Ricky Gervais has announced via his blog that he’s working on an installment of The Office for China, in addition to the Israely, German, Canadian, and French and American versions already in existence.

I’m not so sure an obscure, culturally-based sitcom will work in China, especially considering that their gold standard for comedy usually goes something like this:

“What did the [CENSORED] say to the [CENSORED]?”
“[CENSORED]!”

Nevertheless, office work is a universal concept. Here’s how The Office could work in China.

1. Suggestion for a working title: “Unproductive Workers Bring Shame to Us All – A Cautionary Tale”
2. Set in the Foxxcon warehouse. Instead of manufacturing printing paper, they could produce lead-coated children’s toys and iPhone circuit boards. Most of the witty repartee can take place as the workers congregate around the production line, or in the suicide jump safety net.
3. There’s a token Tibetan guy.
4. Series finale suggestion: The Dwight Shrute character is lauded as a heroic icon of party loyalty. He reports Jim’s inefficiency to the Party, and Jim is taken to a prison camp for “political re-education”.

I can’t wait for the China Daily review. Perhaps it’ll go a little like this:

But all the stupid waste of time, you and your circus of democracy, you can do nothing apart from the spectacular stage!

Weeds will be more prosperous along your road, and our country will face the citizens of the glorious Saturn!

Interesting!