*SPOILERS AHEAD*
One of the most legendary television shows in history is “The Office” – the workplace mockumentary that lasted nine seasons and developed a cult following. When it was announced that a spinoff was in the works, fans were eager to see how the next chapter in “The Office” universe was going to unfold.
“The Paper” dropped its 10-episode first season on Peacock on Thursday, Sept. 4. The series stars Domhnall Gleeson as Ned Sampson, the new editor-in-chief of the Toledo Truth-Teller, a historic but recently failing newspaper. The other leads include Sabrina Impacciatore as Esmeralda Grand, the managing editor of the paper, and Chelsea Frei as Mare Pritti, the paper’s compositor. “The Paper” also brings back Oscar Nuñez to reprise his “The Office” character Oscar Martinez. While having its fair share of funny moments, “The Paper” falls short in revitalizing the magic that “The Office” created.
Something that really plagued this season was the 10-episode format. Short seasons are common practice for streaming services, but it does not help shows like “The Paper,” that could use more episodes to flesh out their storylines. If their goal is to encourage emotional investment from audience members, the executives need to increase the length of the show’s seasons. There were numerous things that felt rushed, mainly the budding relationship between Ned and Mare.
Clearly, the relationship between Ned and Mare is intended to resemble the Pam and Jim storyline from “The Office.” Yet, Ned and Mare’s relationship sped up in the latter half of the season and, by the finale, there is already a payoff. Ned and Mare could have be a great story to develop as the series progresses, but right now, it leaves a lot to be desired.
Another key relationship this season occurred between Detrick Moore, played by Melvin Gregg, and Nicole Lee, played by Ramona Young. Unlike the Ned and Mare plotline, the relationship between Detrick and Nicole has been more positively received. Detrick is a great supporting character, he is charming and had some of the most hilarious moments throughout the season. Nicole is a straightforward character, but she comes out of her shell as the season progresses. Their story ends on a down note in the finale, but that is to be expected, as it leaves viewers with something to root for in the next season. Detrick and Nicole have an opposites attract energy that is satisfying to watch unfold.
Esmeralda is a fascinating character with a lot of mixed emotions. At some points, she is over the top and comical and at others she is a villain. Esmeralda improved towards the back half of the season, but there were definitely insufferable moments where it felt like she might tank the potential of “The Paper.” When Esmerelda allied with Ken Davies, played by Tim Key, it gave them room to become an iconic comedy duo with great on-screen chemistry.
When “The Office” started, the critical reception for its first season was not positive. It is not all doom and gloom for “The Paper,” there is a lot of potential for this spinoff to be a success. Building up the supporting characters is one of the ways the show can quickly improve as this is what made “The Office” work in its own unique way. Luckily, “The Paper” will have its chance to flesh things out more as the show has already been renewed for a second season.
