The Office, Grey's Anatomy Redux - Give Me My Remote : Give Me My Remote

The Office, Grey’s Anatomy Redux

February 2, 2007 by  

If you missed last night’s episode of The Office or Grey’s Anatomy you might want to stop reading and check back in after you’ve watched to avoid being spoiled.

A full lineup of Thursday night TV and I only managed to watch 2 shows. Just The Office and Grey’s Anatomy found their way on to my TV tonight. Which means that I have a great weekend ahead catching up with Scrubs, The O.C. and Ugly Betty (it’s like 2nd Thursday). Anyway, today is my last day at my current job, so I have to get to work a little early and won’t have too much time to blog, but I thought I would share my 6 AM thoughts on the shows I did manage to catch (6 AM thoughts is my way of apologizing for my non-coherent rants).

The Office…
Dunder Mifflin

A lesson to all you kid out there. Don’t drink and TiVo…you might end up accidentally deleting your favorite show after only one viewing. Yup, that’s what happened to me last night, and I’m kickin’ myself this morning.

Based on my first viewing of last night’s episode, “Ben Franklin”, I decided that it was my least favorite episode ever. I don’t remember laughing out loud that much and I didn’t automatically love it the way I love every episode of The Office. That being said, I’ve spend some time reading reviews and comments over at OfficeTally.com and DuckyxDale.com and all the quotes were hysterical. I think I may have judged “Ben Franklin” to harshly and too early. All this from someone that preaches that the show MUST be watched more than once. I promise to download it from iTunes today and give it the proper viewing it deserves.

Those of you who watched the show over with me at BuddyTV.com know that I wasn’t at my personal best last night. The cocktails I had before joining the chat may have affected what I was watching. So I have a HUGE question for you. Last night, Karen and Jim both had TH’s focused on their recent late nights. Jim mentioned something about how they had stayed up late talking the night before, and the night before that and the previous 5 nights. Here’s my question….did you all think that they were actually “talking” and Jim was almost complaining about it, or did you think “talking” was a euphemism for them getting it on? In my drunken stupor I thought Jim was talking about sex, and therefore it COMPLETELY changed my outlook on the whole episode. If he WAS talking about “talking” then he seemed almost annoyed. And that coupled with Karen’s WTF moment of going over and hugging him at his desk midday (I mean really) is setting her up for some Krazy!Karen moments. I totally need to know how you all interpreted that scene.

Update: I just read a bunch of the comments and can i just say THANK YOU!!  Imagine me going through the whole ep, the rest of the night and this morning thinking that Jam was gloating about having a bunch ‘o sex with Karen?!  I feel 1000% better now.  And now that I finally get all of this, um, her hug was that much more PSYCHO, as was declaring that she was Jim’s girlfriend. 

Grey’s Anatomy…
Grey’s Anatomy Logo

Callie and George are married?! Yeah, even with the proposal last week I didn’t see that one coming. WOW! I’m not sure how I feel about George and Callie O’Malley (he). They are my two favorite people on the show and I should be happy for them, but something just doesn’t seem right. I mean, it’s just a little too quick and a tad bit too close to the death of George’s father. Oh and I SO don’t understand why the girls are still catty with Callie. I thought we crossed that bridge awhile ago. And Callie has some major issues to work through with the girls. She can’t be paranoid about them all the time. That being said, it was nice of George to stand up for his wife and put her before his friends for a change…something that Callie had been asking for since they first started dating.

I wasn’t that into the whole toxic blood storyline last night. I thought it was a little ER-ish and I don’t mean that as a compliment. The doctors dropping like flies, and the interns running in at 20 second intervals to save the woman’s life. I don’t know, maybe it was the booze numbing my senses but I was kind of eh about the whole thing.

So poof! the free Denny Duquette Free Clinic is open. Oh come on now. Whatevs, it’s open and no on is there. My bigger concern? Is running the clinic Bailey’s job now? Because seriously I want that woman walking the floor and screaming at some interns…now…NOW!!

Actually my senses couldn’t have been that numb last night because I found myself fighting tears during the climactic scene between Meredith and her mother, Ellis. Yes, I cried during a Meredith scene! Ellen Pompeo did her best acting to date as she told her mother that SHE was the reason that Meredith wasn’t the person she expected her to be. Some seriously great acting last night from Pompeo and Kate Burton (Ellis).

And finally…Burke and Christina. Yeah so they are engaged. And the scene when they both jumped up and started screaming in excitement was kind of cool, but things are just a bit too raw, and I’m not ready to be super excited about Dr. Burke these days.

Penny for your thought… So….what did you watch last night? I’d love to hear your thoughts on The Office and Grey’s Anatomy. I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts on The O.C., Ugly Betty, and Scrubs too but NOT here….kindly leave your comments for those show in the GMMR Forums (so I can go in and read them later without being spoiled).

Comments

34 Responses to “The Office, Grey’s Anatomy Redux”

  1. Cara on February 2nd, 2007 7:04 am

    I think Jim was talking about just talking. He described it like he was annoyed that they had been talking SO much. I think Jim might be getting tired of clingy-paranoid Karen. And after Pam’s little moment in the kitchen, I think that Karen probably has many more nights of talking planned.

  2. Martha on February 2nd, 2007 7:22 am

    Jim was DEFINITELY talking about “talking” and he was DEFINITELY annoyed. Karen is obviously having some Pam insecurity, and rightly so. Did you catch Jim’s expression when Pam said she was ready to be set up with one of Ryan’s friends?

  3. Heather on February 2nd, 2007 8:00 am

    I agree they were just talking. Obviously, Karen is feeling insecure about Jim saying that he still has feelings for her in the “The Return” episode. I have two questions about the episode. First, what do you guys think was the final outcome of the Jim/Karen talks? I mean he said that he still had feelings for Pam so how did they actually resolve that? My second question is what was Pam’s tell Jim about getting more sleep thing all about? It seemed like she was trying to get at something and looked annoyed at herself once Jim left. Let me know what you guys think!

  4. Colette on February 2nd, 2007 8:12 am

    Talking = Talking. (As Karen also confirms.) He seemed fed up, tired, a bit exasperated; not a guy gloating about five nights of wild sex. Plus, it was structured to be a ‘he said/she said thing’ – his attitude seems to be that he’s just talking to appease/reassure Karen (feeling guilty about her, plus trying to hang on to what he’s got – he doesn’t know Pam’s an option yet); Karen, on the other hand, is all about how their talks are bringing them closer – she’s clearly desperate, trying to convince herself and everyone else that her relationship is solid, despite what she knows about Jim/Pam (the awkward hug, the announcing she’s his gf, her questioning of Pam). They’re on totally different pages…not a good prognosis. Except for JAM. Eventually, anyway… (Oh btw, I think Pam’s sleep thing was her attempt at flirting. Her ‘oh my god’ was her knowing how awkwardly she’d done it.)

  5. Jen on February 2nd, 2007 8:32 am

    Yeah, they were actually talking. I say this for a few reasons. First, you have to keep in mind last week’s episode. If you just told your girlfriend that you have feeling for a woman that you both have to see everyday, you better believe you are gonna have many very long talks before you see any action. That’s just how woman are, we like to talk things out; we think it helps. Also, I see what you mean about how Jim says they “had a looong talk last night, and the night before…” and how that could be taken as a euphemism for something a little less innocent, but what Karen says is that they “had some really good talks.” I think its pretty clear she is just talking about talking. What I took away from that was that Karen is initiating these long, personal conversations about their feeling and stuff, and has convinced herself that they are helping the relationship, but Jim is just really annoyed and tired.

    As for Pam, when Jim mentions that he and Karen were up all night talking, I think she assumed they were “talking” and that’s why she got all weird. She certainly does not what to think about Jim and another woman. She was hurt and embarrassed and she just started babbling. Also, since she clearly does not want him “talking” with Karen, she was probably trying to impress upon him the importance of a good night’s sleep in a slightly desperate attempt to prevent him from staying awake and otherwise occupying himself. It reminded me of something a grandmother might try and do. Good effort, Pam, but let’s face it, that strategy wouldn’t work on anybody.

  6. Lisa (aka lmr722) on February 2nd, 2007 8:39 am

    I’ve watched it twice, it DID get funnier with a second viewing but am still reeling from the JAM plotline. I am leaning towards it was just talking as that was actually my first impression and it makes the most sense. Jim has just told Karen he still has feelings for Pam so being a woman I can see that there would be a lot of talking to do. I am not amused that Jaren is still together through sweeps, though, am not happy at all. Hear me writers – you run a risk of really ticking off your loyal fanbase unless you give us some hope SOON.

  7. MozartsFriend on February 2nd, 2007 9:09 am

    I think the plotline was good on the JAM front. Jim was definitely talking about talking, and the way he said it to the camera and to Pam was sort of like a desperate “help me!” haha. He seems really stuck. And Pam getting all awkward and then kind of snippy at the end? At least she’ s showing some emotion on the subject, eh? 🙂 I think we’ve got some great stuff to look forward to.

  8. Jacki on February 2nd, 2007 9:28 am

    My hubby and I actually argued about the whole “talking” thing last night. I was (and still am) certain that they actually meant talking, but my husband INSISTED that they really meant sex. I think it’s funny how the same arguments are going on online! 🙂

  9. Angelica on February 2nd, 2007 9:29 am

    Jim was actually referring to talking. I didn’t even think of it the other way. But thanks for putting that thought in my wee head ;). Yeah…they were just talking. Talking. That’s all.

  10. Amy on February 2nd, 2007 9:49 am

    This was the first time in 3 seasons watching the show that I was not impressed. It felt so weird and not funny. Not what I expected at all from the last episode.

  11. Becky on February 2nd, 2007 9:49 am

    I was a little worried about reading the comments since I haven’t watched Grey’s yet…luckily they are all Office. I’m sure he meant talking as in talking – not sex. I’m pretty sure if Jim was getting wild & passionate sex every night for hours and hours – he may be tired but I’m guessing he’d be pretty happy about the being tired (kind of like how he would be tired but happy if he stayed up all night talking to Pam…:)

  12. LinzMcC on February 2nd, 2007 10:14 am

    First off, GMMR, no more drinking before the Office. You can’t just go around deleting every show on your Tivo just because you are drunk. That is no excuse.

    OK I would say the opinion that they were just talking has been established so I won’t discuss that. I was really creeped out for Pam with Ben Franklin. Her flirting was funny but once he was serious, I was really uncomfortable for her to have to talk to him.

    Since no one else has commented on Grey’s, I have to agree with you about the Meredith/Ellis scene. I couldn’t believe how great Ellen Pompeo’s acting was in that scene and couldn’t help but cry. I also mentioned immediately to my husband that it is the best acting I have seen from her. They should give her some more emotional scenes because for the most part her character seems rather blah.

  13. Amber on February 2nd, 2007 10:20 am

    He was talking about talking, and was definately exasperated about it. Though I admit I didn’t like the idea of Jim and Karen spending late nights together for any reason, it didn’t upset me as much as it seemed to bother Pam.
    And I thought the episode was hilarious! Micheal had some great moments (asking Ben Franklin if he was wearing a thong) and I was happy with a little sneak at his and Jan’s continued liasons. And everything between Pam and Ben Franklin (“My name’s Gordon”) was hysterical. C’mon, Dwight slapping his ass? He’s just glad to be back mirroring Micheal without Andy around.

  14. Sam on February 2nd, 2007 10:42 am

    They were definitely just talking. Otherwise, Jim wouldn’t have looked so annoyed.

    Definitely watch it again: it was one of my favorites of the season. We’ve never really seen Pam make a conscious choice to flirt or even really flirt, which is what she was doing with the whole “You should really sleep more” comments. As in: stop talking to Karen and sleep. And then: she made her move at the end, a conscious choice to get Jim jealous enough to come after her. This wasn’t like “The Fire,” where she just instinctively kissed Roy for jealousy. Here, she had just talked to Karen. She knew the stakes, and she went for it. It’s a whole new ballgame!

  15. ayla on February 2nd, 2007 10:50 am

    Gotta agree with everyone who thinks talking is just talking…for a couple of reasons. One, Karen doesn’t seem like the type of woman to try to keep a man through sex; she doesn’t seem to avoid conflict. And two, there’s no way Jim would EVER talk about sex (with another woman) with Pam. Even if they were BFF again. That’s just…too awkward.

    I agree that this was not one of the best episodes, mainly because there was too much awkwardness without enough heart to balance it out (a role that Jim and/or Pam generally fill, and more recently, even Michael). But I did love Ben Franklin, the character. That last scene with Dwight (“THAT’S why I invented the bi-focals”) had me rolling.

  16. erin on February 2nd, 2007 11:08 am

    I watched The Office twice, and I definitely think it was funnier the second time. I always love when Michael butchers his words, like epiphery instead of epiphany. I also thought Roy’s talking head where he said he thinks Pam’s art is sexy was pretty funny. He is becoming more likeable, but of course I am still rooting for Jim and Pam! When the stripper said that Pam could strip, and she just says… thanks… Pam is amazing, and I love her more with each episode!

  17. Christy on February 2nd, 2007 11:10 am

    I was completely shocked at the rush marriage between George and Callie. They are both my favorite characters on the show as well, and I think they balance each other out very well, but the getting married thing was the wrong story line to take. Just George telling Callie he loved her would have been enough. Honestly, I dont see this story line keeping them together and it’s pretty disappointing. George finally found someone who understands him.

    The scene with Christina and Burke was great. They are usually so reserved and low key that to see them hugging, laughing and jumping around was great.

    The office was not my favorite episode, but Ben Franklin was sooo funny. I certainly will be watching it again.

  18. Merrie on February 2nd, 2007 11:17 am

    It never even occurred to me that Jim meant he was up late having sex with Karen. And even now I think it was really just talking. Why else would Jim be so blah?

    The whole “You need more sleep” conversation between Jim and Pam was interesting. I don’t kow if she was flirting or trying to have a normal conversation, like they used to. She has feelings for him. He doesn’t know that. And she doesn’t know he has feelings for her. Neither one wants to get hurt. Hence the awkwardness.

    Karen has all the information. She has all the power. What will she do with it?

    I am not upset with the series overall because I know the writers are doing more of a story arc lately than isolated episodes, but I am missing my Michael and Dwight stories. I love JAM, but don’t make it all about them.

  19. distracted on February 2nd, 2007 11:30 am

    I’m on the talking=talking train, though I agree that Pam wasn’t sure what Jim meant. I, like Amber, loved this episode! I was near tears several times, especially when everyone was convinced Ben was a stripper and kept asking him totally inappropriate questions. And how about Michael confessing to his boss/girlfriend that he threw a bachelor party AT WORK with a stripper? God I love this show.

    2 things – (1) I absolutely adore Jenna and this is not a critcism BUT–did anyone else think her teeth looked different? I DID go to the denist yesterday, so maybe I’m having some sort of issue. Just wondering if it’s just me. Anyone? (2) I want to know what the deal with the “you smell like Tide” thing was about. It’s such and odd comment (and of course the kind of thing Michael would say), but I kept expecting for this to be resolved. Hopefully there’s a deleted scene.

    Also, loved Grey’s too. Addison’s lust after Alex, and Callie (O’Mally tee hee hee)’s description of hunger. So funny. I could go on, but I think that’s probably enough…. =)

  20. CrazyGringa on February 2nd, 2007 11:48 am

    They were definately just talking…

    Really, Karen?? Still dating someone who just told you he had feelings for someone else. Really??

  21. Bill on February 2nd, 2007 12:12 pm

    It was definately talking, and Jim was getting really sick of talking through their problems over and over again, and probably really regrets telling her he still has feelings for Pam.

  22. Cody on February 2nd, 2007 12:42 pm

    Since it’s mostly girls commenting here (other than Bill here at the end) and saying things like “We women like to talk things out,” I will say that, as a guy, even I knew he was referring to talking, mainly because I have been there. I have been annoyed with staying up all night talking about problems that never seem to get resolved. Kudos to John for portraying that as realistically as can be. I loved the duality of their talking heads: Karen being optimistic (dubiously optimistic, but still), and Jim with his “yep, there it is, whatever” attitude.

    And I don’t watch Grey’s Anatomy.

  23. Psappy on February 2nd, 2007 1:25 pm

    GMMR, I had to re-watch like a billion times but they definitely were just talking. I think what caught us the first time is that he does this little half-smile that could be interpreted as “yeah we did it” but taking the TH as a whole, he is on his last nerve.

    Couple that with Karen’s awkward hug and his equally awkward look to the camera and you’ve got a desparate Jim.

    As for Pam, awww yeah FNB is here and she ain’t taking no prisoners or prisoner’s brides for that matter 😉 I LOVED how she was like Ryan hook me up with your way smart, attractive, and going somewhere in life friends. See ya. Awesome. Then cut to Jim’s “oh crap” face. priceless.

  24. LaLa on February 2nd, 2007 2:26 pm

    Agree with everyone here, Jim and Karen were definitely talking for real. I know/have known plenty of couples who, when they are having problems (like the guy admitting he still has feelings for an ex/old crush), they will talk talk talk talk talk about it for days, nights, etc. – all initiated by the girl, of course. And yes, Karen is being very clingy about Jim – but then, she’s always been the one to pursue him, right from the beginning. He’s never really pursued her, from what I can see.

    I have to agree with GMMR, though, this was definitely not my favorite episode. There were a couple of really funny moments – like Michael’s “prima nocta” mistake – but otherwise, just didn’t like it. Wasn’t really working for me. Especially Pam asking Ryan at the end to set her up right in front of Jim. Girl, you are so stupid. You can obviously see that Jim is not really happy with Karen, and you blow it by announcing that you want to date OTHER people besides him! Sigh….

  25. Elena on February 2nd, 2007 3:08 pm

    Well I absolutely LOVED this episode. I think I laughed out loud more than I have this entire season, and it was just over small things too. First, the video Michael makes for his “son.” DWIGHT PUT ON A BRA! DWIGHT PUT ON A BRA! I had to say that twice so that we can fully appreciate that DWIGHT PUT ON A BRA! Then the Jim/Karen awkward head followed by Pam’s “Somethings up with Jim and Karen …. I’ve gotten pretty good at reading the back of his neck.” I love this line, just because it shows that Jim doesn’t have to face Pam directly for her to be able to read him. The whole Todd Packer scene was great. The Gay Halpert jokes, the freaking out at Karen, the bit he did with Michael. Fabulous. The way Jim says “Absolutely not” to hiring to stripper. Dwight: ” I knew you would [hire the male stripper], Sally.” Jim: “Nancy.”
    Haha, they sounded like a married couple. The awkward breakroom scene between Jim and Pam – she was so weird. Jenna sounded so different but it was great and realistic and totally embarrassing. Jim and Dwight in the parking lot. Jim: Have you actually seen a stripper before? Dwight: Jennifer Garnier portrayed one on Alias, it was one of her many aliases. Jim: Yeah me neither. Then, Michael’s text message: Is she hot? Ryan and Michael when he’s grilling the beef on his Foreman Grill. Ryan: Is this the same grill you grilled your foot on? Michael: No …. yes. Ryan: EW GROSS (Ryan’s face was priceless) Michael: I got all the skin off. The stripper scene, every Ben Franklin scene (Pam and Ben, Ben and Dwight, Ben and all the women). The scene between Kelly and Ryan in the breakroom finally made them seem like a REAL couple. Kelly: So was she pretty? Ryan: Kelly, don’t do this. Kelly: What? Ryan: You know what you’re doing … . I mean that is what girls do and I thought it was perfect for their relationship. Then Pam’s: Wow, I need a boyfriend … and so on. As you can see, I really loved every minute of this episode. Oh the prima nocta moment: Jim’s TH, Michael’s awkwardness.

    I feel like some people might have overlooked all of these fabulous moments because Karen and Jim stayed together and so much was going on might have made the episode seem really scattered … but I think it made it great. Anyway, those are the moments I think are the funniest, but I honestly loved every minute of it. Everyone should rewatch it and give it another chance.

  26. Adam C on February 2nd, 2007 3:49 pm

    What I want to see is some fan site action for Grey’s that comes close to matching what this guy is doing:

    http://thejacksack.blogspot.com

    Great stuff!

  27. silsont on February 2nd, 2007 7:06 pm

    Not sure if this was mentioned (didn’t want to read the post since I have Grey’s on my TiVo and still need to watch it), but if you have the latest update from TiVo, if you delete a show, you can recover it. Just a thought.

  28. Kelley on February 2nd, 2007 7:45 pm

    Jim was definitley up late just “talking”. He looked kind of annoyed on his talking head. And Karen getting up in the middle of the day going over to hug Jim, it was like she was marking her territory. I can definitley see a spark of crazy possesive girl in her. And I think Jim sees it a little too. Although last nights episode did have its funny moments, I loved it because it was filled with those akward moments that I think we have been waiting for and make The Office, THE OFFICE (i.e. the scene w/ Karen and Pam, Pam in the break room with Jim scraping the bottom of the barrel for a quality time, which I have definitly had with a guy and Micheal with the stripper, which should of been funny but I found oddly uncomfortable). Anyway thoose are my thoughts I hope that make you fee better about the episode.

  29. Lauren on February 2nd, 2007 9:26 pm

    I agree with everyone about the “talking” conclusion…
    No one has really taken this approach to Pam’s awkward chat about the importance of REM sleep: I really think that was her attempt at flirtation. Her and Roy had been dating since high school right? I imagine the first time they met it was Roy making the first move…so 10 years later Pam is single and completely and utterly clueless how these things work. Look at her face after she goes “don’t fall asleep at your desk!”, its as if she is saying to herself “really? did I REALLY just say that?”

    (wow, I think too much about this show 🙂 )

  30. Lauren (GeekCheek) on February 2nd, 2007 9:32 pm

    On second viewing, it doesn’t seem as blatant, but I think that the ellipsis before “talk” is what made me think that it was euphemistic talking rather than actual talking coupled with the smirk at the end. It could have been exasperation, though.

    So in the case of Talking=Talking v. Talking=Sex, we have a hung jury.

    And I totally missed it on first watch because I was too icked out over the possibility of the “talking” that I totally missed how tense and awkward Jim looked when Karen hugged him to mark her territory–he was practically wearing his shoulders for earrings!!

  31. MJ on February 3rd, 2007 11:30 am

    Not my favorite, and I did re-watch it. Karen & Jim were talking, but I think Jim seems like he likes it. Would someone tell me why Pam would say she needs a boyfriend and ask Ryan to hook her up, in front of Jim. Has she forgotten that he’s in love with her. When will Pam openly admit she crazy in love with Jim? My guess is when Jim’s with someone else. Karen has to go! Bye, bye.

  32. b on February 3rd, 2007 12:35 pm

    totally agree with crazygringa (comment 20 i think) about karen. really? are you still with a guy who a-downplayed a crush on his co-worker a few weeks ago (traveling salesmen) and then b-admitted to still having feelings for her (the return)?
    but to be totally fair to karen’s character-if i had a jim halpert i’d probably live in denial just to keep him around.

  33. Ten on February 3rd, 2007 8:21 pm

    I got that it truly was talking, but when Jim was talking to Karen she thought it was sex. Awkward!

  34. Ten on February 3rd, 2007 8:22 pm

    Oops! I mean when he was talking to PAM.