(S03E24) There's a divide, I think, among Office die-hards as to how to strike a balance between the soap opera elements of the show and the straight comedy pieces. Move too far towards the former, and we're watching Melrose Place lite; too far towards the latter, and one of the things that makes this show so special is lost.I've made myself clear over my run of reviews that I enjoy the soapy elements as much if not more than the comedy bits. Maybe it's because I have an unabashed (and quite creepy, if your comments are to be trusted!) crush on Jenna Fischer, but either way, I tend to tune in to watch the romance inch forward. I know a lot of you are just the opposite, though, and could live without the longing glances between Jim and Pam. Just bring the funny!
That's why it's so damn nice when the show can make both camps equally happy...
Let's start with the comedy. There was just so much good stuff this week:
-- Shrute bucks and Stanley nickels. I've never worked a real office job so I'm not sure if such a thing exists out there in the real world, but having been a teacher where people actually think things like this motivate people, I found this bit outrageously funny.
-- Dwight's choice of Jack Bauer as his ideal assistant. Has there ever been a network show that actually dares to compliment the shows of other networks? I mean, it makes perfect sense for someone like Dwight to worship the gun-wielding, torture-loving Mr. Bauer, but it shows courage that NBC would allow him to talk about another highly rated show (especially one that competes with Heroes).
-- www.creedthoughts.gov/www.creedthoughts
-- Jan's new boobs and Michael's reaction to them. While it might not be fair to say that all men are as simplistic as Michael and that bigger boobs can somehow magically fix a relationship, but, uh... what was I saying? I was just looking at Jan on my Tivo and lost my train of thought. "Also, add this... brrrrrrrrr."
-- Dwight and Jim working out the details of Dwight's fictional hotel in hell. It's a running gag on The Office: Dwight says something stupid and Jim takes him at his word, and then the two of them banter... but it gets me every time. "I didn't tell you how much I earn. $80,000."
-- Michael's choice of farewells.
-- "Beardy." Small moment, but it slayed me.
We also got some great movement on the soap front. My wife thought Karen was acting "bitchy this episode," especially when she came between Pam and Jim's exchange over Jan's new boobs. I'm not so sure... I thought she was reacting like anyone would react when it's obvious that the girl your boyfriend used to love actually has feelings back for him. If I were Karen, I'd be the same way (right after I got over the incredible gender issues I'd be experiencing). What say you, loyal readers? Was Karen over-the-top tonight or acting in a way that is to be expected?
Also, while I was happy that Jim stuck his head in and asked Pam to dinner (not quite a Casino Night moment, but close enough for season three), I was a little concerned about what this meant for Karen being stranded in New York. Whether or not he wants to break up with the girl, he at least owes her a ride back to Scranton, doesn't he?
I wonder: do you think that Jim admitting that he hasn't been himself is something that the show has been building towards (you guys called it in the comments; Jim has been a bit "jerky" lately) and a testament to the greatness of the writers and actors on The Office, or something that they tacked on at the end of the season to make some uneven writing make sense (Lost style). As a fan of the show, I'm in the former camp, but I want to open the floor to discussion because the thought did cross my mind.
The fact that Michael was applying for Jan's job came as a bombshell for me. I really didn't see that coming! The fall-out was wonderful, if only because it led to two all-time great Office moments. Michael's heartfelt endorsement of Karen and Jim, and Jan's statement that "working on their relationship will be her full time job." Michael's look at that moment was priceless.
Three final notes before I sign off for the season:
1) Ryan?! I thought for certain that Karen was getting the job (what with Rashida Jones' sitcom getting picked up and all). His never having made a sale and getting promoted makes sense, I guess, in the context of corporate America, but the way he ended it with Kelly made me angry. I know, I know, it's just a show, but I like Kelly. That little no-sale-making-class-A-rat-fink really rankled me with that "we're done" line. I hope someone makes him a reservation in Hotel Hell.
2) Pam. I said last week that her speech was completely out of character, and you guys gave me about 30 reasons why it wasn't out of character. I usually like to stick stubbornly to my guns no matter what the evidence says to the contrary (I don't care what you say, the movie I saw last night was not Citizen Kane), but after the avalanche of comments in praise of Pam's speech, I decided to take another look at last week's episode. Watching it again, and, in light of the way Pam was played this episode, I have to admit... I was wrong. They're moving Pam to a new place and the speech was the dislodging of the "old Pam." While I might not agree on its appropriateness, I can definitely see how it fit the character. Consider my crow eaten.
3) And in keeping in the tone of the last paragraph, it's been a blast reviewing each week's episodes for you guys. For the most part, the comments have been more a lively discussion of the night's episode than a discussion about the most appropriate way for my life to end. I appreciated all of your feedback, even when we disagreed, and I'm happy to say that I've had a lot of pleasant conversations with you guys both on this site and in private emails. Thanks for a great season. That being said, I now go back to the shark-pool that is Studio 60. Goodbye intelligent discussion! Hello "please die, dirtbag!" See you there next week!
One last question of the week: What are you going to do now that your weekly Office fix is gone? Is it going to be 
another show? TiVoed episodes of The Office? Or do you... gulp... spend time with loved ones?
This episode gets 7 Shrute Bucks out of 7.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
5-18-2007 @ 12:02AM
Mikey Bulldogs said...
Um, didn't Karen ditch Jim to go "eat with her friends."
Fantastic Episode....I was dying with the thought of Stanley nickels!
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5-18-2007 @ 12:02AM
Peanut said...
My first thought was that Ryan was getting Hunter's job.
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5-18-2007 @ 12:35AM
Sara said...
Loved it. This show has given me more squee moments combined than any other shows. I think the reason people love the romance angle so much is because it shows two relatively normal people going through realistic obstacles in getting together, and that gives them (or at least me) hope that someday I could feel as elated as Pam looked.
Also: Schrutebucks. When I worked at a pool, we were given "Aquabucks" for going above and beyond that we could use at the concession stand. Problem is, about halfway through the summer we either ran out or forgot to give them out.
*Lacks a TiVo, so waiting anxiously until I can download.
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5-18-2007 @ 12:09AM
Aileen said...
I'm confused...I don't remember where "Beardy" came from in the episode. Can someone remind me??
I did, however, love the episode! It was such an authentic ending an another big love declaration would have felt phony.
And I didn't think Ryan's breaking up with Kelly was out of character at all. Face it, the guy's a jerk. Remember how he basically brought Michael to grad school to get berated by Ryan's classmates? Even Michael understood the guy was a jerk...and placed him next to Kelly as punishment :)
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5-18-2007 @ 12:08AM
Diana said...
It was such a phenomenal episode. The finale scene with Ryan dumping Kelly had me laughing so hard. By far the best finale of the season, especially considering the Grey's and CSI were so underwhelming tonight.
http://www.mediaobsessed.com
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5-18-2007 @ 12:09AM
Diego M said...
Where the hell did Karen go? are there deleted scenes somewhere? the medal was touching, but i was never a JAM fan to begin with. oh well i guess Jaren is over...
She was on character, not over the top, i mean Pam did speak out in front of everybody to say "she cancelled the wedding for her bf" i've had exes start shit with other girls for just bein a lil flirty.
Karen was awesome, gonna miss her, unless she comes back and we see some Karen on Pam fight.
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5-18-2007 @ 12:13AM
Kurifurisan said...
Karen deserves to be left in NYC after ditching Jim. I laughed so hard during the Dwight/Pam conversation about being named secret Assistant to the Regional Manager.
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5-18-2007 @ 12:13AM
BigTed said...
I agree that this episode had a good mixture of (extremely) funny stuff and relationship stuff. And the selection of Ryan for the job came as a complete surprise, which was great. (Now that Michael, Jim and Karen have all failed in their attempts to be promoted out of Scranton, I wonder if the atmosphere will begin to take on the air of weary resignation that permeated everything in the British version of "The Office.")
The only weird thing was the way Jan seems to have fallen so far so fast. When we first saw her, she was a picture of corporate sophistication. Her attraction to Michael was evidence of a slightly "off" side to her personality, but it was odd when we heard earlier how badly she had been treating him in their relationship, or to find out that she's been neglecting her job for two years now.
And I'm kind of disappointed that Dwight didn't get to be boss, at least for a little while. There are definitely still some untapped laughs to be had there.
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5-18-2007 @ 12:13AM
nothanks said...
On the subject of Ryan dumping Kelly... I really have never liked his character at all. I understand he was unhappy with working at Dunder-Mifflin but I found his constant pessimism annoying... am I the only one who wanted to smack him after Jim asked him about pulling a prank and he replied, "ask me 10 years ago."? Yeesh.
Overall, a satisfying episode. Just like season 2's finale, the ending had me wanting them to continue the episode for at least a few more minutes. Pam's face after Jim ran in was definitely what made the moment.
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5-18-2007 @ 12:19AM
Nick said...
Oh yes! Yet another great season finale! I loved the eerieness of the beach scene with last season in the office.
Wow - Creed's blog thing was good (although I read it and it really wasn't that funny) and I loved Dwangela's scene about him being regional manager but her thinking she had to sleep w/ Michael. Nice. As an eBay addict, I also loved the negative feedback Michael was worried about.
I personally loved Ryan's reaction. Great acting by B.J. - I loved his continuing staring ahead and grin. I feel his character hasn't been displayed enough (especially since he is in the music beginning montage).
On the soapy side, what an awesome note by Pam. I loved that. I thought Jim was going to turn down the job right away when he asked if Karen wanted to leave. Jenna Fischer - great great great acting with the teary eyes at the end. Oh that was awesome.
I'm just wondering where the show goes from here - will we see a Jam wedding at the end of Season 4? I think it's certainly heading there, whether it happens then or in future seasons.
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5-18-2007 @ 12:23AM
Anna said...
So I've only gotten into this show in the last month or two, but I have a sense of the Jim/Pam plotline, and I'm definitely rooting for them. I agree with you, Jay, I love the combination of romance and comedy (without it becoming a generic rom-com), and on my side it's probably also fueled by how adorable John Krasinski is. I'm thrilled with the way this episode ended, although it was slightly ruined for me by the fact that someone started talking to me in the middle of Jim's interview and wouldn't shut up when I shushed him. But I'm psyched for next season!
I liked the way Pam got burned around the office for her speech last week. It's exactly what would have happened in real life - everyone would have tormented her for embarrassing herself in public. And I totally didn't believe her when she said that she wasn't embarrassed.
I also was surprised by Ryan getting the job, but it made sense, given the show. I thought it was hilarious, even if he is an ass. Although I did expect Karen to get the job. Thank God Michael didn't get it - can you imagine if Dwight had actually gotten the Regional Manager job?
As to this summer, for the next seven weeks I'll be entertaining myself on Thursdays at 8 with Studio 60. See you next week, Jay! I'll try to keep it civil. Oh, and my money's still on Matt Albie dying of an OD in the final episode... especially since Sorkin had to know that his show wouldn't come back when they filmed it.
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5-18-2007 @ 12:31AM
Bill said...
Maybe I'm a sociopath, but I find heartless Ryan to be hysterical, while lots of people are put off by them. Same thing with Creed's evil scheme that got that lady fired a few episodes back, a lot of people hated them but I had to pause the show to catch my breath, I was laughing so hard.
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5-18-2007 @ 12:37AM
Diego M said...
One More Thing... Ryan is a dick, how can he just dump her like that. not even one last date, a quickie? but u know in NYC he gonna meet some fine women. he really surprised me with the sneakiness
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5-25-2007 @ 10:12PM
Chris Lucas said...
Just a picky thing since I'm from the area, but did anyone notice when Jim/Karen, then Michael/Jan are driving the route from Scaranton to NYC and back, there are way too many palm trees and California mission style houses seen in the background? Route 80 is not that scenic.
Otherwise, a great episode
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5-18-2007 @ 12:38AM
Richard said...
Finally Ryan dumps Kelly, greatest ending ever. He handled that perfectly, she was so annoying.
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5-18-2007 @ 1:08AM
Borat said...
I loved Steve Carrell's expressions during the ride back home. Priceless and perfect.
I just loved the Jam scene....I rarely get so emotionally involved with TV characters but it was such a pleasure to see Pam get so happy at the end.
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5-18-2007 @ 1:12AM
C.G. Blogs said...
I thought this episode was great! I cringed and laughed out loud equally; I felt the writing and acting was perfect.
I loved Pam's reaction when Jim said "It's a date." It was amazingly natural; Michael's tears don't ever look that way - they always look a little contrived... forced. But the best was Ryan. The sh*t eating grin he had on the phone was great! And when he twitches his head back just a little in answering Kelly's question of who was on the phone was perfect. All the while he was staring out into the distance - almost looking into the horizon of what is to come. Only to say that they were done and just before the camera cuts, to look at it with a Joker-esq look had me laughing so hard I think my neighbors in the next apartment heard me.
What I like most of all is the setup for next season. The intern is Michael's new boss. Jan could be living with Michael and going crazy (and driving him crazy). Karen could be back at the Scranton office with Jim and Pam after Jim left Karen in NYC (not to mention took Pam out to dinner). So much painful drama and comedy to look forward to. This is the one show I wish was on next week; the others I watch, I could wait a few months... but not The Office.
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5-18-2007 @ 1:16AM
CC said...
The finale was terrific. So many funny moments. I was a little surprised - no, strike that - not surprised at all that Karen would leave Jim to hang out with friends. Obviously, it's kind of like well is she just supposed to wait there for him? but if the roles were reversed, I think he might have waited for her. And especially notable because it was right after Michael withdrew his name from the job opening, since (as he put it) he couldn't take his gf's job.
Aileen: the Beardy moment was when Michael told Karen and Jim that because he's been to corporate many times, he knew everyone's name. And Jim asked what the guy's name was, and Michael said "Beardy" (since he didn't actually know).
I've never liked the Karen character - she's always been a little arrogant and bitchy.
I loved the scene in the conf room when Dwight was going on about paper and everyone was blowing him off, and then Pam told them all to listen. And then Dwight winks at Pam and someone (Oscar? Kevin?) asks who Dwight is winking at. Hilarious.
My sis totally guessed that the corporate job was Jan's. She actually said this last week.
By the way, did Michael call Jan "Janet"?
Not sure about Ryan getting the job (considering he's never gotten a sale) but do they necessarily have to have sales abilities? What is Jan's job anyway? Are we to believe that she rose up through the ranks? My guess is that the position has more to do with business administration stuff - which would probably work well for Ryan (since he is in business school). But when would he have time to interview without being noticed missing?
Loved the opening scene between Michael and David Wallace... and Gromit.
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5-18-2007 @ 2:17AM
Corey Spring said...
Let me be the first to point out that Creed's blog is alive and well on NBC.com
http://blog.nbc.com/CreedThoughts/
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5-18-2007 @ 2:27AM
Pierce said...
Just a note. There was a really nice treat during Jim's interview with David Wallace:
While Jim is getting out his quarterly numbers, you hear David apologize for the questionaire Jim had to fill out. He blames this "formality" on their HR guy "Kendall" who david says is the only person there Jim won't like.
... Brilliant.
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