TVSquad

Late last week, I came across an amusing little New York Times article about how the producers of The Office pick the music that is played on the show. It has always fascinated me how much thought seemingly minor aspects of a television show, like the music, are given, and what's played at Dunder-Mifflin is no exception.

According to the article, if the song is new and/or hip, you'll likely won't hear it on the show. The idea is that a) Scranton may be a little behind the curve on new music and that b) since the songs are coming out of speakers and iPods and car radios instead of floating in the background, the selections have to be in tune with what the show's characters like and dislike. Dwight, for instance, probably won't be listening to The Shins or The Decemberists.

(S32E10) Even though I'm no expert on his career, I didn't have many worries about Jake Gyllenhaal's comedy abilities. I remember listening to Gyllenhaal on the Donnie Darko DVD audio commentary and finding him surprisingly funny. I definitely didn't expect it... After all, Donnie Darko wasn't a particularly goofy film. Then, I saw Bubble Boy and, although I wouldn't consider it one of the greater films of our time, I thought Gyllenhaal did a pretty good job (with what he was given).

This episode wasn't spectacular -- in fact, it was pretty unremarkable -- but I enjoyed watching it, simply because of Gyllenhaal's enthusiasm.

(S32E09) Justin Timberlake's first hosting gig was absolutely fantastic, so I had high expectations for this episode. Although it wasn't as funny as his first time, I was still very pleased with the result. Actually, Timberlake was better than most "proper actor" hosts. I have a feeling that he'll be returning to host many more times in the future. The man's already established a few recurring characters and I can see him becoming an SNL favorite. Look out, Alec Baldwin, JT's on his way.

I was kind of surprised that there was no sketch, let alone mention, of the crazy overuse of the phrase "I'm bringing sexy back" and every imaginable variation of it. Heck, Timberlake didn't even perform it. Perhaps it was for the best, because I know "SexyBack" would have been stuck in my head for another ten weeks or so.