The first series of the US version of The Office was terrible. Those familiar with the original UK version, were made to endure an extra layer of cringeworthyness, though this time at the expense of the show’s producers, rather than the intended, comedic uneasiness of the show.
An almost word-for-word copy of the UK version’s script was Americanised and the lead actor asked to ape his British counterpart, not trusted to develop his own character. It was almost unwatchable.
Then series two arrived. The show blossomed its own identity and Steve Carell turned Michael Scott from a boring, carbon-copy of David Brent into one of the best TV comedy performances of all time, reinvigorating his stalling career in the process.
The first few seasons of Mark O’Hara’s career were similarly restrictive. As a 16-year-old he was fast-tracked into the Kilmarnock starting XI, either as a right-back or the odd cameo in central defence alongside Michael Nelson or Mahamadou Sissoko. More often than not, he stumbled over his lines in a cast that continually struggled to preserve its prime time billing.
Over his four seasons at Killie, O’Hara did venture further forward, though only as far as defensive midfield. His performances remained erratic and uninspiring and when there was a mass exodus at Rugby Park, O’Hara was one of those not commissioned for the new season.
And so on to the second series of his career. It was surprising when Dundee took a gamble on O’Hara, even more surprising when his new director thrust him into a bustling number 10 role in his league debut versus Ross County.
Just like Steve Carell, the restricting reins were off and he embodied a new identity. O’Hara took on this lead role as if he’d been preparing for it his whole life, creating the opening goal by getting to the byline and cutting it back for Rory Loy, before winning a penalty for the second. The reviewers lapped it up, marking the first episode ten-out-of-ten. He followed up this flawless performance with a goal versus Rangers in episode two. He ended the show on the losing side but certainly didn’t disgrace with his exploits.
Last night Hamilton Accies put in a guest performance at Dens Park. With his tail up from his previous two performances, the first action from O’Hara was play a pin-point, sweeping crossfield pass to the feet of a teammate. Later in the half, he scored his second goal of the season, taking his tally to two goals and two assists in three matches.
Incidentally, The Terrace started an internal fantasy draft this season. Of the 12 of us, no one picked O’Hara. When the scores were totalled after last week’s matches, he was second in points only to Liam Boyce, who earned 50 points by netting a hattrick in the Highland derby.
Kilmarnock fans must be wondering – as they trawl through websites and YouTube videos to figure out who they’ve just signed – why a player of obvious ability, one who came through their own youth system, has been allowed to leave. Furthermore, why none of his previous directors cast him in a role more suited to his repertoire.
Written by Craig Cairns (@craigcairns001)