Fans of The Office have been writing their own scripts this week, speculating about behind-the-scenes tensions after Ricky Gervais' YouTube special for the sitcom's 25th anniversary. Viewers noticed that Gervais mentioned other cast members but failed to acknowledge co-creator Stephen Merchant, who was on set daily and co-wrote the show.
Fan Outrage and Gervais' Response
Fans expressed outrage over what seemed like an attempt to airbrush Merchant from the show's history. Gervais, known for generously praising co-stars and crew, appeared to contradict this reputation. However, his team told reporters they are "shocked" the omission became a major story. While Gervais and Merchant are no longer close and rarely communicate, there is "absolutely no bad blood" between them, according to Gervais' representatives.
Perspective of the Special
Gervais' intention for the David Brent YouTube special was to present it from Brent's or his own perspective on set, focusing primarily on 'his' character. This explains why Merchant was not mentioned. The special was cut from several hours of footage to a one-hour show, with much time dedicated to clips from The Office. A friend of Gervais commented: "It is safer to speak for yourself with these things, but you can't really win."
Past Collaboration and Praise
In 2010, Gervais thanked Merchant while receiving the Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award, saying, "I consider working with Stephen my day job. There is nothing better than sitting in a room with Steve, coming up with stuff." On Chatty Man, Gervais admitted Merchant kept him on the straight and narrow, stating, "When we were writing The Office he would call me up and say 'we've got to work.'" Merchant added, "I have got to look after him."
Creative Split
Eight years ago at the Oxford Union, Gervais discussed his rule for collaboration: "Let me get my own way or I'm sulking... You never come in with two different scripts and then fight for yours. You work on something and if one of you doesn't like it, it doesn't go in." He admitted being "an egomaniac" and hinted at moving away from collaboration. After Life and Derek were solely created by Gervais. In 2018 at the Oxford Union, Merchant said they split creatively after working "cheek-by-jowl for over ten years," feeling "pulled in different directions."
Anniversary Celebrations
Neither Gervais nor Merchant participated in BBC anniversary programmes. Merchant posted a short Instagram clip, calling the show a "joint effort" and recalling improvising ideas into a dictaphone. Gervais had planned the Brent special for his YouTube channel before the BBC approached him about anniversary programming. A suggestion to end the backlash is to add Merchant's name to the YouTube video description, acknowledging him as co-creator.
