The Office Season 5 Thread

[JonInMiddleGA]

Since we're on the product placement sidebar anyway, I still think one of the groundbreakers in the past few years had to be Law & Order having visual product placement (Coke IIRC) in the first run episodes & the network repeats but then digitally editing them out for syndication. Sort of the TV model of dynamic ads in video games, where you get a certain amount of time for an ad & then it's gone as opposed to staying in perpetuity like the Pez dispenser Seinfeld mentioned earlier.

[Crapshoot]

Anyone watched today's? I liked it. :D

[MrBug708]

Oh man, that ending had me in stitches

[GrantDawg]

Very solid episode. One of the best Jim and Dwight episodes ever.

[Passacaglia]

I don't know why, but the part where Pam threw Mounds at everyone had me cracking up.

[DeToxRox]

Creed's 3 dollar bill was excellent. Then him calling Andy Jim, and Andy's reaction was awesome.

Andy has become my favorite character on this show. He has had a Michael evolution, where he's been hysterical, but an asshole, and now you just root for the guy.

[Crapshoot]

I thought Andy losing the client, was hilarious. Another show would have let her give him a shot - in this case, not only wasn't she interested, but she took the account away as well. :D

[RainMaker]

Creed is my favorite character on the show by far. The funniest part of the episode for me was a subtle moment when Michael is on the PA system and talking about "looking out the window during the flight" and Creed looks out the window thoroughly confused. Almost as good as last week's "What's a text?".

I was really down about this season till the last 2 episodes. They look to be back on track.

[Raiders Army]

Creed's 3 dollar bill was excellent. Then him calling Andy Jim, and Andy's reaction was awesome.

Andy has become my favorite character on this show. He has had a Michael evolution, where he's been hysterical, but an asshole, and now you just root for the guy.

The three dollar bill was great.

[MrBug708]

Oh, I'd like to contribute then!

[DeToxRox]

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Check out 1:49

[Danny]

That really is him too.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I have been pretty happy with the Office this season. The last few episodes have had some laugh out loud moments. I've really been enjoying it.

[MrBug708]

Meh

[Danny]

Today's episode wasn't great.

[RainMaker]

Today's episode was horrible, especially compared to the last couple that have been great.

[Swaggs]

This one was set up very well by the first half (last week), but really did not deliver. Michael's breakdown and Pam's "presentation" were cringe-worthy (which is often the key to the humor on the Office, IMO), but that whole story line was pretty unfunny. The Office interactions (Angela's cats, the birthday party) were average.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The last episode was a bit of a let down. The whole Angela licking the cat/coughing up a hairball was just a bit too far to be funny amd the Michael stuff was a bit too cringe-worthy to be enjoyable.

[samifan24]

The last episode was a bit of a let down. The whole Angela licking the cat/coughing up a hairball was just a bit too far to be funny...

Yeah, they took it too far. You can blame Mindy Kaling since she wrote the episode. I tend to like the episodes that Paul Lieberstein (Toby) writes more because he tones Michael down to a more reasonable level.

[Crapshoot]

I really liked today's episode. Just the Pam and Jim expression once they figured out what had happened - awesome. :D

[panerd]

I was only half paying attention but wasn't the lady they turned away from the party the lady with the ink glove from the blood donation trailer?

If not I didn't follow that joke.

[Raiders Army]

I was only half paying attention but wasn't the lady they turned away from the party the lady with the ink glove from the blood donation trailer?
Yes.

Michael to Dwight: "You didn't deserve her."

Again, Creed steals the show with his theft of the blood bag.

[GoldenEagle]

I was only half paying attention but wasn't the lady they turned away from the party the lady with the ink glove from the blood donation trailer?

If not I didn't follow that joke.

That is what I thought, but my wife said no. Is that not who Michael was looking for? The best parts of the episode was when Phyllis came back and drunk all the water and when Kevin asked the girl if she was on email.

[RainMaker]

It had a few moments but wasn't a great episode. Especially coming off a few of their funnier episodes.

[terpkristin]

I just caught up on Thursday's episode. Kind of messed up.

/tk

[MizzouRah]

I thought it was funny in some parts. Michael dressed up like Willy Wonka was great.

[terpkristin]

I thought it was funny in some parts. Michael dressed up like Willy Wonka was great.

It had its moments but I wanted more of the Kevin story I think. Michael as a butthead isn't my favorite Michael.

/tk

[MizzouRah]

It had its moments but I wanted more of the Kevin story I think. Michael as a butthead isn't my favorite Michael.

/tk

I'm not much for Kevin... I did like how Jim stuck up for Dwight though.

[RainMaker]

It was OK. My problem with the show is they go overboard with Michael way too much. The show has a ton of great minor characters that they rarely use because they focus everything on Michael. A little less Michael and a little more minor characters would make the show much better.

[samifan24]

It was OK. My problem with the show is they go overboard with Michael way too much. The show has a ton of great minor characters that they rarely use because they focus everything on Michael. A little less Michael and a little more minor characters would make the show much better.

It depends on who wrote the script. I read somewhere that when Paul Lieberstein, who also plays Toby, writes for the show, Michael tends to be more normal. When Mindy Kaling, who plays Kelly and wrote last week's episode, or BJ Novak, who plays Ryan, write, Michael tends to be an extreme caricature.

[MikeVic]

I think that's been my opinion of this show from the second season (when I started watching) on... I hate when Michael is written to be a huge idiot that does things no normal person would do. A bit is OK, but too much ruins entire episodes for me. I think it's been pretty good lately though overall.

[ISiddiqui]

I don't think the Wonka was too strange for Michael. It seems right in character for him actually.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I totally agree that the worse episodes are when there's too much Michael and he goes overboard and is simply an extreme caricature. He can actually be a very sympathetic and great character when handled properly.

That said, I didn't think the Willy Wonka thing was overboard either. I actually thought that the episode was hillarious. It did show Michael's darker side, he's always had that in him a bit.

[samifan24]

There are many times when I watch the show and say "ok, Michael would've been fired for that." Last night's episode I couldn't stop saying that. I like the fact that David Wallace gives Michael a lot of leeway because he's such a good salesman deep down but thought the new guy would've canned Michael on the spot numerous times last night. There's a necessary suspension of disbelief in watching this show and then there's just ridiculous over-the-top writing like last night's episode.

[Philliesfan980]

There are many times when I watch the show and say "ok, Michael would've been fired for that." Last night's episode I couldn't stop saying that. I like the fact that David Wallace gives Michael a lot of leeway because he's such a good salesman deep down but thought the new guy would've canned Michael on the spot numerous times last night. There's a necessary suspension of disbelief in watching this show and then there's just ridiculous over-the-top writing like last night's episode.

I think it has to do with the new guy doesn't appear to have the authority to fire Michael. And as you mentioned, David Wallace deep down knows Michael is a great salesman, no matter how crazy he is. But you're right, sometimes they go overboard with Michael.

[DanGarion]

Most of this season, I've felt like I've been watching a train wreck. I haven't really liked this season that much because of Michael.

[Logan]

Yeah they've repeatedly stated that the Scranton branch significantly outperforms the others, so it would probably take something close to fraud for them to cut their highest performer in tough economic times, as they showed last night.

Doesn't mean we have to see all the overboard stuff of course.

Stringer Bell! Get on with it motherfu-!

[Philliesfan980]

Most of this season, I've felt like I've been watching a train wreck. I haven't really liked this season that much because of Michael.

This season has been pretty bad comparatively speaking. I think they are just honestly running out of ideas. There's no "juice" to this season, but maybe that's changing.

I think this is a show that can get by without a major plot which the season abides to, but you still have to have some sort of common theme for the season.

[DanGarion]

This season has been pretty bad comparatively speaking. I think they are just honestly running out of ideas. There's no "juice" to this season, but maybe that's changing.

I think this is a show that can get by without a major plot which the season abides to, but you still have to have some sort of common theme for the season.

If they would just focus on the other characters other then Michael it would be better...

[Dr. Sak]

I like how Jim had to squirm a bit in this episode.

[Honolulu_Blue]

This season has been pretty bad comparatively speaking. I think they are just honestly running out of ideas. There's no "juice" to this season, but maybe that's changing.

I think this is a show that can get by without a major plot which the season abides to, but you still have to have some sort of common theme for the season.

I found this season to be much better than last.

I'd rank them: 2 - 3 - 1 - 5 - 4.

[Philliesfan980]

I found this season to be much better than last.

I'd rank them: 2 - 3 - 1 - 5 - 4.

I agree with your rankings. I do think last season was the worst. Like most shows, seasons 2 and 3 are really the "glory days". It's a time where we're still learning about the characters and their unique traits.

[larrymcg421]

Hmm, I have to say that I thought season 4 had some really strong episodes ("Money", "The Deposition", and "Chair Model" for example), and made some major progress with character development for each of the characters. Too bad it was cut short by the strike.

[RainMaker]

This season has been hit or miss but I really like the new twist they added to the show. Was getting a bit redundant and it should give some characters some new storylines.

[larrymcg421]

Prince Paper out of business. Great callback.

[DeToxRox]

Nothing makes me happier then Stringer Bell making Jim feel like a little bitch.

[Crapshoot]

I like Jim squirming and being uncomfortable - it reminds us that he's got his flaws too, and is too much of a wiseass. I imagine most of us see ourselves more as the Jim's of the world than Andy/Kevin/Dwight/Michael, but who knows? :D

[lordscarlet]

I think Kevin is actually one of the most "relatable" characters. Who here doesn't know a Kevin?

[Raiders Army]

I relate more to Stanley. I'd rather be more like Creed, but I think I'm more like Stanley.

[ISiddiqui]

This season has been hit or miss but I really like the new twist they added to the show. Was getting a bit redundant and it should give some characters some new storylines.

Saleswoman Pam!!

Pam always has been someone who wanted to do more and has probably been the nicest person on the show to Michael (aside from Holly)

[Raiders Army]

Saleswoman Pam!!

Pam always has been someone who wanted to do more and has probably been the nicest person on the show to Michael (aside from Holly)

I always thought she was a little slutty and weak as a character. I'd almost think that the writers were misogynists due to their portrayals of the women on the show.

[ISiddiqui]

Slutty? Are we going to get into that ridiculous argument where you are the only one in this entire forum who thinks Pam is slutty?

[larrymcg421]

In what universe is Pam slutty?

[ISiddiqui]

Apparently because she kissed Jim while dating Roy. Yes, cheaters are not good people, but slutty? That's a bit silly.

[DanGarion]

Slutty? Are we going to get into that ridiculous argument where you are the only one in this entire forum who thinks Pam is slutty?

Again...

[Raiders Army]

*shrug* My opinion.

[Comey]

Sure it is. It's just one that has no basis in any part of the definition of the word. I mean, she had no idea what the dating world was like, and had to be convinced to buy nicer clothes and actually unbutton one button because that's the custom nowadays.

And, remember...she didn't initiate the physicality with Jim. She walked away from it. She kissed back, but it was obvious she had feelings for him.

If Pam's a slut, Angela must be the kinkiest woman you've ever seen. She licks cats and has sex in her office! ; )

[Lorena]

Nothing makes me happier then Stringer Bell making Jim feel like a little bitch.

Ant and I keep saying he's playing Stringer Bell in an office environment. How about the part where Michael came back and Stringer Bell basically threatened to kick his ass? LOLOL, man that was hilarious.

I love the line, "I have that affect on women" after Kelly and Angela go in the conference room to talk to him. What a great addition to the cast.

[ISiddiqui]

Of course the new VP is a total ass. I can just imagine the disaster the introduction of such a boss would have in my work environment.

[DeToxRox]

Remember, two new episodes tonight, one at 8 and one at 9.

[MizzouRah]

Remember, two new episodes tonight, one at 8 and one at 9.

Sweet!

[Logan]

I like when the networks don't even try to mask their intentions.

[DeToxRox]

I like when the networks don't even try to mask their intentions.

I'm assuming you mean to get people to watch the POS show sandwhiched between the two new episodes?

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

:(

I have high hopes for it.

KenTremendous is behind it, and Aziz Ansari is really funny.

[albionmoonlight]

A lot of people must think that Amy P is funny based on how much she is in things. I just don't get her. I don't find her very funny at all.

[ISiddiqui]

I thought she's hilarious, but whatev ;).

[Logan]

I'm assuming you mean to get people to watch the POS show sandwhiched between the two new episodes?

Yes, they're not even taking a shot that people will see The Office end and just stick around for her show. They think people are so lazy that they would rather watch it and wait for episode 2 than find the remote to change the channel.

I mean, NBC is probably right...

[Danny]

A lot of people must think that Amy P is funny based on how much she is in things. I just don't get her. I don't find her very funny at all.

i cant stand her

[terpkristin]

Yeah, first episode of The Office kind of sucked and so far Parks and Rec sucks.

Bleh.

/tk

[terpkristin]

Dola,
Second episode of The Office was better, but I really don't know that I care about the twists the story is taking.

And why is Jim all of a sudden a doofus who knows nothing?

/tk

[Flasch186]

Im sorry,

the office break room musical was one of the best scenes this show has ever had that I can remember.

[Swaggs]

I actually like the plot diversion of the new company. Things were getting a bit stale and now they have been shaken up a bit. First episode was a bit draggy (but necessary to move the plot along), but the second was much better. I loved the musical showdown (and that much more because it was Country Roads :) ) and, sadly, the repeated flushings were funny to me every time.

[Comey]

I think it's interesting that Dwight has the upper hand now against Jim. He's not a doofus as said, but, against someone lined up more like Dwight (rigid, by-the-book, which Michael or even David Wallace is not), Jim just can't do anything right.

As far as P&R goes...it's just Michael and Pam with the gender roles reversed. I just don't care to have Amy Poehler crammed down my throat, especially when she can't pull off the same style that Steve Carrell has done with Michael Scott.

[Crapshoot]

I don't know what's with you guys - I loved these episodes.

[samifan24]

I like the way that Jim comes off looking stupid now. I think it's more realistic. He's a slacker and always has been. The new boss is more like Dwight, you guys are right, he's by the book and wants things done his way and I think his presence is a real wakeup call for Jim. I think Jim will either be fired or join Michael's new company by the end of the season.

[Swaggs]

I'll be surprised if the plot isn't that Michael's company does reasonably well and is then purchased by Dunder-Mifflin.

[DeToxRox]

Stringer Bell is awesome. Tis all.

[Tasan]

I'll be surprised if the plot isn't that Michael's company does reasonably well and is then purchased by Dunder-Mifflin.

Or, that the new guy runs the Scranton Dunder-Mifflin into the ground, and Michael hires everyone because his new company is being moderately successful. They always refer to Michael's old sales record. He apparently was good at that, so there is a possibility.

[Logan]

Stringer was definitely trying to destroy Jim with that ball that hit Phyllis in the grill.

[Kodos]

I was envisioning Dunder-Mifflin doing crappy in Michael's absence due to poor chemistry, and him being asked to come back later.

[stevew]

Did anyone else catch that Ryan was watching Flea Market Montgomery(its just like a mini mall!) on youtube?

[samifan24]

Did anyone else catch that Ryan was watching Flea Market Montgomery(its just like a mini mall!) on youtube?

Yeah that's the singing guy in the store, right?

[ISiddiqui]

Awesome, awesome couple of episodes! The MSPC really was a good shake up to the series (for as long as it lasts - I think they'll get bought out by DM as well, btw).

Office dueling banjos was great, but the best part is that they were both fighting to impress Kelly Erin (who was), but ended up really enjoying jamming with each other that they ended up ignoring her. The romantic rivalry ended up strengthening their bond :D.

[Galaxy]

With Michael having his own company now, do you see Holly some how coming back in some way?

[Raiders Army]

"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. -Wayne Gretzky"
-Michael Scott


That was awesome.

[Raiders Army]

dola, some other random thoughts:

I think they're really setting it up to have Jim leave Dunder Mifflin next.
It was great re-appearances by Vikrum and the wheelchair guy.
Pam made the first sale! Ryan has still not sold any paper.
I like Dwight and Andy's relationship now.

[Barkeep49]

I am also thinking that Dunder Mifflin will end up buying out MSPC
I really like the way they've evolved Andy's character. He's still the same guy, but having him be loser Andy rather than angry Andy is a nice evolution and has created some neat moments.
I liked seeing the strengthening of Andy's and Dwight's friendship despite being tested by a woman
Like RA, I also love the fact that Ryan still hasn't sold any paper
I enjoyed the new opening credits

[DeToxRox]

Andy and Dwight's bromance is awesome.

[Swaggs]

The opening credits were pretty funny. I'm guessing it is a temporary thing, but it was good for making my wife go, "WTF?"

[MizzouRah]

I've stayed away from this thread until I had the chance to watch these two episodes.. I'm liking the direction the show is taking.. didn't at first though.

I loved it when Michael was trying to parallel park... good stuff.

[INDalltheway]

Andy and Dwight's bromance is awesome.
+1

I do definitely miss Michael in the Dunder-Mifflin office setting, but it has definitely freshened up the show and opened new possibilities.

[kingfc22]

No mention yet of Kevin answering the phones then chasing down the transferred calls desk to desk. That had me rolling.

[Galaxy]

No mention yet of Kevin answering the phones then chasing down the transferred calls desk to desk. That had me rolling.

That was great.

[Raiders Army]

Brian Baumgartner tweeted that he read the script for the season finale and it's also their 100th ep.

[terpkristin]

Alright, I re-watched both episodes from Thursday once I got home, while catching up on my DVR backlog.

For the first episode, I enjoyed Kevin as receptionist, glad they didn't overplay it. But, I still wasn't a fan of most of the rest of the episode. Admittedly, I've been super busy for most of this season and have missed a lot of episodes, but I'm just not getting into the story as much this season.

In the second episode, I really liked the Andy/Dwight relationship (especially the "dueling banjos"). But, Dwight is still creepy when he flirts. and Andy is just embarrassing when he flirts. ;)

I think this is going to end up that DM is going to flounder and beg for Michael to come back, and he'll come back stronger for it.

/tk

[GrantDawg]

I think this is going to end up that DM is going to flounder and beg for Michael to come back, and he'll come back stronger for it.


Yeah. We still haven't seen it, but within the next episode or two I think we'll see that the branch's sales number drop dramatically. Corporate is going to figure out it was Micheal's sales that are missing, and the new manager will not be able to make it up. I imagine things will get super uncomfortable as the new manager tries to crack down hard, which will end up backfiring. Then DM will hire Micheal back and fire the regional manager. My guess on the story arch. I could be wrong (that is the great thing about this show. Sometimes you can see it coming, then sometimes you get absolutely blind-sided).

[panerd]

I enjoyed Stringer giving it to McNulty and now am really enjoying Stringer giving it to Jim. I don't really have anything against his character either I just thought the "cool" Jim was getting a little stale and it is fun to watch him try the exact same antics with Stringer and get shot down. Plus this Jim seems to be a lot more in tune with the original Tim BBC character. That guy lived with his mom and had no friends and it was easier to see why Dawn (Pam) would have a tough decision to make to leave her finance. The American Pam seemed to be leaving for a guy that was better in every possible sense.

[MizzouRah]

Interesting episode...

[StLee]

Interesting episode...

Yeah, the Michael Scott Paper Company sure didn't last long, did it? Well, back to the same old same old.

I got a kick out of the Korean church van, especially since I live in Korea. That part was funny to me, especially seeing that the MSPC employees gave up on telling the Korean lady that the church van wasn't actually taking her to church. :D

[Raiders Army]

I don't care if he killed his entire family, he's like a son to me.

[Swaggs]

I thought that was an excellent episode. Jim pulling the strings on Dwight and Charles was pretty awesome. I thought that was one of the best episodes for Ryan since season 1. I liked how Dwight was dressed almost exactly like Charles and thought Michael's boner comment was hilarious. :)

[Danny]

It was a really good episode. Charles finally seeing Dwight for who he is. A focused hard working employee who is very weird and should never be in any sort of leadership or management role.

[Julio Riddols]

Indeed that was a sweet episode.. Nice setup before the meeting, getting you to wonder if Michael was going to spill the beans or not. I like how it worked out with Pam getting a sales spot and Dwight being told "Whats wrong with you" by Stringer.

[Lorena]

I hope it's not the last we'll see of Stringer Bell :(

I must admit that I thought Michael was gonna blow it, but a part of me had a feeling he was gonna do well. We've seen from previous episodes that he's actually a great negotiator.

My favorite episode this season, love how Pam is now a saleswoman. And Jim, what a great guy, coming into Michael Scott Paper Company and not allowing Michael to speak, knowing what the truth was, "The less I know, the better".

[larrymcg421]

I loved the matching shirts in the conference room: David/Jim and Charles/Dwight.

[MizzouRah]

Yeah, the Michael Scott Paper Company sure didn't last long, did it? Well, back to the same old same old.

I got a kick out of the Korean church van, especially since I live in Korea. That part was funny to me, especially seeing that the MSPC employees gave up on telling the Korean lady that the church van wasn't actually taking her to church. :D

That was great..

I really thought Charles was going to be canned...

[mauchow]

Oh how the turntables.......

.....

.....

[Danny]

Last night's episode was hysterical I thought, good to see more of Creed.

[Passacaglia]

Just saw yesterday's episode -- that was horrible.

[Comey]

Second throwaway episode of the season (the other being the episode after Dwight and Andy ditched Angela). It was funny, but nothing happened.

I did find it to be rather astute of Michael to notice Angela moving her foot to the beat.

[Easy Mac]

I love Kevin slow dancing to fast music, the going at it.

[ISiddiqui]

I did find it to be rather astute of Michael to notice Angela moving her foot to the beat.

Yeah, that was pretty amusing. And then Kevin and his g/f making out in the disco cafe :)

I also liked seeing Dwight's human side with Phyllis... even if he did treat her like a horse ;).

[OldGiants]

I"ve been disappointed with this season for all the NBC Thursday night comedies. the Michael starts his own company story arc was boring for me--good gags at times, but no character development.

Time to have Jim and Pam marry and move on, with other characters making new choices. Given the economy, Dunder-Mifflin going bankrupt and shutting its doors forever would be a bittersweet but credible ending.

Anybody watching Parks and Rec? It is mostly "The Government Office". LInes from this show sound exactly like lines from the "The Office". Close you eyes and it is hard to know which set of characters is talking.

Earl and 30 Rock are in a slump, too.

Perhaps Jerry Seinfeld will come back.

[Swaggs]

I"ve been disappointed with this season for all the NBC Thursday night comedies. the Michael starts his own company story arc was boring for me--good gags at times, but no character development.

Time to have Jim and Pam marry and move on, with other characters making new choices. Given the economy, Dunder-Mifflin going bankrupt and shutting its doors forever would be a bittersweet but credible ending.

Anybody watching Parks and Rec? It is mostly "The Government Office". LInes from this show sound exactly like lines from the "The Office". Close you eyes and it is hard to know which set of characters is talking.

Earl and 30 Rock are in a slump, too.

Perhaps Jerry Seinfeld will come back.


Give the Big Bang Theory a few episodes, if you have a chance. It seems to be humming on all cylinders and, in my opinion, is pushing the Office as the top sit com currently running.

[ISiddiqui]

The funny thing is that just about every critic, TV writer, etc, has absolutely loved the Michael Scott Paper Company arc. And just got disappointed as soon as it ended. Personally I thought that entire arc was just brilliant.

[GrantDawg]

The funny thing is that just about every critic, TV writer, etc, has absolutely loved the Michael Scott Paper Company arc. And just got disappointed as soon as it ended. Personally I thought that entire arc was just brilliant.


I thought it was great, and I'm glad it ended with Pam becoming a salesperson. She need to be going somewhere and it was good pregression for her. I liked the last episode as well, so what do I know. :)

[MizzouRah]

The end with Andy getting his ear pierced was great.

[Swaggs]

Agreed -- I enjoyed the Michael Scott Paper Company arc a lot. I wasn't crazy about the last episode, but it wasn't too bad for me. There must be a writer or two that like to completely over-do Michael. The one where he drove into the lake, following the GPS, was the worst episode for that type of writing. This last one was somewhat like that one, but had a few funny/interesting subplots to keep it tolerable.

[ISiddiqui]

I don't think Michael was too over the top in this one. He wanted to get everyone to loosen up again.

[Comey]

Agreed -- I enjoyed the Michael Scott Paper Company arc a lot. I wasn't crazy about the last episode, but it wasn't too bad for me. There must be a writer or two that like to completely over-do Michael. The one where he drove into the lake, following the GPS, was the worst episode for that type of writing. This last one was somewhat like that one, but had a few funny/interesting subplots to keep it tolerable.

Yes, BJ Novak and Mindy Kaling (Kelly) are the two who write Michael as over-the-top. Paul Lieberstein (Toby) writes Michael the best.

[samifan24]

Yes, BJ Novak and Mindy Kaling (Kelly) are the two who write Michael as over-the-top. Paul Lieberstein (Toby) writes Michael the best.

Agreed, especially on Paul Lieberstein as being the most realistic writer on staff. I generally dislike the BJ Novak-penned episodes.

[OldGiants]

Give the Big Bang Theory a few episodes, if you have a chance. It seems to be humming on all cylinders and, in my opinion, is pushing the Office as the top sit com currently running.

That's on my summer list. I've not tried it because my mother-in-law really likes it (along with Scrubs) and I generally disagree with everything she likes.

[terpkristin]

So Pam's pregnant, eh?

[GoldenEagle]

There was some funny moments, but overall that was very lame for a season finale. I am afraid my two favorite shows (The Office and House) are on the way out after another season or two.

[samifan24]

I thought this was an especially weak season finale. Not very funny.

[Galaxy]

I thought this was an especially weak season finale. Not very funny.

It was a bit weak on the laughs. They were trying to set the stage for next season.

[RainMaker]

I agree, pretty lame finale.

[Galaxy]

What sucked was I really thought it had a lot of potential.

[Crapshoot]

I really liked it. The Office isn't a pure comedy - its a dramedy, and as a character episode, it was pretty damn great. Plus, the random throwaways (like the HR convention bit) were just gold. It wasn't hilarious, but it was good.

[stevew]

I thought it was pretty good, the Buffalo closing bit especially.

[GrantDawg]

I really liked it. The Office isn't a pure comedy - its a dramedy, and as a character episode, it was pretty damn great. Plus, the random throwaways (like the HR convention bit) were just gold. It wasn't hilarious, but it was good.


Ditto. I thought it was solid.

[Swaggs]

I liked it, as well.

I thought Dwight was at his finest and his stalling tactics (kicking the ball and counting how many people had to get hurt) were hilarious. I liked the Michael/Holly storyline, thought the volleyball bit (aside from Dwight) was just okay, and I absolutely did not see the Pam/Jim surprise coming.

[MizzouRah]

Wasn't bad... liked Dwight's best friend.

[johnnyshaka]

Who won the damn volleyball game??!!

[INDalltheway]

I liked it, as well.

I thought Dwight was at his finest and his stalling tactics (kicking the ball and counting how many people had to get hurt) were hilarious. I liked the Michael/Holly storyline, thought the volleyball bit (aside from Dwight) was just okay, and I absolutely did not see the Pam/Jim surprise coming.

"Aww man, I'm so mad that Pam got hurt! *Kicks ball into the woods* I'll get it."
That part really had me rolling. How about Dwight standing up for Angela and telling his friend to stop harassing her? Possibly opening some doors for next season, or at least making us think that.

[johnnyshaka]

Add in Andy's advances on the new secretary...next season is going to be full of romantic story lines.

[GrantDawg]

Add in Andy's advances on the new secretary...next season is going to be full of romantic story lines.


You know, I rewatched "Cafe Disco" yesterday as well. I think that it was an under-rated episode. I enjoyed it mostly because of Erin. I think she brings the "dumb people pleaser" personality in the mix, and it was needed. Everybody is just so jaded when it comes to Micheal, it is fun to see at least one person get excited about his ideas and not in a "suck-up" way like Dwight or Andy. I hope she is a permanent fixture on the show (though it seemed like episode before last she was barely visible).

[johnnyshaka]

Loved Cafe Disco...Dwight treating Phyllis like a wounded horse...AWESOME!!!!!

[INDalltheway]

I found this pretty funny.. :)

http://www.hulu.com/watch/72830/the-office-blackmail-andy

[Galaxy]

You know, I rewatched "Cafe Disco" yesterday as well. I think that it was an under-rated episode. I enjoyed it mostly because of Erin. I think she brings the "dumb people pleaser" personality in the mix, and it was needed. Everybody is just so jaded when it comes to Micheal, it is fun to see at least one person get excited about his ideas and not in a "suck-up" way like Dwight or Andy. I hope she is a permanent fixture on the show (though it seemed like episode before last she was barely visible).

I like what she adds.

[ISiddiqui]

"I'll get it"

Dwight was awesome in this episode :).

And I liked that Michael knew his limit and didn't go beyond that. Seemed like a Toby written episode.

[ISiddiqui]

I really liked it. The Office isn't a pure comedy - its a dramedy, and as a character episode, it was pretty damn great. Plus, the random throwaways (like the HR convention bit) were just gold. It wasn't hilarious, but it was good.

Exactly. "The Office" is more like "Scrubs". Its a half hour dramedy. Sometimes there is drama to advance the plot. It wasn't like there weren't any laughs... Dwight's attempts to delay the game were hilarious. As was Rolf's put downs to Angela.

[ISiddiqui]

You know, I rewatched "Cafe Disco" yesterday as well. I think that it was an under-rated episode. I enjoyed it mostly because of Erin. I think she brings the "dumb people pleaser" personality in the mix, and it was needed. Everybody is just so jaded when it comes to Micheal, it is fun to see at least one person get excited about his ideas and not in a "suck-up" way like Dwight or Andy. I hope she is a permanent fixture on the show (though it seemed like episode before last she was barely visible).

I think they realized that Pam, who kind of played that role before, would be better used in more Jim centric storylines... and of course being with Jim was a bit jaded towards Michael, even though she's the one who most believes in him (because Michael has shown some great kindness to Pam).

They wanted someone more pro-Michael to fill any Pam void.

[Eaglesfan27]

I thought it was pretty good, the Buffalo closing bit especially.


Just watched it and agreed. The Buffalo bit was the best, but I thought there were some good moments sprinkled throughout the episode.

"believe me I have seen a lot of tough audiences that was one of them" had me laughing out loud.