The Office
 
This DVD-lesson is on Series 1, episode 1: "Downsize"

INFORMATION
 
The Office is a mockumentary (mocking + documentary / mocking: making fun at something) about life in a mid-sized paper company in the depressing British town of Slough, where manager David Brent thinks he's the coolest, funniest, and most popular boss ever.
He isn't.
That doesn't stop him from embarrassing himself in front of the cameras on a regular basis, whether from his political speeches, his stand-up 'comedy', or his incredibly unique dancing.
Meanwhile, long-suffering Tim longs after Dawn, the engaged receptionist, and keeps himself sane by playing childish practical jokes on his awful, army-obsessed desk mate Gareth.
It’s created, written and directed by Ricky Gervais (who plays David Brent) and Stephen Merchant.

EPISODE GUIDE
The Office Series 1, episode 1: "Downsize"

David Brent is informed by Head Office that his Slough branch of Wernham Hogg paper merchants might be closed down. David’s need to be popular wins over realism and he immediately promises the staff there will be no redundancies.
Ricky, a new temp (temporary worker) fresh from university, is shown around the office by David. He is introduced to Tim and Gareth whose irritable relationship is immediately clear by a fight over a stapler and the construction of a Berlin Wall made from cardboard box files between their desks.
In an effort to demonstrate his enthusiastic sense of humour David informs Dawn that she has been sacked for the scandalous crime of stealing Post-It notes. Dawn, predictably, does not see the funny side.
 
David Brent is the Regional Manager based at the Slough Office of Wernham Hogg. He is a philosopher, a musician, a dancer - and has an sensitive grip of political correctness. Yet the BBC documentary crew that filmed him at work in The Office ‘stitched him up ’ (to betray or cheat someone) and portrayed him as the 'boss from hell'. Gareth Keenan is very proud to be 'Team Leader'. He thinks he is very important, also because of his active service in the Territorial Army (The TA is made up of volunteers who commit large parts of their spare time to training as soldiers). He also has incredibly crude methods to seduce women. Gareth is extremely possessive of his stapler and desk space. His large naivety allows others, in particular Tim, to make him the target of endless put-downs and practical jokes.
   
Tim Canterbury is a Sales Rep who is aware of the pointlessness of his work and the mediocrity that surrounds him. He is the classic under-achiever who rolled life's dice and got a three. He takes pleasure in irritating co-worker Gareth. He has a crush on the receptionist Dawn. Dawn Tinsley is a Receptionist and puts up with David’s attempts at humour beyond the call of duty. She is engaged to warehouse worker, and professional Neanderthal, Lee. She also wants to be a children's illustrator. She doesn't seem to mind the attention Tim pays to her.