This spinoff is very different from the show it’s loosely inspired by
BY: JACOB POLITTE
Online Editor
The Paper
Episodes 1-4
Streaming exclusively on Peacock
“The Paper” makes it clear that paper itself is dying. A big casualty made known right out of the gate? Dunder Mifflin itself.
In the opening moments of the series in “Pilot,” the documentary crew that filmed the Scranton branch for a decade returns to the scene of the crime only to find that the iconic paper company is no more and no one is left. They were bought out by an Ohio-based company named Enervate in 2019, per Bob Vance (Vance Refrigeration). Instead, a eye surgery and laser tattoo removal company occupies the space, which was remodeled and looks vastly different.
Instead, this crew now follows one of Enervate’s acquisitions: the Toledo Truth Teller, a dying midwestern newspaper in Ohio staffed by volunteer reporters. Once a major paper in that area, the paper has fallen on hard times, and the staff is struggling to keep things afloat as we first find them. A new Editor-In-Chief, Ned Sampson (played by Domhnall Gleeson), arrives, and chaos ensues.
However, it must be noted that while “The Paper” is set in the same universe and has the same documentary crew that filmed “The Office” it is, on first glance, a tonally different kind of comedy. For one, it’s filmed in a more modern way. Uncensored cursing is allowed (except for a hilariously bleeped profane rant as the credits rolled). Sampson, the new leader, is almost nothing like Michael Scott, or Andy Bernard, or any other manager that “The Office” ever had. He’s competent, he knows the challenges that he’s facing, and he’s awkward in a way that isn’t intentionally played for laughs. Really, thus far, almost every character is different, and more nuanced, than anyone seen in “The Office” with one very notable exception.
Somehow, Dunder Mifflin’s Oscar Martinez has found his way back on camera in front of the same crew, and he’s not happy about it at all. In a way, it makes sense that Oscar is the one character to cross over. He was arguably the most normal, well-adjusted “Office” character (homosexual affair with a State Senator aside), which makes him a perfect fit for this new type of environment. He’s also the kind of character that would move to start a new adventure on his own terms and not for some crazy reason (looking at you Kelly and Ryan), and you can’t say that about anyone else in “The Office” other than Jim, Pam or Daryl. Oscar, though, just makes the most sense, purely because of his willingness to evolve and challenge himself.
In the following three episodes, we get to learn more about the next generation of documentary subjects. Mare Pritti (played by Chelsea Frei), is a gem of a character, as is Detrick Moore (played by Melvin Gregg). Barry (played by Duane Shepard Sr.) had me in stitches. And the rest of the cast is interesting in their own right too.
“The Paper,” at least in these first four episodes, hasn’t had that iconically hysterical moment yet like its predecessor did. But there’s very real potential for this show to be a hit. It’s funny, but its trying to forge its own path instead of fully emulating the show that came before it.
STRAY OBSERVATIONS:
– The opening credits of “The Paper” do take a bit of inspiration from “The Office” which can be heard especially as the title appears on the recycling bin. I do have to say though the older retro photos of the Truth Teller sliced in with new footage are a really nice touch.
– One thing I do like, as compared to The Office (before the last season anyway) is that the documentary crew feels much more like a character itself than it has before. They don’t have any lines, and none of them are trying to sleep with Pam Halpert. But they feel more present, and the Truth Teller staff feels much more aware of the consequences of them being there than the original Dunder Mifflin staff did at times. Oscar’s interactions with them feel like a bridge to make this happen.
– Also, this is just a very funny cutaway after Oscar says they can’t use his likeness or voice:
– While it’s extremely realistic that Dunder Mifflin would have went under, it doesn’t make it sting any less. Seeing the space be something else was a hard pill to swallow.
– There’s not a lot of room for cameos from that show, either. Maybe Kevin. I can imagine Kevin keeping in touch with Oscar.
– Also of note: Bob Vance’s secretary isn’t fully visible, but still looks like a blurry Phyllis.
– Another extremely funny bit though: According to Bob Vance, the business park is much more quiet and peaceful now, and he seems very happy about that.
– In terms of the new characters, Managing Editor Esmeralda Grand (played by Sabrina Impacciatore) is probably my favorite. As a former managing editor myself, I can promise we’re not that crazy. I’m not sure that she could carry the show on her own at any point, but she’s a very funny comedic foil.
– As a journalist myself, I probably identify with this show in a way that many who aren’t journalists may not. I got a kick out of every staff meeting they did in these episodes.
Stay tuned over the next few weeks for reviews of the rest of this debut season of “The Paper.”
