. Although we're not told the BBC are filming, the documentary style can make many people believe this is infact real.

Episode Two - "Work Experience". The daughter of one of David's friends comes for work experience...and whilst showing her round, he discovers a rather "risque" picture of him...to quote Gareth: "David's head stuck on a woman's body with two blokes jizzing over it". This leads Gareth to carry out an investigation as to who make it.

Episode Three - "The Quiz". It's quiz night at Wernham Hogg, as well as Tim's 30th birthday. David finds out that Ricky, the temp staff member, once appeared on Blockbusters, which leads to a hilarious debate (well, I say debate, more like David trying, unsuccessfully, to out-do Ricky) on Dostoevsky. When the quiz comes round, David and Chris Finch, a company rep, lose for the first time in six years to Ricky and Tim...leading to them somehow actually winning by Finchy throwing a shoe over a pub!

Episode Four - "Training". A personally favourite of mine, that's if I had to pick a specific episode, as they're all excellent. A guest speaker comes in to do some staff training, however David decides to lead proceedings. This episode is the infamous showing of Brent's "Freelove on the Freelove Freeway"...one of the greatest songs penned of all time!

Episode Five - "New Girl". Despite the inevitable redundancies coming, David decides to hire a new PA, Karen. That evening, Brent, Finchy, Gareth and Tim go clubbing down at Chasers - Slough's premier nightclub. At the end of this episode, David recites John Betjeman's "Slough" poem...criticising it heavily!

The final episode of the series - "Judgment". Today they find out which branch will have to be shut down...Slough is selected, but means that David gets a job promotion. At the end of year party, it is discovered that David has actually failed a medical, so now Slough will stay open...not that he's willing to accept that!

So, it's about time for some choice quotes.......

Keith: "I watched that Peak Practice."
Tim: "Yeah, I've never seen it."
Keith: "Bloody repeat."
Tim: "Annoying innit?"
Keith: "Not for me, I hadn't seen it."

Rowan (guest speaker: "Gareth, quick trust exercise, ultimate fantasy?"
Gareth: "Hmm?"
David Brent: "We're just doing the ultimate fantasy, we're all doing it."
Gareth: "Two lesbians probably, sisters. I'm just watching."
Rowan: "OK. Erm. Tim? Ultimate fantasy?"
Tim: "I'd never thought I'd say this, but can I hear more from Gareth please?"

Gareth: "All farmers have wives."
Tim: "This one doesn't, he's gay."
Gareth: "Well, then, he shouldn't be allowed near animals should he."

Finchy: "Who did you say was the Cuban leader, who's been in power since the revolution of the nineteen-sixties?"
David: "Well, it's not important now, it was spur of the moment, just off the top of my head."
Finchy: "No, who did you say? Go on, tell them."
David: "......Fray Bentos."

David: "This is Sanj, this guy does the best Ali G impersonation, Aiiieee. I can't do it, go on, do it."
Sanj: "I don't, must be someone else."
David: "Oh, sorry, it's the other one-"
Sanj: "The other what..... Paki?"
David: "Ah, that's racist."

David: "I've created an atmosphere where I'm a friend first, boss second. Probably entertainer third."

....But now I must stop before I get carried away! I'm sure you have your own favourites too.

The extras are suprisingly limited, especially considering the commercial success, but you can find an exclusive documentary showing the making of The Office, and extra deleted scenes from the series.

The second series was just as successful...I'll get round to reviewing that a.s.a.p! But for those who haven't got this DVD - why not?!?! It's available on Amazon for £12.99, or you can get it "used & new" for just £3.00 - bargain!!!

This is an incredible piece of comedy. It's unique style has been adored by millions. Do yourself a favour, if you don't already it own it...buy it! And enjoy a refreshingly brillant piece of situation comedy.