Ricky Gervais recently reprised his portrayal of David Brent from the original U.K. “The Office” in a new short, The Return of Brent. He created the video for a U.K. telethon that is sponsored by Comic Relief called Red Nose Day. Although the special that ended the series was a perfect ending to the tale of David Brent, I guess I don’t mind too much finding out what happened to him, which includes pursuing a music career and selling cleaning supplies. It’s not too surprising to hear him describe the time since working at Wernham Hogg as “the best ten years” of his life. Check it out.
In the video, Brent mentions that he is working with rapper Dom Johnson, and you can see the “result” of their collaboration in this video for “Equality Street.”
The new David Brent videos are related to a new Ricky Gervais YouTube channel. The new channel will feature sketches, podcasts, and clips related to the making of the new Muppets sequel that stars Gervais.
What do you think of David Brent’s return? Leave your two cents in the comments.
Last night, The Office featured what was apparently edited from the pilot for the abandoned spin-off series Shrute Farms. The episode “The Farm” featured Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson) returning home after his aunt had died.
In the episode, we also met Dwight’s brother Jeb (Thomas Middleditch) and his sister Fanny (Majandra Delfino). The three siblings discovered that their aunt left her large farm to the three of them if they would return to take care of the farm.
The enjoyable episode did seem like a pilot with the introduction of characters that you expect to be developed. Also, there were some oddball touches, touching on the strangeness we are used to seeing when Dwight has returned home in previous episodes.
The Office has long been one of my favorite shows in both the American and the U.K. versions. And even though I have missed Steve Carrell, I so hate to end my relationship with the characters that I would have given any spinoff a chance. It would have been interesting to see how Dwight’s life developed. But, alas, it is not to be.
“Sons and Daughters”
One of the interesting aspects of the episode was the appearance of a Decemberists song I really like, “Sons and Daughters.” In one scene, Dwight and his family sit around playing instruments and singing the song.
While it seems odd that the Schrutes would be playing a recent song by the Decemberists instead of an old German folk tune, it was great to hear the Decemberists and “Sons and Daughters” getting some wider exposure. (Update: The original video of the scene is no longer on YouTube, but the video below includes some images from the episode.)
The Decemberists
“Sons and Daughters” appeared as the final song on the Decemberists album The Crane Wife (2006), the band’s major label debut. The album is partly based on a Japanese folk tale about a man who discovers the woman he married is actually a crane he had once helped.
As part of the song cycle on the album, “Sons and Daughters” is a hopeful ending, looking forward to a better future. When we arrive sons and daughters; We’ll make our homes on the water; We’ll build our walls with aluminum; We’ll fill our mouths with cinnamon, now.
Although it looks like there is no happy ending for Schrute Farms for now, we are hopeful that The Office will pull it together to give us a finale that lives up to this song and the great series. In this video, the Decemberists, who have previously appeared on The Simpsons, play “Sons and Daughters” at Metro Theatre in Sydney in 2010:
What do you think of the final season of “The Office”? Leave your two cents in the comments.
Don McLean revealed where he wrote and first performed “American Pie,” refuting a local legend.
In Grammy news, Adele, Kanye West, Bruno Mars, and Foo Fighters led the Grammy nominations. In other Grammy news, some pondered whether or not the Beach Boys will reunite at the Grammys. Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane was nominated for two Grammys and will compete with Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand. Finally, Sugarland joined Lady Gaga for a rousing performance of “You and I” at the Grammy Nominations Concert this week.
Hanson (i.e., The Hanson Brothers) are developing a beer named. . . “MMMHop.” I’m guessing the beer will stay with you for a long time in the same way the catchy song does.
In touring news, George Michael cancelled the remaining dates of his tour to recover from pneumonia. Meanwhile, The Red Hot Chili Peppers announced their first U.S. tour in nearly five years, starting Jan. 25.
It’s “either a misprint or a satire.” — Elvis Costello, commenting on $339.98 box set of a Costello performance. The New York Times reviewed a new biography of Ahmet Ertegun, the great founder and president of Atlantic Records.
A new book recounts how actress Hedy Lamarr contributed to the cell phone technology we use today. The New York Times reviewed the new DVD and Blu-ray of the classic and controversial film, Birth of a Nation.
Ken Russell, the director of Tommy, The Devils, and Altered States passed away. Watching each of those films in the movie theater were memorable events for me. RIP Mr. Russell.
New pictures were released of the fictional Mars in the upcoming John Carter.
I was sorry to hear that Roger Ebert’s recent incarnation of At the Moviesis going on hiatus. I enjoyed the show.
—— Other Pop Culture News ——
The Waltons reunited on The Today Show for their 40th Anniversary.
In The Office news, now you may buy Dunder Mifflin copy paper. Also, Stanley from The Office (Leslie David Baker) made a music video. In sadder Office-related news, comedian Patrice O’Neal, who also appeared periodically on The Office, passed away last week from complications of a stroke. RIP.
The inventor of the Jenos pizza roll and Chun King canned Chinese food, Jeno Paulucci, died on Thanksgiving. Chun King was the only time I encountered Chinese food as a kid, and, well, I have enjoyed several meals of nothing but pizza rolls. RIP Mr. Paulucci.
What were your thoughts on the pop culture stories of the week? Leave your two cents in the comments.
Ricky Gervais recently reprised his portrayal of David Brent from the original U.K. “The Office” in a new short, The Return of Brent. He created the video for a U.K. telethon that is sponsored by Comic Relief called Red Nose Day. Although the special that ended the series was a perfect ending to the tale of David Brent, I guess I don’t mind too much finding out what happened to him, which includes pursuing a music career and selling cleaning supplies. It’s not too surprising to hear him describe the time since working at Wernham Hogg as “the best ten years” of his life. Check it out.
