Neil is incredibly condescending. He wouldn't be bad to work with or for but there's a lot of superficiality.

I disagree, buna. Kneal was a compleat nodend throughout.

Perfect summation of the charicter

Initially, Neil is an all round decent manager and good people person who represents what David wants to be. He needs to be pretty much perfect so we can laugh as David crashes and burns by comparison. Later on, when we need to see David get some kind of endgame and closure for David it is necessary for Neil to be drawn in a less sympathetic light so we can laugh - for the first time - with David as he gets a bit of redemption.
Nicely said!

I don't think you should read too much into the character of Neil. I think they had to alter the way he came across over the seasons in order to tell the full story of David Brent.
Initially, Neil is an all round decent manager and good people person who represents what David wants to be. He needs to be pretty much perfect so we can laugh as David crashes and burns by comparison. Later on, when we need to see David get some kind of endgame and closure for David it is necessary for Neil to be drawn in a less sympathetic light so we can laugh - for the first time - with David as he gets a bit of redemption.
It's just storytelling.
Jennifer is ridiculously hot.

Agreed. I appreciated the fact that anytime Neil reprimanded David, it was always, "David, could I have a word, please?" Whereas the more immature David didn't seem to have any problem calling people out in front of everyone else (Neil, Tim, making fun of Malcolm, etc). There's an old adage that says "A good leader will praise in public, and berate in private."
I don't think Neil was a dick at all. I think he was very fair, and my suspicion is that the board wanted David in the corporate office so they could have a competent manager like Neil taking care of the day-to-day operations. As the regional manager, Neil would be able to more directly affect the sales potential of the branch. But then when David failed the medical exam, they felt Neil would be more able to manage David.
And as far as the gay jokes, I don't see how David's jokes would be any less hurtful.
Hey! Ifif we had some rope, we could make a log bridgeifif we hadsomelogs.

I don't feel Neil is a dick, bear in mind he'd put up with endless backchat from Brent and was even supportive of him when he could have been far less forgiving and not as tolerant. Remember when Brent came back from the pub and had a go when Neil and the others were playing some inter-office cricket, Neil was the one who went in and insisted they shook hands on it etc.
And even when they got rid of him, he had to put up with him continually coming back to the office and trying to undermine him.
But the being pals with Finchy and laughing at the joke was a bit unfair
Cambridge man you know. His uncle Bertie and I used to break wind for our college.

He is a dick! That is genius of show, the things you mention in first post come out subtle, but usually through series he seems ok.hoping david has no date is total dick attitude.

Throughout watching The Office I always thought that Neil would make a great boss in real life and someone who I'd be happy to work with/for.
He seemed to have good man-management skills and the ability to deal with awkward situations properly and professionally as soon as they arose.
I wouldn't care whether or not he could be a good friend outside of work because I've learned to my cost that it doesn't pay to mix with your boss socially!
"Stop listening to music made by poofs - Stick on some Elton John".

It gets interesting when you consider that the board voted 5 to 2 in Davids favour of taking the promotion over Neil, when he clearly seems the better choice. Makes you think that a, David's Office is actually more productive despite his antics, the board were aware of Neil's crappy personality at times.

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It's funny, Neil comes across as a better manager but I can't imagine him to be a good friend. David, on the other hand, seems desperate for personal friendship even if he comes across badly in public.

Thankspicked up my humor from Jim..

Do you try hard to be unfunny? You're good at it.

OMG!!!!!.Really?? G.g.g.g..gaaaaay jokes???? Worse than hitler, no??