3. It's Incredibly Self-Aware
The second series ended on a rather downbeat note: the sad sight of Brent begging for his job back coupled with the will-they/won't-they romance between Tim and Dawn firmly cemented in the latter category. And so, in 2003, Merchant and Gervais wrote two additional episodes (known as the Christmas specials) that continued the story and drew it to a more satisfying close. The premise is now 'The Office- but three years later'. It sets out to discover how, in the aftermath of the BBC cameras, the employees of Wernham Hogg have reacted to having their faces plastered across the country's screens. And it's here that we first see a theme that runs throughout Gervais' work: the fickle nature of fame. Brent has attempted to cash in on his newfound celebrity status, but his foray into dating hits an immediately rocky start when one woman, after being told he's been on the telly, asks ''You're not that awful boss, are you?'' Brent pauses, looks at the camera and pretends that his phone has died. He cannot comprehend just why anyone, and especially the public, would have this perception of him. And it's here that the sitcom reaches a crossroads. Are we laughing with or at David Brent? Is this the ending he deserves? If this is realism, then wouldn't we rather the show had finished after two series? Would a happy ending undermine all that has gone before it? Fortunately the writers found a way to keep everyone happy...