The IT Crowd

I recently discovered the British series "The IT Crowd" and loved every episode. One of the biggest reason was that the brilliant writer Graham LInehan ("Father Ted") not only wrote the shows but directed them. So, some American company thought they could replicate the show's success here in the States...but never got Linehan's involvement...and that is a HUGE mistake since the concept alone isn't what made the show enjoyable...it was the wonderful writing.

I was surprised to hear that there was an American version but apparently it never made it past this pilot episode and NBC didn't buy it. Is that a good thing or bad thing? Well, after finding the episode on the internet, I learned for myself.

When the show began, I noticed something odd. While Linehan's name was not on the program, it was essentially the first episode of the British series. It even had the same graphics and practically the same set! Also, oddly, Moss was in this show and was played by the same Moss from the British series. However, the laugh track was much more obvious and noticeable and there wasn't much new. Was it terrible? No....not at all. But there seemed to be no reason for the show....as they could just show the British version. In hindsight, it's probably for the best this American effort went no further.

I decided to watch this after having seen the original. I've never been so scared in my whole life. The horror of American comedy sometimes.

There is a huge difference between English and American humor. If you don't get the English humor don't bother to try and understand it, you wont. Not ever! I'm not surprised the American version din't get any further than te Pilot...

This is a scene for scene remake of the British IT Crowd Episode 1, only this one isn't funny.

Joel McHale comes off as a lazy, inept moron; and not the lazy, but capable IT guy Roy is supposed to be.

Jessica St. Clair is too pretty and comes off too dumb for the Jen role. She is supposed to be secretly computer illiterate, not a complete idiot.

Rocky Caroll checks the diversity box and doesn't bring much else.

It's as if these 2nd rate actors are playing the roles of the British 2nd rate actors playing the roles of the show characters in some weird made for TV biopic about the IT crowd.

Except of course for Richard Ayoade, who plays himself brilliantly.

Bad. So bad. A travesty. Do not watch. The original is a work of pure genius. This horrendous attempt to pilfer that genius will only make you question every life choice you ever made, as they all led to you watching this contrived mess