THE OFFICE Redux: Dunder Mifflin Infinity - Give Me My Remote : Give Me My Remote

THE OFFICE Redux: Dunder Mifflin Infinity

October 4, 2007 by  

Dunder Mifflin Infinity

I’m sitting here staring at a blank screen not sure where to start. See THE OFFICE is hands down my favorite show on television. It makes me laugh like I haven’t laughed since, well since the UK version of The Office. I’ve had a really bad day today and as pathetic as it sounds I kept thinking…just wait until 9pm and you can stop stressing and sit back and laugh. So it pains me to have to type anything but a glowing review about tonight’s show. Don’t get me wrong, I laughed my ass of at times and there were real moments of genius in the episode, and we’re going to celebrate those, but if I’m being honest I thought as a whole the episode was really uneven…again.

Steve Carell and John KrasinskiI understand that with the syndication rights as they are the one hour shows have to stand as two half-hour episodes, but they feel like two separate shows and similar to last week, the first half was strong and the second half dragged. As someone who completely supported the idea of one-hour long Office eps last year when the idea was floated around, I’m going call a take back. Maybe shorter is better (that’s what she said).

There are plenty of you out there right now that loved every single minute of it and are going to rip me to shreds for daring to go against the Mothership. I’m not hear to hate and I’m not going to bemoan the show too much because there were more brilliant moments than off ones and I want to concentrate of the funny…deal?!

Here are my favorite moments of tonight’s episode (I’d say in no particular order, but I guess they’re in the order that they happened in the show).

  • Toby is bitter and jealous and I love it! Filing a fake complaint and then outing Jim and Pam as a couple?! Things always seem to backfire on him and he needs a break. And how about when he denied them the “love contract” in the hopes they won’t last, despite the kids declaring they’re pretty serious about each other? Oh Toby, will you never win?
  • Angela calling Pam the “office mattress” made me spit out my water (well not really, I wasn’t drinking any, but I wanted to make a point). That was the old Angie…welcome back, girl!
  • Kelly dressing like a complete tramp and trying to convince Ryan that she was pregnant. Hey, it’s not like we didn’t see this coming. She did offer up the same suggestion to Pam at one point in time. For the record, that outfit was ALL Kelly Kapoor – Mindy Kaling would not be caught dead in an outfit so un-cute.
  • Pardon the inappropriate language but Ryan Howard is a douche. Seriously, I never really liked him when he was the Temp but I pretty much loathe his very existence. Sorry BJ but I’m ok with not seeing you anymore if it means we can avoid DB!Ryan (by the way, until he starts acting nicer that is his new name…DB!Ryan)

  • Phyllis making it clear to Pam that she can’t send new sales call to Jim just because she’s sleeping with him made me love Phyllis even more. Anyone else think that perhaps Phyllis is a little jealous? I know I am.
  • Michael fake typing on the Blackberry was hysterical and required a few clicks to the rewind button.
  • What about DB!Ryan lying to Kelly by saying that Karen Filipelli called him 6 months ago to ask him out. Um, other way around DB. Like Karen would have cheated on Jim with DB!Ryan…yeah, no.
  • Creed trying to fight ageism by making himself look like Christopher Walken? How does that fight ageism?
  • I love when the show respects its past, so nice use of Tom Hanks from BIG and Ben Kingsley during the conference room scenes. Hey don’t make fun, Tom Hanks is disabled – he grew from a boy to a man overnight…disability!
  • Michael Schur sends the love to Boston fans with a throwaway line about a guy named Jerry Trupiano (former Red Sox play-by-play announcer – “waaaay baaack” Let’s Go Red Sox!!)
  • Dwight and Angela ending things – oh Monkey say it ain’t so. Well say it is so if it means you getting it on with Andy Bernard until you realize that you love D and only D. High comedy ensues.
  • Speaking of Andy Bernard, if you are offering awesome lessons then please sign me up.
  • DB!Ryan was a little less of a DB when he offered Pam the opportunity to design the DM logo. Too bad he probably only did it to get in her pants. Sorry dude, the office mattress is dating Halpert so back the F off. If I remember correctly DB, this is the 3rd girlfriend of Jim’s that you’ve tried to make a move on. Face it, he’s taller, better looking, and he’s got better hair* (despite your $200 haircut). Set your sights a little lower (what about Brenda from Corporate?)

Ok, so now that I’ve properly celebrated the good, can we discuss the abysmal moments of tonight’s episode? How about Michael driving directly into the lake. Really? That made it out of the writer’s room and the incredibly talented people that put together this show every week thought it was a moment that actually needed to be filmed? They are the comics, not me, but the collective groans in our little Office chat room definitely told a story. Those were the same groans that could be heard when Michael started yelling at the former client. I know he’s frustrated and at his breaking point, but it seemed a bit out of character for Mr. Scott. Again, it’s just my two cents so I’m interested to hear what you all had to say about those scenes.

The whole second half really dragged for me. The gift basket storyline worked about as well as DunderMifflinInifinity.com (oh yeah, I went there…let’s face it, that site is not living up to DB!Ryan’s vision). The technology taking over DM-Scranton thing has the potential to get stale quickly. But I digress, because while I criticize these small moments now, I 100% trust the vision of this writing team and I know that they know their audience and what works.

Which brings me to what I think was the greatest scene of the entire episode. Please tell me you did not love the scene when Jim asks Pam if now that they are together if “the magic is gone”. That scene drew a collective gasp from the people I was watching it with online only because we were just having that same exact conversation. I mean just minutes prior we were discussing the pros and cons of the union of Jim and Pam. It was like the writers were listening to our conversation and addressed it immediately in the show. And THAT is why I truly believe THE OFFICE writers are the best in the biz. They KNOW their audience. And it is moments like that that make it ok for me not to love the second half of the show and still love the entire episode (if that makes sense).

*Note:  The chance of George Clooney ever reading this blog are probably slimmer than the chances of me having a 3-way with John Krasinski and Zachary Levi, but that being said I have something to say to Mr. Clooney.  “George, I hear that you’re doing some reshoots for “Leatherheads”.  Best of luck with them, really. Do what you need to, but if you mess with on piece of hair on that boy’s head we are going to have words.  We had to deal with Jim Halpert’s dead mop for most of last season and we just couldn’t do it again.  Some of us like the homeless look.  Thanks.  Oh and if you see Brad, Angie and the kids – give them my best.”

Comments

75 Responses to “THE OFFICE Redux: Dunder Mifflin Infinity”

  1. THE OFFICE Recap: Dunder Mifflin Infinity — All This Nonsense on October 4th, 2007 8:57 pm

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  2. Anna on October 4th, 2007 10:10 pm

    I guess he can’t get ANY girl he wants…

  3. Matt R on October 4th, 2007 10:18 pm

    Now that was a fantastic episode. Jealous Toby! Ryan being a complete tool. Jim being 10 kinds of awesome (loved the little wave to Ryan when Pam told Ryan she was dating Jim). Dwight trying to make things better in a horribly thought out way. Creed dying his hair with printer ink. And Kelly not feeling an ounce of remorse for lying about being pregnant.

    Unlike last week this ep didn’t feel like they had to stretch. It was a solid hour of comedy.

  4. Andrea on October 4th, 2007 10:23 pm

    What a great episode! Unlike last week, it all just flowed together very well. I love this show so very, very much.

    Best line: “Pam is the office mattress.”

  5. THE OFFICE Redux: Dunder Mifflin Infinity — All This Nonsense on October 4th, 2007 11:02 pm

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  6. JennyL on October 4th, 2007 11:09 pm

    Hope you’re feeling better Kath.

    I didn’t love the episode – felt too long, and not funny enough. I was almost rolling my eyes (in a bad way) about the car in the lake. But I am loving the PB&J stuff. The kiss on the cheek? If that was last season – we would have been freaking out!! Although I am afraid they are just reeling us in and something bad is going to happen. But you’re right – after 3 seasons we have definitely learned to trust the writers.

    Man, I SO jealous of that Jim and Pam magic! 🙂

  7. Melissa on October 4th, 2007 11:12 pm

    I hate feeling this way, but I completely agree with you on this one. The drive into the lake, the scene when Dwight and Michael went back to ask for the gift basket…none of that worked for me. I

  8. Krizit on October 4th, 2007 11:14 pm

    first of all: hehehehe “Scarnton” cracked me up, even though it wasn’t a deliberate typo. Moving on..

    I thought the plot with Michael driving into the lake was completely ridiculous as well – not even Michael Scott is that stupid.

    I don’t think it was THAT bad. There were alot of times where I was cracking up so it worked 🙂 But I definitely agree with the two complaints you mentioned and that everyone else has.

  9. Jessica on October 4th, 2007 11:25 pm

    I agree with you 100%. My expectations for the season just built and built over the summer, everyone I know, knows that I am an Office freak, but these first two episodes were not great and it saddens me, but at least there are only 2 more 1 hour episodes,then they go back to half hour shows. (I NEVER thought I would say that in a million years!) I love PB & J, it is making the show for me right now, but it has always been the main reason for me to watch every week. I did love the dinner with dwangela, it was awkward and hilarious. The lake was pretty dumb, I was rolling my eyes as well. Maybe my expectations are too, high? Let’s hope for next week!!

  10. AmyK on October 4th, 2007 11:26 pm

    Boy, I agree with all of your comments, GMMR…I’m really surprised with such a serious episode from Michael Schur. Not funny, not even awkward funny.

    I think I’m also missing the playfulness of the Jim and Pam dynamic…they are so serious!! I thought for sure we’d see a new prank on Dwight from them and that was what the high five was all about. Tell me that hasn’t stopped!

    I did love that Jim had the last laugh with Ryan getting rejected by Pam. I was starting to worry if Jim was second guessing his choice to forgo “awesome lessons” in New York.

  11. Ana on October 4th, 2007 11:30 pm

    I personally thought the lake thing was too far fetched as well. But, I was sitting in a room of non-fanatics and they were HYSTERICAL! I think that might be the kind of thing that makes the less than obsessive viewer laugh. At least they threw in some call backs for us fanatics too. 🙂

  12. JennyL on October 4th, 2007 11:35 pm

    Matt R – how did you know it was printer ink Creed used? I missed that.

    I have to admit, I did love the scene with “garbage” the cat. Poor Dwight. Interesting battle going on between Ryan and Jim…Ryan won the job, but Jim gets the girl! (and gets his desk back)!!! 🙂

    And I think Phyllis was breaking when she was at her desk, telling Michael the gift baskets was a stupid idea.

  13. Emily on October 4th, 2007 11:38 pm

    Ditto to everyone and Kath as well. I really don’t like these one hour shows. I mean, the least funny moment of the Office is still funnier than other shows on tv. But gags like driving into the lake, and for me the worst moment of season 3, Michael trying to take over Phyllis’ wedding are far too broad and just don’t work.

    I also love that you pointed out that the writers recognize the show’s past. It’s one of the many many things I love about the show. I noticed the pic of Ben Kingsley as well as Dwight’s comment about his Nazi grandfather who lives in Argentina.

    Overall, one hour episodes not the best way to start the new season. But things can only get better from here.

  14. Jessica on October 4th, 2007 11:41 pm

    I agree with you 100%. Everyone I know, knows I am an Office freak, but I am sad to say the first 2 episodes have not been great. My expectations for this season have been built up over the summer, but at least there are only 2 hour long shows left and then they go back to half hour shows.(I never thought in a million years I would say that). PB & J are making the show for me right now, I just hope that it gets better as the season progresses. I did love the scene with dwangela at dinner it was awkward and great. Let’s be optimistic about next week!!

  15. tara on October 4th, 2007 11:46 pm

    I also agree , I never thought i’d say this but i really want 1/2 hr. episdoes back. I almost feel as though tonight’s show would have been better it it aired separately.

    But i don’t agree with the Toby thing. Sorry Toby but you have zero chance with Pam, and it was really rude of him to out them. And what was with Phyliss’s mean comment? Not cool Phyliss.

  16. tara on October 4th, 2007 11:48 pm

    I also agree , I never thought i’d say this but i really want 1/2 hr. episdoes back. I almost feel as though tonight’s show would have been better it it aired separately. And I never minded ryan…until now. Talk about pompous! I loved to see him get shut down by Pam!

    But i don’t agree with the Toby thing. Sorry Toby but you have zero chance with Pam, and it was really rude of him to out them. And what was with Phyliss’s mean comment? Not cool Phyliss. Oh and

  17. Enid D on October 4th, 2007 11:50 pm

    I just became a fan of the U.S. version and watched all three seasons over the last month. I had been looking forward to this season, but both last week’s and this were not very good episodes. Last week’s def. had more out-loud laughs for me. Tonight’s felt too long, and awkward at points.

    As an aside, I can’t believe the joke that Creed used printer ink on his hair went completely over my head.

  18. Matt R on October 4th, 2007 11:50 pm

    JennyL= When they ask Michael why he is using old pictures in his “ageism” lecture, he says that the printer ran out of ink and then the camera immediatly pans to Creed in the corner. I just about died laughing.

    See I am going to have to disagree with the majority, I thought the second half of the epsiode was pretty good. The Dwight projecting his feelings on to clients was funny and sad. And I thought the turning the car into the lake and then yelling at the client to get the gift baskets back were in character for Michael. He wasn’t doing them because he is too stupid to know better, he was doing them because he was at his breaking point and he was being stubborn to the point of fault.

    I think last week’s episode was too long and suffered from being an hour. But I liked the pace of this ep and thought it had consistent laughs.

  19. Kaethe on October 5th, 2007 12:05 am

    I’ve got to agree with you. There were some really great moments (Poor Toby!), but it was really inconsistant. And a lot of it just didn’t seem real. I’m sorry, but I don’t care what state Michael’s in, he’s not going to drive into a lake just because a computer told him to. Hopefully next week will be better.

  20. Give Me My Remote on October 5th, 2007 12:06 am

    I fear that I set the wrong tone. Although the second half wasn’t my favorite I really loved the 1st part…did you not see that huge list of dawesome moments? LOL

  21. Emily on October 5th, 2007 12:10 am

    Does it make me a bad person that I think the sad stories about Michael as a kid were some of the funniest moments in the episode? Ryan like a fake brother who steals his jeans? Truly dawesome! DB!Ryan for sure!

  22. distracted on October 5th, 2007 12:25 am

    I didn’t like the second half as much (I don’t think anything can beat poor Toby outing PB&J), but I’m loving this season so far. Actually, the more I think about this episode, the more I like it. Creed was hilarious. I like the Kevin/Andy duo–Tuna, you don’t even know how awesome he is! And Phyllis–I couldn’t see your hands. And then Ryan hits on our Pam…. Brilliant. The Michael Scott moments were definitely majorly cringeworthy, but something you’d expect from Michael Scott. Loved it.

  23. Brad on October 5th, 2007 12:28 am

    Here’s my take on the hour-long episodes. To quote Daughtry’s “Home”: “Be careful what you wish for, ’cause you just might get it all…and then some you don’t want.” That’s kinda how I feel with these episodes. Sure, it’s great to have The Office on my TV set for a FULL HOUR! I was on board with the Supersize petition and all. But lately it’s felt as if I’m still getting a half an hour’s worth of comedy, just strrreeetttccchhhed out over an hour’s time. I would prefer a solid half hour that’s tight and has the most comedic bang (that’s what she said?) than to a full hour with a low laughs per minute count.

    As for DB!Ryan, I never really warmed up to him. Then, last season when he moved to Jim’s desk (blasphemy in The Office world!) and started getting more cocky, I was done. If BJ would like to concentrate more on writing the show and less time playing Ryan, I’d be cool with that.

    Yeah, this felt uneven to me, too. Again, as cool as it is to have an hour of The Office each week, I can’t wait to get back to the 30’s.

  24. mg714 on October 5th, 2007 12:30 am

    Good episode but I agree that parts in the second half dragged a bit. Still of course it is the best show on TV. Loved the JAM scenes especially! Dwight and Angela’s break up broke my heart! Poor Dwight – I’m sure Dwangela will return, though I also am looking forward to Andy’s attempts to woo Angela, if that is where it’s going! And I agree GMMR – if Andy’s giving awesome lessons, I’m signing up!

  25. Ahren on October 5th, 2007 12:42 am

    I do agree with all “the one hour is too long” business. I think I prefer the little special treat once in a while. (Like going to McDonald’s and supersizing when you’re really hungry for it, right?) I also wanted to post where I go to relive the episode: http://www.theofficequotes.com/category.php?id=57 I’m in Canada so I can’t rewatch the episode on NBC.com, so quotes are second best. (If not the best in some ways!) 🙂

  26. Andrea on October 5th, 2007 12:58 am

    It’s interesting – I’m not a fan of over-the-top Michael but the bit with the gift basket at the end I found to be hilarious. It really worked for me. I even bought the drive into the lake. (Make a U-turn if possible) I liked this episode *so* much better than last week. Takes all kinds, I guess!

  27. Lisa on October 5th, 2007 12:59 am

    Just have to say, my favorite part was after Ryan tried to ask Pam out and she told him about her and Jim. I loved Jim’s talking head..”I guess he can’t get ANY girl he wants.”! LOVED IT!

  28. Beth on October 5th, 2007 1:17 am

    So I watched this episode with a large group of Office fanatics and we found this ep completely hilarious! There were so many things going on, so many times we had to stop it, let everyone get their laughter out and then keep going! Way to go episode 2!

    So many great things came from this episode and I think it had a great pace. I was never dare I say bored like I was from time to time during the premiere and it was a great use of the ensemble cast. Everyone was in perfect form tonight and made great use of their characters! I think that the lake scene was hilarious (i think i might be the only one- we rewatched them trying to climb out of the car!) and was not out of character for Michael or Dwight. And PB&J out in public is glorious…I don’t think they will let anything bad happen to JAM, just have them get through some difficult/awkward times so they can prove that they are meant to be!

    My favrorite moment- when Jim and Pam both realized that they each knew about Dwight and Angela’s secret relationship!! I was wondering when that was going to come up! “I was going to wait until your birthday to tell you….” haha!!

  29. spamtastic on October 5th, 2007 1:22 am

    Ok, though the driving into the lake scene wasn’t my favorite, I loved so much about what this episode chose to be. Starting the episode with plenty of Toby screen-time? Yes, please. Sure, he was a little cruel, but it’s Toby! I can’t be mad at him. I loved how Pam thinks the memo is just his way of congratulating them and he just goes with it. And Michael’s reaction to Jim and Pam together was sweet. I also enjoy anytime we get to see more of Creed.
    Loved Kevin and Andy becoming BFF. Hope we see more of those two together. They are so money and they don’t even know it. Garbage the Cat was too cute. And Dwight was breaking my heart, he really does love Angela. Jan’s reaction to Ryan’s beard (Love the beard, you should keep it forever) was hilarious. Jim’s reaction to Ryan asking Pam out…I think it’s impossible for Jim to not be absolutely adorable. So, overall, I really enjoyed this episode. And I really enjoyed chatting with ya’ll during the show, that was really fun 🙂

  30. Liz on October 5th, 2007 1:48 am

    I pretty much loved everything aside from the entire gift-basket storyline. The lake thing was just ridiculous — please don’t turn Michael Scott into Homer Simpson. I’m definitely still in the full-squee stage of the Jim/Pam relationship. I like the way the writers are handling it. Oh man, DB!Ryan is the worst thing ever. I think he’s hilarious though because I know so many guys like that — yech. But overall, great episode, minus anything related to the gift-basket expedition — and even that had funny Dwight mourns Angela moments that I enjoyed.

  31. clare on October 5th, 2007 2:04 am

    today’s episode did feel a bit stretched out, but i’d take 30 extra minutes of the office over anything, anyday. no?

    i loved jim & pam air-high-fiving. so cute and so telling of their we-just-get-each-other chemistry! i’m also loving bitter jan! and whenever kelly is kelly (guess michael’s wish for kelly to have a brain never came true!), i’m laughing… hard.

    btw how you still feel about the documentary format of the show? do you still find it “believable”? last week’s episode opening with michael having breakfast in his condo, today’s episode with dwangela breaking up over dinner… there seems to be more cameras capturing personal non-office space this season.

    i love that we get to explore the more personal sides of our favorite tv characters. i.e. i’m eagerly awaiting a fight-at-home between jan and michael. but then i think about that particular scene, from the uk version, when tim cut out his audio, and the camera showed only the blinds, and a few silent moments later, tim & dawn came out. so subtle, so beautiful…

  32. clare on October 5th, 2007 2:06 am

    today’s episode did feel a bit stretched out, but i’d take 30 extra minutes of “the office” over anything, anyday. no?

    i loved jim & pam air-high-fiving. so cute and so telling of their we-just-get-each-other chemistry! i’m also loving bitter jan! and whenever kelly is kelly (michael’s wish for kelly to have a brain apparently never came true!), i’m laughing. hard.

    how you still feel about the documentary format of the show? do you still find it “believable”? last week’s episode opening with michael having breakfast in his condo, today’s episode with dwangela breaking up over dinner… there seems to be more cameras capturing personal non-office space this season.

    i love that we get to explore the more personal sides of our favorite tv characters. i.e. i’m eagerly awaiting a fight-at-home between jan and michael. but then i think about that particular scene, from the uk version, when tim cut out his audio, and the camera showed only the blinds, and a few silent moments later, tim & dawn came out. so subtle, so beautiful…

  33. Amy on October 5th, 2007 2:13 am

    Much better than the premiere! All right, that doesn’t mean much on its own. But this would have been a classic episode if it weren’t for that lake bit… and the ensuing Michaelness…

  34. Damian on October 5th, 2007 2:23 am

    Let me just start by saying that although this wasnt my favorite episode, a good amount of you are saying that you hate the hour long episodes, when we all know that they are capable of making really excellent one like Benihana and The Job. I am confident that next week will be alot better and will be wanting the show to be an hour once again. Every season has had its “shrug shoulders” episode. This season wont be any exception

  35. Laura on October 5th, 2007 2:36 am

    I really liked the idea of the gift baskets. Maybe because I have a sales background…I know clients like to be coddled. Remember, Michael was the number one salesman, that is how he was promoted to manager. And now Dwight is the best salesman in the company. Of course face to face meetings and gift baskets are going to work! Michael’s comment when he first leaves the law office, about the daughter not eating something because she’s allergic, was brilliant. Did you see the reaction of the lawyer? I think if Michael and Dwight had not gone back and made fools of themselves, they may have found a renewed client.

  36. Carli on October 5th, 2007 3:11 am

    I liked this one better than last week’s. I agree with the gift basket part being a bit unecessary, but I laughed at the car in the lake if only to hear “the machine” say “please make a U-turn…if possible” LOL

    Loved the magic being lost conversation too. Before the episode, the fiance asked me if I was excited about Jim and Pam and I said yeah, but I was afraid of what might happen.

    “I have news for you buddy. I…am…keepin…it!” LMAO

  37. Wendy on October 5th, 2007 5:14 am

    The most brilliant facet of this new season, to me, is how the writers are nodding and winking constantly to all the PB & J fervor. From Kevin’s “Are you kidding me?” and “PB & J” comments, to the fact that Michael says “The curse is broken!” and they cut immediately to the JAM car scene (to me a reference to the will-they-or-won’t-they TV couple curse), to the “magic is gone” comments…..they are mocking us. And I love it and find it hilarious.

  38. AmyK on October 5th, 2007 6:38 am

    One thing about Jim and Pam… I am a firm believer that together is better than not, but I feel like they went from angsty, “I can’t look at you, let alone talk to you” to “yes, we’re together…moving on.” If I were Jim Halpert, after years of wanting someone, I couldn’t contain my smiley happiness even at work. I guess I miss the flirty, I can’t believe this is happening stuff…like Jim’s reaction to Pam asleep on his shoulder in season one. Last night, it felt like it could have been Karen that kissed him on the cheek in the breakroom and Jim responding the same way.

    Obviously, I have read too much fanfiction and I should now get a real life…

  39. jenn on October 5th, 2007 7:24 am

    okay…. well, apparently, *I’M* the only one who thought the driving into the lake thing was hiLARRYus!!!!!! see, i’m probably the most directionally challenged person alive… so, i would be the one to be just like michael and take that right! 🙂 hahaha…. it also reminded me of when i was driving with a friend, and we were following our stupid little GPS system… it wound up driving us straight to a brickwall…. seriously – it was a dead end. i didn’t think the lake scene was bad. not at all.
    but, i agree about going back to 1/2 hours. it’s like it keeps you more anxious about what’s to come…

    pam is the office mattress!!!! – OMG!!!!! funny funny funny! 🙂

  40. Melissa on October 5th, 2007 7:29 am

    I think my expectations were so high that I fixated on the stuff I didn’t love. But all of the Jim/Pam stuff was fantastic…especially the meta-awesomeness of the “magic is gone” conversation. (I’m pretty sure that those two do not need awesome lessons.) Every scene with Kelly was pure gold.

  41. Melody on October 5th, 2007 8:48 am

    I’m with you. The thing that really surprised me was that Michael driving into the lake is such incredibly broad humor. The only thing that was missing was him then slipping on a banana peel. But then to follow that with something as broad as the whole “WHERE ARE THE TURRRRRTLLLLLLES?” incident? That really surprised me.

    I find it a little strange, because I absolutely loved episodes like “A Benihana Christmas” and “The Job.” But those episodes were sort of extra-special episodes. I really am not feeling like it’s working to have some of the “regular” episodes be an hour long.

    That said, I continue to want to kiss the writers all over the face for how beautifully they’re doing the Jim and Pam thing. It’s not over the top, but they’re happy, and I’m happy, and as unconventional as it is to do that on television, it really, really works.

  42. lnfitz on October 5th, 2007 8:49 am

    Not the perfect episode – but pretty freakin’ funny at parts. *Loved* Dwight’s talking head about the Shoah foundation – I nearly fell off the couch.

    I like the PB& J dynamic – very cute and funny as well. The “magic is gone” conversation was hilarious. I also feel like they are hiding from the camera just a bit – which is a great twist.

    I didn’t love the Michael/Dwight gift basket -> freaking out former clients -> driving into a lake story line. It did show, however, that both characters feel completely out of their element and are flailing around with all the changes that have happened. I feel like this is a set up for some comic gold.

  43. srah on October 5th, 2007 8:51 am

    Dwangela made me so sad. Please drag out the drama a little further, then GET THEM BACK TOGETHER! They are the most important relationship on the show!

  44. Amber on October 5th, 2007 9:18 am

    Loved every second. Even the lake, because if Michael can hit Meredith rying to park, why can’t he drive into a lake when Ryan’s technology tells him to? I did wish he got a chance to shine a little with the gift baskets, like at least winning back one client.
    Poor Pam. It’s hard being the company mattress. At least she gets Jim to make up for all the flack!

  45. Jake R. on October 5th, 2007 9:34 am

    I was looking forward to bashing last night’s mediocrity (again), even though I stand by the idea that bad Office episodes are still good TV. Anyway, after reading some of the criticisms, I’d have to say that from the top of the page to the bottom, I’ve come to like last night’s episode. Michael driving into the lake to make a point? That wasn’t really over-the-top to me. The gift basket retrieval wasn’t weird either. Finally, I don’t hate the new Ryan. It’s nice having a character that actually points out Michael’s idiocy rather than just mock it. I mean, I think new Ryan will get stale fast if the writers aren’t careful, but I’m with you GMMR–I trust the writing staff to pull it all out in the end!

  46. JennyL on October 5th, 2007 9:45 am

    Thanks Matt R – I totally missed that – I was probably laughing at something else!! Thank you.

    Wendy – great comment about the writers mocking us – super insight I didn’t connect to the episode last night!! Remember how they made us not liking Jim nearing the end of last season, only for him to confess he’s not the same person he used to be? Man, those writers are smart….and they have us wrapped around their little finger!! 🙂

  47. Megan on October 5th, 2007 9:56 am

    I think it is necessary for the beginning episodes to be broad and maybe a little wacky because everything has to change this season. They have to turn everything on its head because the main source of conflict, Pam and Jim, is not a source of conflict anymore….so they’ve got to bend things and twist them. I forgive the writers for anything in these first five episodes because of the massive amount of reworking and turning they have to do. Alright–I’ll be honest–I forgive the writers for anything, anytime because they’re brilliant. Anyway-my personal favorite moment of the night was the Andy/Kevin mash up. I think they could do wonders together. “Tuna, Tuna, Tuna…” Talk about two guys that absolutely do not need awesome lessons. Also–Ryan may be a tool–but he’s my favorite tool of all. He will do great things this season…

    To summarize: I can handle a car in the lake as long as they don’t sacrifice character development for broad comedy–and I don’t think the writers would ever let that happen, so I’m good with where we’re at.

  48. Ames on October 5th, 2007 10:16 am

    Loved the ep, loved the JAM, and ESPECIALLY the “Dwight can’t visit his grandfather in Argentina because he’s a NAZI” bit.

    I thought the car in the lake bit was a tad over the top, until I read this:

    http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article707216.ece

    So yeah, it happens.

  49. Heather on October 5th, 2007 10:33 am

    I really liked last weeks episode, especially after a second viewing. I do feel like the hour episodes are stretching a bit, but it’s strange because all of season three’s one hour episodes never dragged for me! I did like how they addressed the magic issue w/ PB&J. It’s so hard because I wanted nothing more for those kids to get together, but is it wrong that I’m missing the angst?? Also I love their conspiring and thats been missing as well…I want to see more Jim/Dwight hijinx too. I loved me some Kelly Kapour though, she just cracks me up. I’m going to watch this episode again and hopefully I will find some more items. I mean “office mattress” was classic Angela. I’m w/ GMMR though, I trust the writers and that they’re going to be setting things up for future episodes that will have us rolling I’m sure!

  50. Lynzee on October 5th, 2007 10:50 am

    Agreed I think the hour long offices are struggling a little but, come on…..

    “WHERE ARE THE TURTLES??!!!!”

    One of the best quotes from the show. I rolled off my couch and thoroughly annoyed my roommates for the rest of the night walking around the house yelling that. Hahaha

  51. Stephanie on October 5th, 2007 11:01 am

    Ryan is totally annoying me. Ryan and Kelly deserve each other. And Tody? Ugh. Some may think it’s cute and feel sorry for him…not me. Back off and find someone else to pine after, Pam never liked you anyway! Great show. 😉

  52. Mary on October 5th, 2007 11:03 am

    Again I liked the first part better than the second part. I feel bad for Toby, but seriously, come on Tobes, it is just not going to happen. And I know someone else mentioned this, but how much did I not like Phylllis this week. “You can’t base your decision on who you are sleeping with this week.” She made Pam look like a tramp. I mean she was engaged to Roy for upteen years! Anyway, that meanness turned me off. Michael made me cringe last half hour with the screaming. Strange. But I love my Jim claiming victory over Ryan. Kind of a jerk the Temp. Anyway, just some thoughts.

  53. Becky on October 5th, 2007 11:05 am

    Wow. I thought more people (especially here) would have loved the episode. I really enjoyed it. Some of it was over the top – Michael going in the lake & getting the gift baskets back – but even that was no where near the level of Phyllis’ wedding – which nearly killed me to watch.

    Pam and Jim – love them. LOVE THEM.

    “Well, I guess he can’t get ANY girl he wants.”

    Nearly fell of the couch. Way to go Jim.

    Kelly with the pregnant – and the head shake to the camera. And then not understanding why Ryan would be mad about that. I so love her.

    Angela dumping Dwight – I mean, he did deserve it, but still poor Dwight.

    Andy and Kevin – Tuna, tuna, tuna – how dawesome are they?

    Creed. Love me some Creed.

    Pam is the office mattress. And the eye roll she gave Dwight. And when Dwight turned the expense tickets in. Angela is back! Love her.

    Overall, I really enjoyed the episode (also poor Toby – sorry, I keep remembering stuff) I really don’t mind the hour long episodes. I’m ok with as much office as i can get.

  54. Emmaxoxlee on October 5th, 2007 11:19 am

    the michael outburts about the turtles
    and then driving into the lake
    were very brick from anchorman for me.
    did i find it funny… yes…
    was it michael scott…not so much.

  55. Psappy on October 5th, 2007 11:49 am

    It’s interesting that the other reviews aren’t really mentioning Michael’s jumping into the lake as a jumping the shark moment. I totally thought the show would be reamed for that unsuccessfully funny moment, but whatevs. And I had a thought…is it possible dundermifflininfinity.com isn’t working is a spoiler for the show? As in, it’s not user-friendly and impossibly to work with, and in that way, that’s what’s going to get Ryan fired? anyone?

  56. Give Me My Remote on October 5th, 2007 12:58 pm

    <p>Psappy: I’ve read a few other reviews where the lake incident was mentioned. Most notably, check out what <a href=”http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/10/05/the-office-dunder-mifflin-infinity/” rel=”nofollow”>TVSquad.com had to say about it:</p>
    <p><em>”I don’t buy that Michael could be a functioning human being in the world and also be someone who would knowingly drive into a lake.</p>
    <p>And if there’s one thing about this show that I can’t stand it’s when we veer into this ridiculous territory! I know it’s just a show, and I know it’s a funny one (probably neck-and-neck with 30 Rock for the funniest on TV), but I don’t think the show needs this kind of humor. “</em></p>

  57. Brittany on October 5th, 2007 1:07 pm

    I love this episode so much!! It hit so many different high points. I do however agree that there were some drag points. I have rewatched it 3 times and admit that I do fast-forward through the gift baskets and the car driving into the lake and the old man who invented Dunder Mifflin.
    There were enough funny moments and quotes to get me through though.
    Shut up, Toby.
    JAM- There is still magic!!!

  58. sare81 on October 5th, 2007 1:21 pm

    This episode was along the lines of Ben Franklin as being horrible for me. Really disappointing and always scares me that people won’t watch. I did not get it. Nothing was really funny. At all! Fun Run was way better.
    It seems like a whole new staff is writing this show this year! And I agree about Ryan–he always ruined the show for me as a temp and now he’s even MORE annoying. And not in a good way. In a way that makes me not want to watch my favorite show on the planet if he’s going to be on that much!!
    BJ had to have written this one, right? He likes to write episodes in which he’s the main plot. Ugh.
    I hope it gets better next week. I miss my Office of yesteryear!! 🙁
    P.S. Love Jim and Pam together, though. They’re my only bright light. 🙂

  59. Amy on October 5th, 2007 1:28 pm

    I had the same complaints as GMMR and others, Michael’s antics in the second half were just too much, again. It is hard to see how that stuff made it into the episode. But overall I enjoyed this one much more than last week’s.

    And I am loving Kevin even more this season, he has had so many wonderful little moments. “Fire guy!!” while giving DB!Ryan a noogie — loved it.

  60. Psappy on October 5th, 2007 1:35 pm

    Thanks GMMR. I hadn’t read that review. I’ve only seen EW and tvguide. And I agree with you about this episode. First 1/2 was solid, pitch-perfect even. But the 2nd 1/2 was awful. And I hate saying that about my favorite show. BTW first deleted scene is up and it’s genius.

  61. Andrea on October 5th, 2007 1:35 pm

    sare81:

    Michael Schur wrote last night’s episode, which I thought was utterly hilarious, FWIW.

  62. lunaticlady on October 5th, 2007 2:22 pm

    I loved this episode, it´s one of my new favorites. Last week I was a little disappointed too, but this one had so many great moments, I couldn´t like it more.

  63. TheOfficeMattress on October 5th, 2007 2:40 pm

    Kath, I agree with you 100% as well, there were some hiliarious moments that made the episode a great one, like Pam being the Office Mattress, Andy and Kevin, Creed being insane, Michael saying that Jim and Pam together is a day that will live in emphamy forever. And poor Dwangela…that saddens me 🙁 Michael driving into the lake was dumb but I think the writers just like to have Michael do shockingly insane things…and they may have taken a little too far…but oh well, even the not so dawesome episodes of the office are still way funnier than most shows on TV!

  64. Kim on October 5th, 2007 7:49 pm

    I liked the episode overall. I thought Micael driving into the lake was funny. The gift baskets part was the only slow part for me, but not horrible. The two things that I did not care for at all were Phyllis’ comment to Pam (I didn’t mind her catty comments to Karen, but not Pam) and Toby. I have HATED this Toby pining after Pam storyline ever since it started worming its way in. I just don’t find it funny or endearing in any way shape or form and I wish that it would just go away!!!

  65. Hilary (watchestomuchtv) on October 5th, 2007 7:55 pm

    It was totally uneven…again. The first half is always good, and then it drags on. I was not a supporter of hour-long episodes…or moving it to nine.

    But yeah. My frirend I were talking about it this morning and agreed on the fact that the fruit basket idea was completely idiotic. And how could Michael NOT see the lake right there?! Idiot.

    And I apoligize if I was a little bitchy last night during the chat. Bad night.

  66. Toast with JAM on October 6th, 2007 3:57 am

    OK, I apologize for not reading other posts b4 writing. I’ll go back in a min.

    I LOVED the fact that you could still see the old Ryan under the new shiny Ryan. I expected to totally hate on him and I really don’t! He did a great job of pulling off his new boss role while still showing his insecurities. Bringing up his fire incident was great. And his reaction to Pam when she said she’s with Jim. He’s like, “ARE YOU F@@@ING KIDDING ME?!? Hiding from the camera (and Jim) as he walked by Jim’s desk. Jim is just his Achilles heel. I can’t wait to watch Ryan find out that Jim gave up that job and that he was the second (or maybe 3rd, 4th) choice. I wonder how he’ll find out. Probably at the Christmas party when David makes a comment to Jim about “we’ll always have a spot for you in NY” and Ryan overhears. And Ryan will be finally dating someone–Karen, one of Jim’s cast-offs. Mark my words! Watch the episode again. Give Ryan a chance. He’s never made a sale, poor puppy. He has to pay $200 for a haircut just so he can say he did. 🙂

    My friend said that comments were made (haven’t re-watched yet to confirm) about the office being “out of toner” when Creed came in with the dyed hair. comments??? Other than GROSS!

    Phyllis making the comment about whoever you’re sleeping with “that week”. I love the stuff that comes out of Phyllis’ mouth.

    Really my biggest beef with the episode was when Michael and Dwight went back for the basket. Because they always show how Michael has his brilliance as a salesman, and they did it again when he made the comment about how the client’s daughter was allergic to the nuts. So why have him go back and totally blow it by demanding the basket back? He was on his way to getting the account back by combining the basket technique with the new website info. Didn’t make sense, even for Michael. I can buy him driving into the lake more than going back for the basket.

    I like how Michael was having a love-hate relationship with technology when it came to his navigation system. It was like he drove into the lake to prove a point that technology was not the best way to do things.

    I think that JAM is not too mushy on purpose. I am forseeing a series (or just an episode) of flashbacks to when they got together. The writers wouldn’t just have them together and not give us something more. They just do it in their own, brilliant way!!!! I should be a consultant. Call me B.J.!!!!! I love Kelly Kapur. (…”yes, I know that she’s Indian and that can be confusing….”)

  67. Toast with JAM on October 6th, 2007 7:09 am

    I love that I can re-live all the sooooo funny moments when I read the posts here! It makes me love the episode more and more! So many meaningful subtle jokes that I really, really love because it’s like you have to KNOW to get some of them. And I KNOW the Office. LOVELOVELOVELOVELOVE…….mock us viewers all you want, writers!!!!!!!!

    “I couldn’t see your hands…”
    “I was gonna wait until your birthday…”
    “Nooo…Angela is great…..at accounting.”
    “May the bells of Dunder Mifflin chime out your love”
    “Make a U-turn…if possible”
    “Guess who’s now the best looking single guy in the office!”
    “..and..I..am..keepin’ it!”
    “I heard a joke today (oh, that’s funny!)..yes, it was”
    “I love the beard. You should keep it forever”

    Kelly: “He’s really ticklish”
    Michael: “Yeah, I know” (Killed me!)

    Toby: “He’s actually correct.”
    Michael: “Toby, shut up.”

  68. cio_cio_san on October 6th, 2007 3:27 pm

    i love kelly sooo much!!!

    “oh… is Ryan coming back today?”

    “Can we speak privately about our relationship?”

    Kelly: “Awesome, I am dating a lot of guys… a lot. Black guys, mostly.”
    Ryan: “Kelly…”
    Kelly: “What!”

    “We have a date!”

    she is awesome

  69. Zenah on October 7th, 2007 11:41 am

    I know it’s late, but i have to say… I literally choked when michael drove into the lake, and I NEVER laugh and choke. It was so perfectly done because, he wasn’t paying attention.
    Dwight is begging him to look forward, and Michael is adament the navigator is right.
    I mean, it was the single best thing about the whole hour, followed very closely by Jim and Pam and Toby’s jealousy.
    I disliked the Dwangela drama. Talk about far fetched. Come on lady, it was a cat and he did what he did out of love.

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