The Paper excels at workplace romance, but season 2 is still figuring out the rest
Peacock's breezy The Office spin-off is almost fit to print.
On The Office, Michael Scott (Steve Carell) was a successful salesman turned enthusiastic boss, just like Ned Sampson (Domhnall Gleeson) in The Paper. Both characters are dreamers, which makes them intriguing subjects for an imaginary documentary crew. Michael wanted to befriend his employees, while Ned aspired to restore the Toledo Truth Teller to its former glory.
The show's first season explored Ned's ambitious plans, giving it a unique perspective beyond workplace comedy. Season two continues Ned's journey, but his focus is split between work and a budding romance with his star reporter, Mare (Chelsea Frei). This division affects the show's balance between Ned and the ensemble cast.
In season two, the Truth Teller's status as an award-winning publication hasn't improved its standing with corporate overlords. CEO Marv (Allan Havey) doesn't reward the crew for their well-earned trophies, instead reflecting the flaws in contemporary news media. Marv's meddling impacts the Truth Teller's stories and Ned and Mare's relationship.
Esmeralda Grand (Sabrina Impacciatore), once demoted, continues her sabotage attempts, causing mixed results. Her character remains one-dimensional, making her histrionics a potential showstopper.
The most well-developed aspect of season two is Ned and Mare's relationship, as the show tackles workplace romance realistically. While their romance is inevitable, the show delves into why office romances occur and whether Ned and Mare can overcome obstacles like distance and professional passion. Travis (Eric Rahill) and Adelola (Gbemisola Ikumelo) receive more attention, becoming well-rounded characters.
However, supporting characters like Nicole (Ramona Young) receive abrupt and petty storylines that detract from the show's heartfelt tone.
The Paper shines when it has a clear message, such as corporate interference, workplace eccentricities, or the power of the pen. Despite uneven execution, the series remains enjoyable, anchored by Gleeson and Frei's performances. It offers a nostalgic nod to Dunder Mifflin while striving for contemporary relevance. Despite its flaws, The Paper is a fun mockumentary that captures the essence of its predecessor.
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