The fictional documentary team that brought us the exploits of the crew from The Office are back spotlighting a new group. The Paper follows the people looking to revive a local Midwestern newspaper. Although the series from Greg Daniels and Michael Koman may be a workplace mockumentary centered in a struggling industry, have loose ties to Dunder Mifflin, and even have Oscar Martinez, it does stand apart from its predecessor.
The show has an amiable ensemble cast, each with their own eccentricities and distinct personalities. Throughout the ten-episode first season, they all have their moments in the spotlight. Oscar Nuñez, who plays the returning Martinez, stands out not only because he is a familiar face, but also because he plays the lone serious person who reluctantly takes part in all the craziness.
However, the cast seems too big and could lose some dead weight. The character Ken Davies (Tim Key) doesn’t add much other than be a secondary antagonist. He is not very funny and serves as a forced reminder of The Office’s British roots. The main source of conflict within the office is from Esmeralda Grand (Sabrina Impacciatore), who is so adept at garnering heat. Also, unlike Davies, she isn’t above taking part in her own shenanigans and grows on you.
The writing for The Paper can be inconsistent. On one hand, there are plenty of funny moments with the silly small town scenarios. It really captures the underdogs out of their depth qualities as this ragtag team try to revitalize the newspaper. In the process, the series can be heartwarming. There is also a documentary within a documentary aspect at times highlighting the powerful potential of the press the characters are working towards providing an optimistic outlook.
On the other hand, some of the storylines seem rushed and disjointed. The intraoffice relationships run hot and cold so drastically, it can be frustrating. There can be drama for a full episode but then return to the status quo at the very end without any real resolution. If that’s the case, there is no real stakes even when the show does a good job building and growing the relationships.
Somewhere inside The Paper is a good show but it is unable to be brought out on a consistent basis. Instead, there are only glimpses of the full potential throughout.
The Paper releases Thursday, September 4, on Peacock.
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