Several critics have complained that “The Office” has been dropping in quality this season, but I believe that this season just had a rough stumbling start, but has finally found its pace. This episode not only clearly demonstrates that “The Office” still at its comedic peak, but it also eloquently proves that this show is one of funniest shows ever created.
During the beginner of this episode, Oscar tries to explain to Michael the incredibly ‘challenging’ concept of a surplus. Then the hilarity ensues as Michael is forced to choose between allocating the newly discovered funds towards a better copier or some new chairs. However, I was very much surprised when Jim didn’t back Pam up concerning her stance on the chairs. When he explained his reasons, I didn’t quite feel vindicated just yet. Nevertheless, it fortunately set the table for one of the more entertaining interactions of this episode.
I was shocked, amused, and a little terrified by Jenna Fischer’s brilliant transfiguration of Pam Beesly from an innocent receptionist to a threatening and manipulative go-getter. I believe that was the gem of the episode. When Pam let Jim know that he was on very dangerous ground when he pledged his support for the new copier, I couldn’t stop laughing. Jim’s fearful reaction was priceless.
Not to be outdone, Dwight’s subplot of providing the marriage grounds for Andy and Angela also provided scores of mirth. Only Dwight would have gigantic splotches of manure lying about his house in strategic locations, hire a locally born priest who only speaks German, and trick Angela into marrying him unbeknownst to her. Predictably, his plan failed dismally. In all frankness, I find the nerve of Dwight to be quite deplorable. Clearly Mr. Schute operates on a different frequency and simply labeling him as a bit ‘off’ would be an understatement, but to accept that Dwight would matter-a-factly do what he did was a bit of a reach for me.
On the topic of deplorability, it was also a tad unnerving to see Michael honestly consider the bonus as opposed to addressing the office’s needs. Of course, Michael has always been quite self-absorbed, but I’ve felt that he was a naturally good-hearted individual and not quite so…selfish. Fortunately, after some truly helpful counsel from Hank the security guard, Michael let the group decide which item they needed the most. Pam finally got her chairs, but Jim had the hilarious final last words on the subject… “I’m going to need three copies of this, stapled and collated…. just kidding…. I’m going need four.”
Overall, I felt this installment was a good, but not great, addition to the season. It certainly helped the story move forward a bit in terms of the Andy/Angela relationship, but it still seems like the final developments in that situation are far from finished. The direction and writing of this episode was very well done but they weren’t good enough to qualify the eppie as a standout showing. Regardless, I give this episode an 8/10
Toby (speaking about where the new money should go) – “We should really have the office’s air quality tested. There’s radon coming from below, asbestos in the ceilings – these are silent killers…”
Michael – “You are the silent killer. Go back to the annex.”
Michael – “I swallowed all your ideas. I’m going to digest them and see what comes out the other end!”
Andy Bernard (confused by Dwight’s directions to Schrute Farms) – “…150 paces from the light red mailbox, make a left…walk until you hear the beehives…”
Dwight – “How could it be more clearer?”
Michael (after buying a fur jacket anyways, despite lacking the capital necessary) – “You should know that some people think its cool to throw buckets of fake blood on you as you are walking out of Burlington Coat Factory…”
