The Office

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

It's not plastic surgery, she just lost some weight. She had gained a little bit after her accident which was probably covered up a bit by her being pregnant on the show. Last fall she was on some magazine in a bikini showing off her new body and talking about her weight loss. Losing a few pounds of fat can make a big impact on looks.

There is this. You'll notice she "Hottened Up" in season 5, but they downplayed it again in season 6, mostly because the pregnancy, and then she was supposed to look tired after the birth. She back to being able to be hot, which is a good thing.

Season 6 did see some big changes both on and off the screen. The show is now basically run by BJ and Paul (which is why both Toby and Ryan have very small and sparse story arcs. They don't have time to be on camara as much). But having just watched all the seasons through recently, I think season 6 actually stands up well. Every season has a handfull of "filler" type episodes, and a few just homerun, exceptional television level shows. Season 6 was no exception. I think the begining of the season was a bit rough because they had to do the "very special" episode (Jim and Pam's wedding. Of which, btw, how many shows would have done that so early in the season?), and then figure out ways of writing episodes around Jim and Pam. I think they did a decent job sort of resetting the series. By the end of the season, though, they definitely hit their stride. "Date Night" was right up there with some of the best episodes of the past (Diversity Day, Sexual Harrasment, Booze Cruise, Dinner Party just to name a few).

When I watched back I realized season 5 was probably my favorite. It was probably the most consistant season. That is with no Jim and Pam drama and almost no Jan. Holly was probably the best character they ever created since the first season.

[OldGiants]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

I do like the direction of some of the storylines though. Gabe stealing Erin from Andy. Dwight owning the building.

This episode set up these good possibilities. I hope they follow through.

For me, the funniest bit was the end when Michael found out his choices were really six sessions with Toby or being fired. The silence was right up there with the classic Jack Benny radio show silent response to "Your money or your life?"

[Draft Dodger]

I still love the show.

[sovereignstar v2]

Never thought I'd say this, but this show is downright awful now.

[-apoc-]

There have been some funny parts but yes overall I just watch the show because I always watch the show.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I am a good 2-3 weeks behind. The last two episodes I saw were the one where Michael thought he had hyrpies and the first episode with Timotyh Olyphant.

They were both awesome. Multiple laugh out loud moments. Some of the best episodes of the show in a couple of years. I can't comment on the last couple of episodes, but I feel like the show has found its stride again.

[RainMaker]

I wouldn't say horrible, but it's not good anymore. I still record and watch it in the background, but it just doesn't do much for me anymore. I like dumb/naive Michael as opposed to obnoxious Michael. And it seems the show has shifted toward obnoxious Michael. They destroyed the Jim character and that hurts Dwight. It seems like they've focused less on the secondary characters and more on the bigger names. Always thought one of the great parts of the show was that the ensemble cast could steal an episode with a line here or there. Just doesn't happen anymore.

I thought the Christening episode was perhaps the worst one they've ever had. I didn't laugh once and just wanted it to end. The show still has its moments from time to time, but it seems like the duds are outweighing the good ones.

My suggestion would be a cast shakeup. I think they have done a good job bringing in new characters. Erin is a good addition and I love the Gabe character. This will never happen, but maybe it's time to have Jim/Pam move on and fill their role with two new characters. I also think Ryan, Kelly, and Darryl have been played out. Would not be sad if any of them left. Maybe some fresh blood would help kickstart the show.

[samifan24]

I turned on the show a few weeks ago and saw Michael and the staff discussing how you get herpes. I didn't find it funny at all. I guess it's not surprising how far the show has fallen, though. It always did matter who wrote each episode--Paul Lieberstein wrote a better, more well rounded Michael whereas BJ Novak wrote a completely outlandish Michael whom I couldn't stand. I guess they're just run out of ideas. This show was so, so good in its early years though.

[Swaggs]

I have been kind of down on the series for the past season plus, but I actually liked last night's episode pretty well. The big problem for me is that they seem to be recycling the Jim-Pam-Roy thing with Andy-Erin-Gabe. And, we just don't have as much emotionally invested in the latter three.

Agreed with Rainmaker above, though. I think it would be good to weed out the cast a bit and get rid of Jim/Pam (maybe have them start their own small business or something, where we could still see them around Scranton every once in awhile), Michael (who is leaving anyway), and definitely Ryan. I'd keep Darryl, and maybe spend next season trying to find Michael's replacement from Dwight, Andy, maybe Jim (for part of the season if he does leave), Darryl, and Timothy Olymphant (if he is willing, which is doubtful) or Todd Packer (if he is willing to have a bigger role).

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by samifan24

I turned on the show a few weeks ago and saw Michael and the staff discussing how you get herpes. I didn't find it funny at all. I guess it's not surprising how far the show has fallen, though. It always did matter who wrote each episode--Paul Lieberstein wrote a better, more well rounded Michael whereas BJ Novak wrote a completely outlandish Michael whom I couldn't stand. I guess they're just run out of ideas. This show was so, so good in its early years though.

Did you watch the herpes episode? If so, then you saw the Michael that you wanted to see. He was great in that episode. Not outlandish or obnoxious, but very well rounded and sweet.

[samifan24]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Did you watch the herpes episode? If so, then you saw the Michael that you wanted to see. He was great in that episode. Not outlandish or obnoxious, but very well rounded and sweet.

I shut it off after the scene in the conference room so it's possible I missed a good episode but the part I saw I just didn't find funny. It was just so outlandish that I didn't even want to watch anymore.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by samifan24

I shut it off after the scene in the conference room so it's possible I missed a good episode but the part I saw I just didn't find funny. It was just so outlandish that I didn't even want to watch anymore.

That's too bad. You missed a fantastic episode.

[GoldenEagle]

The episode two weeks ago (where they were at the church) was the worse episode of the Office I have ever seen.

Last night's episode was better.

[GrantDawg]

The Christening wasn't great (I don't think worst, but not great), but all in all I think this season has been solid.

[Logan]

The Christening episode was worse than any episode of The Jeff Foxworthy Show.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

The Christening wasn't great (I don't think worst, but not great), but all in all I think this season has been solid.

I agree. I laughed for a bit after Creed read the writing on the sea horse cannister.

[Tasan]

LOLing at the Christmas episode. Dwight attacking Jim had me in stitches.

[Tasan]

And oh my goodness, if you didn't watch the "extra" at the end, go and find it somewhere. Tears are in my eyes it was so funny.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Tasan

LOLing at the Christmas episode. Dwight attacking Jim had me in stitches.

The Christmas episode was deffinetly and instant classic. Very funny stuff.

[Swaggs]

Easily the best episode of the season for me. Creed, for the first time in awhile, killed it once again with about 30 seconds of screen time (being geniuinely pleased with his gift of a six-pack of deodorant and then recalling Holly as "that sassy black lady"). Dwight's wigs were awesome.

Also a nice set up for Michael to be written out with a nice ending.

[GoldenEagle]

The last two episodes have been fantastic.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

The Christmas Episode was like getting back together with an ex-girlfriend for a one night fling. You remember the good stuff. Next week's episode will be the next morning when you remember why you left.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

The Christmas Episode was like getting back together with an ex-girlfriend for a one night fling. You remember the good stuff. Next week's episode will be the next morning when you remember why you left.

lol

[MizzouRah]

The Christmas episode was fantastic.

[OldGiants]

I was a little let down at the Jim-Dwight thing being so one-sided. Playing a gutless wimp was beyond John Krasinski's talent. Pam not stepping in was an odd choice for the script. On Mad Men, the fight between Don and Duck, while a great episode, marked a turn in Don's character for the worse -- meaning less interesting. I hope this does not happen with Jim.

I also thought Erin and Oscar had the best bits of the show. Erin not understanding how this ordinary, middle-aged woman could be the stuff of Michael's dreams was excellent. Oscar observing Angela's Senator boyfriend was funny and bodes well for the future.

[StLee]

Kevin's "Right back at ya" was a definite LOL moment.

[Swaggs]

I thought that was a really good episode.

I still love how Erin just doesn't get why Michael likes Holly.

[MizzouRah]

Creed getting pissed at Erin doing the cartwheel.. priceless..

In fact, this had a bit more of Creed, which is always good in my book!

[Commo_Soldier]

Will Ferrell has signed on to do four episodes for this season. This should be interesting.

Will Ferrell is heading to 'The Office' - Entertainment - Access Hollywood - TODAYshow.com

[Swaggs]

Should be fun.

Hopefully, they tighten things up and give Carrell a good run before he leaves.

[PackerFanatic]

Originally Posted by Swaggs

Should be fun.

Hopefully, they tighten things up and give Carrell a good run before he leaves.

+1

And Will Ferrell should be awesome.

[Logan]

I'm probably in the minority, but I've always felt that when they bring in a real guest star, it throws the show way off at least for a few episodes. Kathy Bates, Idris Elba, Timothy Olyphant, JACK BLACK. Maybe I'm only being selective with my memory.

[panerd]

Originally Posted by Logan

I'm probably in the minority, but I've always felt that when they bring in a real guest star, it throws the show way off at least for a few episodes. Kathy Bates, Idris Elba, Timothy Olyphant, JACK BLACK. Maybe I'm only being selective with my memory.

I thought Stringer Bell and Seth Bullock were great in their cameos. Bates was ok, the character probably could have been played just as well by an unknown actress. Wasn't Jack Black just a post Super bowl epiosode? I think Farrell has to be outstanding. Outside of Night at the Roxbury I don't think I have ever not enjoyed a Farrell comedy bit.

[lurker]

What about Tim Meadows? He was great at Chili's with Michael.

[Swaggs]

Amy Adams was good.

[Logan]

I was referring more to the flow of the show, not the acting performances themselves, when bringing people into the staff of the office.

[Toddzilla]

Patrice O'Neill was always fantastic

[Johnny93g]

I watched yesterday's episode to see David Brent(Ricky Gervais). It was a great little scene he was in. The rest of the episode was flat out terrible. I understand it gets ratings and makes money, but damn, that was bad tv.

[Toddzilla]

Agreed - what was once a great show is practically unwatchable.

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by Johnny93g

I watched yesterday's episode to see David Brent(Ricky Gervais). It was a great little scene he was in. The rest of the episode was flat out terrible. I understand it gets ratings and makes money, but damn, that was bad tv.

Agreed 100%.

Liked seeing David Brent, but that entire episode was awful.

[MizzouRah]

Most of it was MEH.. but the part where Creed comes in and gives his speech had me in tears.

[MizzouRah]

I thought last tonight's episode was great.

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

I thought last tonight's episode was great.

Agreed.

Pam and Jim were both funny in the same episode and that has been a rarity of late.

[Comey]

I laughed hard seemingly almost every 15 seconds last night. Seems like they utilized the entire cast last night, and did so very well. My favorite moment was Creed when Michael confirmed the hookup zone would allow masturbation. His reaction was priceless.

[Crapshoot]

Michael Scott + Holly just are awesome together - off in their own mad, mad world.

[RainMaker]

It's hit or miss with the show. Either hilarious or horrible. I wonder if the ones we like are coming from the same writers.

[MizzouRah]

I'm starting to like Gabe..

[MizzouRah]

Well so much for two great episodes in a row.

Threat Level, Midnight... bleh...

[AnalBumCover]

You jump to the right, and you shake that hand. You jump to the left, and you shake that hand. You meet new friends, and you tie some yarn, and that's how you do the Scarn!

[GrantDawg]

I can't believe no big comments on last weeks big proposal episode, which was really sweet. I am glad it looks like they are letting Micheal go happy and on his own terms. But this bit of news might get some buzz. Will Ferrel is coming for 4 episodes, and was supposed to be apart of the cliff-hanger of who will get the job, but it looks like he let the cat out of the bag.

Could Will Ferrell join 'The Office' full time? | Inside TV | EW.com

Despite the later denials/non-denials, it does make its own sense that he might want a regular gig that isn't just "his" vehicle. If he was willing to work at something close to Steve's pay, and probably have less responsibility, why not? But him as the new boss is going to be a big hit or a big bust. Micheal 2.0? A new kind of buffoon? How's it going to play?