(S03E16) Let me issue a disclaimer upfront: if you're looking for a negative review, you're not going to find it here. After three lukewarm weeks reviewing Studio 60, reviewing The Office makes me feel like a puppy in a square of sun on a newly vacuumed carpet. I'm going to roll around in utter joy for a while. If you have a problem with that... well, I guess crucify me in the comments (that's what you were going to do anyway, right?)There's a lot of stuff to get to, so let's ask the really big question right up front...
Why didn't Jim make an appearance at the art show? Why wasn't he questioned about it in the interviews? Why didn't Pam make mention of it (though the look of hurt on her face as she was unpinning her pictures told us more than a confessional ever could)?
I was watching this episode with a big group of kids from Shawnee State University (shout out) and we all were yelling that Jim should have been there. Was it revenge? Was it Karen? Was it Roy? What stopped him from going? I've got a theory, at least, as to why they never addressed it that I'll get to in one second. You tell me your theories about why he didn't show in the comments.
I think it says something about the quality of this show that an entire group of people could be shouting at the screen when a character doesn't do what we expect him to do. I mean, I don't think the same thing would happen if Jim Belusihi's character did something "out there" on According to Jim (though for the life of me, I can't think what would be "out there" for his character... say something funny, perhaps?). I know a few of you complain that this show is getting a bit too soap-opera-ish, but I think this episode showed that there's a certain power in letting a story line run over the course of a season (or two).
A lot of people thought Michael was too over-the-top in the last episode (and after reading your comments on it, I can see why you would think that), but he was back in fighting trim tonight. I loved seeing him grab the frisbee and enter into the lecture hall with his own theme music. The thing that had me laughing the most, though, was when he took the textbook and ripped out all the pages. It was especially nice sitting there with a group of students who know all too well how much a textbook costs.
What I love about Michael is the running theme that he's learned everything he knows about being a "maverick" boss by watching movies and TV. Of course he was aping Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society by tearing the pages out of the textbook. He understands the what without really understanding the why. Not only does it work within the context of the show, it makes for a wonderful satire of those types of movies. (I hate any movie about a know-it-all non conformist who tries to change the world. We all know in real life most of those people wind up being closer to Michael Scott than Mr. Keating).
It was nice to see Ryan get his comeuppance this episode as well. For a while now, I've thought he's been too much of a grouch. He's got a job despite the fact that he's never made a sale and he's got an attractive and supportive girlfriend despite the fact that he never does one thing to encourage her. From where I'm sitting, he's got it pretty good. His getting schooled by Michael was nice to see.
The bat. So many good things here. "I want to come out now." "I'm a hero." "I'm outta here." Jim pretending to be a vampire (with Karen's help!) All good stuff. What other show gives its supporting players so much to work with? Hilarious, all of it.
(I told you this would be fawning. I can't help it.)
If you didn't know, this episode was directed by Joss Whedon of Buffy the Vampire and Firefly fame. I think that the bat subplot was a nod to his former show. (UPDATE: Jenna Fischer's blog says that it's just a coincidence. A little too coincidental if you ask me, he said in his best Dwight voice). If there was a nod to Firefly I didn't see it. Any help there commentators?
Going in, I wondered what Joss Whedon (or any of the famous directors that have been or will be taking a turn behind the lens at The Office) can bring to the show. After all, despite its brilliance, it's a bit formulaic simply because of the confines of episodic television. We know who the characters are, essentially, and we know the basic outline of every episode. So what does a superstar have to offer that a "regular" director doesn't?
This is what I noticed tonight: there was a layer of subtlety to tonight's episode that we don't normally see. Roy's excitement over being the only one from the office there (and bringing his brother) was all we needed to understand what the Roy Renaissance was all about. Jim not showing up (but not talking about it) left us to wonder where the Pam/Jim romance is headed. And finally, Michael as the calvary, happy to see a picture of the office (painted on... wait for it... paper!) not because of its inherent value as a painting (he wouldn't be able to grasp that anyway) but because seeing the thing he loved the most captured in paint right after his slap-in-the-face from Ryan actually moved him. I'm not saying that The Office isn't subtle in its usual form, just that Mr. Whedon brought out "the little things" better than any episode in recent memory.
And for that, Mr. Whedon, I applaud you. Am I actually applauding by myself in a hotel room in Ohio? Maybe!
All right, off with you. Go on and tell me what a fanboy I am...
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
2-15-2007 @ 10:50PM
Randy said...
I loved this episode!
I cracked up so much when Pam asked Michael if he had something in his pocket, and after what seemed like a minute he pulled out the piece of candy.
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2-15-2007 @ 10:54PM
Corey said...
Ohio represent!
I was watching this episode with a couple college friends and we were all screaming 'Where the hell is Jim?' towards the end as well. I'm quite glad the writers made Michael a bit of a hero (and a little wise with his punishment to Ryan) in comparison to last week's over-the-top 'Jerkass Michael'
Great, great episode
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2-15-2007 @ 11:53PM
Will Teullive said...
Rainn Wilson is the second funniest man on television next Ricky Gervais.
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2-16-2007 @ 12:00AM
tricia said...
I believe the word you were looking for was "cavalry", not "calvary", although you did mention that you were going to be "crucified" in the comments.
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2-16-2007 @ 12:09AM
Bailey said...
Creed saying "Bye Mary Beth" to Meredith was great. There's so little Creed in the show, but he's a great character.
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2-16-2007 @ 12:11AM
Diego said...
THIS WAS A GOOD EPISODE. I ENJOYED THE BAT AND VAMPIRE PART. THERE WAS NO INTERACTION BETWEEN JIM AND PAM. I WAS LOVIN THE WHOLE KAREN AND JIM VAMPIRE DEAL.
RYAN IS A DICK, HE IS A BAD EMPLOYEE AND GROUCHY AND HE HATES ON MICHAEL. SEEIN KELLY FREAK OUT AND HUG HIM WAS GREAT. SUCH A GREAT PUNISHMENT.
PAM SHOULDN'T HAVE GOTTEN BACK WITH ROY AT LEAST GET SOMEONE NEW. GRRRRR, GOOD THAT JIM WASN'T AT HER ART SHOW. HE WAS PROBABLY DOIN KAREN HAHA
DID Y'ALL NOTICE STUDIO 60 IS GONNA BE GONE. MAYBE FOR GOOD. BLACK DONELLY'S LOOKS GOOD THOUGH. I LOVE MOB DRAMAS.
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2-16-2007 @ 1:05AM
Kyle said...
I thought this was a vast improvement from last week's episode. There is way too much to list, but I loved Michael with the candy bars and Michael cheering up Pam at the end.
Kelly: "Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!"
:) Great episode.
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2-16-2007 @ 1:41AM
BigTed said...
It was interesting how Pam just kind of mentioned that she was back together with Roy like it was no big deal. I think we'll find out why Jim didn't go to the art show in the same kind of understated way. It's great to have a show that doesn't have to put an exclamation point on all the plot events, but trusts the audience to get them anyway.
On the other hand, I thought it was a little too predictable that Michael would try to give an "inspirational" speech rather than an informative lecture, and that it wouldn't go over very well. It was one of those scenes were you can see the genesis of his character in Ricky Gervais' boss on the original British version of the show. It was fine, but the scenes in the office were so hilarious that I kept getting impatient to get back there.
Then the scenes with Pam were both funny and touching. I hope that now that she's heard someone say that the lack of courage she displays in her life is reflected in her art -- which was pretty but completely unimaginative -- she'll have some motivation to change.
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2-16-2007 @ 2:30AM
Paul said...
My guess is that Pam didn't even ask Jim to come to the art show.
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2-16-2007 @ 3:08AM
Michael said...
Great review and great episode! In the end, I was cheering for Michael. Pam's emotion said more onscreen than any words could. Great acting Jenna! Can't wait for next week's JJ Abrams ep.
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2-16-2007 @ 7:08AM
Bebop said...
Am I the only one who thought this episode sucked? The bat thing was so over the top I thought this was the worst episode since "The Convict" (the only good part of that episode was prison mike)
The only highlight of this episode was the Pam and Michael moment.
Also the fact that Roy only went to Pam's art show to make himself look good in front of Pam instead of actually supporting her was a great point for the writers.
I hope the Ryan character get his comeuppance, he's been acting like a dick all season.
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2-16-2007 @ 8:09AM
Bash said...
I can't wait to find out if Ross and Rachel end up together.
Oh wait... I forgot those two actually had something going at one point.
At the moment I kind of happy for Roy. Honestly that guy isn't that ass he was in the past anymore. But honestly after Jim went all out just half a year ago (in the Office timeline) I wonder how on earth could Pam convincer herself that Jim's new girlfriend is anything more than a rebound.
They are all always chosing the easy route and when they don't they act totally over the top. I find that frustrating and sometimes wonder how so many people think that Michael is so great and everything. In a way, everyone on this show is loveable BUT acting like an ass much too often. This group is so totally disfunctional it makes me want to kill myself. It's the embodyment of everything I loathe and I guess many people like it because they have to live with it every day. Instead of going amok they chose to laugh about it. *sigh*
I honestly can only stand "The Office" on tape so I can fast forward through the horrible emberrassing parts. But then again I went through that phase with Seinfeld too - loved it - hated it - and then bought the DVDs. I guess it's just like roadkill, you just have to look because it's THAT horrible.
I think what get's me hooked almost every week is the opener. They still manage to have a totally funny opener and that makes me endure the horrible parts :-)
In the end I guess I am just as problem-ridden as any one of the characters and sometimes I think it's funny that although disfunctional they still manage to have great moments in their life with their co-workers. For me, The Office is bittersweet sadness every week.
I guess I'll watch some Buffy now. Those episodes where Willow and Xander got together. Best storyarc ever :-)
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2-16-2007 @ 8:35AM
Gordy said...
"Don't kill the bat...it's a living thing that should not be hurt..."
[Bat swoops down in her direction]
"Kill it kill it!"
That was the funniest part for me.
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2-16-2007 @ 10:19AM
Chris W said...
So Jay... Do you usually stop by colleges and fenagle your way into someone's dorm to watch some TV? Do you hang out at a local bar and ask unsuspecting coeds if they have cable? Did they feed you?
I'm not judging or anything... just wondering if you need a wing man.
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2-16-2007 @ 10:26AM
loyd milligan said...
No need to be so self conscious Jay, not a bad review. Pointing out the commentators so much just makes it seem like you read/reread your reviews like a hundred times, agonize over every word, then refresh the comments every six seconds. Have some confidence bro, you are moderately funny sometimes.
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2-16-2007 @ 10:27AM
Tucker said...
Bebop: the bat thing was over the top? Clearly you've never been around any place where a bat has gotten loose inside. If anything, the bat storyline was one of the MOST realistic things they've ever done on this show. I've seen grown men running around with laundry baskets on their heads screaming like little girls with a bat on the loose. But then again, we's country folk here, so maybe you just don't understand.
And besides, Dwight was right: if it was a vampire, it only makes sense that it would come to a -sylvania.
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2-16-2007 @ 10:53AM
Will Robertson said...
I loved this episode, on Tuesday there was a bat loose in my school and the reactions were quite the same as those in The Office.
I hope Jim takes back his desk now!
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2-16-2007 @ 11:45AM
SarahLee said...
If you watch the deleted scenes at NBC.com you'll see that Karen might have something to do with Jim not showing up at Pam's show. They just hint at it, but it looks like she kept him from even knowing about it.
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2-16-2007 @ 11:50AM
marah said...
ok, no one's mentioning oscar and his boyfriend/husband's review of pam's art as hotel art? that she's so bland that once she finds conflict, or honesty she might be better? i found that to be, like, super foreshadowing. like, honesty? passion? JIM?!?!?! i thought he'd show up at the end b/c of that, and then, no.
also, pam's a better actress in jim's little plots than karen is. she's too over the top.
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2-16-2007 @ 11:57AM
Gabriel said...
I loved it. It was one of the better episodes this season. I may be wrong, but I don't believe there was any interaction between Jim and Pam in this episode, which is very strange.
I thought they could've played out the vampire bit with Jim a little more. The episode added nothing from the tv trailer.
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