Brothers, sisters, comrades, I went about it all wrong. I judged this show against the original. I dismissed it, pithily, out of hand, without thinking it through. Without even fucking watching it.

Ha! I said, this is an inferior Yank product, so typical of them. The comedic equivalent of The Beatles and The Monkees.

I was wrong, friends. I have seen the light. I was converted by the following:

MICHAEL: "Just to show I mean business, I am now eating your meatball sub."

DWIGHT: "[While Stott takes a bite] Ha! I knew you'd do that, so I ordered the meatball sub because it is their worst sandwich."

MICHAEL: "[Grimaces in disgust] Oh, you bastard!"

It's more out-and-out comedy than the original. In effect, two very different shows based on the same premise. The US version is a lot more optimistic, more liable to brighten your day. You can't really compare the two; simply isn't fair. I will say, however, that it's my favorite comedy atm. I now get to backtrack and catch up on everything I've missed. I'm happy. Delighted. Creased with laughter.

And Pam is really cute.