Elizabeth C

The Paper is fashioned after The Office, and while Domhnall Gleeson does a good job of playing Ned, the earnest new editor-in-chief, Sabrina Impacciatore"s Esmeralda Grand, the " Dwight" of this workplace, is off-putting. Dwight's actions and reactions were the result of his beliefs and rigid personality and provided comic relief. Esmeralda's actions are motivated by anger and revenge because her position of acting editor was usurped by the new editor-in-chief. I just can't laugh at her antics because I find them mean. Maybe I identify with Ned too much, but I've seen three episodes and keep finding myself feeling stressed with her undermining tactics. Too bad, because I like the other cast and characters.

This was certainly a strange movie, not really a comedy. I guess it is a study of a marriage where the couple have grown apart, and then an awkward event happens. There is no redemption for the husband's misstep, except to bravely own the misdeed and ask for forgiveness. Alas, that's not what happens and they each react in ways that simply widens the chasm between them. I wasn't sure what to make of the ending except maybe it shows that they both reacted equally this time in stepping aside to avoid a dump of snow?

It has uneven lighting, which is distracting. Typically, a change in lighting style would indicate a dream or flashback. Here, I guess they are trying to be two series at once (I've read). The differences just confused me. This series tries and fails to be funny. The laugh track is annoying. The jokes are so bad and the laugh track reminds you that another bad joke was delivered. Kevin is a jerk and the wife is just sad. The best thing about this series is the title.