David Brent is Made Redundant

[@DouLou]

The acting by Gervais here is out of this world. I almost forget I'm watching a mockumentary and feel like I'm actually seeing a real person lose his job. The way his voice quivers... he avoids eye contact... eyes glazing over... man it's incredible!

[@TheObsoletist33]

People couldn't stand Gervais for years because they assumed he was just David Brent.

[@daltonanderson5116]

I think that every time I see it. Absolutely incredible. I literally feel his desperation

[@TheHungryTrollRawr]

i actually felt sorry for him here! Brilliant range of acting from Ricky as well as a fabulous comedian.

[@BroskiRIP]

@@TheHungryTrollRawr He's acting, but we didn't realise because he was so good! It literally took me three episodes to realise it wasn't a real documentary, but it is as we later found out.

[@tommydavies5353]

Fucking hell alrite calm down

[@MrSinister1979]

I loved this scene because it totally humanised David Brent and made him more than the irritating jerk he'd been portrayed as from the beginning of the series. He suddenly became a man whose existence clearly revolved completely around his job, and his breakdown was not only heart-breaking but utterly believable.

[@ReddoFreddo]

He was that from the beginning

[@Dekoherence-ii8pw]

Yes but we see that fully exposed in this scene.@@ReddoFreddo

[@AW-kr9fl]

There are so many people out there whose lives revolve completely around their jobs. It’s usually the annoying and obnoxious ones. Very sad really

[@birdman6427]

​@@AW-kr9fl yeah welcome to the club pal.

[@lw3646]

Someone else put it really well. Throughout the series the character is so full of bravado and jokes and rhetorical questions when he's around people that when these rare moments of genuine emotion come through it makes them more noticeable.

[@westpunjab73]

Great scene. David Brent finally drops his guard and exposes the scared, insecure man hiding inside. Brilliant writing and acting by Mr Gervais

[@Bulltardwin]

The Japanese say you have three faces. The first face, you show to the world. The second face, you show to your close friends, and your family. The third face, you never show anyone.

[@MrJonezy541]

@@Bulltardwin Too true.

[@laminage]

@@Bulltardwin Amen! I never thought of it that way.

[@tillerman7272]

@@Bulltardwin wow

[@garryharriman7349]

And Mr Merchant!

[@Zer0nite]

Consider that he never went to any kind of acting or drama school as well.. Just talent.

[@MonstaMunch101]

Sorry to disappoint but he went to Brisol Old Vic, it's not on his wikipedia page but it is well documented and they have a small space there as like a lil shrine to him.

[@DisemboweII]

Gervais was also a pop singer in the 80's, clearly no stranger to pretending

[@ellisgreen7434]

I can't find any proof that he ever attended BOV, and I'm quite sure they'd flaunt it if he had. Also Karl mentioned in an interview that Gervais never trained as an actor.

[@ludrixte1938]

He wrote the Office while he worked in an office it’s not really acting just comes from a real place

[@dassteam]

@@ellisgreen7434 yeah he's talking waffle, if he did then it's never every been mentioned.

[@JamesCarmichael]

It's amazing when he says "well I'm asking ok. Please don't make me redundant." The mask falls off and he lets go of the ego. If he did that hours ago it might not have come to this. It's a great lesson that sometimes we do need to let our objective reality overtake our pride to get a better footing on reality. David knows the truth, but is choking himself to adhere to his biases and inflated delusional ego. In this scene it crumbles away and it's beautifully done.

[@eltonlovell9898]

No Brent forget 'objective reality' - keep your pride... it's a paper merchants and you were the best thing it ever had

[@RealityCheck6T9]

^lolololol

[@xotennisxgirlox]

James Carmichael is “making someone redundant” the British version of saying “you’re fired”?

[@thomaswhite3021]

CNoelle i guess the American equivalent is being laid off. Losing your job but not being sacked

[@cityman2312]

@@xotennisxgirlox Officially it's saying "Your position is no longer needed, so you have to leave for that reason. We're not sacking you, so here's some money as compensation." But the real reason David was told he was to take redundancy, was because they wanted to be rid of him, not because they did not need a General Manager.

[@synthesizerpatel7405]

I think this is the moment the viewer realizes that despite all the awful, pathetic, cringeworthy behavior, they actually care for David Brent and want everything to work out well for him. He's an insecure, delusional buffoon who deserves to lose his job, and yet you can't help feeling sorry for him. That's testament to the writing from Merchant/Gervais, as well as the acting from Gervais. I don't see him as the most accomplished actor in the world, but he absolutely nailed the David Brent character. The sign of an actor playing their role to perfection is when it's impossible to imagine anyone else in that role. Ricky Gervais *is* David Brent and vice versa.

[@BANHMIZON]

i was with you until the last bit, which implies that Gervais' and Brent's personality, motivations, and demeanor are exactly alike. Brent is a character played by Gervais.

[@synthesizerpatel7405]

Milford Cubicle that’s not what I was trying to imply, I meant he knew the character so well and played it to such perfection that you cannot imagine anyone else in the role. When an actor plays a role so perfectly that’s what happens - he becomes completely synonymous with the character.

[@fafase]

And he’s back again right after with the Dolly Parton bit...

[@Anfubvinch]

Really ?? I've never felt sorry for him. Not even in this scene

[@tyronehopper8626]

Well said

[@GrimAnglo]

The fact that up until 0:32 he repeatedly makes eye contact with Neil, to try and appeal to him, until he reaches the point where he is too ashamed and embarrassed to look him in the eyes, is a really nice touch.

[@RikerLovesWorf]

Exactly! That's what people who are begging for mercy do - they don't look the priest reading them their last rites in the eyes, because it makes them vulnerable and it makes it all become real. If he can just look at the paper long enough instead maybe he can block their gazes and it will all be reversed... Fantastic acting by Gervais.

[@lw3646]

Such great little moments, the way he whistles to try and comfort himself or make it seem like hes not bothered to the way he says he doesnt care about his holiday and is being totally passive which highlights the helplessness and powerlessness he now suddenly feels...

[@CopernicusSmith]

12 episodes turning you against him all undone in a single moment.

[@laminage]

Yes, another person who was brilliant was the Late Soap Actor Michael Zaslow who from 1971-1997 played Supervillian Roger Thorpe on Guiding Light. He could be so nasty but deep down he was a very frightened Man who had to fight for everything he had. His Mother died when he was a Little Boy and his Father was emotionally distant.

[@SagaciousFrank]

Purely because he's human. He's not an evil man, just desperate to be accepted, liked, loved and respected. "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them."

[@rw8733]

Bless him. It broke my heart.

[@SagaciousFrank]

@@grantmalone , quite possibly! Do you have the actual quotation?

[@SagaciousFrank]

@@grantmalone , okay, thank you sir! 👍

[@lonestar6709]

The acting here is absolute top drawer. _"Don't make me redundant."_ From hilarious, to heartbreaking, in the blink of an eye.

[@cityman2312]

Yes, what whiplash!

[@MrsBlaileen1]

And then hilarious again seconds later, with the Dolly Parton “revelation”.

[@joemcconnell2674]

Well if David Brent done his job properly he would be still in a job. But then it's only a TV show. Great acting.

[@MrsBlaileen1]

@@joemcconnell2674 Yeah, I think the point is not that Brent was a crap boss...but that when push came to shove, he was as vulnerable and human as the rest of us. The silly bravado was gone. Like Brent or not, that was a powerful moment.

[@ejdjjxstcfjdb2284]

This part always makes me cry. This is the fist time in the show where you see him as himself and he's not just showing off for the camera. It makes you think he probably was a good manager before the camera's came in

[@tomhiggins6542]

for sure yes, he worked his way up and was originally voted to do Neils job. By this point though Brent had become complacent (which he even admitted), thought himself to be untouchable and probably thought that playing up to the cameras was gonna elevate him to stardom (his real dream).

[@NeilusNihilus]

Ridiculously powerful scene.

[@benburch]

very.

[@BroskiRIP]

@@benburch Remind me of people being made redundant but not wanting to be 😢

[@brwhizz3060]

Life Goals That’s odd. Why did it remind you of that?

[@MrsBlaileen1]

Yup. Brent knows the die has already been cast, but he can’t allow himself to believe it. Really sad but eye-opening scene about who Brent really is.

[@RealityCheck6T9]

@@brwhizz3060 🤣

[@user34rL]

I don't think people fully appreciate just how incredible the acting is in The Office. This scene is so powerful

[@eltonlovell9898]

This hits so hard if ever you've been made redundant and the world is carrying on without you..

[@rosihantu1]

Yup, firstly knowing that they can continue without you hits your self worth. At the same time you are worried for your future. It's a double blow.

[@motog5s477]

I was made redundant as the bosses decided they could abolish my department and outsource it all to contractors. I felt annoyed at first but quickly got over it because when I was there, it was the best haulage firm in town; now, they're barely struggling to break even.

[@eltonlovell9898]

@@motog5s477 They have a problem , not you. So many jobs are going to be lost through 'AI'.. but it's the serious;y dull jobs - hopefully we'll get back to doing the stupid stuff that humans do and trade between each other like real art and music and crafts

[@joolenka]

there are no words to describe the brilliance of this show. to fuse comedy with poignancy so fluidly that you just feel like you're watching life, the beauty and sadness of life--is genius; and this scene perfectly encapsulates this genius.

[@RealityCheck6T9]

Yep

[@bensmithkent22]

Fuuuuse flashdance with mc hammer shit

[@sibionic]

beautifully put

[@rubenmeijerink4266]

And people really think the slapstick "here's a joke, now laugh!" US version is better

[@RealityCheck6T9]

@@rubenmeijerink4266 The US Office does have poignant moments like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYfLqJSapdeJoZI But then you take a big step back and imagine Gareth crying on Tim's shoulder and the series continuing long after Tim and Dawn got together, and you realise how utterly directionless the US show was.

[@jupiter-8405]

"I will try twice - hard", he can't even get the words out. A very moving scene.

[@ForestKicks]

The way his voice cracks when he say's he'll work twice as hard breaks my heart

[@millicentbystander5206]

When I first saw this, all those years ago, that bit, where he begs for his job, just came out of nowhere, totally unexpected, and utterly convincing, was like a smack in the face. Amazing. Incredible. And then the way the camera moves from Jennifer, looking rather irritated, to Neil, looking rather embarrassed, to a long shot of the three of them, just sitting there - perfection!

[@jainra]

IKR...Where to begin?

[@spreadthelove77]

Millicent Bystander Spot-on👌🏼👌🏼

[@WanderingChin]

Smack in the face. Karl, what's a smack in the face?

[@dean9598]

When you look at the series as a whole, in context this scene is even more heartbreaking. David Brent has no friends and nothing outside of his role in the office. Being told he's about to lose his job means he's lost the only thing that has any true meaning and relevance in his life. Brilliant writing and amazing acting!

[@spreadthelove77]

Totally knocked me sideways when Brent stopped his "act" for the cameras. Real, real emotion in that scene. When u see Ricky Gervais as he is, ud never believe he was capable of such raw acting when he's never acted before. Totally outstanding!

[@teresagomes6491]

Ricky is an excellent actor. He can both make you laugh and cry. His versatility is amazing and its not any actor that can make this scene convincing. His acting on this is just brilliant, top notch. Besides his talent as a comedian, i really think that the man was born to be an actor.

[@cem330]

You see oddly enough I just can't get him as a comedian. Does very little for me in that regard. But as a writer and actor I'd class him as an absolute genius!

[@NathanAAASmith]

He doesn’t want to lose his job, it’s his identity and realises how much he’ll miss it.

[@milart12]

I swear to God, I almost cried when I first saw this scene. I think David Brent is in the top TV characters of all time

[@laminage]

Yes, and he and Russell Davies made Queer As Folk and The Office one of the most successful Franchises In UK TV History. I never could get into The US Version but I loved the UK Version. Then again I think that UK TV is brilliant, and now US Fans are watching the UK Soaps and love them.

[@The_Burning_Sensation]

Christ, that whole scene is brilliant. It's like he slowly draws you in with this sad little man's most humiliating moment, then kicks you in the nose with that Dolly Parton line. lmao

[@agdgdgwngo]

Tension and release, great comedy device. One of my favourite shows is Jam, a fucked up surrealist horror comedy. It is genuinely creepy and disturbing, this kind of builds up the tension and it gets released with a gag or humour. With this it's the sadness of the whole situation when he starts begging that builds tension.

[@73xld]

One of the saddest things I've ever seen. David Brent was pathetic in every episode but he never let go of his pride but in this scene he's humbled to his knees. Ricky Gervais is amazing.

[@Dekoherence-ii8pw]

And nothing is more humiliating - he's begging for his existence... only to be told "NO".

[@MudballDon]

My position was just eliminated after 23 years on the job. When they were delivering the news, I could only think of this clip.

[@elizabethhoffman5895]

hey there, you posted this almost a year ago but i hope you’re doing better.

[@MudballDon]

@@elizabethhoffman5895 I had forgotten about posting this. The hurt is mostly gone, but I’m still struggling to find my way in the job market. Thank you for asking. It reminded me how bad I felt at the time and how much better I feel now. Thank you for asking and bumping this into my comments. It made me feel good.

[@jozephkerr2791]

I absolutely love a quick glance Neil gave to Jeniffer as though asking whether something could be done and seeing that there is no reaction on her face whatsoever he returned his stare to David.

[@cmoran9103]

That's a great observation. I always thought it was more a moment of smugness from him - a little break - like "Can you believe this?" but when he saw that Jennifer was being completely professional (maybe not enjoying the moment) Neil returned to look at Brent. Neil always struck me as slightly sadistic, but Jennifer was just professional.

[@cmoran9103]

Also, I probably have too much time on my hands, but... In the Christmas special, Gareth says "You begged for your job" to David, which implies that either Neil or Jenny were mocking David to the staff/Chris Finch and it got through to the office staff. Unlikely Jenny.

[@jimbob7370]

​@@cmoran9103Wouldnt they have seen it on the documentary though? As opposed to from Neil or Jennifer

[@cmoran9103]

@@jimbob7370 yes, you're right, I'd forgotten about that.

[@teelvin]

This is gotta be one of his best acting performances ever.

[@SagaciousFrank]

There's something so natural and unassuming about it. Like, how we all feel inside in many ways. Insecure and vulnerable, but we put on a front to get by and survive this crazy world. "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation, and go to the grave with the song still in them."

[@jonmeehan7604]

It reminds me of the bit in the importance of lying when he’s lying to his mum about an afterlife, really well done in both cases

[@laminage]

It was one of the most heartbreaking scenes in British TV. It's his Job, Livelihood, it puts food on his table, clothes on his back, and a roof over his head. He was given so many chances, warnings and the like but still wasn't enough to make him listen.

[@nathandurant2825]

We're all like that in many ways

[@laminage]

​@@nathandurant2825Yes. Alot of singing groups thought that because they helped start the group they were irreplacebale. They got major slices of humble pie and were worse off after the fame than before the fame.

[@Dead-Ball-Situation]

This was another reason why this show was a such a work of genius. Not only was it funny, it also grabbed you emotionally at times.

[@multipleman78]

I always imagine that Brent was ok at his job and that is why he rose to being a boss. However his failed career in music leaves him wishing for some limelight and with a documentary crew in his face he can't control himself and puts on act that shows him to be a bit of a twat. Then in the dying embers of this episode and the Christmas special he forgets about the cameras and acts normal and it's amazing.

[@kamikrazi123]

man.. rips your heart out to see this.. who would've thought we'd feel empathy for David..

[@beardtrick]

I dont agree with that in the work place

[@Iisdabest889]

@@beardtrick I prefer the stuff you do about his little hand

[@anshulaich6026]

@@Iisdabest889 I don't do stuff about his hand

[@Iisdabest889]

@@anshulaich6026 yeah you do, the wanking claw

[@NickOLarse999]

that is quality acting...the facial expressions, body language, the tremor in his voice, the silences...pure quality...all the cast were gr8 in the office.

[@iainholmes2735]

This is some of the best TV ever. Brent, a very tangled, complex, tragic character literally begging for his job. Heartbreaking. The whole run of episodes, leading to the two seasonal specials just got better and better.

[@YerDa67]

Incredible acting. To think he hadn’t had too much experience here. This scene has more emotion in it than the entire series of the American remake did. Beautiful.

[@kingglobby4179]

To be fair, this scene had more emotion in it than the entire rest of the UK series.

[@Uptheroyals80]

How did it have more emotion the us version had so much more emotion

[@xpds5543]

@@Uptheroyals80no it doesn’t 😂 the us one is not serious at all ngl

[@stuartmaxwell6772]

This scene is one of the best shot and executed scenes in the whole series. That moment where Neil looks at Jennifer and the way the camera shots cycle, you wonder if it's embarrassment, pity, whether Jennifer is considering David's proposal or its the "mocumentary editing" that's trying to be conveyed....so incredibly well put together.

[@AndyJmovies]

i honestly think this is the single best piece of acting ever. its so honest.

[@shfunky]

Isn't it amazing how some of the comments written under this video were written 7 months and some 7 years ago? What a timeless show.

[@personaloffense]

For 12 episodes you hated him, wanted him to fail, had all this hate for him, until, poof. All gone in this one moment. Brilliant

[@philmuggeson1849]

Hated him? I don't think there was anything in Brent's personality that warranted hate or a desire to see him fail, his attempts at trying to be Mr popular were not only hilarious and cringe but totally made those around him uncomfortable

[@richardjones3792]

Hated? Not really.

[@Isleofskye]

Beenwatching tv for 45 years and this is the first time a fictional character has made me emotional on his behalf.

[@RikerLovesWorf]

God what a powerful scene. The way he's suddenly forced at the last moment of shaking hands to drop his whole self-image and try a the plea for mercy, staring at Neil in the eyes. Like a man minutes before he goes to the gallows, it can all be stopped and fixed if you just give him some time to fix things.

[@FidoDido1980]

Brilliant writing, brilliant acting. Sums up The Office really: just brilliant.

[@laoch5658]

never give 100% to your job unless its your company

[@Simple1Jack]

I’ve always related to a specific line in the movie Office Space, “It’s not that I’m lazy, it’s that I just don’t care”

[@lw3646]

Such great little moments, the way he whistles to himself to try and make to comfort himself or make it seem like hes not bothered to the way he says he doesnt care about his holiday and is being totally passive because he feels so powerless which sums up the helplessness he now suddenly feels.

[@flyforce16]

the panned out camera shot at 1:25 is amazing. It gives that moment a pensive, sad feel to it.

[@SarahlovesSerge]

Very true! This shot is brilliant, almost Hopper-like

[@MrsBlaileen1]

That shot basically ends the scene and tells us, without saying a word, that there will be no last second reprieve. Powerful moment.

[@gregthomas1346]

Don't know how many times I've seen this clip and the office itself over the years and hits the mark every time, the pinnacle of writing, acting, casting the lot

[@kevinkibble8342]

The desperation of a man about to lose the one thing in his life that gives him any purpose. For a comedy show, The Office could be so crushingly tragic at times.

[@LiquidSpiral]

I sometimes get down on Gervais, thinking he’s overrated. This scene reminds me that he deserves every accolade he’s ever achieved.

[@unadulterated]

he sucks ass but he was genuinely at home in the Office, just like david brent

[@marcomontenegri2389]

Astounding acting....

[@roryandrew4344]

One of the most beautiful & natural pieces of acting

[@jamesdoyle3885]

Hes got a Bracknell, Taplow, Winursh, ........Burfield

[@iGotSpaceLikeNASA]

this part is so amazing, he suddenly lets down his guard after all this time

[@davids736]

The Office was genius on so many levels, and it's scenes like this that show us why. Still one of my all-time favourite shows....Brilliant stuff 👍👍🙂🙂

[@MalcolmClarke25]

The Office was incredible. I appreciate it far more now than I did at the time. One camera, great casting and a superb, straightforward script. I agree with others in that he is a great actor.

[@safy12345]

ricky's face is like a palette of emotions! brilliant

[@fleshylocust]

i cried when i first saw this :/ and maybe a little this time watching it...

[@SagaciousFrank]

I'm an man, and this bring me to to tears. The delivery in the sincerity is flawless. I really feel for Brent. We literally spent two seasons laughing at his pathetic tomfoolery, but in the final moments, he reveals himself as human and as afraid as the rest of us, in this uncertain world of ours. A bit like Del Boy in 'Only Fools and Horses' says of former Police Officer Slater in one episode with the reunion, "He's just scared, like the rest of us".

[@sociallynoncompliant9491]

The point where you realise even though he’s annoying and egotistical, your rooting for him to drop the act and when he does....it’s pretty heartbreaking to see him disintegrate in a split second

[@jedpenmen]

This is what defines the office, this one scene and maybe when he tells finch to fuck off. The simplicity of it is what makes it so brilliant, he becomes self aware and thats the beauty of gervais performance. You know hes not a bad man and in this scene he is so vulnerable u just want to take him home and pat him on the head and say never mind ha ha *****

[@MarxistKnight]

I actually always thought my boss was a little like David Brent, too concerned with how people perceived him, insincere, toeing the corporate line one moment then trying to be one of the gang the next, and I didn't like him. Then things started to go not so well for the company and he seemed to lose most of his hubris and became more of a normal person. I like him much more now.

[@Zangalwaal]

It’s a lonely position- being a boss or a manager- a lot harder than people imagine it to be.

[@JustMovieclips1930]

I'm so amazed after cracking up through the episodes i didn't expect i'd cry with him in the end....

[@danielelston7457]

Heartbreaking. Such a great show.

[@jaketeachingtips5548]

Always loved this scene. Basically makes the whole series real in 2 mins

[@vemugu61]

This scene gives the whole show a 'Death of a Salesman' quality

[@Suigotae]

I still watch this now expecting David Brent to get one last chance

[@bravestarr082]

This moment is so epic, D Brent has never made it known that he has a serious side for the 2 seasons, never did he leave home without the humour defence mechanism and when he does....oh mah gawd the emotion. 11/10.

[@farmerwright]

1:15 when the camera goes to Jennifer and she first has a look of sympathy, then after pondering she looks back with a look of you brought this on yourself! Brilliant acting and direction.

[@StephenFrazer85]

I thought Jennifer's reaction vs Neil's was totally different. With Neil's being more remorseful and Jennifer emotionless. I wonder were they directed in this way?

[@tonkerdog1]

After all the emotions, the Dolly Parton bit smacks you in the face.

[@zekeedwards7904]

Gervaiss acting is superb here, along with the big brother monologue in extras, the absolutely palpable emotions he exhibits are straight out heartbreaking

[@Useaname]

Great finale, especially David's cod philosophy speech at the end. And Dawn bored at her desk wondering what her life could be like. And Tim, zoning out in front of the computer. We've all been there in one way or another.

[@lw3646]

Yeah, Tim I think is meant to be the everyman character and his tragedy is being unfulfilled in his life, doing a job he has no real passion for and wanting a woman who is not available for him to have. This was the early 2000s, so that may not seem so bad today actually compared to the bigger challenges faced today.

[@cmoran9103]

I don't actually think either of them are bored or zoned out. I think they're in total despair, unable to believe what they're doing, what they're about to lose.

[@littlewing90]

Heart wrenching! Gervais delivers so well in that scene

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

This really is a TV acting landmark moment to stack up against your Martin Sheens and James Gandolfinis.

[@wolftrooper8603]

This is one of the most realistic endings I have seen to a comedy

[@TheSchemer1]

Ricky Gervais was hoping to only have to do one take of this scene because it was so hard on him to convey this pathos. Powerful acting!

[@anshulaich6026]

Do you know how many takes it took?

[@SagaciousFrank]

@@anshulaich6026 , I am wondering this as well, but they obviously chose the perfect take. It's so good and naturally, I'd be inclined to believe they did it in the first take, as if they just went for it and didn't need to refine the scene. When you watch this scene, it just feels like a camera was on him in a real documentary that captured a man effectively baring his soul to the camera in a desperate bid to keep his job.

[@TheSchemer1]

@@anshulaich6026 Probably way fewer than the takes with the funnier scenes :P

[@Batman8657]

It's just crazy to me how comedians can so effortlessly perform incredible drama at the drop of a hat. Ricky's probably gone through some real shit in his life.

[@SagaciousFrank]

He must understand something deeper to be able to naturally convey the poignancy of human nature in this one scene.

[@JuanCarlos-ff6vp]

I feel sorry for this scene. I was also fired right after a celebration at the office. When you realize that you are being fired and you see what is coming your way, all you want is for you to be given a new opportunity. And at that moment pride disappears.

[@D-FENS33]

There’s an interesting idea I saw that David Brent was actually really good at his job before the documentary started. The fact he won the landslide victory over Neil’s branch especially, but even the way he answered the phone and handled the interview in the first episode. He seemed professional. Also, as he says in the Christmas special, they edited him down to his worst moments. Goes to show how it was the documentary that effectively uncaged his ego, and he wasn’t always this weird boss.

[@EF-zy3nr]

Not a crazy idea. Especially thats what they tried to in US version for Steve Carrell/Michael Scott. The writers felt that they made him too mean trying to be like David Brent and dumb. So Michael was written to be nicer toward season 2 and even though he was a goof, they purposely had plot lines where Michael saved the day and made big sales. The writers felt there had to be a justification as to how a guy like Michael could be a manager and be a sustainable character to audiences.

[@robertmcelwaine7024]

Yeah, it could have been true because the fact of the matter was that he was being made to look bad, and the fact that all the bad aspects were being televised because it made for good car crash television, his superiors felt they had to throw him under the bus because it made the company look bad, and viewers may have been thinking why they keep this idiot employed when he's incompetent at his job. David did have his issues and did behave like a prat as well as a prick but underneath the facade he created there was a decent person in there somewhere. Compared to Chris Finch though who was just a completely obnoxious, smarmy, arrogant dick he was a white knight.

[@kevinkibble8342]

It's true to real life. I've worked for people who are idiots and lacking in tactfulness or social skills, but were still good at their jobs.

[@JG-nx3jg]

I think brent just got shafted by the merger, once the dust had settled it was always going to boil down to him or Neil taking the overall management role for the office. Brent prioritised his staff over commercial performance, which is actually admirable - but ultimately this approach was his undoing when it came to the final decision.

[@langdale55]

Yes, as I understand it, the whole premise of The Office is it having a swipe at the producers of reality TV and how the format makes ‘ordinary’ people believe they have a talent and opportunity to showcase in front of a camera and become celebrities. It’s the story of how ambition built on delusion leads to a man’s downfall. Ultimately, like Shakespeare’s Macbeth, The Office is a tragedy.

[@davidbaker8648]

I've never really liked Ricky Gervais, but having watched this, I have to take this back - he shows himself as a very accomplished and able actor - very moving

[@garyodriscoll7988]

Only took you 20 years to figure that out!

[@thegringolife291]

It's just like Dawn said in the first episode, Brent was just a "sad little man". The clown persona he had was just a mask to hide the sadness.

[@BSell-b1q]

Aren't we all sad little men deep down?

[@cementao]

What heightens the emotional impact of this scene is the realization that David Brent, despite his embarrassing and insecure demeanor, is a genuinely lovable character. In this moment as a viewer, you're witnessing the authentic and vulnerable side of Brent. While he may struggle to keep his ego in check, he is not inherently malicious. Brent's actions stem from a deep desire for acceptance and love from those around him, albeit expressed in impractical ways. This starkly contrasts with the detestable character of Chris Finch, who abuses Brent's friendship and only acts with selfish intentions. Despite Brent's flaws, he is not the antagonist of the show.

[@bronc30td]

I agree....in fact what makes this scene so great are the little things, like the subtle gulp to keep from crying etc.... I love this show....brilliant.

[@lakerboyng]

my personal saddest line in the hsitory of TV: "DOnt make me redundant"

[@LinxFraulein]

This scene resonates, too, because I feel like a lot of us have done this at some point - pretending you didn't really care about a certain decision, only to realise what that decision will actually mean for you. Pride can be a dangerous thing. Ricky Gervais captures this so well. He's so natural and believable and his performance here is just jaw-dropping. He's such an underrated actor. 😢

[@natsudragion7790]

This moment really made me sad and almost brought me to tears. Even after all the shit David did you actually feel sorry for him in that moment. And after making me sad that last line still made me laugh out loud again. What a brilliant show!

[@glenphillips4916]

Amazing acting. Heart rending

[@stevedoubleu99B]

This was a very very convincing performance indeed.

[@genizot]

Gervais deserved every award he got - this series was so well written and the heart-felt acting by Gervais in this 'redundancy scene' is world class! the full range of emotions are tapped into with this once-in-a-lifetime comedy of incomparable brilliance! and it'll great that not everybody can appreciate the humour and it's subtle finesse - that would make it too common. It's timeless - generations to come will be blown away by this series - absolute gem of a series!

[@davidbutler1622]

The sad thing is if David applied himself he probably could turn the place around - he’s a great salesman

[@maxington26]

oh shit the acting here is off the charts. What a programme.

[@stronzo5000]

Kinda feel like this right now ... was made redundant today after 5 years U_U

[@shayanm3788]

stronzo5000 this comment is from SIX years ago? You're a total stranger, but how are you doing now?

[@fopqw1568]

#stronzo50000peasereply

[@tiarnan76]

@ stronzo5000 - dont leave us hangin man, if we dont find out...I dont even wana think about it....

[@xarmy5669]

rip

[@justinneill5003]

Happened to be some years back, after 10 years service my boss created a job over my head and hired his fuck-buddy from outside to fill it, and her instructions to make my life as awkward as possible. They both saw me as a potential problem, him because originally we were at the same level and he sensed a rival, her because she knew I'd also applied for the post she'd just been given. As an aside, the futility of my application was demonstrated when he started drawing cartoons during my presentation (a bit like Brent without the funny.) In my case redundancy was voluntary (except in the sense that my career had hit a wall) and I moved abroad but managed to convince them all that I was fine with it and happy as Larry, so I became a supplier for the company (again like Brent) Then a new MD arrived and she soon sniffed out what had been going on. She was concerned about staff morale and why the company was haemorrhaging experience. Shortly afterwards the two fuck buddies were caught in a compromising situation in the car park (not humping but enough to answer a lot of unanswered questions.) The next thing that happened, there was a conference to which all suppliers were invited and I got chatting with the new MD, who knew I'd previously been with the airline for 10 years. When I sensed the moment I opened up, without crossing the line, and left her in no doubt about where the problam was. It must have struck a chord; anyway 4 months later the fuck-buddies were both gone. Santa's Little Helper went first on Santa's advice as there would be nobody there to protect her when he was gone. and he soon followed. She actually resigned and took up an inferior job (although she is now unemployed.) He got the push and drifted between jobs for a while before ending up with another airline, but he never again achieved the same level of seniority. Me? I'm back in the UK and my company is doing fine, I've also been able to invest significantly in real estate from my profits and live largely off the rental income. I know their demise wasn't particularly down to me but I certainly like to think I had a hand in it, and maybe one day I'll share that detail with them.

[@Guvna07]

Such an underrated actor. Never acted before this and never attended drama school. Proof that you’ve either got it or you don’t. This scene transforms the viewers opinion of Brent completely. We then truly realize he’s very insecure and his previous bravado was just an act. Truly amazing. Drama students would learn so much more from this than any Shakespeare stuff.

[@FilmemachFan]

It's when Shakespeare meets this kind of authenticity where it get's interesting!

[@jmartyp3]

Gervais is one of the best and most complete actors that I've ever seen. He could play any role, I think.

[@CharlesShawRules]

My favorite scene from the original Office. Ricky Gervais is a genius.

[@tommy2917]

Really like how the camera pans to Tim and Dawn when David is speaking at the end, their facial expressions says it all. David might sound foolish but I think he's making a good point.

[@CS-mo7xp]

erm that's neil and jennifer?

[@richardjones3792]

What???

[@richardjones3792]

What good point?

[@GeoffreyBronson]

the subservient roll back on his chair and submissive bow of his posture at 0:14 is absolutely unbelievable acting. I truly believe Bren...sorry, Ricky is losing his job in this scene.

[@mmahesh6247]

Completely. I notice that every time..so subtle like much of the acting in this series. I can’t praise it enough. Superb.

[@AndySalinger33]

for my money, Ricky is the best, most believably genuine dramatic actor on the scene today. the fact that he's also the best comedic actor and writer is somehow a bonus.

[@saintgeorge6706]

Ricky is a genius. He can do it all.

[@rangerwhite5165]

This is really sad to watch. Gervais is a genius at flipping the emotions of a scene.

[@jaxnean2663]

Ricky is BRILLIANT.

[@fraserwebster8761]

Zero minutes of Acting school or performance training, yet you’d be hard pressed to find a more powerful scene from a sitcom. Brent, for the first time, drops the front and reveals the insecure, lonely man inside. This show taught me so much about real life. Some people are simply crying out for a friend.

[@DarkKnight--22]

I often wonder what he had too think about too get in the mood foe this scene.

[@Breeslave]

The whole raison D'etre of the show was the slow painful descent of David Brent made redundant in this scene, this is the climax. and I'm american and a fan both the orginal and US office shows.

[@CiggyRat]

Gervais is one of the best actors and writers out there and this is all the proof I need