Satire or Just Offensive? Revisiting 'The Office' UK’s ‘Training’ Episode from 2001

In this episode of The Problematic Gaze, we take a closer look at one of The Office (UK)’s most painfully awkward episodes: “Training.”

From David Brent’s relentless need to perform authority to the complete breakdown of professionalism, “Training” is a masterclass in how power, ego, and insecurity collide in everyday workplaces.

We break down how the episode uses discomfort as comedy, what it reveals about early 2000s office culture, and whether the cringe still lands—or just feels exhausting.

Is Brent a mirror of real-life managers... or something much darker?

And who doesn't love Tim and Dawn's romantic rollercoaster?

The Office 'Training'  Click here to watch our chosen episode on IPlayer

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Gazer Homework: Next week we discuss classic US crime Drama 'Cagney and Lacey  Click here to watch our chosen episode on IPlayer

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Please leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts. They really help to spread the word of The Problematic Gaze. 

And if our fellow Gazers want to comment on what they've heard in our episodes, or to suggest future topics, please email us at [email protected]. We love hearing from you!

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