Charlotte Kyle
Features Editor
If you have come to this column expecting a scathing review of The CW’s “H8R” you will be sorely disappointed. I did watch the first episode, however something more important has bumped “H8R” to next week’s line-up. Trust me, though: it will come.
The Emmy Awards were Sunday and, while I could complain about multiple awards, my only real problem is with one: Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
As Rainn Wilson tweeted, “The world of TV should be ashamed of itself that Steve Carell never won an Emmy for Michael Gary Scott. Goodnight.”
Carell was nominated for his role on “The Office” for six years yet he failed to take home the win. The past two years he lost to “The Big Bang Theory” star Jim Parsons and, now that Carell has sipped his last bit of coffee from his “World’s Best Boss” mug, he no longer has a chance of taking home the win.
Fans, along with cast members of the show, were more than disappointed with this, with many threatening to “burn Utica to the ground!”
No matter your opinion on the last few seasons of the series, it cannot be denied that six years of no win for Carell is, in fact, ridiculous.
Because Michael was based on the British counterpart David Brent (Ricky Gervais) it was easy for critics to compare these two characters. While both characters make a habit of saying offensive things and are not always the most intelligent managers, Scott is more caring and genuine than Brent.
This character trait was displayed throughout seven years.
In season two’s “Booze Cruise” Michael encourages a heartbroken Jim to pursue Pam. Though he had spent the cruise time making jokes, Michael knew how to be serious when it was needed.
In season three’s “Business School” Michael is the only one – aside from the overly critical Oscar – who attends Pam’s art show. He sincerely compliments her art and buys her drawing of their office building. He was always there for his friends and considered them family.
One may argue that these are not “comedy” moments but a comedic actor must do more than just deliver funny lines. Carell’s ability to flesh out this character – a character many watchers dislike because of his incompetence as a boss and his insensitive humor style – only proves how talented of an actor he is.
The phrase “that’s what she said”?may not have started with Michael Scott but at this point he owns it. You can’t hear or say the phrase without thinking of “The Office.”
In addition to great one-liners, Carell was excellent with physical comedy. Remember when Michael fell in a koi pond or when he burned his foot on his George Foreman grill?
Let’s not forget the great “characters within a character,”?from Agent Michael Scarn and Prison Mike to Date Mike and Michael the Magic.
In this role Carell has made us laugh, cry and laugh until we cried. If that isn’t the definition of someone deserving an Emmy than I?don’t know what is.
I know I?just need to accept it and move on but it’s just so hard.
(That’s what she said.)
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