>>I bet they have softened it up a bit.
>
>I have not seen the original, but from the way you describe it I think they are quite a bit different. The US version has potty humor and smart humor, but I would say the main story is more of a love story than anything.

It's just the cringe-worthiness of Ricky Gervais; he plays such a creep, so convincingly that it's like a slo mo car-crash and you find yourself, well, cringeing and begging for the tension to ease.

I've seen the US version and, if I hadn't already seen the BBC series (a couple of times, plus the Xmas special), I'd be very impressed. But, you can't help comparing the performances. OTOH I haven't got to see many of them and "get into the swing" of the performances.

BTW Have you seen Ricky Gervais's next series, "Extras"? - Brilliant!