April 13, 2017
OPINIONS
Blueprint 5
Michael Scott vs. Ron Swanson: the duel of the century Pro ‘The Office’ By Blake Freko, Online Sports Editor The argument of whether “The Office” or “Parks and Rec” is the better show is pretty simple. “The Office” is clearly the best comedy television show ever; not only is it better than “Parks and Rec,” but “The Office” is better than any other comedy. That’s a big statement to make, but there’s justification behind it. Directors Greg Daniels and Ricky Gervais took a simple, boring idea and turned it into 201 episodes of comedic gold. A Pennsylvania paper company called Dunder Mifflin does not strike interest in many people, but this nine season show had, and continues to have people falling in love with the employees and their stories. Michael Scott is one of the best developed characters in any TV series, regardless of genre. He’s a perfect combination of pure stupidity and purposeful humor that results in quotes that bring tears to my eyes such as, “Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to fear how much they love.” Not only is he hilarious, but he also provides a more serious aspect to the show with his depressing desire to be loved and accepted and his constant search for true love amid his toxic relationships. They also gave him the perfect sidekick, Dwight Schrute, who’s a salesman but also a beet farmer. Yes, a beet farmer. Who thinks to make one of their main characters a beet farmer? The thing is, the role was played perfectly and he provides just as many hilarious moments as Michael does. Then of course, there’s Jim and Pam. They have to be one of the best TV romances ever. Jim waits for years as Pam’s best friend while she’s engaged to another man, even though it’s clear that she belongs with Jim. Eventually she backs out of her wedding because of Jim and they end up marrying and having children. Their relationship seems as good as it gets. What makes “The Office” stand out compared to other comedies is that, while the series is hilarious, you are still able to see the characters’ lives develop over the course of nine years, all while you’re crying from laughing too hard. I am not the only one who thinks ‘“The Office” is superior to “Parks and Rec.” “The Office” has won five Emmy awards and “Parks and Recs” has won a grand total of zero. Some people try to critique “The Of-
fice” by saying that the first few seasons were slow and not very funny. They argue that it’s not until about season four that it truly begins to become a great show. I completely disagree with that statement and would reference that one of the Emmys they received was for Outstanding Comedy Series in their second season, which defeats the argument that the first few seasons were mediocre. Don’t get me wrong, “Parks and Rec” is a great show but I can’t shake the feeling that it’s a bit of a spin-off of “The Office.” “The Office” aired in 2005 while “Parks and Rec” aired in 2009. These shows have very similar aspects. I just feel that “Parks and Rec” modeled themselves after “The Office.” Both are great shows, but I think “The Office” is superior because of its simple yet vast main idea, the gut-busting humor, the perfect blend of characters and the way that it develops those character’s lives.
Photo Illustration by Claire Pikul, Gina DeCarlis
Pro ‘Parks and Recreation’ By Jonah Ocuto, Reporter “Parks and Rec” is undeniably a better show than “The Office.” If you want to talk about characterization, you have to admire how this show was able to practically jumpstart the careers of acting giants like Aziz Ansari and Chris Pratt. Every character is so unique compared to everybody else, so the fact that they all mesh well together is amazing. The show also does an amazing job of keeping a storyline throughout multiple seasons. “The Office” kind of consists of one-shots; there’s no running story throughout the show other than a couple romances. “Parks and Rec” brings jokes back in from other
seasons and does a great job of meshing it all together. There’s no better feeling than seeing Ron Swanson sit down at a diner and order, “all of your bacon. Not some of it, all of it”. Seriously, is that not amazing? Ron is a caricature of the patriotic “American man,” and he’s one of the best things about the show. What about the time that Ben Wyatt made every nerd’s heart explode when he bought a full Batman suit to treat himself? The pacing of the show is also far superior. The first couple seasons of “The Office” aren’t the greatest, and even the biggest office fan can admit that. The show is dull and unappealing at the beginning because its humor is much more subdued. However, in “Parks and Rec,” the humor is in your face right off of the bat and the pace stays fresh during the entire run. The writing of the show helps the story progress much smoother. While there are some storylines continuing throughout the office, the way that “Parks and Rec” makes you care about the characters is unlike any other show I’ve seen. So much to the p oint that chracters that I hated when the show began became some of my favorite by the end of the show. Not to mention that “Parks and Rec” does a better job at introducing new characters over the course of the show. It isn’t afraid to kick characters out just to bring new ones in, which leaves the show fresh no matter what season you watch. The gags in “Parks and Rec” are legendary, and definitely live up to the glory of a stapler in jello. The recurring pony “Lil’ Sebastian” is an absolute joy to see on screen, and the show is written so well that it keeps these recurring gags fresh and varied every time they show up. “Parks and Rec” does a better job of keeping me interested visually than “The Office.” While it’s a hilarious setting, “The Office” can get a bit dull when you see literally the same office every day. “Parks and Rec” has a larger setting to play with, and certain episodes set in entirely different countries do a great job of keeping me interested in the location itself. There’s no doubt that “Parks and Rec” took some inspiration from “The Office,” but every show is influenced by another in some shape or form. At the end of the day both shows are great, but the fast pace, timeless characters and running gags make “Parks and Rec” the champion for me.
Blueprint Staff:
Gabrielle Bartkeviciute, Print Editor-in-Chief; Michelle Hroma, Online Editor-in-Chief; Megan Albers, Print Sports Editor; Maddie Arceo, Online Photo Editor; Jayna Bardahl, Print News Editor; Tessa Brown, Print Entertainment Editor; Jacob Bullard, Head Video Announcements Writer; Gisselle Cervantes, Copy Editor; Gina DeCarlis, Online Features Editor; Rylan Dreyer, Business Manager; Jessie Fortin, Online News Editor; Blake Freko, Online Sports Editor; Sydney Hall, Reporter; Marisa Kasher, Reporter; Jake Lackner, Reporter; Sarah Major, Print Features Editor; Kim Nothdurft, Social Media Director; Jonah Ocuto, Reporter; Rupa Palla, Video Announcements Director; Claire Pikul, Print Photo Editor; Danielle Prazak, Print Opinions Editor; Kylie Schatmeyer Copy Editor; Lauren Smith, Head Copy Editor; Gillian Thomas, Copy Editor; Eileen Tyrrell, Online Entertainment Editor; Addyson Wesolowski, Online Opinions Editor; Mary Long; Faculty Advisor, Kari Alore, Co-Advisor; Mark Indreika, Co-Advisor
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