 George , as well as Laurie , drew positive responses from critics . Tara Ariano and Sarah Bunting of Television Without Pity considered Laurie one of the best actors in the series ' cast . Richard Barber of People lauded Laurie 's performance as George as " hilarious " and " brilliant " . David Smith of the Guardian highlighted the pathos of the performance , writing that Laurie 's performance as Lt. George , as he was about to go over the top to his death , " elicited tears of both laughter and grief " . 
