I didn't watch it when it aired the first time, for the first three seasons. I had already seen the original, and I was skeptical, because of the dismal failure of the American version of "Coupling". But when TBS picked it up for syndication, I started watching. The first episode I saw was "Basketball Game", from the first season. I was hooked. I now have the first four seasons on DVD, and I watch the reruns Tuesday nights (coming up in 35 minutes). I got my father hooked, too.
I think the show has slipped this season. I think it would have been better to follow the original plot element, that is, that the branch really would close. The series could have ended on a high note. Also, the tension between Jim and Pam is gone, because they're now engaged. OK, that's resolved. So now, the show is lurching down the path of becoming just another sitcom. And some of the other plot twists from this season made no sense. Ryan is arrested for fraud, but is out on the condition that he perform community service, so he is back as an unpaid temp? That was lame. Toby returns? That was lame. Too much Kelly, which is also lame. Too much dialog from Meredith. All of those things are symptoms of having writers and producers who are also cast members. Too much David Wallace, too, but he now stands in for Jan as the voice on the phone to chastise Michael
The latest new episode, "Moroccan Christmas", was a little bit of a redemption, though, in terms of quality.
Curious to see how they do, when they resume the season after the holidays.
"This...is...AWESOME!"-Kevin