There are few cult classics likeOffice Space, the workplace comedy that looked at how much people hate their jobs. However, actor Ron Livingston seems to have found his niche once again with the showLoudermilk. Unhappy, a bit grumpy, and annoyed by those around him. These are the qualities of his two most beloved characters.
Loudermilkis now in its third season, and Livingston seems to have found his clearly defined role as a glorious curmudgeon. He has even upgraded his character work from the film role that got his career going in the first place. But what isLoudermilk,and why should you be watching it?
Ron Livingston and His Standout Roles
Loudermilk
Ron Livingston, the 56-year-old actor, has been busting heads for a long time, but his standout role came as Peter Gibbons in the1999 comedyOffice Space. His acerbic character was both relatable and difficult to watch as he first plodded through his life, half-awake, only to start living the dream of every mid-level drone by taking back control of his life.
Although he has had many notable roles in between (Band of Brothers, Drinking Buddies, Boardwalk Empire), his next best outing has been as Sam Loudermilk in the showLoudermilk. The character feels like a seasoned version of hisOffice Spacecreation, one whose filters are gone and who is now out to grumpily help his fellow man.
Livingston has a way of delivering lines that make you feel like he is both your best friend and worst critic all at once. He is themaster of sarcasmand can contort his mouth into a half-smile that could kill a lesser man.Loudermilkseems to be a victory lap for an actor whose career started in much the same way it ended up.
How Office Space Is Still an Accurate Portrayal of Modern Office Culture
Listen, we’re not saying all office jobs are like this, but Office Space’s cult following tells us that there is some truth to the office comedy.
Office Space Has a Cult Following
Office Spaceproved to everyAmerican office workerthat they weren’t alone. Everyone had the boss they hated, the cloying coworkers, and the urgent need to take extremely long lunches. Then, when Peter is released of his inhibitions, it’s an all-out race to see how much he can finally speak truth to power. It is a glorious middle finger to the man. It even ends with work being burned down—every drone’s dream.
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The show also gave us a gaggle of strange auxiliary characters that Peter could interact with. They included Samir Nagheenanajar, Michael Bolton, Bill Lumbergh, and the red stapler-wielding Milton. It was anything but typical, and audiences rooted for each character to get everything they deserved. And Peter, the main character, was the conduit that made it all happen.
Office Spacewas writer/director Mike Judge’s first big chance to lampoon society. His next,Idiocracy, whichpredicted the future in many cases, has been seen as another example of his ability to be utterly prescient about where society was heading. ButOffice Spacetook the American workplace and shoved it in everyone’s face. Anyone who had ever been put in the human zoo of cubicles, been forced to sing happy birthday, or wear flair identified with and was furious about the film. Audiences laughed because it was a painfully accurate portrayal. Peter was the embodiment of the average working person, and Ron Livingston had the opportunity to be the mouthpiece.
Loudermilk Is Like an Office Space Follow-Up
As stated, Ron Livingston has been involved in dozens of projects both on film and TV sinceOffice Space. However, in 2017, he had the chance to star inLoudermilk. The show was produced, written, and directed by Peter Farrelly, one-half of thefamous Farrelly brothers(Dumb and Dumber, There’s Something About Mary), whose influence on comedy cannot be overstated.
Our main character is a grumpy man who has no problem (much like Peter Gibbons) speaking the truth to everyone around him. He has no filters and seems to tolerate his inner group even when he throws comments that make them want to punch him in the face. However, he is extremely loyal to those he considers friends, and his obvious attraction to the girl down the hall (Allison Montgomery) is both adorable to audiences and infuriating to him.
Loudermilk is a reluctant hero. He is constantly backing himself into corners by trying to help people without allowing himself to admit it. It makes the show a hero’s journey where the hero is not just reluctant but outrightly angry at the path he has to tread. He offers growling friendship to those who deserve it while making it clear that he has no time for anyone else. He does not suffer fools and, regardless of his personal growth, never actually will.
For people who loveOffice Spaceand the type of character that Ron Livingston can bring to the screen,Loudermilkis the next best thing. It feels like a follow-up of sorts. Sam Loudermilk is Peter Gibbons after decades of having no filter. He’s tired of people, being in recovery, and the people around him. But he is also the person who cannot help but take those in places he has been and raise them up to their best selves.Seasons 1-3 ofLoudermilkare now available on Netflix.
