(S03E19) I've been noticing a pattern with shows that, because of their popularity and thus importance to the network, have to split their episodes into mini-seasons around sweeps. They tend to end each batch of episodes with a bang, spend the entire hiatus promising something huge when the new episodes start airing, and then give us a whole lotta nothin' when the new batch finally begins.Tonight's Office suffered that same predictable letdown, but still found a whole bunch of enjoyable moments (mostly thanks to the supporting players).
First to our favorite soap opera quadrangle - does it make me a bad person that I actually sympathize with Roy? I'm not going to lie to you: if my wife hooked up with one of her guy friends (God I hate the idea of "guy friends") from work, I'm not sure my response would be all that much different from Roy's. Sure, I'm a lot less imposing and the description of the attack might include the phrase "girly-slaps" a little too much, but I'm afraid the intention would be much the same. While I thought his response at the bar in the previous episode was borderline psychopath, punching Jim right in his "what-me-worry" face seems just about right for his kissing Pam. I'm actually worried about myself that this is how I feel.
Also, is anyone else getting sick of how wishy-washy Pam is? Earlier in the season, I thought they extended the sexual tension brilliantly by putting up real-life roadblocks to the inevitable Jim/Pam love-capade. But now we're nineteen episodes into the season and it feels like they're just treading water. Pam's confused/longing looks at Jim are starting to feel like shorthand for "we don't really know how or when we're gonna pull this off, so here's a look that seems a bit more profound than it actually is". The hug she shared with Roy at the end of the episode seemed final, but as Jim said, you just can't help but think she'll find her way back there at some point.
What was troubling for me was that this was the first time that I've ever watched an Office episode where I've felt more obligated than excited to discuss the soap opera elements. Usually, I'm a little disappointed that the plot didn't advance enough. Tonight, despite the big build up all March, I could've done without it.
That being said, though, the episode was packed with wonderful moments. Dwight and his pepper spray (and nunchucks and ninja throwing stars) was absolutely hilarious. I've caught some pepper-spray fallout in my life (no, not because I was stalking a girl, thank you very much -- I was in a city street when a cop pepper sprayed a crazy drunk guy) and the reaction of the office was both accurate to my own experience and funny.
More than that though, the response of the office to Dwight's heroics reveals once again what makes this show so enjoyable (even on a "let down" episode). Angela's desperation to hear the epic tale of Dwight again and again and her lusty response was a high point. It was also among the sexiest things we've seen on network TV in a long time. Seriously, why do censors bother with things like Janet Jackson's nipple when the real erotica is Angela rubbing her neck in a way that makes you think that Dwight is going to be bent up like a pretzel about ten minutes after he gets home with her? Kudos to Angela Kinsey for another great and subtle performance!
Jim pulling a reversal and trying to dupe Dwight into accepting a thank you was a nice change from the norm. I thought it was going to be over with the certificate (that's certainly something Dwight would usually fall for), but they pay off was just about right. Sweetest moment on The Office since Toby came to Pam's art show.
I haven't mentioned much about Michael and this is already a long review, but in a lot of ways Michael's story was pretty typical. Let's just run down three great Michael related moments:
- Woman's suit. What was great was that I didn't notice it until Darrel did. Did you guys catch it before then?
- The predictable, but still hilarious use of his personal relationship with Jan during the negotiation. "I'm withholding sex!"
- "Never touch a black man's radio!"
A few other moments of note:
- Ryan and Kelly. Who would've thought that their relationship would have a) lasted this long or b) become this compelling? Honestly, I'd love to see an episode devoted to them on a date. It is insane to name their kid Usher!
- Kevin warning Jim.
- Stanley: "I still think he's over paid."
- Aaaaaaaaaaaaand: Andy's back!
This was a good, not great episode, mostly held down by the (somewhat, kinda) ponderous Jim/Pam/Karen/Roy situation. I really hope we get some movement on this before the season's end just so that we can open up the show and let it breath a little bit.
Question for the commentators: What is it about Jim that's so great? I mean, sure he's the best looking guy at the office (not really hard to do, but I'll give him that), but other than a prank here or there, he seems a bit dull. My wife is absolutely in love with him (as I imagine are a lot of the female readership of this review), so I'm curious what the appeal is. Don't worry, by the way, I'm pretty sure my wife never kissed him, so I will not be punching him any time soon.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
4-06-2007 @ 12:06AM
Nola said...
Jim's great because he's cute, he's nice and he's a guy you can see being your best friend and your lover. He's the almost perfect guy. He's that guy people underestimate because he's so laid back, but he could end up being a billionaire or in a regular 9-5 and it wouldn't matter because he's Jim and he's enjoyable to be with.
That said I thought tonight's episode was fantastic. Yes Pam is wishy washy, but she's always been. I don't get why people always want instant pay off in tv these days. No one likes build up anymore. Then once you get it you complain that the show's become staid and boring and there's nothing more to it.
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4-06-2007 @ 12:21AM
AJ MacReady said...
Just more examples of why this show rocks. The writers and actors have created such specific charactersm and they know them inside and out so well, that everything they do and say seems to be pitch perfect.
OF COURSE Dwight would have pepper spray at his desk (and numchucks, and throwing stars, etc.) and Michael would totally wear a woman's suit without ever noticing that the other people "digging through the bin" were ladies.
I thought this was a great ep, and is just more of why I love this show so much.
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4-06-2007 @ 12:24AM
Kath said...
I think it's so interesting how different people can watch the show and see different things. I for one LOVED this episode. I thought that despite the drama, the comedic elements were fantastic. Michael's suit coupled with this negotiation tactics were hysterical. You were right on about Angela's performance tonight, and Kevin had a few lines that had me laughing. I thought Kelly and Ryan's banter was one of the best parts of the show, despite how they tried to play it off as a background scene.
I enjoyed your take on the show, but I definitely had a different take.
P.S. Toby never went to Pam's art show. Did you mean Michael?
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4-06-2007 @ 12:25AM
RAL said...
Just my $.02, but Pam betrayed Roy. Jim didn't. Although NO violence should be dispensed on any party, Roy should be more mad at Pam than at Jim.
And why do I think no one will agree with me?
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4-06-2007 @ 12:29AM
acegawker said...
The episode rocked.
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4-06-2007 @ 12:36AM
Kyle Beasley said...
I love Micheal's hatred of Toby. I love Toby the character. I just find that blind hatred so funny. It has no reasoning. It's just awesome.
http://kylebeabo.blogspot.com/
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4-06-2007 @ 12:44AM
Nola said...
I agree Kyle. The Michael/Toby dynamic is hilarious simply because Michael has no rhyme or reason to his hatred for Toby other than, Toby is the only one in the office that is pretty much his same rank. He just flat out hates him, when poor Toby has never done anything to him.
I love it.
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4-06-2007 @ 10:15AM
Amanda said...
I was personally glad that for all of the buildup in the promos of a dramatic fight, that the writers instead chose to keep it funny with Dwight's pepper spraying. I was worried that there would have been too much weight otherwise.
I'm definitely glad they kept a lot of the focus on Michael tonight. Best line? "What did I tell you about saying yeppers?"
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4-06-2007 @ 1:23AM
khamel said...
this episode was all darrell. im not 100% on the office bandwagon but i can be promised more darrell, i'm onboard.
roy should have done that shit outside, where there are no rules. if my fiance kissed some guy at work and broke off our engagement, i'd kick the shit out of him.
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4-06-2007 @ 1:40AM
Diego said...
I can't believe people are still Jam fans. What's so great about pam, sure jenna fisher is cute as hell, but Pam is lame. she just gives up, even roy said it, "i don't get you pam". That's why i like karne, she aint afraid of speakin her mind. "go sell paper so we can go on a trip."
Kelly and Ryan are goin strong, so funny during Toby's talkin head. they fight and then they make out fiercely lol.
Michael is totally clueless and it's gettin old.
Michael hates toby cuz he is H.R. he stops him from being the "fun boss." his hatred is so unreasonable, that is just hilarious.
Solid episode but no "instant classic"
I loved seein Dwight give up all of his weaopns to toby after pepper sprayin andy
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4-06-2007 @ 1:58AM
Rocio said...
Jim is cute. Seems like a cool guy.
But personally I think Dwight is wayyy cooler.
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4-06-2007 @ 2:41PM
Dorothy said...
To answer your question about what is so great about Jim is, he's not over the top handsome, he's inbetween handsome and cute. He has the cutest smile. I think what clinches it for me, is the character's GREAT sense of humor, and the FACES he makes in the camera. They are priceless. They make the show. He should win an emmy just for the faces he does. I wish I knew a guy like him. I would want him as a friend, too, and help go along or play a role in his practical jokes on Dwight. I was kind of disappointed when Jim came back to the office that Pam tried to get him to go along with some pranks, he told her now that he was like second in command now, he couldn't do that stuff anymore. I was sad that they didn't have that rapport anymore, but I suppose, as in real life, when you get your hopes dashed, something changes you a little. I don't care if a love relationship forms or not, I just want Pam and Jim back to the way they were on the first and second season, where they joked around and made Dwight the butt of their jokes. That's what I want to see more of. That's what was hilarious in the show was when Jim did stuff to Dwight. And I really, really feel sorry for Toby. God, that poor man. Getting slammed from everyone. Pam, Michael, and just about everyone there. Its like he's invisible to them. I also thought Ryan really didn't like Kelly. I thought she just couldn't get it into her head that he wasn't interested in her, and then I saw them making out in the background! What the heck was that all about?
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4-06-2007 @ 3:05AM
Borat said...
My favorite moment:
Creed's storytelling. Creed and Stanley are the best characters in the show.
Also, the Ryan/Kelly moments were excellent.
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4-06-2007 @ 11:30AM
shawn said...
i too liked this episode. but i think i liked the 30 rock episode more. (is that bad?)
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4-06-2007 @ 6:34AM
Paul Little said...
Pam is great because she's REAL. Real people are wishy-washy, indecisive, they give up, and sometimes they come through and go for it. I think she'll eventually do the latter, but in the meantime, she's acting like most people stuck in her position would do. I think it's great that things have totally flipped this season, and I think eventually Pam's going to heed Roy's advice and go after Jim big-time.
This show is just so well-made. I TOTALLY bought the whole Michael/Jan thing, despite how ridiculous it seemed. And Toby is always awesome and hilarious.
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4-06-2007 @ 7:23AM
Bill said...
I've never cared for the soap opera elements, but they didn't bother me this time out. I thought Roy's murderous rage from the last episode really derailed the comedy, but having him blow up and get pepper sprayed in the first 30 seconds as the setup for the whole episode here really worked.
Pam's indecision is just who she is. She's made these attempts to be the new, exciting, and assertive Pam and their hilariously weak, so it's not like we should suddenly expect her to punch out Karen, throw Jim on a desk and ravish him (though that would be funny).
http://popculturejunk.blogspot.com/
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4-06-2007 @ 8:09AM
Reuven said...
I thought it was a great episode.
Favorite line - Dwight's "You know who the real heroes are?" speech. (Both of them, actually, but the first had me cracking up.)
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4-06-2007 @ 8:20AM
puddy77 said...
When Toby called Michael's decision to move Ryan near Kelly "genius", I almost died! This is the only show that truly cracks me up.
I couldn't disagree more about this episode being a letdown. The Jim/Pam storyline isn't necessarily the most important part of the show. Here it was just a catalyst for all the other wonderful moments.
And Jim's gift to Dwight at the very end was touching. Great episode all around!
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4-06-2007 @ 8:44AM
Carl said...
Why is everyone so eager to fellate this show? Last night's episode has proven that the series has peaked -- it was predictable and boring. Jan getting frustrated with Michael? Karen blowing off Jim's desire to do something nice for Dwight? Seen in, done it.
The running gags in particular were the worst. Yes, Angela getting all hot and bothered upon Oscar's depiction of Dwight's actions during "the fight" was funny, but not the second time and -- oh! Creed is throwing a curveball when he tells the story! Oh that Creed and his curveballs.
The same goes for Michael's Wikipidia-style negotiation tactics. Whispering to Jim because that's what the website said to do, so you're practicing? Kinda funny. Whispering to Daryl because it so obviously worked with Jim? Not working.
Maybe I'm just subconsciously allowing my preference e for 30 Rock to show in my writing against The Office (30 Rock is 15x funnier and probably the funniest show on TV), but aren't sitcoms supposed to make you laugh, not sigh and cringe, and look at the clock?
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4-06-2007 @ 9:10AM
Palm said...
I thought this episode was great. Especially the last line where Dwight was like "There are only a few heroes out there. The Heroes on Heroes. And Bono."
And, man. Toby is like... seriously now my favourite Office Character. He's so meek and yet Michael always acts like Toby's the devil. I love it! It's one of the best dynamics on the show!
And yeah, I do support JAM, but everyone's always so hard on Pam because she doesn't act. What do you say? "Oh yeah, hey, I know you have a girlfriend so I might as well go right out and tell you dump her for me." Seriously. It's not like an episode of Friends where you can just do that. I think they depict Pam spot on with her shyness about it.
Anyways, I'd seriously rather watch a bad episode of The Office than one of the million of campy sitcoms that throw quotes from various obscure TV reviews to make their show seem like the next best thing since Color TV.
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