![]() It’s far too easy to forget that the little things, like sipping on some coffee while watching the world pass by, are the big things. Far too often, we fail to recognize the magnificent in the mundane until it’s already too late. You can also get too caught up in your daily frustrations about taxes and relationships and career advancement. While you’re in the midst of cubicle life or whatever other life you may be leading, the monotony can be draining. We were able to peer into their regular, everyday lives and derive a sense of enjoyment every Thursday night for half an hour. ![]() During that time, we got to know the likes of Michael Scott, Dwight Schrute, Jim Halpert, Pam Beesly, Kelly Kapoor, Stanley Hudson, Oscar Martinez and Andy Bernard too. The quote above was taken from The Office series finale after nine seasons on the air. And then he drops these tender little nuggets of wisdom. I’ll also admit that I wasn’t exactly a big fan of “the Nard Dog” initially, but Andy Bernard is the kind of endearing character that grows on you. The character of Andy Bernard, played by Ed Helms who would later go on to star in The Hangover movie franchise, doesn’t actually appear in The Office until the show’s third season. And that’s saying a lot, as I adore Friends and Seinfeld dearly. I’d argue that The Office is on almost the same tier of cultural significance as Friends and Seinfeld. Second, I’m sure glad I did stumble across the Scranton branch of the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. I know! I know! It’s in my Netflix queue. In fact, to this day, I haven’t caught a single episode of the original BBC program. First, at the time, I had no idea about the original British series on which it was based. I’m not completely certain how I first stumbled across The Office on NBC way back in 2005 or so, but I am certain about at least two things regarding this TV show. I wish there was a way to know you’re in “the good old days” before you’ve actually left them. I’ve got my dream job at Cornell, and I’m still just thinking about my old pals. Not only are Barinholtz and Helms virtual doppelgangers in those shows - they’re both hilarious.The weird thing is now I’m exactly where I want to be. ![]() It’s a performance so far that reminds me of Ed Helms’ role of Andy Bernard in The Office. Barinholtz was great in Superstore as warehouse worker Marcus, and in this show he elevates his game with a broader role. But I’m glad American Auto includes Jon Barinholtz, who plays the bumbling Payne family heir. Some of the off-color content isn’t necessary to make the show funny. Instead, expect American Auto, for however long it lasts, to score precise hits by humorously referencing everyday business and cultural issues that range from “white privilege” and “systemic racism” to carbon neutrality and digital privacy. Despite its cinematic shortcomings, Gung Ho and a short-lived TV series by the same name dealt meaningfully with dynamics in the industry that were actually unfolding at the time, around the threat to American manufacturing, the erosion of our blue-collar work ethic and the transformational effects of the success of the Japanese invasion of the U.S. Unlike Gung Ho, the 1986 movie directed by Ron Howard, American Auto seems destined to stay in the executive suite where its cast interacts and not go into plants where cars are actually built. And despite the initial temptation to equate Hastings with General Motors CEO Mary Barra, don’t go there, because the newly hired chief of American Auto is a transfer from the pharmaceutical industry who is in over her head. It is perfectly balanced from a DEI point of view (even including a British general counsel played by Humphrey Ker), which is something automakers are still aspiring to achieve. But unlike the cast and some of the plots in Superstore, which didn’t seem too far outside the realm of reality, don’t expect insights in American Auto into how an actual Detroit-based car company might be run.įor one thing, the chief’s leadership team is far too young and in too much disarray.
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