I've reviewed a few shows that are off the air now, but let's talk about one that you may get hooked on (not that you can watch it in America, or possibly other countries). The IT Crowd is a British sitcom featuring Roy (Chris O'Dowd), and Moss (Richard Ayoade) and their frustrations at work as the two IT employees, as well as their struggle to function outside of their own small basement office world. The series kicks off with them getting a new manager, Jen (Katherine Parkinson), who they quickly discover knows nothing about computers. They end the episode with Moss and Roy having to accept Jen as more of a gateway to the outside world, than a manager, and decide to continue working with her.
The first season really only focus's on Roy, Moss, and Jen, and their lives at work. In seasons 2-4 however, they get more involved in life outside of work. This makes for much better episodes, such as accidentally getting mixed in with footballers (soccer players) who happen to be bank robbers, or Moss becoming friends with a cannibal after misunderstanding a personal add. The plots of each episode are fairly outlandish, but they are filled with humor from beginning to end.
The show is unfortunately only 24 episodes total at this time (6 episodes a season). This makes a for a great show for the person who doesn't have a lot of time though. I worked my way through all 24 episodes while I was sick one week, the only problem is that it's a show that will keep you wanting more. I can't honestly think of a character or episode that I didn't like. For some people, a few of the reference will be somewhat hard to follow. And for those who don't know a lot about British culture and customs, some of the dialog can be a bit confusing. Many times things are explained fairly well though, so it's not hard to catch on. A good example of this is when Jen starts dating a man named Peter File. It's not a funny name in America really, but in England, they pronounce pedophile, peedophile, with a long e sound, making it quite possibly the worst name to have. And of course, they spend a good portion of time poking fun at this man's name.
The show also helps less computer savvy people enjoy it by using Jen as sort of their way into the realm of IT. Jen know what most people know, how to check the internet, how to check e-mails, and generally how to do some smaller things on the computer. Jen functions well however out of the office, which Moss and Roy greatly lack. And on the upside to that, they all work for a company ran by someone who should never be in charge of anything, especially a company. I think a dumb boss is something almost every can relate to at least at one point in their life.
IT Crowd is rated NR, but if I were to rate it I would probably give it at least a TV-PG, if not higher in the states. It contains quite a bit of adult content and foul language, and some violence you may not find suitable for you're children. Other than that, I honestly think it's a show you can watch with friends and family and all enjoy. The IT Crowd is finally available on Netflix with all four seasons available for streaming. Check it out, and look forward to season 5 sometime later in 2011 or 2012.
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