THE OFFICE: 'Job Fair' - Give Me My Remote : Give Me My Remote

THE OFFICE: ‘Job Fair’

May 8, 2008 by  

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(This post and its comments include speculation on next week’s season finale of THE OFFICE.  Please be advised.) 

Hmmm.  I guess I should say that this episode of THE OFFICE was really for the die hard fans.  Because anyone just watching it for the comedy might be left feeling a bit underwhelmed.  Tonight episode had a few funny moments (ok Andy taking a dig off the golf cart is the only one that comes to mind), but it really served as a set up episode for the season finale.  Not sure why it couldn’t be funny while planting the seeds for next week. I don’t normally like to write a review of the episode after just one viewing, but I’m going to go with my initial impression on this one tonight.

Settle in, because you know how I like to talk about this show…

Previously on Varsity Blues…
Michael, Darryl, Oscar and Pam headed to a high school job fair to try to recruit for the Dunder Mifflin internship position.  And yes, it went as badly as you would expect it to.  Somehow Michael’s only prop – a blank sheet of paper on which students could writer their hopes and dreams – didn’t really attract anyone, except for Justin, but Michael managed to offend him enough that he wasn’t interested.  Oh and Michael got his hands on a microphone, so that’s that.

Meanwhile, desperate to prove himself in light of DB!Ryan’s “formal warning”, Jim took to the links to try to win the business of a potentially huge client.  Andy and Kevin came along too, although I never really figured out why.  Jim tried a few times throughout the day to talk business but the client just wasn’t having it.  And to be honest, with the lack of effort he was putting in, Jim couldn’t get me to switch to Dunder Mifflin (ok he could…but he would have to be shirtless).  Realizing a lot was on the line – his job and the conversation he is planning on having with Pam’s parents – Jim stepped it up and persisted until the client agreed to sign with Jim.  Well done my friend!   All of this led to a nice in-office make out session with Pam…but more on that later.

While Michael and Jim were away, Dwight tried to keep order.  But being that no one respects him, that was a little tough.  While on a bathroom break, the remaining Dunder Mifflinites took off for the day.  Well all except for Angela.  We were tortured with many scenes of Angela and Dwight in the office together…alone.  But nothing happened.  What? What was the point?  I know, I know…wait until next week.  But still.

And that was about it.  I guess the Dwangela scenes kind of summed up everything tonight – nothing happened.  Again, if you read between the lines a lot happened in terms of what we can expect next week, but tonight…kind of blah if you ask me.

Sadly, as much as I adore Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky and truly believe they are the funniest twosome in TV writing, I worry that they tried to salvage a somewhat unfunny episode with a JAM kiss.  I loved it, don’t get me wrong, but it wasn’t enough.  But as the writers know, that kiss will be enough for some.

I guess it’s only fair to say that the great thing about comedy is how subjective it is.  After the first viewing, I can’t say that this episode was one of my favorites, but I’ve already fielded a few emails from fans saying it was “classic” and “an instant favorite”.  To each their own.  For those of you who loved it, remind me of the funny in the comments…I’m ready to laugh.

The Season Finale…Let’s Break it Down
(The following contains spoilers and speculation based on promos for the season finale. This is also the point where I completely embarrass myself by showing you all just how much I over analyze the characters on a half hour sitcom.)

So let’s talk about next week.  The big season finale.  THE OFFICE has yet to disappoint in a season finale, and since this finale has been under super secret lock down I don’t think we’ll be disappointed.  That being said, it’s a week away and I’m already nervous.

Dwight and Angela…
There was no point in having any kind of Dwight and Angela scenes tonight if it weren’t going to pay off next week.  Agreed?  If it weren’t for Dwight’s recent makeout session with that basketball player, I might be thinking that these two have been secretly seeing each other away from the cameras.  But I know Dwight would never do that to Angela, so I’m guess that’s not the case.  But I am convinced that these two will find their way back to each other during the finale.  How?  Your guess is as good as mine…and by that I mean please take a guess and share it in the comments.

Jim and Pam…
I’m back to feeling uneasy about the potential engagement.  I was nervous at first that Pam would say ‘no’, but then I got over it when I realized how comfortable she was with all the proposal talk. After last week I was convinced she would say ‘yes’.  Now I’m not so sure again. A lot was made tonight about Pam’s future – maybe not directly but it was there.  Does Pam want to be a receptionist there, always?  If not, she’s got to take a chance on something, sometime. And Pam learned tonight that pursuing her dream as an artist might just mean leaving Scranton for Philly or New York. I’m worried that she will realize that there are things she wants to accomplish before becoming Mrs. Jim Halpert.  Uh, I’m going to be sick.

As for Jim.  Well, I think there might have been a bit of foreshadowing in one of Michael’s talking heads when he said: “I look at somebody like Jim Halpert and I think, that guy could do anything he wants to do.  He could do anything.  And he chooses to work here.  Selling paper.  Just like me.” So much of Jim’s arc this season has been him fighting becoming Michael.  Time and time again he’s been given a glimpse of his future if he chooses to be stagnant and stay with Dunder Mifflin, and I don’t think he’s liked what he’s seen.

So yeah, I’m nervous again about the future of Jim and Pam.  I’m worried that they will grow apart while trying to figure out who they are as individuals.  There’s just been too many questions brought up about their future over the past few weeks.  Just when we thought they would have a happy engagement, the writers might take it all away from us.  I could be wrong, and I hope I am, but I don’t think it’s looking good.

Do I think that either Jim or Pam will leave Dunder Miffin?  Nope.  Not until the show is over.  I don’t think they can afford to have either one of those characters out of the office for a long period of time.  They are two of the leads.  It would mess with the dynamic.  Again, may I remind you of Stamford?

Toby…
Yes, the episode is called “Goodbye Toby” but I’m not convinced he’s going anywhere.  I think it’s a bit of a red herring.  Especially since Toby’s HR replacement is an Oscar nominated actress who won’t be around for more than one episode.  I think Michael will be beyond excited that Toby is leaving but then devastated when he finds out he’s staying.  What will get him to stay?  It’s anyone’s guess.

Michael and Jan…
I know I sound like a broke record, but I’ve been saying for weeks that I think that something big will happen with Michael and Jan in the season finale.  I’m convinced that all this talk of Michael’s vasectomies, leaving a legacy for his children, etc is just a set up for a big baby announcement.  And how very funny would that be?  Michael getting exactly what he’s always wanted from life – children…but with the caveat that he will forever be tied to Jan.  How brilliant?!  I could be off on this one, but I’m thinking this might be the big cliffhanger of the finale.

It’s going to be a loooong week.  I’m not sure if I’m going to make it.

What did you think of tonight’s episode?  Was it one of your favorite?  Either way talk to me about it.  And feel free to share your thoughts on next week’s season finale in the comments.  But please, keep speculation based on spoilers in the episode description and promos.  

Comments

41 Responses to “THE OFFICE: ‘Job Fair’”

  1. Megan on May 8th, 2008 11:06 pm

    I have to agree with you on this one. I didn’t love the episode as a comedy show. Of course, I loved it for all the reasons I love The Office, but there wasn’t a whole lot of comedy involved. It was a big set up for next week.

    As for that engagement talk… I think Jim and Pam will be engaged by the end of the season. Pam clearly loves Jim and supports him 100%. He supports her 100% in return. They are each other’s motivation for something better. They don’t need to be apart to figure out that the best thing that ever happened to them is each other. It will, however, be very interesting to see how they reconcile where they work and their careers with their hopes and dreams with each other. The Office writers haven’t let us down so far, I’m going to trust them on this one.

    I’m ready to get my ass kicked.

  2. Mandy on May 8th, 2008 11:09 pm

    Jim and Pam looked happy in the promos, but…. you have me nervous. I am freaking out. I need JAM!! But I have to agree with you things have been so good for them but there are clues that things may not work out as smoothly as we would like. The obvious solution would be Pam and Jim heading to New York together. Assuming Ryan gets fired and Jim gets his job, then Pam could attend art school. But that solution seems too easy. How will I make it until next Thurs!!!

  3. THE OFFICE: ‘Job Fair’ — All This Nonsense on May 8th, 2008 11:45 pm

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  4. Ryan on May 8th, 2008 11:45 pm

    probably the worst episode of the season; for sure the worst since the show has come back. seemed just window dressing for next week to set things up. with the shortened season i guess they had to rush things a long a little bit and have more substance then funny.

    as far as next week, i’m trying to avoid all spoilers and previews. just more fun for me when everything is a surprise.

    but in my completely uniformed or tipped opinion/prediction, jim popping the question and waiting for a answer is how this season is going to end.

  5. Sammi on May 8th, 2008 11:48 pm

    You are in my head. I think I found the episode slightly more funny than you did but we were on the same page on most of it. I am not feeling good about Jim and Pam either. I don’t think they will break up but I don’t think a wedding is happening any time soon.

    I was aggravated by the Angela and Dwight storyline tonight. Just as you said. What was the point?

  6. joey on May 8th, 2008 11:58 pm

    Pam found out that she needs to move on in order to make her dreams come true. What Jim needs to make himself happy is going to keep him in Scranton. That’s not a good sign for their future. Especially since the writers tried to be real subtle about it.

    Creed’s ‘pumpkin’ comment might be the funniest line of the night.

  7. Mandy on May 9th, 2008 12:15 am

    I liked the episode. Guess I’m in the minority. I thought last weeks episode was the real klunker of the bunch. I agree that is was a set up for next weeks episodes, but it was still entertaining, at least for me. Andy crashing the golf cart was a bust out laughing moment for me, but there were other moments where I chuckled as well. Like Michael telling the kid that he would never tell Pam that she is talented and sweet to her face, and Oscar saying why wouldn’t you tell her that?

    I’m nervous for Jim and Pam. I wasn’t until the tag. That tag gave me a bad feeling. I hope the writers aren’t predictable and break them up. I’d like to see a couple actually make it on a show without breaking up and getting back together.

  8. JennyL on May 9th, 2008 12:25 am

    I liked the episode and thought it was funny…but mostly because the writers forced me too with cute Jim comments “oh, I like you.” and the omg kissing at the end.

    i’m hoping the writers are setting us up to be totally fooled and blown away by the finale…making us wonder if Pam is looking for more and if Jim will stay selling paper…and not talking about Ryan and Michael/Jan. I think they will have the big storylines next week, and hopefully JAM will get closer to an engagement. My finale guess – Ryan is the one that leaves, Jan is pregnant, and surprise engagement, with a “yes”. (And maybe some JAM drama to start S5.) I think they’ll leave JAM on a good note. Right. RIGHT?!!!!

  9. Lori on May 9th, 2008 12:27 am

    Maybe the one thing that will keep Toby around is if Pam says “No” to Jim’s proposal. May sound silly, but it’s just a guess. I really don’t like the direction the writers have taken with this character.
    Even if Pam decides to turn Jim down for now (maybe leaving her on her own adventures in the next season to fulfill her dreams), doesn’t mean they won’t end up together. It just sounds too simple if they get married after only dating (officially) for one season.

  10. JennyL on May 9th, 2008 12:30 am

    Have to metion that Jim Halpert’s hotness factor was amazing – best we’ve seen him all season I think! sooo cute.

  11. Give Me My Remote on May 9th, 2008 12:32 am

    I need meds. I’m all over the place. I’ve been down about Pam saying no but then I keep thinking, like Jenny says, they can’t leave us all summer on a Jim and Pam downer, right?

    I’m more convinced than ever that Toby doesn’t leave. Jenna was just on The Tonight Show and said that a cast member leaves. I can’t imagine who it will be but I just don’t think it will be Toby. I want to believe that it’s Ryan, but BJ was one of the original 5 leads so I don’t know if it will be him or not.

    Check out Office Tally tomorrow morning for the scene from next week’s episode that she showed on Leno tonight. Funny stuff.

  12. Sara on May 9th, 2008 12:48 am

    I think the best way to view this episode is to ignore all of the setup for next week (which I still thought was funny) and focus on the most satisfying part of the episode:

    The Jim/Pam Mega-Smooch!

    I mean, come on! Just appreciate the happy stuff and you’ll feel so much better! 🙂

  13. Alison on May 9th, 2008 12:55 am

    Not funny? Did we not watch the same episode?

    * “…youth-enize this place.” – Michael
    * “Everybody, I’m dating Barack Obama!” – Kelly
    * “My grandfather would be spinning in his urn if he knew that I was out here with a Dartmouth boy. You take that shirt off right now or I will take it off for you sir.” – Andy
    * “I finished my work months ago” – Creed
    * “I will tell on you” – Dwight
    * “And then you sneezed in my tea” – Pam
    * “She will do you” – Michael
    * “Kiss her, kiss her good.” – Michael

    And those are just on my first viewing.

    I thought this was a great episode. The tension of Dwight and Angela in the office, but not doing anything was brilliant, unexpected and so not sitcomy. Loved it. Can’t wait for next week!

  14. Allyson on May 9th, 2008 1:22 am

    I liked this episode more than the last couple, I didn’t really care for last weeks at all so this is definitely a step up. I don’t have any doubts that Jim and Pam will be engaged by the end of the next episode. When I saw the tag, with Pam thinking about Philadelphia I immediately connected it to PhillyJim. I could see these two packing up everything and moving to Philadelphia to try and make their dreams come true, but then again, they are two of the lead in the show and we know that they’re under contract. Of course I don’t want them to leave Scranton, but in terms of character development that’s where I would want them to go with that. As far as the rest of the episode, I thought Darryl looked quite dapper in his shirt and tie and Michael was an ass as usual. I love how they block Angela’s belly, I think it’s cute.

  15. Jess on May 9th, 2008 1:40 am

    I would also like to add to Alison’s post:
    *Andy’s blisters and then putting lotion in his gloves
    *Andy trying to drink his beer
    *Kevin & Andy humming porno music while Pam & Jim are making out
    *Creed calling Angela “pumpkin” and then saying “Let’s ditch this bitch!”
    *Dwight threatening “I’ll tell on you!”

  16. I Like You on May 9th, 2008 2:21 am

    I am not worried at all. The promo with the hug, and them on the rooftop, it is totally cool everyone. And I recall reading somewhere that the finale did not involve Jim and Pam, so he will get an answer on Thursday, before the end of the show. Pam already knows what she wants, and she doesn’t need to be away from Jim to realize it. He is her biggest fan, her number one supporter, and has always encouraged her to go after her dreams. They are stronger together. Pam went through her transformation last year. And Jim has found his strength again. I am excited. Bring on the JAM!

  17. lemoñadé on May 9th, 2008 2:47 am

    To add to Allison and Jess’ posts:

    *The way Pam’s holding her face when Michael is talking on the mic.
    *The fact that Kevin is gambling petty cash money…for the second time.
    *Loved the Jim/Pam phone call.
    *Dwight’s rant about who’s in charge when Michael is gone and his build up about the consequences only to find out that the consequences of them leaving is him saying “I’ll tell on you”.
    *Jim feeding Andy his beer as Pam returns from the Job Fair.
    *Darryl responding to Michael’s put down with, “Hey Mike, what college did you go to?”

  18. Julie on May 9th, 2008 3:30 am

    I’m with you guys who have said all of the funny stuff from the episode and do agree that it was better than last week’s. I actually really enjoyed it. But, then again, I’m easy to please. Anytime Jim and Pam kiss I get more excited about kissing than I was in seventh grade. Besides that though, it reminded me of Beach Games in terms of setting up the finale. My socks weren’t blown off by Beach Games and the same goes for this episode. s

    I, too, am convinced that Toby is not the one leaving. There’s no way they’d just give it away like that. Where’s the joy in knowing already who it is? As far as the future of Jim and Pam, I’m sure everything is going to be fine. We’ve already heard spoilers and such that they’re not breaking up and considering how things have been I feel like it would be cruel and unusual punishment for all of us sitting at home if they just broke up out of nowhere.

    I can’t wait for next week. Seriously. Can’t. Wait. I almost want to avoid all spoilers and go into the episode fresh. We’ll see how my resolve to do this goes throughout the week. I may not be able to take it.

  19. Kristin on May 9th, 2008 8:23 am

    Okay guys, here’s the deal – after next week no more new Office for 4 1/2 months! So enjoy every moment while you can…

    I can kind of see where some people are coming from with not finding this a hilarious episode but I loved it. It was a lot of set up, but what’s wrong with that? I think Beach Games and some other good episodes were also setup. That’s part of what I love about The Office – a lot of times there’s no immediate payoff to character/plot development. Some of the Season 3 episodes about killed me! I thought there were some really funny and poignant lines, most of which have been cited above already. One that hasn’t though – “Thank you, Dateline.” The delivery was perfection. I love you Steve Carell!

    JAM are definitely fine. There’s NO WAY the writers are going to alienate the JAM fans out there, plus this episode made it more than clear how much they’re both into each other. It would be beyond jarring to mess things up with them. Pam’s quest to find a fulfilling career has nothing to do with ditching Jim. Everything will be fine.

  20. Lisa (lmr722) on May 9th, 2008 8:57 am

    (sticking fingers in ears and humming la la la la) am trying to avoid spoilers so only read part of your review GMMR. Just wanted to pipe in on why Jim would bring Andy and Kevin. Golf tee times are for foursomes. Most clubs won’t sent out a twosome and so will pair a twosome with another twosome to send out four together. Jim wanted to sell the guy so he wouldn’t want to be paired with two strangers.

  21. samanthemofthesun on May 9th, 2008 9:02 am

    I can definitely see the set up for Ryan getting demoted and sent back to Scranton, Jim getting hired in NY to take his place, Pam going with him to NY and taking a job as receptionist at DM while going to school at night to complete her dream; This way, we still have them in the show, Jim gets to move up the ladder, Pam continues with her dream, and we are all happy. Simple? Yes. But a girl can dream, can’t she???

    Michael deserves Jan. Karma has a funny way of meting things out….

    I want to kiss Jim too….. :>)

  22. Brooklyn on May 9th, 2008 9:11 am

    This episode, okay, this episode and Chair Model, have been the ONLY shows i have been able to stand this season. Season 4 has been WOEFUL. I LOVED tonight’s episode.

    I have hated nearly every second of this season, and often contemplated giving up completely, but i LOVED tonight’s show and it really reminded me of why i love this show and why i keep coming back. I thought it was genius and i felt it was really written with the fans in mind. There were a lot of call backs to previous episodes which i really appreciated and i think Gene and Lee hit the nail on the head with this episode.

    You wanted to be reminded of funny, okay, Creed calling Angela ‘Pumpkin’ and asking if she was going to “ditch this bitch.”, Andy crashing the golf cart, “Thank you Dateline” are three. But what about the heart and the sweetness of this episode? Jim and Pam FINALLY reminded me tonight why i am obsessed them (i’ve spent most of this season wishing they would just go away after spending years being a die hard fan), i FINALLY got what all the Dwangela fans are on about…

    I ALWAYS think the opposite of the fandom which is why i normally stay out of it, but i felt like i had to stand up for this episode, cos it jumped straight into my Top 5 eps. I laughed and i awwwed and a ‘OH MY GOD’ed many times through this episode. I laughed more than i have in other episodes (Dinner Party was excruiating for example), my attention was kept the whole time. Two thumbs up from me.

  23. Alyssa on May 9th, 2008 9:17 am

    Does anyone know who the guy was the Pam was talking to at the end? He sound exactly like John Krasinski and I kept thinking it was him made up to look different.

  24. Kismet on May 9th, 2008 9:21 am

    I guess I’m just easy to please. I don’t think I have ever not enjoyed and episode, and this one is no exception!

    I hate to speculate because I’m not good at it, but if I had to guess based on this episode I’m thinking that Jim and Pam are going to end up in NY together…I think that the kiss last night was to show how much Pam wants Jim to succeed, and how strong their connection is. Plus, I really believe that part of her being Fancy New Beesley is that she’s meant to be with Jim. Also, Jim’s just landed a big sale, and we’ve already seen again and again that David Wallace likes Jim, and it’s pretty safe to assume he would have gotten the corporate job over Ryan. Ryan is having a major meltdown. Plus, the whole Graphic Artist program in New York…It all seems perfectly logical, but these writers are much smarter than I am and always end up surprising me…And I’m never disappointed with what they come up with.

    OMG…Next Thursday is NEVER going to get here. haha

  25. LT on May 9th, 2008 9:22 am

    Funniest laugh out loud moment for me was “Thank you Dateline”

    I’m with all of you. I don’t think Toby is leaving either. That would be too obvious.

    I don’t think anyone has speculated this yet. My feeling is that the writers have set it up for Ryan to get demoted and sent back to Scranton and they offer Jan her job back with a much higher pay and benefits and she takes it because her lawyer advises her that she wouldn’t win the lawsuit. I just cannot see Jim and/or Pam leaving the Scranton branch because it would totally mess up the office dynamics and they’ve already sent Jim away once. Any thoughts on that theory?

  26. holly on May 9th, 2008 9:27 am

    I really hope there is no proposal. It seems they cram everything juicy into the season finally. I think a proposal in the middle of the season (nov sweeps) and it being a total surprise – NO spoilers/hints/trailers – would be the best way to bring it on. I am loving these almost proposals Jim is doing. Not only are they funny, it keeps me glued to the TV every minute.
    There is already a lot of story with everyone else, I think Jam stuff will involve Jim’s job.

    Oh and have they moved in together yet? I know they talked about it but we have no evidence of it…

    I think Jim will get a new job/promotion and Toby will stay because Jim won’t be in the office with Pam anymore.

  27. Elizabeth on May 9th, 2008 10:05 am

    I’m like a lot of you- thought it was a good episode, not full of all the funny like a lot of the episodes but I’m so invested in the show and characters that I don’t feel I have to be falling out of my chair every week to make it a good episode.

    Thoughts on the finale:
    *i don’t think they will be engaged by the end of the show. I actually think that they will get engaged over the summer or sometime next season and it will be off camera. The writers have been good about letting JAM have a personal relationship without the cameras around and I think they’ll continue. And if Jim still wants to talk to Pam’s parents I don’t see it happening in the next week. (side note: its totally plausible that they get engaged after about a year of dating, i dont think thats unrealistic)

    *Toby’s not going anywhere. Maybe Ryan.

    *I bet Jan is preggers and is given her job back at corporate…but how stinkin funny would it be if Kelly was pregnant with Darryl’s baby! To see Kelly as a mom…amazing.

    This week is going to be torture!!

  28. samikayy on May 9th, 2008 10:35 am

    I think that it would be really predictable about Jim and Pam breaking up. The writers have yanked the storyline around too much for them to do it AGAIN. It would just be redundant.

    My favorite quote of the night was Kelly’s, “I’m dating Barack Obama!”

  29. samikayy on May 9th, 2008 10:43 am

    Also, I don’t know about anyone else, but for the past two season finales I have had my absolute FO SHO thoughts about them, and they have been above and beyond ANYTHING I would’ve expected. I honestly don’t imagine this episode being any different.

  30. Lisa on May 9th, 2008 11:37 am

    I’m with you in that I didn’t love this episode; I thought it was pretty underwhelming until the Jim/Pam making out, which I’ve been waiting forever to see, but I still wouldn’t list it as one of the season’s best. I didn’t dislike it, though… it was just one of those middle ground eps for me.

    Anyway, regarding Jim and Pam, I definitely don’t think they are going anywhere, but there may be some rough patches ahead as they both try to figure out who they are and what they want. That’s fine, though, IMO. It’s so much more realistic than the back and forth, sleeping with other people, contrived plots that usually plague television couples. And I think it’s unreasonable to expect that they’ll be together forever being absolutely happy about everything in their lives the entire time. It will be interesting to see what they choose to do professionally, but neither of them is in doubt about wanting to be together, and I don’t think that’s going to change.

  31. Jess on May 9th, 2008 12:12 pm

    Alyssa – I don’t know the name of the actor who played the graphic design dude, but I know for sure it wasn’t John Krasinski. His voice was somewhat similar but if you watch it again, that actor’s teeth, nose, and eyes are completely different from John’s.

  32. Kelsy on May 9th, 2008 12:19 pm

    I’m with most of you, this wasn’t a great episode but I’m going to wait until next week to judge b/c this was definately a set up for next week.

    I think it was Allyson who mentioned Philly Jim? I totally thought the same thing! I think eventually when the show ends, Jim and Pam will leave. I don’t know that there will be an engagement from them this season (not that I would mind if there is one 😉 ) but I don’t think they will break up either.

    My favorite part of this episode were all the Dwight and Angela scenes. Its funny b/c I don’t think the scenes would have been played much different if they were a couple, KWIM? They were ususally pretty careful around the cameras not to be seen.

    Can’t wait for next week!!!

  33. JennyL on May 9th, 2008 12:32 pm

    Just to throw this out there….What if Jan is pregnant with Hunter’s baby? …”That One Night”….??

    And, I’m thinking that maybe we wont see the engagement…it seems pretty unlikely that Jim (or Pam!) would propose at work, or in front of the cameras. Wouldn’t they want it to be more private than that? Hopefully I’m wrong – I’d love to see it! But I do think they’ll stay together – but I’m sure there will be some more drama…I’m just hoping the drama will be in S5.

  34. CFO (not my initials) on May 9th, 2008 4:07 pm

    Wasn’t there an artistic internship or some such in New York that was sponsored by Dunder Mifflin?
    I thought Jan talked about it in that special “Women in the Workplace” seminar (or whatever it was called).

  35. BrokenBrain on May 9th, 2008 4:25 pm

    I need to stop reading the comments. I liked last night’s episode a lot. Great story telling; not too over the top Mike; Pam & Jim actually kissed. Can’t wait for next week.

  36. Emily on May 9th, 2008 4:25 pm

    Kath, I love everything you choose to be.
    Going to try to get it all in here now. (TWSS?)

    Anyways, I really enjoyed the episode last night, right after watching. Mostly because, um, yeah the end. That kiss just makes me happy thinking about it. But not much comedy. The rest of the episode was good not great. Michael nor Jim was how I expected would be in this episode, but both slightly in character.
    I love that you saw how it was a set up for the finale, which I didn’t see until I read it. So… good job on that.

    And I am way behind on spoilers for the finale, mostly because of a broken computer, and so, I loved your spec!

  37. jess on May 9th, 2008 4:48 pm

    gmmr!
    you’re making me sad with your JAM talk :[
    okay, I know it may seem a bit of a bumpy story right now, but remember something:
    Jim always wanted to leave Scranton for Philly to be a sports writer, && look now! Pam can go to Philly for her art courses.
    I don’t think that’s bad AT ALL.
    things’ll work out!

  38. Megan on May 9th, 2008 6:48 pm

    This for sure was a show for die hard fans. It’s very apparent that because of this writers strike the writers are trying to tie up loose ends. I thought tonights episdoe was amazing. I have been very impressed with this new side of Michael we have seen lately, and I’m such a fan girl so I loved the Jam make out sesh. I’m just worried that with only one episdoe left, each character may not have the time to come to terms with there individual internal struggles. Jim, Pam, and Michael in particular. As far as the cold open for next week goes, it looks amazing. It’s very old school office funny. I’m sure we won’t be disappointed.

  39. Nicole on May 10th, 2008 4:34 pm

    Yeah, there’s no way that Toby’s leaving. If he was, I doubt they’d title the episode “Goodbye Toby” with all the secrecy involved, but even more than that, I sincerely doubt that Toby would leave his daughter, Sasha. He’s just not like that.

  40. Jacob on May 11th, 2008 2:30 am

    I agree with you but a really funny part was when Michael said he was going to youthenize the place, it took me a few times of watching to get it but once I did I couldn’t stop laughing.

  41. BCMoore on May 12th, 2008 3:54 pm

    The last two episodes have been two of my favorites, to be honest. Andy is played up so sparingly that any time he gets a big dose of airtime, I think his bits are funny, and he provided some genuine laughs on the golf course. The fact that the Office so rarely engages in slapstick made his golf cart crash that much funnier (I had to stop and replay it, I was laughing so hard), and Daryl’s emerging as a dependable source of humor with his dry stabs at Michael (“What college did you go to, Michael?”).

    And I think the episode provided one of the great Oscar moments, with his, “Wha–? Why wouldn’t you say that to her?” line after Michael insults Pam in front of the would-be intern.

    Oh, and finally…the Pam graphic design tag at the end strikes me as important in a number of ways. For one thing, we’re being reminded that the sky is the limit for Jim (as Michael reminds us), but it may not be for her. Loved the episode.