Let me start by saying that for my money, this was the best episode of the season. Every factor that I enjoy most about The Office, the stuff that I think really elevates it to elite comedy, was present in last night's episode. Let's break it down:
Most episodes of The Office can be divided into two distinct sections: Michael's outrageous gaff and his perpetual inability to correct the situation, and the small conflicts of the supporting characters (usually some combo of Jim/Pam/Karen plot and some rest of office scenes). I believe that the best episodes of The Office are the ones that least feature Michael and his unbearable screw-ups. I find that these moments are funny, but only in an over-the-top, "oh-this-is-uncomfortable-he's-so-crazy" way.
Unlike Ricky Gervais's David Brent, whom I found equally (if not more) awkward and idiotic, Steve Carrell's Michael Scott is so outlandishly over-the-top that for the most part, he seems inhuman. Gervais's understated mediocrity and false bravado were far more subtle and organic, making the inevitable cringe at his preposterous comments all the more juicy and enjoyable. With last night's episode, the writers eschewed the miserable mess-up formula and gave Steve Carrell some genuinely hysterical dialogue instead.
Furthermore, I think that the real comedic gem of The Office is not its Golden Globe-nominated star, but its side-splittingly hilarious ensemble. Last night's episode had much more of an ensemble focus with numerous characters getting a bunch of screen time. I love that the important dramatic moment of this episode was about Dwight and Angela and not about a Michael mess-up. Its great writing like this that keeps this show so fresh and at the top of the comedy dogpile. Which brings me to my next point...
I love that the whole cast was split up into some really unique pairings. As my constant tv-watching companion Greg knows, I relish unexpected pairings between principal cast members. I find that new character combinations are refreshing, interesting, and always entertaining because its something we're not used to seeing. I was certainly proved right by this episode, for the 4 sales pitches were by far the highlight of the episode and offered unending nuggets of hilarity.
For it's inspired shake-up of a show that could easily fall into a narrative rut, I give this episode an A.
Favorite Scene: Tie-- Jim and Dwight's sales pitch & the opening scene with Michael and "Harvey"
Favorite Line: "Fool me once, strike one. Fool me twice...strike three." - Michael
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2 comments:
almost as good of a pairing as logan and wallace
Since Arrested Development has gone off the air, the only other show, to me, that seems to compare is The Office. Both won over fans with their dry humor and wit. Most people agree that Arrested Development was the better of the two, but while The Office has succeeded, Arrested Development struggled and was canceled. Is this simply because FOX has notoriously killed great shows, such as Firefly and Family Guy, and that if on NBC Arrested Development would have flourished? Or is there some other reason that this seemingly greater show failed?
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